The Hat Yai – Padang Besar Shuttle Train is a twice-daily return service running between Hat Yai, the largest town in the Songkhla Province of Southern Thailand and Padang Besar, the eastern Malaysia-Thailand border town. While trains used to run with a dedicated 2-car Daewoo DMU and thereafter swapped for a Bogie Third Class rake on peak days to keep up with growing demand, in late January 2018, a dedicated 4-car BREL Class 158/T Sprinter DMU was assigned to ply this route daily, doubling the capacity of the 2-car Daewoo DMU.
This post is about the travel experience onboard the Hat Yai – Padang Besar Shuttle Train.
This is NOT the actual information page you are looking for.
Click here to visit the dedicated Hat Yai – Padang Besar Shuttle Train information page.
The entrance to Hat Yai Junction Railway Station is on the right side of the facade of the station, at the zebra crossing.
Before entering the station, you have to pass your bags through the x-ray machine.
Tickets for the Hat Yai – Padang Besar Shuttle Train are only sold on the day of departure. Get your tickets at the counters for immediate travel.
Tickets for this air-conditioned journey from Hat Yai to Padang Besar cost 70 Baht (~S$2.94/~RM8.75).
With the early arrival of my flight from Singapore, I had ample time to spot the Sprinter at its new home. Here’s the train leaving the depot, shunting itself to the platform.
The Sprinter pulling into Hat Yai Junction Railway Station. Feels really British with the engine and horn sounds, and approaching a station with the word “Junction” in its name. Feels like I was back on the train lines around Sheffield for a moment.
Passengers heading to board the Sprinter to Padang Besar.
The Sprinter, fresh from the depot, ready for its first morning duty to Padang Besar.
The steps up the Sprinter.
Even the door to the main cabin feels distinctively British.
The interior of each of the cars on this 4-car DMU set.
The car number plate above the doors also has the original British font and layout.
There are no vestibules at the gangway, so be careful when crossing over to the next coach when the train is moving.
Getting ready to depart Hat Yai Junction.
The very typically British WC sign on board. The lights for the word “engaged” lights up when the doors to the toilet are locked.
Departing Hat Yai Junction.
The typical scenery from the train on the way to Khlong Ngae.
Approaching Khlong Ngae Railway Station.
The train makes a brief stop of about one minute before continuing on to Padang Besar (Thai).
Arrived at Padang Besar (Thai) Railway Station.
A vent cover still in the original livery.
Once the line is clear on the Malaysian Padang Besar side, the train departs.
British train entering the Malaysian sector of (sort of) British signalling.
The BREL Class 158/T Sprinter DMU is now a permanent fixture on the Hat Yai – Padang Besar Shuttle Train, offering a more comfortable and consistent ride between Malaysia and Thailand. It is also a rare opportunity to board one as the only other service with regular runs with the Sprinter is on the Special Express 3 and 4, plying the Bangkok – Sawan Khalok – Sila At – Bangkok route. Look out for it the next time you are heading to Hat Yai!
This post is about the travel experience onboard the Hat Yai – Padang Besar Shuttle Train.
This is NOT the actual information page you are looking for.
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