Penang (Malaysia) to Hat Yai (Thailand) Flight Guide: All You Need to Know
Traveling between the vibrant island of Penang and the bustling city of Hat Yai is a popular journey for both leisure and business travelers. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer holiday to discover the charms of southern Thailand, understanding your flight options, airport facilities, and other travel alternatives is crucial for a smooth trip. This comprehensive guide covers layover flight details, what to expect at the airports, frequently asked questions, alternative travel methods, and tips for exploring Hat Yai upon arrival.
Direct Flights
No direct flight is currently available between Penang International Airport (PEN) and Hat Yai International Airport (HDY). Passengers will need to book layover flights or consider other transportation alternatives.
Layover Flights
Although there are no direct air connections, several layover flight options can take you from Penang to Hat Yai. Here are the details of the most efficient routes:
- Penang → Kuala Lumpur → Hat Yai (Batik Air)
- Airlines: Batik Air
- Aircraft: Boeing 737
- Total Flight Duration: 6 hours 50 minutes
- Layover: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) - 4 hours 35 minutes layover
- Penang → Kuala Lumpur → Hat Yai (Batik Air)
- Airlines: Batik Air
- Aircraft: Boeing 737
- Total Flight Duration: 18 hours 20 minutes
- Layover: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) - 16 hours 5 minutes overnight layover
- Penang → Bangkok → Hat Yai (THAI)
- Airlines: THAI
- Aircraft: Airbus A320
- Total Flight Duration: 6 hours 55 minutes
- Layover: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) - 3 hours 35 minutes layover
Information about schedule and airline subject to change based on airline policy. Please check regularly at Traveloka App.
About Penang Intl - Penang
Location
Penang International Airport is conveniently located in Bayan Lepas, approximately 16 kilometers south of George Town, the capital city of Penang. The Penang Intl is the main gateway for both domestic and international flights.
Airport Terminal
Penang International Airport features a modern single terminal building serving both domestic and international flights. The terminal is equipped with multiple check-in counters, immigration and customs facilities, baggage claim areas, and comfortable waiting lounges for travelers.
Transport to Airport
Travelers can access Penang International Airport using several convenient options:
- Taxi & Ride-Hailing Services: Widely available throughout Penang; the journey from George Town takes about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
- Public Bus: Rapid Penang buses (routes 102, 306, 401, and 401E) service the airport, connecting it efficiently with key locations on the island.
- Private Car/Hotel Shuttle: Many hotels offer pre-arranged shuttle transfers, and private car hires are available.
Facilities
Passengers at Penang International Airport will find a variety of facilities to enhance their travel experience, such as:
- Dining options, cafés, and snack bars
- Duty-free and souvenir shops
- Free WiFi and charging stations
- Airline lounges (for eligible passengers)
- ATMs, currency exchange, and banking services
- Information counters and lost & found
- Car rental desks
- Medical clinic and pharmacy
- Prayer rooms
About Hat Yai International Airport - Hat Yai
Location
Hat Yai International Airport is situated approximately 9 kilometers southeast of downtown Hat Yai, serving as a major aviation hub in southern Thailand. For detailed airport information, visit Hat Yai International Airport.
Airport Terminal
The airport consists of a single terminal, divided into domestic and international sections. It caters to both arrivals and departures and features modern facilities for passenger comfort, including streamlined immigration and security checks.
Transport From Airport
Transportation options from Hat Yai International Airport into the city and surrounding regions include:
- Taxi: Official airport taxis are available at the arrivals area. The fare to downtown Hat Yai is fixed and the journey typically takes about 20 minutes.
- Minivan & Shared Van Service: Shared vans/buses operate from the airport and offer a cost-effective way to reach major points in Hat Yai.
- Car Rental: Major rental agencies have desks at the airport for those wishing to drive themselves.
- Hotel Transfers: Many hotels provide private transfer services for pre-arranged guests.
Facilities
Hat Yai International Airport offers a variety of facilities and services to ensure a pleasant pre-flight or arrival experience:
- Eateries and café options
- Shopping outlets, including duty-free for international flights
- Free WiFi access
- ATMs and currency exchange
- Information desks
- Car rental counters
- Medical assistance and first aid services
- Prayer rooms and baby care rooms
FAQ Penang to Hat Yai Flight
- Are there direct flights from Penang to Hat Yai? No, there are currently no direct flights between Penang International Airport and Hat Yai International Airport. All flights require at least one layover.
- What is the typical layover route when flying from Penang to Hat Yai? The most common layover occurs at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), with some options involving a transit through Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport).
- How long does it take to fly from Penang to Hat Yai with a layover? Depending on the chosen flight, total travel time including layovers ranges from around 6 hours 50 minutes to 18 hours 20 minutes.
- Which airlines operate flights on this route? Batik Air and THAI are the primary airlines offering layover flights between Penang and Hat Yai.
- What type of aircraft are typically used on these flights? Flights are commonly operated using Boeing 737 (Batik Air) and Airbus A320 (THAI).
- How far in advance should I book my Penang to Hat Yai flight? It’s advisable to book flights at least several weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best prices and most convenient layover options.
- Are meals provided onboard? Meal service depends on the airline and the class of service. For short-haul and regionally operated flights, in-flight meals may be available for purchase or included on select fare classes.
- Can I travel with checked luggage on layover routes? Yes, checked luggage is allowed, but be sure to verify the allowance with the airline and clarify if your bags will be checked through to your final destination, especially when switching airlines at the layover airport.
Other Ways to Travel From Penang to Hat Yai
Besides flying, travelers have several alternative options to journey from Penang to Hat Yai:
- Train: Board a KTM Intercity train from Butterworth (near Penang) to Padang Besar, the Malaysia–Thailand border town. From Padang Besar, switch to a Thai State Railways train south to Hat Yai. The overall journey typically takes 4–6 hours, depending on connections and border processing.
- Bus/Minivan: Direct buses and minivans operate from Penang to Hat Yai, commonly departing from Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal. The journey takes approximately 4–5 hours, including a straightforward land border crossing at Bukit Kayu Hitam (Malaysia) / Sadao (Thailand).
- Private Car/Taxi: Private transfers and taxis offer door-to-door convenience, with a travel time of 4–5 hours depending on border conditions.
- Self-Drive/Ride-Sharing: You can rent a car and drive yourself or use ride-sharing if both drivers and vehicles are approved for international travel.
These options may be more direct and time-efficient compared to air travel, particularly when factoring in layovers and airport check-in times.
Explore Hat Yai
Popular Destinations in Hat Yai
- Kim Yong Market – A bustling local market famous for dried goods, fresh produce, and souvenirs.
- Asean Night Bazaar – Hat Yai’s open-air night market, a hotspot for local snacks, fashion, and entertainment.
- Wat Hat Yai Nai – Home to one of the world’s largest reclining Buddha statues.
- Magic Eye 3D Museum – An interactive and family-friendly museum with fun 3D art installations.
- Ton Nga Chang Waterfall – A scenic multi-tiered waterfall located in Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, ideal for nature lovers and picnics.
Popular Cuisine in Hat Yai
- Hat Yai Fried Chicken (Gai Tod Hat Yai) – Renowned for its crispy texture and fragrant fried shallots.
- Khao Yam – Southern Thai-style rice salad with fresh herbs and spicy dressing.
- Roti Canai – Flaky Indian-style flatbread, often served with curry, reflecting the city’s multicultural influences.
- Khanom Jeen – Cold rice noodles with a variety of spicy and savory Thai curries and toppings.
- Sticky Rice with Mango (Khao Niew Mamuang) – A classic Thai dessert available at local markets and sweet shops.
For a seamless booking experience, plan and reserve your flights through Traveloka’s user-friendly platform. Check the latest options for Penang Intl and Hat Yai International Airport to enjoy competitive prices and excellent customer support.
Travel from Penang to Hat Yai continues to be a favorite among travelers seeking vibrant experiences and memorable adventures. Whichever mode of transportation you choose, both cities promise unique sights, flavors, and cultures to explore. Safe travels!