Padang Besar – General Information about the Destination
Padang Besar is a town situated at the Malaysia-Thailand border in the state of Perlis, northern Peninsular Malaysia. It serves as the Malaysian immigration and customs checkpoint on the main railway line connecting Singapore and Bangkok. Travelers must pass through immigration procedures when traveling between Malaysia and Thailand.
Padang Besar functions primarily as a transportation gateway town rather than a tourist destination. The town contains the Padang Besar railway station, which serves as the northern terminus of Keretapi Tanah Melayu’s Intercity and Komuter services from locations like Butterworth and Kuala Lumpur.
Besides border formalities and transit links, Padang Besar town offers limited attractions, restaurants, and shopping venues for visitors. A few accommodation options are available for those needing to overnight before continuing journeys.
Information about the Route (Bukit Mertajam – Padang Besar)
The KTM Komuter train line runs between Bukit Mertajam and Padang Besar, with 10 stations along the route. The stations on the Bukit Mertajam to Padang Besar line are Tasek Gelugor, Sungai Petani, Gurun, Kobah, Alor Setar, Anak Bukit, Kodiang, Arau, and Padang Besar.
The shortest travel time between Bukit Mertajam and Padang Besar is 1 hour 40 minutes on both weekdays and weekends, as there is no difference in train timetables. Note that Tickets can only be purchased at the stations, as online or advance ticket booking is not available for this KTM Komuter line.
See also: ETS train from KL Sentral to Bukit Mertajam
Schedule of KTM Komuter Bukit Mertajam to Padang Besar
(Jadual Komuter Bukit Mertajam to Padang Besar)
The KTM Intercity train line from Bukit Mertajam to Padang Besar operates 18 times daily on both weekdays and weekends. On weekdays, the first train departs Bukit Mertajam at 05:31 and the last train departs at 21:46. The same first and last train times apply for weekend schedules as well.
Download the current schedule.
DownloadDeparture Point – Bukit Mertajam Station
Bukit Mertajam Railway Station is located in Permatang Rawa in the town of Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia. It serves as a stop on the KTM Komuter Northern Sector main line between Butterworth and Padang Besar and the branch line from Butterworth to Padang Rengas.
The railway station is about a 30-minute walk or a 4-minute drive from Bukit Mertajam town center. It can be easily accessed using the Rapid Penang 801 bus from the Bukit Mertajam bus terminal.
Facilities at Bukit Mertajam Station include a ticket counter, prayer room, convenience store, restrooms, waiting area, parking lot, and vending machines.
Bukit Mertajam Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Bukit Mertajam, 2916 Jalan Padang Lalang
14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Bukit Mertajam Station Contact Number: 04-5392660
Arrival Point – Padang Besar Station
Padang Besar Railway Station is located in Padang Besar, Perlis, situated right on the Malaysia-Thailand border. It is the northern terminus of the KTM Intercity and KTM Komuter train lines from Butterworth.
At Padang Besar Station, passengers can transfer to Thai Railways (SRT) trains or minivans to continue their onward journeys into Thailand. Tourism agencies on the second floor assist travelers in making arrangements.
A key feature of the station is that the Malaysian and Thai immigration checkpoints are integrated into the same building. This allows for streamlined immigration processing when crossing the border by train. However, the immigration facilities only operate shortly before scheduled departures into Thailand. Overnight arrivals are not advised as immigration cannot be processed outside these operational hours.
See also: Komuter train from Bukit Mertajam to Alor Setar
Padang Besar Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Padang Besar,
02100 Padang Besar, Perlis
Padang Besar Station Contact Number: 04-9490209
About Komuter
KTM Komuter is a commuter rail service in Malaysia that has been in operation since 1995. It serves Kuala Lumpur and surrounding suburban areas within the Klang Valley, providing important rail transportation links within these densely populated regions. KTM Komuter has played a key role in facilitating local transit and improving connectivity in Kuala Lumpur and its suburbs. In September 2015, the service expanded to cover northern Malaysian states including Perak, Pulau Pinang, Kedah, and Perlis. This northern extension of the network was enabled by the completion of the Ipoh-Padang Besar Electrification and Double-Tracking Project, which upgraded the rail infrastructure. Through these infrastructure improvements and service expansions, KTM Komuter now delivers enhanced commuter rail options and an extended network of travel routes for passengers in both the central and northern regions of Malaysia.
Train Facilities
KTM Komuter trains feature various facilities focused on passenger comfort and safety. A key facility is the Ladies’ Coach, which provides a secure dedicated space for women passengers. Exclusive women’s seating areas are also available at KL Sentral platforms 3&4 and 5&6. Priority seating within trains accommodates elderly and disabled passengers. CCTV surveillance operates 24/7 to enhance security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Bukit Mertajam to Padang Besar?
The quickest way to travel from Bukit Mertajam to Padang Besar is by taking the KTM Komuter train service, which takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Alternatively, if you prefer to drive, you can reach Padang Besar by car, but it would take you around 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.
How far is it from Bukit Mertajam to Padang Besar?
By road, the distance between Bukit Mertajam and Padang Besar is roughly around 170 kilometers.
Are there any trains that travel directly from Bukit Mertajam to Padang Besar?
Yes, there are direct trains that operate on the Padang Besar – Butterworth rail line, allowing passengers to travel directly from Bukit Mertajam to Padang Besar without the need for transfers.