MySawasdee Train: A Scenic, Muslim-Friendly Journey From Penang to Hat Yai to Launch in Q3 2025

For Muslim travellers looking to explore Thailand with ease, there's exciting news on the horizon: a direct train service from Butterworth, Penang to Hat Yai, Thailand, is expected to become a regular route by the third quarter of 2025.

Operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB), the MySawasdee train is more than just a cross-border journey — it's a comfortable, scenic, and budget-friendly alternative to the usual road trip, especially for those who love stress-free travel. After a successful trial run in Dec 2024, the service is currently awaiting final confirmation from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) before its official launch.

Also read: Thailand Introduces Mandatory Digital Arrival Card TM6 For All Tourists Starting May 2025

A convenient route for cross-border explorers

Image credit: Muhamad Ajwad Ibrahim | Canva Pro

The MySawasdee train makes several stops along the way, allowing travellers to enjoy the countryside and charming small towns. Key stations on the route include:

➡️ Bukit Mertajam

➡️ Sungai Petani

➡️ Alor Star

➡️ Arau

➡️ Padang Besar (border station)

➡️ Hat Yai, Thailand

This means Muslim travellers can start their trip from Penang or even board the train from northern towns like Alor Star or Arau — both of which have easy access to halal food options and nearby mosques, making pre-travel stops convenient and worry-free.

Perfect timing for Muslim family travel

For now, KTMB plans to run the MySawasdee train only during long weekends, school holidays, and festive breaks — ideal timing for Muslim families planning a quick getaway or even a weekend food adventure in Hat Yai, which is known for its vibrant halal street food scene, night markets, and friendly locals.

As demand grows, KTMB hopes to expand the service into a regular daily route.

Plans for expansion and return tickets

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But that's not all — KTMB and SRT are already looking ahead. The two rail operators are working on a return ticket system, expected to launch in 2026, making it easier for travellers to plan round trips without needing separate bookings.

There are also early plans to extend the service beyond Hat Yai to other major Thai cities, opening up even more opportunities for seamless rail travel between Malaysia and Thailand — great news for those who want to experience Thailand’s Muslim-friendly destinations like Pattani or Narathiwat in the future.

Tech-savvy travel with the upcoming KTMB super app

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To make the journey even smoother, KTMB is launching a new Super App in Q3 2025 — just in time for the MySawasdee train's full launch. This app will allow passengers to:

• Book tickets with ease

• View real-time train schedules

• Manage travel itineraries

• Select seats (especially useful for Electric Train Service or ETS users)

• Pre-order meals — perfect for those looking for halal-friendly food options on board

What’s even better? The app will include a loyalty programme, where frequent travellers can earn and redeem points with partner merchants — ideal for regular commuters or those who just can’t get enough of cross-border adventures.

Also read: Jurassic World Thailand: Muslim Guide to The Largest Dinosaur Attraction Opens in 2025!

A win for Muslim-friendly travel

Image credit: Penang Foodie | Official Facebook

The MySawasdee train isn't just a new transport option — it's a game-changer for Muslim travellers who prefer convenience, comfort, and access to halal amenities. Whether it's a family trip, a solo adventure, or a foodie weekend in Hat Yai, this train offers a laid-back, scenic alternative to bus or car travel — with no need to worry about finding halal meals, prayer spaces, or navigating checkpoints.

For travellers who love exploring both Malaysia and Thailand, this upcoming service is definitely one to watch. So if you're dreaming of your next halal travel adventure, keep an eye out for MySawasdee in Q3 2025 — the tracks to Thailand are almost ready!