Your 2025 Guide to the KTMB Sawasdee Train

Your 2025 Guide to the KTMB Sawasdee Train

Planning a trip to Hat Yai, Thailand, from Kuala Lumpur? The KTMB Sawasdee special train service is a fantastic and unique way to travel. This overnight train offers a comfortable and convenient journey, allowing you to wake up in another country ready for adventure.

Since the Sawasdee train is a special, non-daily service, it’s crucial to be aware of the schedules. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about the KTMB Sawasdee Train for 2025.

I experienced the KTMB Sawasdee Train in 2024 and it was a pleasant experience. It reminded me of the KTMB KL Singapore overnight train in the 1980-90s. Had lots of fun back then, traveling to Singapore via train.

What is the KTMB Sawasdee Train?

The Sawasdee train is a special service chartered by KTMB to run on specific dates, usually coinciding with long weekends and public holidays in Malaysia. It provides a direct overnight journey from KL Sentral to Hat Yai, making it a popular choice for tourists and travelers looking for a hassle-free trip.

I got the bed, which is good enough for one person. There is no room for luggage so I put beside my entrance. Toilet is pretty clean but it is old. Had quite a pleasant sleep and the aircond is pretty cold.

KTMB Sawasdee Train Schedule 2025

The 2025 schedule for the MySawasdee train has been released by KTMB. The outbound and return dates are as follows:

• January: Outbound on January 30, return on February 2.
• April: Outbound on April 11, return on April 14.
• April/May: Outbound on April 30, return on May 3.
• May/June: Outbound on May 30, return on June 2.
• June: Outbound on June 27, return on June 30.
• August: Outbound on August 15, return on August 18.
• September: Outbound on September 12, return on September 15.
• October: Outbound on October 17, return on October 20.
• October: Outbound on October 24, return on October 27.
• November: Outbound on November 14, return on November 17.
• November/December: Outbound on November 28, return on December 1.
• December: Outbound on December 12, return on December 15.
• December/January 2026: Outbound on December 29, return on January 1, 2026.

Train Route & Times:

From KL Sentral to Hat Yai (Train No. 1004):

• KL Sentral: Departs 10:30 pm (Malaysian Time – MT)
• Padang Besar: Arrives 7:06 am (MT), Departs 9:10 am (MT)
• Hat Yai: Arrives 8:50 am (Thai Time – TT)

From Hat Yai to KL Sentral (Train No. 1005):

• Hat Yai: Departs 10:20 am (TT)
• Padang Besar: Arrives 12:00 pm (MT), Departs 2:00 pm (MT)
• KL Sentral: Arrives 10:52 pm (MT)

Note: The train makes stops at various stations along the way, including Tanjung Malim, Ipoh, and Taiping.

Ticket Fares & Booking

The Sawasdee train offers different types of tickets to suit your comfort level:

• Superior Seating: RM95 one-way
• Superior Sleeper Coach (Upper Berth): RM109 one-way
• Superior Sleeper Coach (Lower Berth): RM119 one-way

Important things to note about tickets:

• Fares are one-way only. You need to purchase a separate ticket for your return journey.
• The fares are flat rates for all passengers (adults and children). No special concessions apply.
• Ticket sales typically open about 60 days before the departure date.

How to Book:

You can purchase your tickets for the KTMB Sawasdee train through the following channels:

• KTMB’s official website or mobile app.
• KTMB ticket counters at train stations.

Immigration and Customs

A key part of the journey is the immigration and customs process. Passengers are required to disembark at Padang Besar station for clearance. You must bring all your belongings with you to the immigration hall. This is a mandatory stop before the train proceeds to Hat Yai.

Enjoy your trip on the KTMB Sawasdee train and have a wonderful time in Hat Yai!