How to Get from Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar
Contents
Padang Besar is the Malaysian border town in Perlis where the railway from Kuala Lumpur meets Thailand. The most direct way to reach it from Kuala Lumpur is the ETS electric train, which runs from KL Sentral all the way to Padang Besar.[1] Express buses from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) also serve Perlis, but the TBS fare list names Kangar and Kuala Perlis, not Padang Besar.[2]
That makes the train the simpler choice if the border itself is your goal, for example to continue into Thailand. You can look for tickets and onward options on GoAsia.cc.
Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar by Train
ETS is the electric intercity train of KTMB (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad) on the West Coast Line between Gemas and Padang Besar. One of its main routes is KL Sentral to Padang Besar, and there are three service classes: Platinum with fewer stops, Gold with selected stops and Silver stopping at every station.[1]
Timetable and Travel Time
On the KTMB timetable effective 1 June 2026, 6 trains a day run from KL Sentral to Padang Besar. They leave KL Sentral at 07:20, 09:55, 12:16, 15:40, 18:00 and 22:50 and reach Padang Besar at 12:41, 15:16, 17:53, 21:01, 22:50 and 04:11 the next morning. That is about 5 hours 20 to 40 minutes on most trains and 4 hours 50 minutes on the 18:00 express train.[3]
Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar by Bus
Long-distance buses leave from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in the south of Kuala Lumpur. TBS lists northbound fares for the operators in its central ticketing system of RM47.00 to RM52.60 to Kangar and RM47.10 to RM55.00 to Kuala Perlis (nett prices, subject to change without notice).[2] Padang Besar does not appear in that list, so ask the operator or the ticket counter whether a service stops there before you buy.
Booking platforms list bus journeys from Kuala Lumpur to Perlis of about 7 to 12 hours, depending on the service and the stops along the North-South Expressway (October 2026).[4]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Service | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Train (ETS) | 6 trains a day from KL Sentral to Padang Besar[3] | 4h 50min to 5h 40min[3] |
| Bus | Express buses from TBS to Kangar, RM47.00 to RM52.60 (no Padang Besar fare listed)[2] | About 7h to 12h[4] |
Tips for Traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar
- Book in Advance: During public holidays and school breaks, trains and buses to the north can sell out days ahead. Use GoAsia.cc to look for tickets early.
- Prepare for the Cold: Malaysian buses are known for powerful air conditioning. Even if it is hot outside, bring a sweater or a light blanket.
- Crossing into Thailand: Padang Besar is a border town with access to Thailand.[1] Bring your passport and check the entry rules for your nationality before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar, including current prices and schedules.
The TBS fare list shows RM47.00 to RM52.60 to Kangar and RM47.10 to RM55.00 to Kuala Perlis for operators in its central ticketing system. TBS lists no fare for Padang Besar itself. Check the current ETS fare for your class on the KTMB ticketing site.
The ETS train. The 18:00 express from KL Sentral reaches Padang Besar at 22:50, about 4 hours 50 minutes. Other trains take about 5 hours 20 to 40 minutes. Booking platforms list buses at about 7 to 12 hours.
By ETS train it takes about 5 hours 20 to 40 minutes on most services and 4 hours 50 minutes on the express, according to the KTMB timetable effective 1 June 2026. By bus, booking platforms list about 7 to 12 hours to Perlis.
Yes. One ETS train leaves KL Sentral at 22:50 and arrives at Padang Besar at 04:11 the next morning, according to the KTMB timetable effective 1 June 2026.
Padang Besar is a border town with access to Thailand, according to KTMB. Bring your passport and check the entry rules for your nationality before you travel.
The TBS fare list names Kangar and Kuala Perlis in Perlis but not Padang Besar. Ask the operator or the ticket counter whether a service stops at Padang Besar. The ETS train goes there directly.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] KTMB: Electric Train Service (ETS). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS-BTS): Northern Destinations. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] KTMB: ETS Service Timetable, effective 1 June 2026. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] 12Go: Timetable Kuala Lumpur to Perlis (booking platform, October 2026). Retrieved October 15, 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.