Direct daily trains, roughly 14.5 to 16.5 hours to Bangkok
Direct trains run daily from Hat Yai to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bangkok), taking roughly 14.5 to 16.5 hours, with fares ranging from 258 THB (RM33) for a basic 3rd class seat up to 1,824 THB (RM232) for a 1st class sleeper berth. Here's the full schedule and fare breakdown.
All direct services, no transfers required
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Train |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:05 PM | 7:30 AM | 15h25m | State Railway of Thailand |
| 5:35 PM | 9:50 AM | 16h15m | State Railway of Thailand |
| 5:45 PM | 8:10 AM | 14h25m | State Railway of Thailand |
| 6:05 PM | 9:05 AM | 15h00m | State Railway of Thailand |
| 6:20 PM | 10:50 AM | 16h30m | State Railway of Thailand |
All direct services, no transfers required. Departures cluster in the late afternoon to early evening, arriving in Bangkok the next morning.
A sleeper berth genuinely improves the overnight experience
| Class | Fare (THB) | Approx. (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Class seat (fan-cooled) | 258–338 | RM33–43 |
| 2nd Class seat (fan-cooled) | 485–533 | RM62–68 |
| 2nd Class seat (A/C) | 735 | RM94 |
| 2nd Class sleeper (fan-cooled) | 583–653 (upper/lower) | RM74–83 |
| 2nd Class sleeper (A/C) | 833–1,135 (upper/lower) | RM106–144 |
| 1st Class sleeper (A/C) | 1,390–1,824 (upper/lower) | RM177–232 |
| 1st Class, whole cabin (solo) | 2,590 | RM329 |
Sourced from train36.com and busonlineticket.co.th. Prices vary slightly by specific train number and day of travel. RM figures are approximate conversions and will shift with the exchange rate.
Compare the official site and aggregators before committing
Book directly through Thailand's official ticketing site (State Railway of Thailand), by phone (1690), or through aggregators like 12go.asia, Omio, and Rome2Rio, all of which list current schedules and let you compare fares across trains before committing.
Omio currently shows most direct services at a flat $49 (approx. RM208) per person, though this appears to reflect an averaged or bundled rate rather than the specific tier pricing above, worth checking the official site or busonlineticket.co.th directly if you want the exact class-by-class fare.
Book as far in advance as possible. Several booking platforms specifically note that prices rise as the departure date approaches, and that early booking can save meaningfully, one source cited potential savings of up to 79% for early bookers versus last-minute purchases.
Avoid travelling at peak times if budget matters most. Weekend and holiday departures tend to run longer and cost more due to demand, a weekday departure is generally cheaper and faster.
Choose your class based on priorities, not just price. If you want to actually sleep through the overnight journey, a sleeper berth (2nd or 1st class) is worth the premium over a seat-only ticket, especially given the roughly 15-hour duration.
Bangkok's newer main terminus, plan onward transport accordingly
Confirm your specific train number and departure time when booking, since fares and schedules vary meaningfully between the different named services (Special Express, Rapid, etc.) running this route.
Bring snacks and entertainment for the journey. While onboard food service typically exists, having your own supplies makes the 14 to 16.5 hour duration more comfortable.
Double-check your arrival station. This route terminates at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station), Bangkok's newer main terminus, plan your onward transport around this station specifically.