THE SHORT VERSION
Penang (George Town) to Hat Yai at a glance.
- To
- Hat Yai หาดใหญ่
- Road distance
- About 214 km
- Straight line
- 178 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~2 h 45 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Hat Yai to Penang (George Town) →
- Border
- Malaysia → Thailand. Passport and visa rules apply
Ready to travel from Penang (George Town) to Hat Yai?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Penang (George Town)
Penang is a Malaysian island whose capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage city. Buses from Thailand arrive at Sungai Nibong terminal on the island or at Butterworth on the mainland.
- Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal
On the island, south of George Town. - Penang Sentral (Butterworth)
On the mainland, by the ferry terminal.
Arriving in Hat Yai
Buy tickets at the official counters, not through touts.
- Hat Yai Bus Station
Near CentralFestival. Buses across the south and to Bangkok. - Hat Yai Minivan Station
Minivans to towns across the south.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Buses to Penang and Kuala Lumpur cross the border at Sadao–Bukit Kayu Hitam. Check entry rules for Malaysia.
KEEP GOING
From Hat Yai, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Hat Yai
More buses from Penang (George Town)
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Penang (George Town) from Hat Yai by road?+
About 214 km by road (178 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Penang (George Town) to Hat Yai take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 2 h 45 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Penang (George Town)?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Penang (George Town) include Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, Penang Sentral (Butterworth), and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Hat Yai to Penang (George Town)?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Hat Yai to Penang (George Town) guide.
Where does the bus from Penang (George Town) arrive in Hat Yai?+
It depends on the operator. In Hat Yai, services use Hat Yai Bus Station, Hat Yai Minivan Station. Buy tickets at the official counters, not through touts.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Hat Yai?+
Buy tickets at the official counters, not through touts.
What kind of bus runs from Penang (George Town) to Hat Yai?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Penang (George Town) to Hat Yai bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Hat Yai by bus?+
Direct buses from Hat Yai include Krabi Town, Ao Nang, Donsak, Surat Thani, Ipoh and more. See all connections on our Hat Yai bus page.
Do I need a visa to take the bus from Penang (George Town) to Hat Yai?+
This journey crosses from Malaysia into Thailand. Check the current entry and visa rules for your nationality before you travel, and keep your passport with you on the bus.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Penang (George Town) → Hat Yai on 12GoFOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Penang (George Town) to Hat Yai bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: George Town (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Hat Yai (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →