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Songkhla is the quiet side of southern Thailand: a town where the Gulf of Thailand meets a vast inland lagoon, with the Golden Mermaids on Samila Beach, red-walled granaries and the old shophouse streets of Songkhla Old Town. Most travelers stop in Hat Yai; going on to Songkhla gives you old-town atmosphere and fresh seafood that echo Penang's own coastal character, with a Thai flavor.
The journey runs north through the Kedah countryside to the Sadao border crossing. You can take a shared van, which is cheap and social, or a private transfer that picks you up at your hotel.
Penang to Songkhla by Van
Shared 14-seat vans link Penang with Songkhla and leave from George Town and from the Sungai Nibong terminal.[1] A seat costs about $17 (October 2026), and the ride takes around 4 hours.[1] Border formalities at Sadao add to the time, so allow some leeway on the Songkhla end.
Vans are air-conditioned and fill up, so luggage space is limited. Have your passport ready before you board; the group clears Malaysian exit and Thai entry together.
Penang to Songkhla by Private Transfer
A private transfer picks you up at your hotel in Penang and drops you in Songkhla without waiting for other passengers. On booking platforms, private transfers start at about $190 (October 2026) and rise with the size of the vehicle.[1] The choice runs from sedan (2 passengers) through MPV and SUV (3 to 4) to vans for 7, 8 or 14 passengers.[1] The drive takes from about 3 hours, depending on the border queue.[1]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Van | About $17[1] | About 4 hours[1] |
| Private Transfer | From about $190[1] | From about 3 hours[1] |
Tips for Traveling from Penang to Songkhla
- Border readiness: Check before you go whether your nationality needs a visa for Thailand or can enter visa-free.
- Currency: Change a small amount into Thai baht before you leave Penang; rates are better than at the border.
- Connectivity: Your Malaysian SIM may roam at high rates in Thailand. A Thai SIM or an eSIM is cheaper.
- Water and snacks: Bring water for the road; waits at immigration can be long in the heat.
Timetable
| Taxi Penang - Songkhla $ 190.18–439.89 3h – 5h 30m | |
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| Van Penang - Songkhla $ 16.88–17.12 4h | |
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| Van George Town - Songkhla $ 16.88–17.12 4m – 4h | |
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| Van Sungai Nibong - Songkhla $ 17.12 4h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Penang to Songkhla, including current prices and schedules.
A shared van is the cheapest option, at about $17 per seat (October 2026). Vans leave from George Town and Sungai Nibong.
A private transfer, which takes from about 3 hours depending on the border queue.
Shared vans take around 4 hours. Private transfers take from about 3 hours.
From George Town and from the Sungai Nibong terminal.
The crossing at Sadao is routine, but it can be busy on holidays. You clear Malaysian exit and Thai entry with your passport before continuing.
Yes. Private transfers include SUV and MPV options for 3 to 4 passengers, and larger vans for bigger groups.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: Penang - Songkhla timetable. Retrieved October 20, 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.