How to Travel from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok

Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok is a popular route for many traveling South East Asia. We share the different options that suit all budgets, itineraries and preferences. 

Kuala Lumpur is a fascinating city, known for its diverse neighborhoods, iconic Petronas Towers and unique cuisine. We love visiting KL from Bangkok when we can, and there are various ways that you can travel between the cities. For a quick option, you could choose to fly whilst budget travelers can take an overnight bus or scenic train journey. We cover the various ways to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok, so you can choose the best route for your trip. 

Whilst in Kuala Lumpur, you need to visit the Petronas Twin Towers and Menara Kuala Lumpur but also spend time strolling through KLCC Park and exploring Central Market.

In the evenings, you can visit the iconic Iron Fairies bar, enjoy nightlife activities tested by Bestari Hock, and walk along Petaling street. 

Once you have finished your time in KL, travel up to Bangkok and enjoy the best things to do in Bangkok, like the unique cafes in Bangkok and the non-touristy things to do in Bangkok too.

How to Travel from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok

Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok. The flight time takes around 2 hours and the major airports are not too far from the cities, making it an easy option. 

There are various airlines that operate direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok (arriving at both Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Muaeng Aiport. This includes Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways and Thai Lion Air. We like to take advantage of the deals with AirAsia, to get a cheap return flight for under $50. 

If you are traveling between the cities via air, make sure to book your flights in advance for the best deals and compare prices on AirAsia and Thai Lion Air. It is also worth checking flights to and from both Bangkok airports, as prices can vary depending on which airport you are traveling to and from. 

To get to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), you can use the non-stop KLIA Ekspres airport rail, connecting to KL Central, or the KLIA Transit, which has several stops in the city.

Once you arrive in Bangkok, you have a few options to reach your accommodation. When traveling from Suvarnabhumi Airport, you ca use the ARL, connecting you to Phaya Thai Station, and from here you can either get a BTS train, tuk tuk or taxi to your hotel. 

From Don Mueang International Airport, you can reach Mo Chit BTS Station using the A1 Airport bus. However, from both airports, we tend to use the GRAB app to order a taxi (similar to Uber). We live nearer to Suvarnabhumi Airport, so this is a quick, easy method for us but the bus from Don Mueang is a great option, especially when traveling outside of rush hour. Because of the speed, we prefer this option of travel, as it means you can fully take advantage of 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok by bus

Taking a bus is another option, often chosen by budget travelers. While it is the least comfortable and longest option, it can be the most economical; the journey can cost as little as $30. 

Direct routes between the cities are rare, with many requiring an overnight stay in Hat Yai in Southern Thailand. 

The journey can take up to 30 hours and there are several bus operators available, including KKKL Express and TS Travel. 

If you do choose this method, make sure to purchase your tickets on Easybook or 12Go Asia and confirm the departure point in advance. 

The Bus terminal in Kuala Lumpur is Terminal Berspeadu Selatan (TBS); this is the bus terminal offering international routes and where you need to confirm your ticket departs from. 

Most buses arrive in Bangkok at Mo Chi Bus Terminal or Southern Bus Terminal. From both of these, you can use taxis, grab or the BTS and MRT lines to get to your accommodation.

Tips for taking the bus

• Confirm your ticket and departure point in advance, as bus schedules can change.
• Be prepared for a long journey with necessary comforts like a neck pillow, blanket, and snacks. 
• Check the visa requirements for Thailand and ensure your documents are in order.
• Arrive early for your bus. There aren’t too many buses each day, so making sure you don’t miss your bus is essential. Aim for at least an hour before, taking into account traffic in Kuala Lumpur. 
• Locate your bus counter, check in and receive your boarding pass. 
• You can stow your luggage in the luggage compartment, but of course, keep hold of valuables. 
• The bus will make stops for meals and restrooms on the way, so take advantage of these on your journey. 

Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok Train

Traveling by train from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok offers a scenic and leisurely way to see the countryside of Malaysia and Thailand; a great way to see some of the most beautiful places in Thailand.

Although unique, the trip takes up to 24 hours including transfer times, and costs around $50-$80 when travellng via 2nd class sleeper trains. This journey typically involves a combination of trains and requires some planning.

The Journey:

• Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar: Board the KTM ETS (Electric Train Service) from KL Sentral to Padang Besar, a town on the Malaysia-Thailand border.
• Padang Besar to Bangkok: From Padang Besar, you can take a Thai train directly to Bangkok. These are the State Railway of Thailand trains. 

Tips for getting the train from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok

• Book your KTM ETS tickets online or at the station in advance, especially during peak travel times.
• At Padang Besar, you’ll need to go through immigration and customs, so allow for extra time.
• Bring snacks and entertainment as the journey is long and food options may be limited.
• Bring plenty of water, it can get hot and humid, especially when crossing the border.

Personally, we have done this journey once and we won’t be doing it again. It can be a great way to see rural countryside in both countries but for a quick weekend break from Bangkok, this is not my favorite option. 

Driving from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok

For those who enjoy road trips, driving from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok offers the freedom to explore at your own pace. This option is best suited for travelers who are comfortable driving long distances and crossing international borders by car. We love driving around Thailand but it does take time; so you may want to practice driving in Asia before embarking on the long trip. 

The journey takes around 20-24 hours without rest breaks and stopovers.

Route:

• Most people tend to drive north from Kuala Lumpur to the Malaysia-Thailand border at Bukit Kayu Hitam.
• Continue north through southern Thailand, passing through cities like Hat Yai, Surat Thani, and Hua Hin, before reaching Bangkok.

You can make a great road trip from this journey, if you have the time. We recommend you visit some of the following destinations along the way:

• Ipoh, Malaysia: Known for its Old Town and incredible Key Lok Tong Cave Temple. 

• Penang, Malaysia: As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a must visit on your journey to Bangkok. You can explore George Town, Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple. 

• Hat Yai, Thailand: This is a busy city in the South of Thailand, known for its Kim Yong Market and nightlife options. 

• Phatthalung, Thailand: This is a quieter province in Thailand, where you can find the picturesque Khao Pu-Khao Ya National Park.

• Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand: This ancient capital offers historic sights like Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan and the National Museum. 

• Surat Thani, Thailand: This is a popular gateway to reach islands like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. In fact, many budget travelers will travel from Bangkok to Koh Samui via this city. 

• Hua Hin, Thailand: There are plenty of things to do in Hua Hin, but we recommend starting off with a visit to Hua Hin Railway Station before exploring Cicada Market. 

Tips for driving to Bangkok from Kuala Lumpur

• Ensure your car is in good condition and carry essential documents such as your passport, driver’s license, and car registration. Remember, you will need either a Thai driving license of an international driving license to travel in Thailand.
• Make sure to purchase car insurance that covers both Malaysia and Thailand.
• Plan your route and stops in advance, and book accommodation ahead of time.
• Be mindful of driving rules and conditions in both countries, and drive safely.

Traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok can be an unforgettable adventure, whether you choose to fly, take the train, ride a bus, or drive. Each mode of transport has its own advantages and offers a unique perspective on the journey.

By planning ahead and considering the tips provided, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip between these two bustling cities in Southeast Asia.