Padang Besar – General Information
Padang Besar is a town located in the northern state of Perlis, Malaysia, sharing its name with the nearby border checkpoint between Malaysia and Thailand. Due to its strategic location, Padang Besar has become a vital transportation hub, with a well-equipped railway station, bus terminal, and taxi stands connecting it to other major cities in both Malaysia and Thailand.
Beyond its transportation role, Padang Besar is also renowned for its vibrant markets, where visitors can explore a variety of goods, from local produce and traditional handicrafts to electronics and clothing. The town is a cultural melting pot, reflecting the diverse influences of Malay, Thai, and Chinese customs, language, and cuisine.
Information about the Route (ETS Padang Besar to KL Sentral)
Travelers heading from Padang Besar to KL Sentral will be using the Southbound Train line, which features Gold and Platinum class services. The shortest journey time for those on the Gold class train is about 5 hours and 45 minutes. For Platinum class passengers, the trip is slightly shorter, taking approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes.
Regarding ticket prices (harga tiket Padang Besar ke KL Sentral), the starting cost for a Gold class ticket is RM73.00, and for a Platinum class ticket, the starting price is RM96.00. You can purchase tickets either through the website or at the ticket counter at the station.
The train makes several stops along the way, including at Parit Buntar, Taiping, Kuala Kangsar, Ipoh, Batu Gajah, Kampar, Tanjung Malim, Sungai Buloh, Kuala Lumpur, before reaching the final stop at KL Sentral.
See also: ETS and KTM Komuter Trains from Alor Setar to Padang Besar
Schedule of ETS Trains
(Jadual ETS Padang Besar ke KL Sentral )
For the route from Padang Besar to KL Sentral, trains run five times throughout the day. The earliest train departs at 07:30 in the morning, and the final train of the day leaves at 16:45 in the afternoon.
Download the current schedule.
DownloadDeparture point: Padang Besar Station
The Padang Besar Station is an important transportation hub located at and named after the border town of Padang Besar in Perlis, Malaysia. Situated only 200 meters from the border between Malaysia and Thailand, it marks the northernmost station of the west coastline and serves as the connecting point to the State Railway of Thailand’s rail network via its Southern Line.
The station is under Malaysian territory, but it is where both the Malaysian and Thai railway services end and meet, allowing passengers to transfer between the two railway systems. Immigration, customs, and quarantine offices for train passengers are co-located at this station. SRT (State Railway of Thailand) operates a ticket office for the trains that serve this station and accepts Malaysian Ringgit as well in ticket purchases. The station also has a freight yard that serves as a dry port for the northern part of Malaysia and the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle.
Though the name implies that it serves the locality of Padang Besar town in Perlis, there is no direct pedestrian or vehicle access to the town. Passengers who wish to go to the town or the main immigration building must either book a taxi or walk a few kilometers across Federal Route 7.
See also: Komuter Train from Penang to Padang Besar
Padang Besar Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Padang Besar, 02100 Padang Besar, Perlis
Padang Besar Station Contact Number: 04-9490209
Arrival Point
Travelers to Kuala Lumpur have two main arrival points to choose from: KL Sentral Station and Kuala Lumpur Station.
KL Sentral Station
KL Sentral Station is a modern transportation hub that connects major modes of transportation, including trains, buses, taxis, and light rail transit (LRT). Located in the Brickfields area in the southwest of Kuala Lumpur City, KL Sentral is around 3 km away from the city center.
The station is organized into different sections for various rail services, with the ETS located on Level Two of the Transit Concourse.
KL Sentral Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
KL Sentral Station Contact Number: 03-22798741
Kuala Lumpur Station
The second arrival point is Kuala Lumpur Station, located at Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. It features stunning colonial-style architecture and primarily serves KTM Intercity trains, providing a more affordable option for travel compared to the ETS trains.
Both stations offer ticket counters, waiting areas, food outlets, and parking lots, making them excellent options for travelers looking for a comfortable and convenient arrival point in Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50621 Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Station Contact Number: 03-22671200
Alternative – Buses from Padang Besar to KL
When planning a trip from Padang Besar to Kuala Lumpur (KL), travelers should be aware that there are no direct bus services available for this route. The primary mode of public transportation between these two locations is the train.
About ETS
ETS is a fast and efficient train service in Malaysia, operating on the electrified and double-tracked West Coast Line from Gemas to Padang Besar on the Malaysia-Thai border. It is known for its top speed of 140 km/h, making it the fastest meter gauge train service in the country.
Train Classes
The Electric Train Service (ETS) is a popular choice for travelers in Malaysia, providing a range of classes to choose from Platinum, Gold, and Silver. Platinum trains, identified by their train numbers starting with “EP”, offer the fastest and most direct service, with stops only at major stations along the route. Gold services (EG) make more frequent stops, while ETS Silver provides an affordable option, stopping at almost all stations.
Ticket prices vary based on the class of service, time of day, and distance traveled, with Platinum being the most expensive, followed by Gold and then Silver. ETS offers discounts for seniors, students, and the disabled.
All classes of service provide comfortable and spacious seats with amenities such as headrests, food trays, power outlets, luggage space, and air conditioning, ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free travel experience.
Train Facilities
The Electric Train Service (ETS) in Malaysia offers a range of facilities. Coach C features a musolla for those who require a prayer room, as well as an F&B Bistro that provides passengers with food and beverages. To secure passengers’ belongings, Coach A and F are equipped with luggage rack areas. For elderly and disabled passengers, Coach D has special seats located near the unisex OKU-friendly washroom.
LCD screens are located at the end of each coach and in the passenger hallway, providing updates on the journey. All these facilities are tailored to meet the requirements of all passengers and ensure that they travel in comfort and convenience while aboard the ETS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Padang Besar to KL?
The cheapest way to travel from Padang Besar to KL is by bus with prices from around 25 MYR to 45 MYR. There are several bus companies that operate on this route, offering affordable fares and frequent departures throughout the day. The journey time by bus is around 8-9 hours, depending on traffic and the specific route taken. Some popular bus companies that operate on this route include Transnasional, KPB Express, and Plusliner. It’s recommended to book your bus ticket in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel periods.
What is the fastest way to get from Padang Besar to KL?
The fastest way to travel from Padang Besar to KL is by taking the Electric Train Service (ETS). The journey time by ETS is around 5 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the specific train and schedule.
How far is from Padang Besar to KL Sentral?
The distance from Padang Besar to Kuala Lumpur is approximately 500 kilometers.