How to Get from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai
Compare the ways to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai: non-stop flights from MYR 238, coaches from TBS and private transfers.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Contents
From the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur to the night markets, dim sum and duty-free shopping of Hat Yai, you cross from Malaysia into southern Thailand. You can fly in just over an hour, or ride a night coach north through the palm-oil plantations of the peninsula and cross the land border.
Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai by Flight
Scoot, AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Thai Vietjet, Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines fly non-stop from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Hat Yai (HDY). A non-stop flight takes around 1 hour 10 minutes, and the cheapest fares listed start at MYR 238.[1]
You clear Thai immigration at the airport, so you skip the queues at the land border.
Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai by Bus
Coaches from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai cost RM55.50 to RM70.00 depending on the operator.[2] The journey takes from about 8 hours and can run to nearly 14, depending on traffic and the border queues.[3]
Seats range from Executive and VIP to SVIP, and many departures leave in the evening so that you travel overnight.[3] At the border you leave the bus with all your luggage, clear Malaysian exit and Thai entry, and board again.
Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai by Private Transfer
A private car or minivan makes sense for groups and families with a lot of luggage. The drive takes about 9 hours, and on booking platforms private transfers start at about $407 per vehicle (November 2026).[3]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | From MYR 238[1] | About 1h 10m non-stop |
| Bus | RM55.50 - RM70.00[2] | 8 to 14 hours[3] |
| Private transfer | From about $407 per vehicle[3] | About 9 hours |
Tips for Traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai
- Border logistics: Keep your passport handy and check Thailand's entry rules for your nationality. On the bus you take all your belongings with you through immigration and customs.
- Time difference: Thailand is one hour behind Malaysia, so set your watch back when you cross.
- Currency: Have some Thai baht ready for tuk-tuks and street food. Ringgit is accepted in some shops, but usually at a poor rate.
- Booking: Weekends and holidays are busy because Malaysians head north to shop. Book your coach or flight early to get the departure you want.
- Arriving by bus: Agree the fare before you get into a tuk-tuk or taxi to the centre.
Timetable
| Flight Kuala Lumpur - Hat Yai $ 28.99–144.75 1h 10m – 1days 4h 24m | |
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| Bus Kuala Lumpur - Hat Yai $ 14.92–23.62 8h 8m – 13h 44m | |
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| Taxi Kuala Lumpur - Hat Yai $ 406.79–564.99 9h | |
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| Bus Kuala Lumpur - Songkhla $ 19.89 13h 24m – 13h 44m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest option: coaches from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan cost RM55.50 to RM70.00 depending on the operator. A promotional flight can come close, with the cheapest fares starting at MYR 238.
Flying. A non-stop flight takes around 1 hour 10 minutes, against 8 to 14 hours by coach.
A non-stop flight takes around 1 hour 10 minutes. A private transfer takes about 9 hours, and a coach takes from about 8 hours, up to almost 14 with border queues.
Yes. You leave the bus with all your luggage to clear Malaysian exit and Thai entry, then board again.
Yes. Many coaches leave in the evening and arrive the next morning, so you save a night's accommodation.
The bus is the budget choice and the flight saves a day. If the long drive and the border queues put you off, fly.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] AirAsia: Cheap Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai from MYR 238 | AirAsia MOVE. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
- [2] Terminal Bersepadu Selatan: Northern destinations and price ranges. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai timetable. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.