For most travellers arriving overland from Thailand, Padang Besar is the entry point into Malaysia. Like most border towns, it’s nondescript and slightly soulless, but it marks the northernmost point of the country’s railway network and is directly linked to Kuala Lumpur by a modern and comfortable train service.
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Route map and details
Padang Besar and Kuala Lumpur’s KL Sentral station are two of the major stations on Malaysia’s West Coast Main line.
After calling at Alor Setar, the line passes close to Butterworth station in Penang (but doesn’t actually call at the station as it’s accessed via a short branch line) and continues through Taiping and Ipoh before arriving to the Kuala Lumpur. The distance between the two stations is 527km.
Timetables
Click here to check all Malaysia train times
There are six ETS (Electric Train Service) trains per day from Padang Besar to KL Sentral:
| Train No. | Padang Besar | KL Sentral |
|---|---|---|
| EP9223 | 07:20 | 12:45 |
| EP9425 | 08:15 | 13:45 |
| EP9225 | 09:45 | 15:10 |
| EG9449 | 12:05 | 17:44 |
| EX9209 | 13:50 | 18:40 |
| EP9233 | 17:00 | 22:25 |
EP prefix = Platinum train
EG prefix = Gold train
EX prefix = Express train
How to buy tickets
The easiest way to buy train tickets in Malaysia is online rather than going to the station. You do pay a very small commission but the ease and convenience makes it worthwhile in our opinion.
Baolau is the best site to use for buying train tickets, they have access to the official booking engine, so you can easily see availability, timetables and prices.
Payment can be made using international credit cards and PDF confirmation tickets are sent to your email address within a few minutes. This is the actual ticket you need to board the train, so there’s no need to exchange it at the station before travel. You may prefer to print the pdf out, but it’s also fine to show it on your mobile phone to the conductors and station staff.
Padang Besar to Kuala Lumpur train tickets
How much does it cost?
Standard class tickets are slightly cheaper on the Gold class train (EG9449) and slightly more expensive on the Express train (EX9209).
All services on this route have Standard class and Business class apart from the Gold train (EG9449), which only has Standard class.
| Train No. | Standard Class | Business Class |
|---|---|---|
| EP9223 | ✓ | ✓ |
| EP9425 | ✓ | ✓ |
| EP9225 | ✓ | ✓ |
| EG9449 | ✓ | – |
| EX9209 | ✓ | ✓ |
| EP9233 | ✓ | ✓ |
The prices for each class are:
| Class | Cost (MYR) |
|---|---|
| Standard class (Express) | 130 |
| Standard class (Platinum) | 126 |
| Standard class (Gold) | 100 |
| Business class (Express) | 200 |
| Business class (Platinum) | 196 |
What to expect onboard
Malaysia’s railway network has undergone significant investment in the past few years, including the electrification of the West Coast Line and the purchase of new train sets, which were designed in China and assembled here in Malaysia. This has led to a more reliable service, and increased comfort for passengers.
The exact setup of the service from Padang Besar to KL Sentral can differ depending on the train set and for operational reasons, but they’ll usually be one business class carriage and five standard class. Each carriage is virtually identical to the other, although some have more luggage space or wheelchair bays. Facilities on all carriages include luggage storage, reclining seats, tray tables, information screens, and power points (three-pin and USB slots).
Business class might seem appealing but many travellers feel underwhelmed by the experience. The offer of free meals and wider seats is a plus point, but there’s little else to justify the additional expense. Our advice would be to stick with Standard Class and save your money.
You can check out a full review of ETS Business Class here.
What are the toilets like?
The new carriages have excellent toilet facilities, a significant step up from many other Southeast Asian trains. You should always be able to find toilet paper and hand soap as it’s kept well-stocked, but it’s always a good idea to carry your own supplies, just in case.
Toilets are located next to Coach B and Coach E. Coach F’s toilet is reserved for disabled passengers and is specially adapted to their needs.
Catering options
Business Class passengers receive a free meal (no choice though). Standard Class passengers must buy their own food and drink, which isn’t a problem as there’s an excellent bistro car in Coach C, where a bistro is located.
Don’t be put off by the microwaved meals on the menu, they’re great value and quality, with a mixture of Asian and Western options, costing around RM12 – RM16. You can also purchase soft drinks, tea, coffee, crisps and biscuits.
Payment is via cash or e-wallets only.
Journey description
Padang Besar station won’t win any awards, but it’s fine for a short wait. After you’ve bought supplies from the cafe or shop, it’s more airy and comfortable to wait on the platform. The station has almost nothing in the way of information boards or timetable information, so you’ll need to ask someone if you’re not sure which train to board to Kuala Lumpur.
Once your train departs, the first hour or so is the best in terms of countryside views, especially around the town of Gurun, with mountains, rocky outcrops, river crossings and acre upon acre of palm oil plantations. After the train passes the junction for Butterworth and Penang Island, look out for the lake crossing at Bukit Merah, home to the orangutans at the Bukit Merah Orangutan Foundation.
An hour before KL Sentral, the scenery changes from rural to urban and the rest of the journey passes through KL’s suburbs and industrial zones. The famous skyline appears on the horizon, try to spot Merdeka 118 (the second-tallest building in the world) and the Petronas Towers.
KL Sentral is a modern transport hub, offering everything you need for your journey, although it does lack the romance and history of its predecessor, Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, which you’ll pass through a few minutes before the end of the journey.
Useful reads before you go:
Top tips for Southeast Asia train travel
Reasons why you should travel by train around Southeast Asia
The BEST train journeys in Southeast Asia
10 essentials experienced travellers always take on trains in Southeast Asia
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