KL Sentral is more than just another train station in Kuala Lumpur. It's a modern complex built around Malaysia's busiest transportation hub. The station connects to several rail networks leading to various destinations in the city and beyond. Besides the trains, there are also shuttle bus services and taxis.
Besides being a transportation hub, KL Sentral also offers a wide range of amenities and services of interest to visitors in Kuala Lumpur. There are airline offices, a tourist information center, money changers, ATMs, and banks, to name a few. There are also several hotels within and near the complex.
If you need information about the transportation hub, this guide has everything you need to know. It includes transportation details as well as information on amenities and services to help you navigate through KL Sentral.
Table of Contents
- Overview of KL Sentral
- Commuter Trains
- Express Trains to the Airport
- Express Buses to the Airport
- Express Buses to Genting Highland
- Long Distance ETS Trains
- Taxis at KL Sentral
- Facilities and Amenities
- NU Sentral Shopping Mall
- Attractions Near KL Sentral
- Hotels In KL Sentral
Overview of KL Sentral
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| Level 1 at Stesen Sentral | Smuconlaw |
KL Sentral replaces the old KL Railway Station built in 1911. The old train station is still around and is a famous city landmark (near the National Mosque), featuring a mix of Western and Mughal architectural influences. While KL Sentral serves as the transportation hub, trains operated by KTM still stop at the old station.
KL Sentral opened in April 2001 and spans 29 hectares (72 acres). Located in Brickfields, KL Sentral is 1.5 km (about a mile) southwest of Kuala Lumpur's city center. The designer was Dr Kisho Kurokawa, a leading Japanese architect who designed Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
The core of KL Sentral is Stesen Sentral (Central Station), Kuala Lumpur's main train station. The station is the most connected transit point in the city. Many amenities and services of interest to visitors are within the station. Surrounding the station and part of KL Sentral are office blocks, hotels, apartments, and a shopping mall.
KL Sentral integrates several rail networks, connecting to several popular tourist destinations, business districts, suburbs, and beyond the metropolitan area. The station supports five train services, including the Light Rail Transit (LRT), KL Monorail, KTM Komuter, KLIA Express, and ETS (Electric Train Service).
Besides the KLIA Express, KL Sentral offers shuttle bus services connecting Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the KLIA2 low-cost terminal. There are also shuttle buses to Genting, a popular highland destination. In addition, are the express buses traveling between Singapore.
Taxis are a convenient way to get around Kuala Lumpur and are readily available from here. The Go KL City Bus is a free bus service, and bus "GOKL 03" travels through the city center, stopping at several major tourist spots. If driving to KL Sentral, indoor and outdoor parking are available.
Commuter Trains at KL Sentral
Commuter trains stopping at KL Sentral include the LRT Kelana Jaya Line, KL Monorail, and two lines operated by KTM Komuter. These lines provide convenient access to numerous points of interest for visitors in the metropolitan area and typically operate from around 6 AM until midnight.
The lines mention connect to other commuter lines that don't pass through KL Sentral. They include the LRT Ampang Line, LRT Sri Petaling Line, MRT Kajang Line, and MRT Putrajaya Line. You can download a route map (in PDF) of all the train lines at RapidKL, the city's public transportation system.
Ticketing System
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| KL Monorail ticket machine | angys |
The LRT Kelana Jaya Line, KL Monorail, and KTM Komuter operate independently and have separate gates to access. So ensure you head to the correct gate for your intended journey. Near each gate, you'll find several ticket machines. Tickets from the machines are in the form of round plastic tokens.
The machines are simple to use, and instructions are in Malay and English. Select your destination on the route map. You'll then see the fare for one token, which usually starts from RM1.30 (USD0.30). If traveling with others, please indicate the number of tokens you wish to purchase, and the total fare will be displayed.
The ticket machines accept coins and only RM1 and RM5 notes. The machines will return your change if there's any. If you need assistance purchasing tickets or do not have the necessary notes, you can visit the manned ticket counter near the gate.
Alternatively, The Touch 'n Go card offers citywide travel on all public transport. The card is available at the 7-Eleven store inside the station. You can load from RM10 to RM500 and top up at many stores in Malaysia, including 7-Eleven, KK Mart, and 99 Speedmart. While there are no cost savings, the card is convenient for frequent users.
LRT Kelana Jaya Line
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| Gate to the LRT Kelana Jaya Line | angys |
Access to the LRT Kelana Jaya Line is inside the station's main concourse on Level 1. The line is the city's primary transit artery, spanning 46 km (28 miles), connecting 37 stations, including interchange stations. Transfer to the LRT Ampang and LRT Sri Petaling Lines can be made at Masjid Jamek, an interchange station near KL Sentral.
The LRT Kelana Jaya Line connects several commercial, residential, and business areas in the metropolitan area. In addition, several stations along the line are near several popular tourist destinations.
Pasar Seni: This station is near the indoor Central Market (Pasar Seni), a cultural landmark featuring an array of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and art. Nearby is Petaling Street (Chinatown), a bustling street market famous for its street food.
Masjid Jamek: This station is near the indoor Central Market (Pasar Seni), a cultural landmark featuring an array of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and art. Nearby is Petaling Street (Chinatown), a bustling street market famous for its street food.
Dang Wangi: This station is within walking distance of the KL Forest Eco Park, formerly Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve. This park is a conservation area and a jungle in the city covering 9.3 hectares (23 acres).
Kampung Baru: This station is in the heart of Kampung Baru, a Malay village in the city. Visitors can stroll through the narrow streets, admiring the old wooden houses, experiencing the local culture, and indulging in traditional Malay cuisine.
KLCC: This station is in the heart of Kampung Baru, a Malay village in the city. Visitors can stroll through the narrow streets, admiring the old wooden houses, experiencing the local culture, and indulging in traditional Malay cuisine.
KL Monorail
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The monorail station at KL Sentral is outside the main station, Stesen Sentral. It's a 5-minute walk from the main station, passing through the Nu Sentral shopping mall and a pedestrian bridge. You can purchase tickets from the ticket machine or counter upon arrival at the monorail station.
Unlike the LRT Kelana Jaya Line and KTM Komuter, the monorail travels only within the city's central area. The monorail travels between KL Sentral and Titiwangsa Station, with 11 stations in total. The following stops would be of interest to tourists.
Bukit Bintang: The station is in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's shopping and entertainment district. Surrounding the station are malls like the Pavilion and Lot 10, not to mention restaurants, cafes, and nightlife spots.
Imbi: This station is close to popular attractions such as Berjaya Times Square, a shopping mall, and the indoor Berjaya Times Square Theme Park. It's also close to the vibrant street food hub of Jalan Alor.
Bukit Nanas: Besides Dang Wangi Station on the LRT Kelana Jaya Line, KL Forest Eco Park is near the Bukit Nanas Monorail Station. Nearby the station are several 4 to 5-star hotels, including the Concorde, Renaissance, and Shangri-La.
Chow Kit: This station is near the Chow Kit Market. This sprawling market is one of the largest and oldest wet markets in Kuala Lumpur. The market offers a glimpse into the everyday life of Malaysians.
KTM Komuter
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| Gate to KTM Komuter | angys |
KTM Komuter operates two lines in Kuala Lumpur: the Batu Caves - Pulau Sebang Line and the Tanjung Malim - Port Klang Line. The two lines stop at KL Sentral. Access is from the station's main concourse on Level 1. Though access is through the same gate, the trains stop at different platforms.
Both lines stop at the old KL Railway Station, one stop away from KL Sentral. The train station, which is over a hundred years old, boasts stunning architecture that is certainly worth the time to admire. In addition, the old station is near two major attractions in Kuala Lumpur.
Masjid Negara (National Mosque): This iconic landmark is a symbol of the country's Islamic heritage. Built in 1965, the mosque features a blend of modern and traditional Islamic architectural styles and a beautifully landscaped courtyard.
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia: Located across the road from Masjid Negara, the museum is one of the most prominent cultural institutions in Kuala Lumpur. To add further, it's one of the largest museums dedicated to Islamic arts in Southeast Asia.
A major stop on the Tanjung Malim - Port Port Klang Line is Mid Valley Station. From the station, it's a short walk to the Mid Valley Megamall, one of the largest shopping malls in Malaysia. This giant mall is spread across five floors and is home to over 500 outlets. The mall is linked to the Garden Mall, offering more upscale shopping.
A popular stop with tourists on the Batu Caves - Pulau Sebang Line is Batu Caves Station. Tourists stop here to visit Batu Caves, an impressive limestone hill with a series of caves. The highlights are the three main caves at the top, where you'll find a Hindu shrine and temple. To reach the site, visitors must climb more than 270 steps!
Express Trains to the Airport
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| KLIA Express ticket counter | Fabio Achilli |
The KLIA Express is a non-stop train service connecting KL Sentral to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 (KLIA1) and the low-cost Terminal 2 (KLIA2). Access is from the station's main concourse on Level 1. Trains depart every 15-20 minutes, with a 28-minute journey to KLIA1 and an additional 5 minutes to KLIA 2. The KLIA Transit is another service but includes two extra stops, extending the journey by 8 minutes.
Whether you choose the KLIA Ekspres or KLIA Transit, fares from KL Sentral to KLIA1 and KLIA2 are the same. The standard ticket cost RM55 (USD 11.60) for adults and RM25 for children aged 6-15 years. Children below 6 years travel free. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter or online through various booking sites.
If you plan to visit Putrajaya, Malaysia's administrative capital, the KLIA Transit stops at Putrajaya Sentral. Taxis and buses are available here to explore Putrajaya. The highlight of the visit is the Putra Mosque, an iconic pink-domed mosque and a major landmark. You can also enjoy a leisurely boat ride on Putrajaya Lake.
Express Buses to the Airport
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There are also buses traveling non-stop to KLIA1 and KLIA2. Bus operators offering the service include Skybus, Airport Coach, and Aerobus. You'll find the buses and their ticket counters just outside the train station on the lower ground floor. At the counter, inform whether you're heading to KLIA1 or KLIA2.
The buses offer a much cheaper option to the airport than the KLIA Express and Transit trains. You can expect the one-way fare from KL Sentral to the airport to cost RM12-15 (USD2.50-3.16). However, the journey by bus is slower and estimated to take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on the traffic.
The buses to the airport are comfortable with air-conditioning and ample legroom to ensure a pleasant ride. Additionally, there is adequate storage space for luggage, accommodating suitcases and carry-on easily.
Express Buses to Genting Highland
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| Cable car to Genting Highlands | Slleong |
Genting Highlands is a popular hill resort about 55 km (34 miles) from Kuala Lumpur. At 1,800 meters (5,900 feet), this highland resort enjoys a cool and refreshing climate. Coming here, you'll discover a mix of entertainment, leisure, and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists.
Besides driving or taking a taxi to Genting Highlands, there are express buses that will take you from KL Sentral to the hill resort. The buses drop passengers at the Awana Bus Terminal, and from here, there's a cable car for a scenic ride to your final destination at the top of the hill resort.
Buses to Genting Highlands include Resorts World and Aerobus. They depart from the lower ground floor (the same level as the shuttle buses to KLIA), where you'll also find their ticket counters. The fare costs around RM10 (USD2.10), and the journey takes approximately one to one and a half hours, depending on traffic.
Long Distance ETS Trains
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The Electric Train Service (ETS) is an inter-city rail service currently traveling on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. KL Sentral is the main ETS station where most routes originate. Access to the ETS trains is on Level 2. You can purchase tickets from manned counters here or book online at several websites.
Traveling up to 160 kph (100 mph), the ETS can take you to your destination much faster than long-distance buses. Major cities connected on the northern route include Ipoh, Taiping, Butterworth, Alor Setar, and Padang Besar. The following stations would be of interest to travelers.
Butterworth: The train station at Butterworth is the stop for passengers heading to the island of Penang, a popular tourist destination in Malaysia. From here, you can take a short ferry trip to the island.
Padang Besar: The train station at Padang Besar is the northernmost ETS terminal. It's near the Malaysian-Thai border, and from here, you can book a Thai train traveling north to Bangkok, Thailand.
At the time of writing, ETS trains on the southern route reach as far as Gemas. From here, you would have to book the slower diesel trains if you plan to go to Johor Bahru, the southernmost city in Peninsular Malaysia. The ETS service between KL Sentral and Johor Bahru will commence operations sometime in 2025.
Taxis at KL Sentral
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| Taxi counter at KL Sentral | Fabio Achilli |
The taxi rank at KL Sentral is located just outside the station's north entrance on Level 2. As you exit the building, you'll find designated areas where taxis queue to pick up passengers. Look for signs indicating the taxi stand, or you can ask for directions from the staff working at the station.
Before boarding the taxi, you must purchase a taxi coupon from the counter. The taxi counter opens from 6 AM to 2 AM, and you'll find it before you exit the station building. The fare depends on your destination, and your options include a budget, executive, or a spacious premium taxi.
Taxis at the rank operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and you have to wait in line until it's your turn. If you know where you're going, you can hail a taxi dropping off passengers at the station. Taxis in Kuala Lumpur have meters, so ensure the driver uses them to calculate the fare.
Facilities and Amenities
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| Main concourse on Level 1 | Brownc |
KL Sentral is more than just a transportation hub. You'll also find a range of facilities and amenities on Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the station that would be of interests to visitors. If you need assistance or information to get your way around KL Sentral, you'll find the station's information counters on Level 1 and Level 2.
There are numerous food options, ranging from Western fast food outlets (like McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC) to cafes and restaurants serving local and international cuisines. Whether for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you'll find a range of choices to suit every taste.
The station also houses several retail outlets, including shops, boutiques, and convenience stores. You'll find outlets selling clothes, accessories, small electronics items including accessories, and phone cards. If you're just looking to grab some drinks and snacks, there are several outlets available.
If you're feeling unwell or experiencing minor ailments, KL Sentral offers convenient healthcare options. You'll find a private clinic on Level 2, where you can seek medical attention. If it's a minor ailment, you can visit the Guardian pharmacy on Level 1 for non-prescription medication. The pharmacy also stocks a range of healthcare, skincare, and personal care products.
For money matters, there are several local banks including Maybank, CIMB, and AmBank on Level 1. There are also ATMs if you don't need to go to the bank to conduct your money matters. In addition to changing foreign currency at the banks, there are also licensed money changers, which often offer slightly better rates.
Head to the Tourism Malaysia office on Level 1 if you need tourist-related information including free brochures and maps. Though you can book your airline ticket online, AirAsia operate a sales office at the station. That said, Malaysian Airlines has relocated its office to NU Sentral shopping mall on Level 2.
Toilets are accessible at multiple points throughout the station. If you want to leave your luggage, there are storage lockers on Level 2. The lockers come in various sizes and you pay cash for tokens from the machines. For Muslims who want to perform their daily prayers, there's a prayer room on Level 1.
NU Sentral Shopping Mall
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NU Sentral is a popular shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur conveniently located right next to the station. While not the largest mall in the city, NU Sentral still spans eight floors. It's slightly upmarket, home to a mix of international and local brands. Besides shopping, you'll find a wide selection of food options.
The shopping mall features several entrances, with the main entrance facing Jalan Tun Sambanthan. If you're already inside the station, you can directly access the mall from the main concourse on Level 1. The large entrance and signboard leading to the mall are clearly visible and hard to miss.
With over 200 outlets, this modern shopping mall has something for everyone. Here, you can find fashion, accessories, shoes, sportswear, electronic items, jewelry, timepieces, and beauty products. International fashion brands include Dockers, Giordano, Levi's, H&M, Cotton On, Steve Madden, and Uniqlo.
The mall offers over 50 dining options, including restaurants, cafes, food courts, and fast-food outlets. Familiar chains include McDonald's, KFC, and Subway. For Malaysian cuisine, there's Ayam Penyet, Penang Chendul, and Nonya Colors, to name a few. International favorites include Japanese, Korean, and Thai cuisines.
For entertainment, Golden Screen Cinema (GSC) on Level 5 offers 11 screening halls. GSC is the largest cinema chain in Malaysia, screening a range of international releases, including blockbusters and local Malaysian films. Additionally, there's Manekineko Karaoke on Level 4, offering seven private rooms for karaoke lovers.
Attractions Near KL Sentral
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Muzeum Negara MRT Station (front) and the National Museum (back) | Slleong |
KL Sentral is near to two well-known attractions in Kuala Lumpur, namely the National Museum (Muzium Negara) and Little India. Within a short walk from KL Sentral, both the National Museum and Little India offer a rich tapestry of Kuala Lumpur's heritage.
National Museum
A walkway connects KL Sentral to Muzium Negara MRT Station, which is situated close to the museum. The downside is that it will cost you RM 0.80 (USD 0.20) to pass through, even if you're not using the train. That said, the National Museum is a treasure trove of Malaysian history and culture, making it a must-visit destination.
The National Museum houses a comprehensive collection of artifacts, exhibits, and displays that highlight various aspects of Malaysian history, culture, and traditions. Its collections include archaeological artifacts spanning centuries, ethnographic objects, traditional costumes, weapons, crafts, and more.
Little India
Little India in Brickfields is centered on a short stretch of Jalan Tun Sambanthan. It's a vibrant and bustling neighborhood that offers a taste of South Indian culture and heritage. As you wander through the streets, you'll encounter colorful buildings, vibrant street art, and Indian music filling the air.
You'll find a variety of shops in Little India, from traditional Indian clothing stores to shops selling Indian fabrics, saris, spices, and handicrafts. The area is also home to many Indian eateries, and a visit wouldn't be complete without trying some tasty South Indian dishes like curry and biryani.
Hotels in KL Sentral
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| St Regis (right) and Le Meridien (left) at KL Sentral | Renek78 |
Being a transportation hub and with its range of facilities and amenities, staying within the vicinity of KL Sentral makes it an ideal location for visitors to the city. While there are no hotels directly within the station itself, the KL Sentral complex is home to several upscale hotels. Among them are the 5-star Hilton, Le Meridian, and St Regis.
Staying at the hotels mentioned, you can expect spacious and stylish guest rooms, equipped with modern amenities. All offer a range of dining options ranging from international to local cuisines. Facilities you can expect from any of the three include an outdoor pool, full-service spa, and state-of-the-art fitness center.
There are no budget-friendly options within KL Sentral but you'll find several nearby on Jalan Tun Sambanthan and Jalan Thamby Pillay. The two streets are less than 10 minute's walk and the hotels here are in the 2 and 3- star range. Among them are the Star Central Hotel, Essy Hotel, Cozy Hotel, Nu Hotel, and Sentral Hotel.
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