Taking the Train from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore

A guide to taking the first class train from Bangkok, Thailand to Kuala Lumpur and then Singapore.

For a unique experience in Asia, try taking the train from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It's cheaper than flying, and will give you a chance to see all the great Thai and Malaysian sites along the way. The trains along this route are modern, with 3 classes of service: first class sleeper, second class and economy/third class. For the entire route from Bangkok to Singapore (via Penang and Kuala Lumpur) a first class sleeper will cost you about $110 for 2 people one way. You pay for the whole car in a first class sleeper cabin, whether one or two of you are traveling together. So, if you have a travel companion, it's just $55 per person. The journey will take you almost two days.

Remember to take your passport. It will be checked at 2 border crossings. Also take a bottle of water and a few snacks, just in case you don't like their food selection on board.

The First class sleeper is big enough for two people to sit comfortably and eat dinner, read, have drinks, or relax and watch the view from the window. There are two beds, bunk style, for sleeping. In some of the cars, the chairs themselves fold into cushy beds. You also get a private toilet and a small shower. Some of the cars have a small TV set. The attendants will bring you dinner and anything else you need. There is a separate club car, in case you need to walk a bit and stretch your legs. Otherwise there is no need to leave your cabin.

Second class is about $40 per person and is only a seat. However, it is a large cushioned chair with a nice incline for sleeping. Very comfortable, and the set of chairs can swing around to face the other way, to form 4 chairs around a table for eating. There are 2 TV sets in each car.
Third class is only available for certain portions of the journey. It's very cheap, but not practical for such a long trip. The seats are crowded together and not as comfortable. Third class is fine for short rides (2 or 3 hours to the next city), but not suitable for a long journey. First and second are affordable enough.
You will take 3 separate trains to accomplish your trip, and you can actually buy 3 separate tickets and book 3 different classes, if you prefer.

(First Class Sleeper Car)

You start your trip in Bangkok at Hualamphong Station, right in the heart of Bangkok, across from the Hualamphong subway station. You'll see a row of windows selling tickets, but it's best if you go up the stairs to the two rooms on the second level. Here they speak some English, and can help you book your entire trip. The first leg will be from Bangkok to Butterworth/Penang, Malaysia. You start at 2:45 pm in the afternoon and arrive in Butterworth/Penang at noon the next day. On the way, you'll pass Hua Hin and Hat Hai in Thailand. This leg requires the First class sleeper car, and will be a fun trip for you.

In Butterworth, Malaysia, consider getting off and spending a day or two in Penang. You must take the ferry to Penang, and this leaves every 15 minutes. You can also see the islands around Langkawi, which are gorgeous! In any case, you will have about seven hours to wait here, so at least take the ferry to Penang for lunch on the beach.

The second train of your Bangook-Singapore trip is on Malaysia Rail from Penang/Bukit Mertajam to Kuala Lumpur. The Bukit Mertajam station is about 10 minutes away by bus or taxi. The train leaves at 8pm and arrives in Kuala Lumpur's Sentral Station at 5:00 am the next morning. Sentral is a modern, clean station in the centre of Kuala Lumpur. KL is a fantastic city with loads of shopping and fun sites to explore. Spend the day here, before you continue to Singapore!

(Train Station in Kuala Lumpur)

The third and final train of your trip is from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. Trains from KL depart for Singapore several time a day, and buses leave every hour. The trip is 7 hours, and first class seats are roomy and comfortable. Side trips can be fun, too; at Sentral Station, there are buses to many other cities in Malaysia  (Note: there is a High Speed Train in progress from KL to Singapore. It will be open within the next 2 years).

When you arrive in Singapore, the Singapore Rail Station is not as modern as the KL Sentral Station, but it is historically preserved as a landmark with beautiful high ceilings. A taxi to your hotel will be easy to find. There are also free shuttle buses to many parts of the city.
If you enjoyed the trip, go back the same route. I was short of time, so I flew back to Bangkok. However, I really enjoyed the train ride to Singapore.



Don't shy away from the trains in Malaysia and Thailand. Both are a lot of fun, and the Malay side is well maintained.