THE SHORT VERSION
Hat Yai to Penang (George Town) at a glance.
- From
- 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
- Not listed as direct
- Border
- Thailand → Malaysia. Passport and visa needed
Ready to travel from Hat Yai to Penang (George Town)?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Hat Yai
Hat Yai is southern Thailand's largest city and the main hub for buses to the deep south and Malaysia. It has a main bus station and a separate minivan station.
- Hat Yai Bus Station
Near CentralFestival. Buses across the south and to Bangkok. - Hat Yai Minivan Station
Minivans to towns across the south.
Arriving in Penang (George Town)
From Butterworth, ferries and buses cross to George Town.
- Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal
On the island, south of George Town. - Penang Sentral (Butterworth)
On the mainland, by the ferry terminal.
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.
- Check whether your bus ends on the island or at Butterworth.
KEEP GOING
From Penang (George Town), the road continues.
12Go's list doesn't include onward buses from Penang (George Town) yet.
All buses from and to Penang (George Town)Other ways to reach Penang (George Town)
More buses from Hat Yai
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Hat Yai from Penang (George Town) 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 Hat Yai to Penang (George Town) 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 Hat Yai?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Hat Yai include Hat Yai Bus Station, Hat Yai Minivan Station, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Penang (George Town) to Hat Yai?+
12Go's public route list doesn't include Penang (George Town) to Hat Yai as a direct route. You may need to change in another town.
Where does the bus from Hat Yai arrive in Penang (George Town)?+
It depends on the operator. In Penang (George Town), services use Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, Penang Sentral (Butterworth). From Butterworth, ferries and buses cross to George Town.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Penang (George Town)?+
From Butterworth, ferries and buses cross to George Town.
What kind of bus runs from Hat Yai to Penang (George Town)?+
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 Hat Yai to Penang (George Town) 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.
Do I need a visa to take the bus from Hat Yai to Penang (George Town)?+
This journey crosses from Thailand into Malaysia. 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 Hat Yai → Penang (George Town) 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: Hat Yai to Penang (George Town) bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Hat Yai (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: George Town (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →