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How to travel from and to Kuala Lumpur Airport
As Malaysia’s main international gateway, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is also the largest and busiest in the country.
Keep in mind that the airport has 2 main terminals – KLIA1 for int’l airlines and KLIA2 for low-cost carriers. The two terminals are 1.5 km apart and are connected by a 3-minute train ride.
3 ways to get from and to Kuala Lumpur Airport
If you’re travelling the 45 kms from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city centre, you have 3 options: a 30-minute train ride, a 1-hour bus journey, or a 1-hour taxi ride. Fares range between 12 MYR ($2.60) and 75 MYR ($16.50).
The train is the fastest way to reach the city centre from Kuala Lumpur Airport. The non-stop train journey takes around 30 minutes, while the transit train (which makes 3 stops) takes 40 minutes to reach Kuala Lumpur. A train ticket costs 50 MYR ($11.00).
If you’re looking for a cheaper transfer, the bus from KLIA to the city centre starts from 12 MYR ($2.60). However, it takes double the travel time at 1 hour, and even longer during periods of heavy traffic.
With the taxi, you can get a convenient transfer starting at 75 MYR ($16.50). Airport taxis are readily available, but you can often find more affordable rates by booking via Grab. Travel time from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the centre is more or less 1 hour.
Kuala Lumpur Airport by Train
If you’re on a tight schedule or just prefer to not get stuck in traffic, the train is your best bet. KLIA Ekspres offers 2 kinds of trains.
The first one is a “non-stop” train from KLIA2 and takes 35 minutes to reach Kuala Lumpur city centre.
The other one is a transit train that makes 3 stops at Bandar Tasik Selatan, Putrajaya/Cyberjaya, and Salak Tinggi before arriving at the city centre after 40 minutes. Both trains make a 1-minute stop at KLIA1.
A train ticket from Kuala Lumpur Airport costs 55 MYR ($12.00) per person for a one-way trip. However, KLIA Ekspres does offer promos/discounts on their website if you book a return trip or are travelling in a group.
If you prefer quick bookings or don’t qualify for any of those promos, you can also book your ticket via Klook for 50 MYR ($11.00).
Check Train Tickets with Klook
The KLIA Ekspres operates from 05:00 to 00:40 daily, with an interval of 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll need to get off at KL Sentral, where you may then have to take a connecting train to your hotel.
Kuala Lumpur Airport by Bus
Kuala Lumpur Airport has several bus lines, which one you choose depends on where you’re heading in Malaysia!
You can find the buses at the Transport Hub by KLIA Main Terminal Building Level 1. Travel time can vary from 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, but it can take even longer during peak hours.
For those bound for Kuala Lumpur city centre, your bus choices from Kuala Lumpur Airport are listed below:
Bus Schedule from Kuala Lumpur Airport to Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Buses have a 30-minute to 1-hour interval.
If you prefer to book online beforehand, Aerobus is also available on Klook for 12 MYR ($2.60).
Heading to Genting Highlands? Aerobus and Resorts World offer several trips every day, starting at 35 MYR ($7.50). The journey takes around 2 hours.
Kuala Lumpur Airport by Taxi
You have several taxi choices when travelling from Kuala Lumpur Airport to KL city centre. There are the airport taxis (couponed or metered), Grab, Klook, or 12go.Asia. You can just pick one depending on your budget and desired comfort.
The taxi journey takes about an hour, depending on traffic. Below are more details.
Couponed Taxi from Kuala Lumpur Airport
With a couponed taxi service, you will have an agreed fare before you get in the taxi. This is calculated using your destination and time of travel at the Kuala Lumpur Airport taxi desk. Fares start at 85 MYR ($18.50) for a budget taxi from the airport to the city centre.
Make sure you keep your coupon safe until you reach your destination as you’ll have to show yours to the taxi driver.
Metered Taxi from Kuala Lumpur Airport
With a metered taxi, your rate is highly dependent on traffic. Most times though, metered taxis are cheaper than couponed taxis. Just make sure the taxi you’re taking is in fact metered to avoid a confrontation later on.
Grab Taxi from Kuala Lumpur Airport
If you have mobile data or Wifi, we highly recommend booking a taxi with the Grab app. Grab taxis are usually more affordable than airport taxis, with fares starting from 75 MYR ($16.50).
Online Booking Kuala Lumpur Airport
There is also an option to reserve your taxi from Kuala Lumpur Airport beforehand. This way you will have your driver ready waiting to welcome you at the airport.
Klook cars are slightly more expensive, starting at 92 MYR ($20.00), but you can expect a good car and a trusted driver. Also will it be very convenient when the driver is waiting with a sign in the arrival hall of the airport.
Another option is 12go.Asia, with taxi fares from 155 MYR ($34.00).
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.
