Hat Yai to Padang Besar BORDER
There are only 2 trips for Hat Yai-Padang Besar train route. The morning trip will leave Hat Yai Junction Station at 7:30 a.m. (Bangkok time) and 1:05 p.m. for the afternoon trip. It will take at least 1 hour to reach the border. The ticket price is 50 Baht. Remember that Malaysia has a different timezone. It is 1 hour ahead of Thailand. So if you take the morning trip, you'll arrive in the border at 10:55 in the morning.
At the border, a staff will direct you to the Thai immigration counter for an exit stamp. Then another staff on the other side will direct you to the Malaysian immigration counter for an entry stamp. The Malaysian official will usually ask the questions about your plans or activities that you will do in Malaysia. Don't forget to check the dates of the stamps you've got. Then proceed to the x-ray detector machine for security check.
Padang Besar to Butterworth
Go to the second floor to buy a ticket going to Butterworth. The cost is around 11.40 Ringgit. There's no money changer there. Proceed to the entrance on the same floor then go down to the platform on the first floor. You may ask the staff at the platform about the arrival of the train going to Butterworth or simply look for it on the train departure/arrival information monitor.
Butterworth to Penang Island
When you're at Butterworth station, go up to the exit on the second floor and a staff will be there to get your ticket. If you lost it or cannot provide it, you'll pay 30 Ringgit. Then, take the exit going to the ferry station. It's a long walk but comfortable enough because of the covered footbridge. The ticket price for a short ferry ride is 1.20 Ringgit for adults. You will reach the jetty port of Penang Island in 20-30 minutes. Free toilets can be found at both ends of the Ferry. The bus station is very close to the port. You can take bus 101 going to CHULIA street where you can find cheap hostels for backpackers. You can also walk going there if you don't carry a lot of things.
