Sadao – Bukit Kayu Hitam border (Thailand → Malaysia): hours, new checkpoint and how to cross in 2026
Sadao is the busiest land crossing between Thailand and Malaysia, about 65 km and one hour by road from Hat Yai Airport (HDY). Since 11 July 2026 the Thai side uses a new permanent checkpoint on a new road alignment; it is open daily 05:00–23:00 Thailand time. Before entering Malaysia, every foreign visitor fills in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online. Our car takes you from HDY or Hat Yai to the Thai checkpoint for $75 per car and stops there: you cross on foot or by bus and arrange Malaysian transport on the other side. checked .
- Status: open, as of 27 October 2026
- Hours: 05:00–23:00 Thailand time, daily
- From Hat Yai Airport: about 65 km, 1 hour
- Private car to the border: from $75 per car
Is the Sadao border open right now?
Yes. Thailand moved its Sadao checkpoint to a new permanent site with a new road to Malaysia’s Bukit Kayu Hitam complex; the prime ministers of both countries opened it on 10 July 2026 and it replaced the old checkpoint from 11 July 2026. We found no closure notice when we checked on 27 October 2026.
Sources and checks: SAYS (Malaysia) · Government Public Relations Department (Thailand) · Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
What are the opening hours of the Sadao checkpoint?
05:00 to 23:00 Thailand time, every day. Malaysia is one hour ahead of Thailand, so on the Malaysian side the same window reads 06:00–24:00. Plan to reach the Thai checkpoint at least an hour before closing: holiday queues can be long.
Sources and checks: SAYS (Malaysia)
Timeline: the Sadao crossing in 2026
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| 7 July 2026 | Thai Cabinet approves the new permanent Sadao checkpoint |
| 10 July 2026 | New CIQ Sadao – ICQS Bukit Kayu Hitam road alignment opened by both prime ministers |
| 11 July 2026 | New checkpoint replaces the old one (daily 05:00–23:00 Thai time) |
| 27 October 2026 | Our check: open, no closure announced |
Sources and checks: SAYS (Malaysia) · Government Public Relations Department (Thailand) · Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
Which documents do I need to cross into Malaysia?
A passport valid for your trip and, before arrival, the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), filled in on the official site of the Immigration Department of Malaysia. Visa rules depend on your passport — check the official Malaysian immigration pages and your government’s travel advice before you go.
Sources and checks: Immigration Department of Malaysia · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Does the RideTHA car drive into Malaysia?
No. A Thai-registered car with a Thai driver stops at the Thai checkpoint. You leave Thailand at the new Sadao CIQ, cross to Bukit Kayu Hitam and continue with Malaysian transport that you arrange yourself. We will not sell you a through trip that our driver cannot legally complete.
Which way to the border is right for you?
| You are… | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Flying into Hat Yai (HDY) at night | Pre-booked car to the checkpoint | Fixed price, name sign, waits for delayed flights |
| A family or group with luggage | Car or 9-seat van to the checkpoint | One car for everyone, door to checkpoint |
| Solo with a backpack in daytime | Local bus or van from Hat Yai | Cheapest — check times locally |
How much is a private car from Hat Yai Airport to the Sadao border?
$75 for a sedan (up to 3 people), $90 for an SUV, $95 for a 9-seat van and $145 for a Toyota Alphard — per car, with a name sign at arrivals and 60 minutes of free waiting after landing. Pay 50% online to confirm, the rest in cash to the driver — or pay 100% online. Trips under $100 are paid in full online. Full refund if cancelled 24h+ before pickup (multi-day trips: 7+ days before the start).
What if the checkpoint is closed or my flight lands too late?
If the checkpoint closes before we can get there (late landing, unexpected closure), we take you to a Hat Yai hotel at the same price or move the trip to the next morning; if you cancel 24 hours or more before pickup you get a full refund.
Car to the border: price per car
| Route | Sedan | SUV | Van (9) | Premium (Alphard) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hat Yai Airport to Sadao border post (to Malaysia) 65 km · 1 h | $75 | $90 | $95 | $145 |
Questions
Is Sadao the same as Bukit Kayu Hitam?
They are the two sides of one crossing: Sadao (Songkhla, Thailand) and Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah, Malaysia).
What time does the Sadao border close?
At 23:00 Thailand time (24:00 Malaysian time). It opens at 05:00 Thai time.
Do I need the MDAC to enter Malaysia by land?
Yes — foreign visitors fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card online before arrival, on the official immigration site.
Can your driver take us all the way to Penang?
No. The car stops at the Thai checkpoint; you continue with Malaysian transport.
How long is the drive from Hat Yai Airport to the border?
About 65 km, around one hour without traffic.
Do you charge extra at night?
No. The price is the same at any hour.
Sources and checks
- SAYS (Malaysia) — Thailand to replace main Malaysia border crossing with new checkpoint from 11 July (unofficial source) · published 8 July 2026 · checked 27 October 2026
- Government Public Relations Department (Thailand) — New CIQ Sadao – ICQS Bukit Kayu Hitam road opened · published 11 July 2026 · checked 27 October 2026
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand — opening of the new CIQ Sadao – ICQS Bukit Kayu Hitam road alignment · published July 2026 · checked 27 October 2026
- Immigration Department of Malaysia — Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) · checked 27 October 2026
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Thailand travel advice · published 28 September 2026 · checked 27 October 2026
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Checked by the RideTHA team on 27 October 2026. Bookings operated by GG Services Limited (Hong Kong).