The best way to travel from Hat Yai to Penang is by minivan. It is quick and cheap and takes you direct from Hat Yai city centre to George Town, which is the main town on Penang Island.
Minivan Times to Penang
There are 3 services a day from Hat Yai to Penang which you can book online.
Hat Yai | Penang | Cost | Company |
09:30 | 14:00 | 346 THB | New Asian Travel |
12:30 | 17:00 | 346 THB | New Asian Travel |
15:30 | 20:00 | 346 THB | New Asian Travel |
- Arrival times are the time in Malaysia, which is 1 hour ahead of Thailand time.
Buy Tickets to Penang
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Journey Time
The minivan journey from Hat Yai to Penang takes 3 hours 30 minutes including the time it takes for all passengers to pass through immigration control into Malaysia.

The only stop on route is at immigration on the border at Sadao. So long as you are not the last person in the queue for passport control you will normally have time to visit the toilet, have a cigarette etc whilst you wait for your fellow passengers to pass through into Malaysia. The arrival times can vary slightly depending upon how quickly everyone on the bus makes it through passport control.
Departure Point: New Asian Travel
- This service departs from the Hat Yai Nominatee Tour office on the Thumnoonvithi Road.
Arrival in Penang
All services arrive in Penang near to the Komtar Tower in George Town. The Komtar Tower is 1.3 km (17 minutes) walk from Chulia Street, which is an area popular with foreign visitors and the location of many of the most lively bars selling alcohol. From Chulia Street a further 260 metres (3 minute) walk takes you to Little India where you can find authentic, cheap and tasty Indian food both on the street and in restaurants, some of which have alcohol licences.