Yusintha in Things To Do On September 1, 2025, 10:00 am

MySawasdee Guide: KTM’s Limited-Schedule Train That Lets You Travel From KL Sentral To Hat Yai For Just RM95

MySawasdee train ride & KTM schedule

If you enjoy basking in scenic views unfolding through the window, travelling by train is a potent remedy for the soul that beats a flight any day. For a unique travel experience, hop on MySawasdee, a special offering by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB).

Aptly named after the Thai word for “welcome”, this limited-schedule train route will whisk you away to Hat Yai, where bustling commercial centres and shopping paradises await – all for the price of RM95.

Here’s all you need to know about the train schedule, including fares for 2025.

Table of Contents

MySawasdee train ride & KTM schedule

What is MySawasdee by KTM?

Image credit: @mohamadzulhanafi via Instagram

Operated by KTM, MySawasdee is a special train ride transporting passengers to our neighbouring country, Thailand. Much like its sister train, the Jungle Railway, this limited-schedule train ride takes you on a voyage by train – but all the way to Hat Yai, on specific travel dates in the year.

Image credit: @minniemouze via Instagram

Offering an affordable and alternative mode of transportation, particularly for those looking to travel the traditional way, this diesel locomotive train follows the electrified train route that travels from KL Sentral to Padang Besar Railway Station, located on the border with Thailand.

At the Padang Besar station, you will need to disembark with your luggage and belongings, and pass through the Malaysian and Thai immigration checkpoints – so be sure to bring your passport. This process will usually take up to an hour, depending on the crowd and the season you’re travelling.

Image credit: @greatwhitebeto via Instagram

From Padang Besar Railway Station, passengers will then continue their journey by switching to a Thai locomotive, which ferries them all the way to Hat Yai. The carriages remain the same.

What does the MySawasdee entail

Image credit: @lieyana_halim via Instagram

This 440km journey spanning up to 11 hours lets you savour the timeless charm of a traditional train ride – so to keep yourself occupied, don’t forget to pack that book you’ve left on your TBR list for an uninterrupted reading session during your journey.

Image credit: @yun.yuniey via Instagram

While the journey may sound long as opposed to taking a flight, passengers can choose to lounge in the sleeper carriage and stretch out their legs. Each berth comes equipped with a comfortable bed and a privacy curtain that can be pulled closed for a peaceful rest while travelling.

You’ll also have the pleasure of soaking in picturesque views of lush green landscapes – a unique addition exclusive to traditional land travel.

Image adapted from: @minniemouze via Instagram, @eqhalia via Instagram

What is the price for MySawasdee?

The lower berth is priced at RM119. But if you prefer more comfort and privacy, opt for the upper berth (RM109) next to a window that lets you soak up scenic nature views. Those who prefer to stay upright and enjoy the classic train ride can opt for the standard carriage seats priced at RM95, which come with generous leg space for a comfortable journey.

Image credit: @searchbeer via Instagram

Once hunger strikes during your journey, take a few steps from your seat and head over to the train’s cafe, where you’ll find a plethora of packed foods such as the much-loved instant noodles (RM4-6) and pre-packed fried noodles (RM8). There’s typically a delightful assortment of snacks, such as Apollo (RM2) and Super Ring (RM2), to keep you company during your train ride, too.

As for warm liquids, opt for a steaming cup of Teh Tarik (RM3) or Nescafé (RM3).

MySawasdee 2025 travel dates & how to buy your tickets

If you plan to experience this limited-time train ride to Hat Yai, KTM has just released its MySawasdee train schedule for Q3 2025 on Facebook. Tickets will go on sale through KTMB’s official website, with travel and return dates on:

Trips	Travel date (onwards)	Travel date (return)	When tickets go on sale
October	24th Oct 2025	27th Oct 2025	25th June 2025
November	14th Nov 2025	17th Nov 2025	26th Sept 2025
November / December	28th Nov 2025	1st Dec 2025	26th Sept 2025
December	12th Dec 2025	15th Dec 2025	27th Oct 2025
December / January	29th Dec 2025	1st Jan 2026	27th Oct 2025

If you’re planning a longer trip to Thailand, keep in mind that you can choose to make a one-way trip. You’ll also get to begin your train ride from the opposite direction by starting at Hat Yai Junction and travelling onwards to KL Sentral station.

Please note that, as stated on their Facebook page, KTM is not offering any concessions or child fares, and passengers will have to purchase their meals and beverages separately from their train ticket.

What is the travel route from KL Sentral to Hat Yai?

The 1004 train, which travels from KL Sentral to Hat Yai, will arrive and depart at the following stations as follows:

Station	Arrive	Depart
KL Sentral		10.30pm
Tanjung Malim	12.02am	12.14pm
Ipoh	1.56am	2.26pm
Taiping	3.39am	3.41pm
Padang Besar	7.06am	9.10am (Malaysia time)
Hat Yai	9.50am (Malaysia time) 8.50am (Thai time)

Likewise, the Hat Yai-KL Sentral 1005 train stops at the same stations, with a similar arrival and departure schedule:

Station	Arrive	Depart
Hat Yai	–	10.20am (Thai time) 11.20am (Malaysia time)
Padang Besar	12.00pm	2.00pm
Taiping	5.37pm	5.39pm
Ipoh	6.52pm	7.22pm
Tanjung Malim	9.15pm	9.17pm
KL Sentral	10.52pm	–

To purchase tickets and get more information on departure times, visit KTMB’s official website here or download the KTM mobile app. It’s also best to stay updated on the latest routes on their Facebook page here.

Travel from KL to Hat Yai with KTM’s MySawasdee train rides

With the constant rush hour traffic and never-ending jams, no matter the time of day, a train ride can be a relaxing alternative that lets you enjoy your journey. Not only is it affordable, but it also saves you the hassle of keeping your hands glued to the steering wheel.

So if you’re planning a quick getaway during this year-end holiday, consider visiting Hat Yai with this limited-time train ride that will not break the bank for an international trip to Thailand.