Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the main airport serving Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Located about 50 km south of Kuala Lumpur, its the largest airport in Malaysia and the main gateway to the country. It's also one of the busiest in Southeast Asia, handling more than 47 million passengers in 2023.
Traveling from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur is straightforward, with several transport options available depending on your preference and budget. Your options include trains, buses, and taxis. The airport also boasts a wide range of facilities and amenities, catering to the needs of both arriving and departing passengers.
For more information about transport options available from KLIA, here's a guide to get you started. Whether you're looking for the fastest or the most budget-friendly option, this guide will help you choose the best way to reach Kuala Lumpur.
Table of Contents
- The Two Terminals at KLIA
- KLIA to KL Sentral by Train
- KLIA to KL Sentral by Bus
- KLIA to the City Center by Taxi
- Car Rentals at KLIA
- Services and Facilities at KLIA
The Two Terminals at KLIA
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Kuala Lumpur International Airport comprises of two separate main terminals, namely KLIA Terminal 1 (KLIA T1) and KLIA Terminal 2 (KLIA T2). Though 1.5 km (1 mile) apart, the two are linked by a quick 3-minute ride by train on the KLIA Express and KLIA Transit. There's also a free bus service shuttling between the terminals.
KLIA T1 is the larger and grander of the two terminals, primarily serving full-service airlines on international and domestic flights. Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier, is the main airline here. Other international carriers include KLM, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Turkish Airlines.
KLIA T2 is one of the largest terminals in the world for low-cost carriers, designed for efficiency and quick turnarounds. Most flights are within Southeast Asia but also includes several cities in East Asia and South Asia. AirAsia is the largest operator here and other carriers include Jetstar Asia, Scoot, and Cebu Pacific.
KLIA to KL Sentral by Train
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The KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit trains are the fastest ways to travel from the airport to Kuala Lumpur. The trains end their journey at KL Sentral, the city's busiest train station and primary transportation hub. At KL Sentral, you can catch a commuter train or taxi to reach your destination. If you're looking for accommodation, the area around the station offers several budget to 5-star hotels.
The two train services start from KLIA T2 and then proceed to KLIA T1 before continuing their journey. The KLIA Ekspres travels non-stop from KLIA T1 to KL Sentral. On the other hand, the KLIA Transit makes short stops at Salak Tinggi, Putrajaya, and Bandar Tasik Selatan before reaching KL Sentral.
Both services operate daily from around 5 AM to 12 AM, with trains departing every 15-20 minutes. From KLIA T2, the KLIA Ekspres takes 5 minutes to reach KLIA T1 and then 28 minutes to reach KL Sentral. Due to the stops along the way, the KLIA Transit takes 35 minutes to reach KL Sentral from KLIA T1.
Fares for the Ekspres and Transit are the same to KL Sentral. The standard ticket costs RM55 (USD 11.60) for adults and RM25 (USD 2.50) for children aged 6-15 years. Children below 6 years travel free, with a maximum of 3 children per adult. You can buy tickets from the ticket counter or online through several booking sites.
The Express and Transit trains are punctual, clean, well-maintained, and air-conditioned. Additionally, you can expect comfortable seats, free WiFi, and ample space for your luggage. The trains are also wheelchair-friendly.
KLIA to KL Sentral by Bus
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The bus service from KLIA to KL Sentral is another option for travelers. While it may be cheaper than the KLIA Express or KLIA Transit trains, the buses are slower and estimated to take 60-75 minutes, compared to around 30 minutes by train. That said, buses are ideal if you want to save money.
Several bus operators offer the service from the airport to KL Sentral, including Skybus, Airport Coach, and Aerobus. The bus fare is significantly cheaper than the trains, typically RM12-15 (USD2.50-3.16) for a one-way trip. Tickets can be purchased at the airport bus counters or online through several booking sites.
Buses departing from KLIA T1 and KLIA T2 travel directly, non-stop, from their departure points to KL Sentral. Departures are every 20-30 minutes from both terminals, compared to 15-20 minutes for the trains.
While not as luxurious as the trains, you can expect a pleasant journey on the bus regardless of which bus company you ride with. All have air-conditioning and offer comfortable seats with ample legroom. Additionally, there's adequate storage space for luggage, both in the undercarriage compartment and inside the bus.
KLIA to City Center by Taxi
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Taxis are a convenient option for getting from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with a group. Additionally, unlike the airport trains and buses that end their journey at KL Sentral, taxis will take you directly to your final destination in the city, saving you time.
Taxis are available 24/7 and might be your only option if you arrive in the middle of the night. You'll find taxis waiting at the rank immediately outside the arrival hall. The journey to the city takes 60-90 minutes, depending on your destination and traffic conditions. There are two types of taxis, namely coupon taxis and metered taxis.
Coupon taxis are prepaid taxis where you pay the fare in advance at the taxi counter before boarding. The fare depends on the zone in which the destination is located. Although they cost more than metered taxis, you'll know the fare upfront. Booking options include standard (budget) taxis and larger premium taxis.
Fares from the airport to the city cost RM75-100 (USD16-21) for standard taxis and RM150-200 (USD32-43) for premier taxis. The fare is inclusive of toll fees. There's a 50% surcharge for bookings between midnight and 6:00 AM. Opt for the coupon taxis if you prefer to know the cost upfront and avoid potential issues with metering.
Metered taxis are another option and are basically regular taxis that operate with a meter. Fares depend on the distance traveled and the time spent waiting in stationary traffic. Payment is made to the taxi driver after you reach your destination. Before boarding, head to the metered taxi counter to purchase a coupon for RM2 (USD 0.45).
Tell the taxi driver where you want to go and ensure the driver turns on the meter. Fares on metered taxis do not include toll fees, which you would have to pay on top of the metered fare. Total cost to the city range from RM70 (USD15) to RM90 (USD19). A 50% surcharge applies to bookings made between midnight and 6:00 AM.
Car Rentals at KLIA
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Renting a car at KLIA can be convenient for exploring Kuala Lumpur and beyond. Several international and local car rental companies operate at KLIA, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, and local companies like Mayflower and Kasina. You can find their counters in the arrival hall of KLIA T1 and KLIA T2.
Options from the car rental companies include sedans, SUVs, and 7-seater MPVs. Choose a car that suits your travel needs and budget. Prices start from RM130 (USD 28) per day for sedans and RM300 (USD 64) a day for SUVs and MPVs. Before hiring, examine the rental policy, including the return location.
Visitors from most countries can use their foreign driving license in Malaysia for up to 3 months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended but not mandatory. Driving in Malaysia is on the left side of the road, and wearing seat belts is required by law. The roads in Kuala Lumpur and the rest of the country are generally well-maintained. That said, be cautious of traffic and local driving habits.
You can book a car upon arrival at the airport, but advisable to book online in advance. Booking in advance offers a better selection of cars and often better deals. Additionally, having a confirmed online reservation offers peace of mind and makes the rental process at the airport much faster.
Services and Facilities at KLIA
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In addition to the various transportation options available, KLIA T1 and KLIA T2 offer a wide range of services and facilities for the convenience of arriving and departing passengers. To transfer between the terminals, you can take a short trip on the KLIA Ekspres or KLIA Transit train, or board the free shuttle bus service.
Information counters (staffed 24/7) are located throughout the two terminals to assist passengers with airport-related queries. Tourism Malaysia operates an office at KLIA T1, where visitors can receive tourist-related information, including free travel brochures. The office opens throughout the week from 7 AM to 9 PM.
You can find several foreign exchange counters at the airport. ATM machines operated by several banks in Malaysia are also available. For high-speed (4G and 5G) internet access during your trip to Malaysia, several local service providers at the airport offer their prepaid SIM cards for mobile phones.
If you're hungry upon arrival, there's no shortage of dining options, ranging from fast food chains to food courts, restaurants, and cafes serving a variety of local and international cuisines. You can also find a variety of retail outlets, ranging from convenience stores to fashion and accessory retailers, as well as duty-free shops.
