How to Get to Kuala Lumpur City Centre from the Airport (KLIA)

Do you want to know how to get from Kuala Lumpur airport to the city center ? If you are planning a backpacking trip through Asia, one of the cities you will surely pass through will be Kuala Lumpur.

We have lost count of the number of times we have landed at its airport, and it is one of the most important transport hubs on the entire continent. In this article we will tell you all the options to get from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA or KLIA2) to the city center , with their prices, schedules, routes and our recommendations.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is Malaysia's main airport and one of the busiest in Southeast Asia , with connections to more than 120 destinations around the world. Its relatively recent opening in 1998, in addition to recent improvements and expansions, make it a modern, well-designed airport with pleasant spaces.

It is located in the Sepang district (which many will know for hosting the Formula 1 GP), about 45 km south of Kuala Lumpur , and is divided into two terminals : KLIA Terminal 1 (the main terminal), which operates international flights and some domestic flights; and KLIA Terminal 2 , dedicated to low-cost Asian airlines, such as the local AirAsia. Both have a train station and a bus stop. Now, let's see how to get to Kuala Lumpur from its airport.

1. Train (KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit)

The train is undoubtedly the fastest, most comfortable and most efficient option to get to the centre of Kuala Lumpur from the airport. It allows you to avoid the usual and sometimes chaotic traffic of the Malaysian capital and guarantees reliable timetables and a modern, hassle-free service.

There are two train lines operated by Express Rail Link (ERL) which is responsible for managing rail transport between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the city centre:

✓ KLIA Express

Direct, non-stop trains run between the two airport terminals and KL Sentral Station in the city centre. It takes approximately 28 minutes from KLIA T1 and 33 minutes from KLIA T2, making it the quickest option to reach central Kuala Lumpur.

✓ KLIA Transit

This train does make 3 intermediate stops on its way to KL Sentral : Salak Tinggi, Putrajaya & Cyberjaya and Bandar Tasik Selatan, none of them in the city centre. This makes the journey a little longer, about 35 minutes from KLIA T1 to KL Sentral. If you get off at any of the intermediate stops, the price will be lower.

In both cases, trains operate every 15-20 minutes from 5am to midnight and cost MYR 55 one way (about €12) and MYR 100 return, MYR 25 for children between 6 and 15 years old and free for children under 6 years old. You can buy the ticket online or in their APP (in both cases there is now a 10% discount), or from the vending machines and at the ticket offices at the station. The ticket is valid for 1 month.

Kuala Lumpur Airport Train

2. Bus: the cheapest option

The buses that connect the two terminals of Kuala Lumpur International Airport with the city centre offer a cheaper , but slower and more uncomfortable alternative . One of their advantages is that in addition to connecting you with KL Sentral , they can reach other areas of Kuala Lumpur, such as Pudu Raya (KL City Center) or the TBS station in the north, something quite interesting if your accommodation is located near one of them .

These buses are operated by various transport companies at both terminals. You will have to go to the “Transport Hub” or “Bus Station” following the signs and once there, go to the vending machines and buy the route that interests you the most. Some of the bus companies at Kuala Lumpur Airport are: Aerobus , Airport Coach , Skybus , Starmart Express or Suasana Edaran . You can search here .

Buses depart regularly during flight times and journey times will depend on traffic, but allow just over 1 hour to KL Sentral . Tickets cost around 16 MYR (approximately €3) per journey and can be purchased directly on the bus or at the ticket offices at the station.

This option is ideal for backpackers on a tight budget and for those who prefer to save a little money without minding the longer journey.

How to get from KL airport to the city centre by bus

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3. Taxi or Grab: Convenience at a reasonable price

Taking a taxi or a Grab service (Asia’s Uber) is another popular option for getting from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to downtown Kuala Lumpur and is the most recommended if you are arriving tired, at odd hours, or if you prioritize convenience over budget . While both options offer similar services, there are key differences in terms of pricing, availability, and the booking process.

✓ Taxis

There are three types of taxis that operate between the airport and Kuala Lumpur: voucher- based taxis, meter- based taxis , and premium taxis . In the first case, the prices are fixed and depend on the final destination, while in the second case, the price of the trip will be the amount indicated by the taximeter, based on the distance and time.

Generally, a metered taxi is cheaper than a coupon taxi, but you risk being taken on a longer route to accumulate kilometers. So we would choose the coupon taxi. These coupons are bought at the corresponding counters, and you will have to give them to the driver you are assigned, without having to pay him anything at the end of the trip.

If you take a taxi with a fixed rate , the price to go from KLIA to the center of Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral) ranges from 80 to 120 MYR (approximately 17-26€), depending on the departure terminal (KLIA or KLIA2) and the final destination. But be careful because there are several stands where you can hire one and we saw one with really exorbitant rates (for a trip to the center the fixed price was 230 MYR). So compare with different providers and choose the one that works best for you.

In the case of metered taxis , the cost is more variable, but generally the price will be around 100 MYR.

The taxi ride usually takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour , depending on traffic.

Two factors to consider: payment of tolls is usually the responsibility of the customer in all cases, so if during the trip the taxi passes through toll roads, the driver will ask you to pay the tolls at that time or additionally when you reach your destination. The total price of tolls between Kuala Lumpur airport and the city centre is 12 MYR. And finally, at night time (between 12:00 am and 6:00 am), a 50% surcharge is applied on the base fare for metered taxis.

Kuala Lumpur airport taxi

✓ Grab

In Malaysia and the rest of Southeast Asia, the Uber-like transportation app that is all the rage is Grab . It offers taxi services, motorcycle taxis (super useful if you're traveling alone) and food delivery, among others. In this specific case, to get from KLIA Airport to any location in the center of Kuala Lumpur is a super interesting option if you want to avoid taking a taxi.

The app is very intuitive and allows you to request a transfer to your hotel without having to deal with explanations, haggling and possible misunderstandings. In addition, the price is usually cheaper than a taxi, and depending on the type of service (economy, plus, etc.), the cost can range between 60 and 80 MYR (approximately €13-18). To this will be added the price of the tolls (about 12 MYR) that the driver will pay and charge you later through the app.

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Of course, you may end up with a lower-category car and a less professional driver… And another disadvantage is that depending on the demand at that particular time, you may have to wait a little longer for your car to arrive, especially during peak hours.

Grab is available at both terminals (you'll need to check the exact pick-up point, usually on the 1st floor) and unlike in other countries, we don't get the feeling that it's frowned upon by the taxi industry in Malaysia.

To use Grab, you need to have the app installed on your phone and have mobile data, so it's a good idea to get yourself a Holafly eSIM card before your trip. The good thing is that you don't need a local number, so you can download the app and activate your account right away.

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Grab Kuala Lumpur Airport

4. Private transfer: perfect for groups

If you're travelling with friends or family, a private transfer can be more convenient and cost-effective. The best thing about this service is that you book it in advance by indicating your flight and arrival time, and you'll have a driver waiting for you in the arrivals hall. But as you can imagine, this is the most expensive option. For example, if you book the airport transfer in Kuala Lumpur through Civitatis , it costs around €50.

Conclusion What is the best transportation option from Kuala Lumpur Airport?

If you are travelling alone and in a hurry, the KLIA Express is the fastest option. However, if you are two or more people, it is quite expensive compared to other options, and in that case we would opt for Grab. If you are travelling on a tight budget, whether you are one or two people, the bus is the means of transport that will save you the most money, but keep in mind that it is the most uncomfortable.

Whatever your choice, we find all options to be convenient and will allow you to get to central Kuala Lumpur from the airport efficiently. Have a nice trip!

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