ETS Ipoh to Padang Besar (ETS Train Ipoh ke Padang Besar)

Padang Besar – General Information about the Destination

Padang Besar, in Perlis, Malaysia, is a bustling town named after the border checkpoint with Thailand. Its strategic location makes it a central transportation hub, complete with a railway station, a bus terminal, and taxi stands for connectivity to major cities across Malaysia and Thailand.

The town is a hub for shoppers, boasting lively markets teeming with a variety of items including local produce, traditional crafts, electronics, and apparel. Beyond commerce, Padang Besar is a cultural mosaic, showcasing a blend of Malay, Thai, and Chinese influences in its culinary diversity, language, and traditions.

Information about the Route (Ipoh – Padang Besar)

If you’re looking to travel from Ipoh to Padang Besar by train, you have two options to choose from: the ETS train and the KTM Komuter train.

Ipoh to Padang Besar by ETS Train

Trains from Ipoh to Padang Besar run along the Northbound Train line and offer Gold and Platinum services. The journey on a Gold class train lasts about 3 hours and 10 minutes, while the Platinum class can get you there in around 2 hours and 55 minutes. Starting ticket prices (harga tiket Ipoh ke Padang Besar) are RM46.00 for the Gold class and RM59.00 for the Platinum class. You can purchase tickets either through the website or at station ticket counters. 

The train makes several stops along the way, including Sungai Siput, Kuala Kangsar, Padang Rengas, Taiping, Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Nibong Tebal, Bukit Mertajam, Butterworth, Tasek Gelugor, Sungai Petani, Gurun, Alor Setar, Anak Bukit, Arau, and finally Padang Besar.

Schedule of ETS Ipoh to Padang Besar

(Jadual ETS Ipoh ke Padang Besar)

Trains from Ipoh to Padang Besar operate five times daily. The first train of the day departs at 09:44 in the morning, while the last train leaves at 01:19 after midnight.

Download the current schedule.

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Ipoh to Padang Besar by KTM Komuter

The travel route from Ipoh to Padang Besar includes two stages: 

• KTM Komuter Ipoh to Bukit Mertajam;
• KTM Komuter Bukit Mertajam to Padang Besar.

Ipoh to Bukit Mertajam by KTM Komuter

The train service from Ipoh to Bukit Mertajam includes stops at ten different stations along the Ipoh – Butterworth rail line. The journey duration is set at 1 hour and 45 minutes, a timing that remains consistent across both weekdays and weekends.

Schedule of KTM Komuter Ipoh – Bukit Mertajam

(Jadual Komuter Ipoh ke Bukit Mertajam)

Ten train services run from Ipoh to Bukit Mertajam every day, including weekends. The schedule begins with the first train at 4:40 and concludes with the last departure at 18:35.

Bukit Mertajam to Padang Besar by KTM Komuter

Trains traveling from Bukit Mertajam to Padang Besar make stops at ten stations on the Butterworth – Padang Besar railway line, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes regardless of whether it is a weekday or weekend. Passengers can buy tickets for this route directly at the stations since KTM Komuter services do not provide the possibility of advance bookings.

Schedule of KTM Komuter Bukit Mertajam – Padang Besar

(Jadual Komuter Bukit Mertajam ke Padang Besar)

The Bukit Mertajam to Padang Besar train operates 18 times a day, covering both weekdays and weekends. The schedule starts with the earliest train at 5:31 and ends with the last one departing at 21:46.

Download the current KTM Komuter schedule.

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Departure Point – Ipoh Railway Station

The Ipoh railway station, established in 1917 in Perak, Malaysia, is notable for its colonial architectural design by A.B. Hubback. Serving as a major hub, the station facilitates KTM ETS train services and handles freight, with four out of nine tracks being electrified. The station complex includes the original Majestic Hotel and is situated close to significant city landmarks. Renovations carried out in the 2000s upgraded the station for contemporary use while retaining elements of its heritage, including the hotel structure and station benches. Ipoh Heritage Square, featuring a cenotaph to commemorate fallen soldiers, is part of the station’s grounds.

See also: Komuter Train from Padang Besar to Butterworth

Arrival Point – Padang Besar Railway Station

The Padang Besar railway station, situated near the Malaysia-Thailand border, is a pivotal point for cross-border transportation. It accommodates KTM Komuter and ETS services, and passengers can transfer to Thai Railway (SRT) trains or minivan services offered by tour operators at the station for onward travel into Thailand.

See also: How to Get from Subang Jaya to Alor Setar by Train

A key convenience at the station is the integrated immigration checkpoint for both Malaysian and Thai authorities, streamlining the border-crossing procedure for travelers. It is important for passengers to align their travel schedule with the operating hours of the immigration services, as they are only open for a limited time before the departure of trains to Thailand and are not operational late at night.

Alternative – Buses from Ipoh to Padang Besar

For travelers arranging a journey from Ipoh to Padang Besar, it’s crucial to be aware that no direct bus services are available for this route. The train emerges as the only available public transportation option, offering a direct and convenient way to travel between these two destinations.

About ETS

ETS, standing for Electric Train Service, is Malaysia’s premier high-speed train network, boasting speeds of up to 140 km/h on the Gemas to Padang Besar route. Catering to a variety of passenger needs, ETS provides three distinct classes: Platinum, which offers the quickest journey with the fewest stops; Gold, which balances speed and affordability with more stops; and Silver, known for its affordability and the highest number of stops. Ticket prices vary according to class and specific journey requirements, with certain discounts available for specific groups of passengers. The trains are designed for comfort, featuring air-conditioned seating and power outlets accessible to all passengers. For convenience, tickets can be purchased online, at train stations, or through authorized agents. ETS trains are well-equipped with facilities including a prayer room and a bistro in Coach C for refreshments, luggage racks in Coaches A and F, special seating for elderly and disabled passengers in Coach D near an accessible restroom, and LCD screens throughout for entertainment and information.

About Komuter

KTM Komuter is a commuter rail service in Malaysia that connects Kuala Lumpur with its suburbs in the Klang Valley and was extended in 2015 to include the northern states. The service offers several amenities, such as a Ladies’ Coach for female passengers, priority seating for the elderly and disabled, 24/7 CCTV surveillance for security, and the capability to accommodate bicycles on the trains. These features aim to make travel more convenient, safe, and accessible for all passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions