How to Get from Penang to Hat Yai
Penang to Hat Yai by shared van from about $14 or private car from about $109. Border crossing at Bukit Kayu Hitam and Sadao, travel times and tips.
Contents
From the heritage streets of George Town you cross into Southern Thailand and arrive in Hat Yai, a trade hub known for street food and shopping. The distance is short, but the border crossing at Bukit Kayu Hitam and Sadao decides how long the day takes.[1] The route suits weekenders and long-term travelers alike, and you can book your seat through GoAsia.cc.
Penang to Hat Yai by Van
The shared van is the classic way to make the trip, and it leaves from George Town and from Sungai Nibong. On booking platforms, tickets cost about $14 to $23 (October 2026). The trip takes from about 3 hours 30 minutes and up to 6 hours when the queues at the border are long. Luggage space in a van is tight, so travel light.[2]
Penang to Hat Yai by Private Transfer
A private car picks you up at your hotel in George Town and drives you across the border to Hat Yai in about 4 hours. On booking platforms, a standard car for up to 3 passengers costs about $109 (October 2026). It suits families and small groups who want to avoid waiting for a van to fill.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Shared van | $14 - $23 | 3h 30min - 6h[2] |
| Private transfer (up to 3 passengers) | About $109 | From 4h[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Penang to Hat Yai
- Border: Sadao and Bukit Kayu Hitam is the busiest checkpoint between Thailand and Malaysia, and a new Sadao checkpoint opened in July 2026.[1] Keep your passport at hand and check the entry rules for your nationality before you go.
- Time difference: Thailand is one hour behind Malaysia, so set your watch back once you cross.
- Currency: Change some cash into Thai baht before you leave Penang, because Malaysian ringgit gets poor rates in Thailand.
- Book ahead for weekends: Vans fill up on Friday afternoons and Sunday mornings, when many people cross for the weekend.
Timetable
| Flight Penang - Hat Yai $ 18.23–54.85 4h 24m – 1days 7h 54m | |
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| Taxi Penang - Songkhla $ 268.06–332.53 4h 30m | |
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| Taxi George Town - Hat Yai $ 108.58 4h | |
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| Van George Town - Hat Yai $ 17.70–23.10 3h 35m – 6h | |
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| Van Sungai Nibong - Hat Yai $ 13.67–23.10 3h 30m – 4h 45m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Penang to Hat Yai, including current prices and schedules.
The shared van. Tickets cost about $14 to $23 on booking platforms (October 2026).
A private car, which takes about 4 hours. A van takes from about 3 hours 30 minutes in good conditions.
From about 3 hours 30 minutes by van, up to 6 hours when the queues at the border are long. A private car takes about 4 hours.
Yes. The road crosses from Malaysia into Thailand at Bukit Kayu Hitam and Sadao, so bring your passport and check the entry rules for your nationality.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Government Public Relations Department, Thailand: Opening of the New CIQ Sadao - ICQS Bukit Kayu Hitam Road Alignment. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Penang to Hat Yai. Retrieved October 28, 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.