SRT International Express 45/46
The Special Express 45/46, informally-known as the International Express, is a popular daily Special Express train operating between Bangkok, Thailand and Padang Besar, Malaysia, stopping at major stations along the route. This trains runs combined with the Thaksin Express (Special Express 37/38) plying between Bangkok and Sungai Golok. The two trains will run as a single rake between Bangkok and Hat Yai, and thereafter split off to run independently on its own journeys to Sungai Golok and Padang Besar, Malaysia respectively.
This train was originally formed of the Special Express 35/36 running on it’s own timetable. The Special Express 35 last departed on 1 December 2016 and the Special Express 36 last departed on 2 December 2016. Replacing its previous timetable is the new Thaksinarath running between Bangkok and Hat Yai with new CRRC-manufactured coaches.
Special Express 45/46 (International Express) train services were suspended from 18 March 2022 at the start of the 2020–21 Malaysia Government Movement Control Order till 10 August 2022 when travel rules to Thailand were steadily relaxed.
International Express 45/46 Route Map
International Express 45/46 Exterior
The Special Express 45/46 (International Express) running on the sector between Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) and Hat Yai Junction.
The Special Express 45/46 (International Express) running on the sector between Hat Yai Junction and Padang Besar.
International Express 45/46 Interior
Day Mode
บนท.ป40 แดวู รถโบกี้นั่งและนอนชั้นที่ 2
Air-Conditioned Second Class Day & Night Coach (ANS.) 40 seats
Night Mode
บนท.ป40 แดวู รถโบกี้นั่งและนอนชั้นที่ 2
Air-Conditioned Second Class Day & Night Coach (ANS.) 40 seats
Thailand SIM Card Purchase at Padang Besar Railway Station (Malaysia)
Around immigration time, Jai is around to sell dtac Happy Tourist SIM Cards and dinner. Jai also has a new counter at the concourse of Padang Besar Railway Station to sell dtac Happy Tourist SIM Cards.
While they typically cost 299 Baht when purchased directly from dtac or other resellers, Jai (or Ah Chai) sells these dtac Happy Tourist SIM Cards at a special price of only 260 Baht. Jai will also happily configure your phone settings for you and makes sure you have your internet before moving on to the next customer. HINT: Further discounts may be given if you are purchasing these SIM cards in a group when you speak politely to Jai and flash him your biggest smile.
The dtac Happy Tourist SIM Card entitles you to 8 days of unlimited 3G/4G Internet (speed will be throttled after 2.5 GB of usage), free 100 Baht worth of call credit and a special international call rate via 00400. The 100 Baht credit can also be used to buy more 3G/4G Internet when you download the dtac app.
This is a hassle-free at-seat SIM card purchasing service which I think offers the most convenient way to buy a SIM card in Thailand. In my opinion, the dtac Happy Tourist SIM Card is especially useful and offers one of the best value when you are spending 3 to 8 days in Thailand. It is also, in my opinion, the most reliable telco along the railway lines in Thailand. RailTravel Station does not receive any form of commission from this recommendation.
Halal Thai Dinner from Padang Besar Railway Station (Malaysia) on board Special Express 46
Jai also serves dinner sets, only for the Special Express 46 towards Bangkok. 4 Thai chicken sets are available to choose from, along with 1 vegetarian set. Each set meal costs RM28 or 190 Baht. There is also Tom Yum Goong available for 150 Baht, good for sharing.
The Thai feast on the ANS40 at Padang Besar before even entering Thailand, consisting of 2 chicken dinner sets and a Tom Yum Goong to share – a total price of 530 Baht.
Singapore to Bangkok by Train
International Express 45/46 Timetable from KTM Berhad’s Website
International Express 45/46 Timetable from SRT’s Website
Please search here
โปรดค้นหาที่นี่
International Express 45/46 Journey Experiences
International Express: Bangkok to Hat Yai and Butterworth by Train(outdated)International Express: Butterworth and Hat Yai to Bangkok(outdated)Day 38-39: State Railway of Thailand from Bangkok to Padang Besar(outdated)
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Train Timetables
Click here for the full list of State Railway of Thailand train timetables.
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Train Timetables from SRT’s Website
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Train Ticket Booking Methods
- SRT counters
- Online from 12Go Asia (joint ticketing with connecting trains available)
- Online from Baolau
- Online from Easybook
- Online from the SRT D-Ticket System
One of the most useful things about 12Go Asia is that they will create joint tickets for you, so you could actually make a single booking from Bangkok to Singapore and vice-versa.
Tickets are open for sale 30 days before departure.
How do I book State Railway of Thailand (SRT) train tickets online?
- Click here for a step-by-step guide for 12Go Asia.
- Click here for a step-by-step guide for Easybook.
Hotel Booking
Attractions Booking
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Contact
Official Website
http://www.railway.co.th/
Timetable & Fares
https://www.railway.co.th/Station/StationList
Call Center
Phone: 1690 (24 hours)
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pr.railway
Twitter
https://twitter.com/prrailwaysrt
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/user/ThaiRailwayStories
Why has the International Express Special Express 35/36 been terminated?
The new Special Express 31 and 32, named the Thaksinarath by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, has replaced the International Express’s timetable, running between Bangkok and Hat Yai with new CRRC-manufactured coaches.
How do I travel to Padang Besar now?
If you decide to travel with the Thaksinarath, change to the Hat Yai – Padang Besar Shuttle Train at Hat Yai. If you wish to travel directly from Bangkok to Padang Besar and vice-versa, use this Special Express 45/46 (International Express) which will operate as a split service with the Thaksin Express to Sungai Golok and Padang Besar from 2 December 2016 onwards.
From Padang Besar, Malaysia, how do I travel to Padang Besar, Thailand to board the International Express?
You do NOT need to travel from Padang Besar, Malaysia to Padang Besar, Thailand to board the International Express. The Special Express 45 (International Express) terminates its service at Padang Besar, Malaysia, and the Special Express 46 (International Express) starts its service at Padang Besar, Malaysia.
I am confused. Why are there two Padang Besar stations?
The Padang Besar Railway Station in Malaysia opened on 1 July 1918 and functions as the main border crossing station on the Malaysia-Thailand border.
The Padang Besar (Thai) Railway Station in Thailand is a new station which opened in December 2015 and serves the local Padang Besar Subdistrict in Sadao District, Songkhla, Thailand. It has only 1 platform along a single track main line. All trains plying on the line between Hat Yai Junction and Padang Besar only make a short stop at Padang Besar (Thai) Railway Station, and originate and terminate their services at the Padang Besar Railway Station in Malaysia.
You may also wish to note that the Padang Besar Railway Station in Malaysia is referred to in all timetables as Padang Besar and the Padang Besar (Thai) Railway Station in Thailand is referred to in all timetables as Padang Besar (Thai).
Hello!
This summer me and two friends of mine are traveling from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur using the Special Express 45 arriving in Padang Besar at 09:53. We want to change to the KTM ETS Platinum 9501 service departing at 12:55, so we have a 182 minute transit. I’ve read from experience from other people that we should NOT use this transit due to frequent delays of the Sp. Express 45. Instead we should take the KTM ETS Gold service 9019 service departing at 15:43, giving us a 350 minute transit.
What is your advice topic? Do you think the 12:55 departure will give us enough time for customs or do you suggest we take the 15:43 departure to Kuala Lumpur?
Thanks a lot in advance!
Bob
Is the experience from other people the 35 or 45? Due to potential legal implications on this suggestion, I would not wish to offer advice on which connection you should choose. Also, KTM tickets are not changeable less than 24 hours before departure.
Very useful blog. Any idea how to book first class from Padang Besar? Appears it is only possible from Hat Yai.
There is no first class coach from Padang Besar. You can buy a short-distance ticket for 272 Baht at Padang Besar and change over to the booked first class coach from Hat Yai Junction onwards.
Is there a restaurant coach in this 45/46 train heading towards bangkok from Padang Besar (MY) from which I can buy meals instead of buying from Jai ? Just asking…
No.
Could I just confirm for the Special Express 45/46 and also for the Thaksinarath (Hat Yai – Bangkok train) is going to Krung Tep Aphithawat station or Hua Lumphong station ?
Krung Thep Aphiwat
For boarding of the special express 45/46 train from Padang Besar station (MY) to Krung Tep Aphiwat, just to confirm, they will wait for all immigration to clear first before leaving ? even if it is after the scheduled time ?
Hi, taking the train from padang besar to bangkok next month. Just want to hear from anyone on this page who has tried the service recently.
1) Is Jai still around at padang besar station selling meals?
2) The arrival time is stated as 11.05am bangkok time, but anyone can advise what would be the average arrival time since I have been reading that the train is usually delayed. Reason being a friend will fly in to meet me, so I am trying to see which flight suits him better.
Thanks for reading