Direct KL-Bangkok Train To Return By End Of 2025

KL-Bangkok train route to return

There’ll be yet another reason for us Kuala Lumpur folks to travel to Bangkok soon.

After a significant hiatus, the direct train service between KL and Bangkok is set to return by the end of 2025. This announcement was made by Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, following a recent official visit to Thailand.

Direct train between KL and Bangkok

Image credit: KTM Berhad via Facebook

The reintroduction of the KL-Bangkok route service will leverage the existing railway line that connects Bangkok, Thailand, and Padang Besar, Butterworth, and KL. This already existing infrastructure means that the rollout of the train service between the two cities will be seamless, as it doesn’t require the construction of new tracks.

This follows news announced in mid-April that the popular Butterworth-Hat Yai train service would return in Q3 of 2025.

Currently, the railway from KL to Padang Besar on the electric train service (ETS), which is operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM), stretches about 450km or five hours. With the new KL-Bangkok route, passengers can easily board the train at KL Sentral and get to the heart of Bangkok.

Image credit: @theoceanaut via Instagram

Malaysia’s KTM and Thailand’s State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will work on coordinating services and ticketing for future passengers. A three-month window has been given to both train operators to complete the initial preparations necessary for the resumption of the train service, as reported by Bernama.

Image credit: @minghan1004 via Instagram

Additionally, Thai authorities have proposed extending rail services from Sungai Golok on the Malaysia-Thailand border to Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas in Malaysia. However, this route will require more time before it is introduced, as track restoration work is needed on the long-unused railway lines in Rantau Panjang and Sungai Golok.

KL-Bangkok direct train set to return in 2025

The return of the direct train service between KL and Bangkok is a welcome announcement for anyone who prefers a scenic journey by train between the two cities, without the hassle of airports and flights. It’s also a cost-effective travel option for travellers to consider.