Image credit: enciktatKuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is Malaysia’s most commonly used airport. This busy airport has two terminals: The main terminal is known as KLIA, which is the same as how we call the airport itself; The other terminal is named KLIA2.
We’ll be reviewing different ways you can get from the main terminal of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to central Kuala Lumpur since you’re most likely to land there.
But even if you say hello to the city at the KLIA2, don’t worry. The two terminals are only about 2.5 km away from one another, so they share the same modes of transportation.
In fact, you can easily transfer between KLIA and KLIA2 using KLIA Express. The inter-terminal journey will only take 3 minutes and will cost you only RM2 ($0.5).
The distance between KLIA and KL Sentral, a transportation hub in the city center, is about 55 kilometers.
See also: Best Ways to Get Around In Kuala Lumpur
If your trip to Kuala Lumpur will last for more than a couple of days, consider buying the prepaid MyRapid card, which can be used on pretty much all public transport modes in the city.
You can get your MyRapid card at any monorail and LRT station for only 10 Malaysian Ringgits (RM), which equals to about $2.5.
You should use your MyRapid card at the ticket gates or upon boarding a bus.
Image credit: Airport CoachTaking a bus shuttle from the airport is the cheapest and most convenient way to get to central Kuala Lumpur.
It’s also the best way to reach KL Sentral if you’re traveling with luggage as there are no charges for your belongings.
The journey from the airport to central city on a shuttle is enjoyable and relaxing, because you’ll be sitting in a bus equipped with air conditioning and comfortable padded seats.
A good news is that you can save at least $11 (compared with listed below transportation modes), if you choose to go with this service.
You can purchase the tickets at Airport Coach counters at the KLIA (Ground Floor, Block C STCP KLIA).
If you are going to land at the KLIA2, you can take the shuttle service provided by SkyBus.
Travel time: 1 hour (Airport Coach); 1 hour and 15 minutes (SkyBus)
Cost: RM10 ($2.4) for Airport Coach service; RM9.99 ($2.4) for SkyBus service.
Service hours: 05:30 – 00:30 daily (Airport Coach); 05:00 – 02:45 daily (SkyBus)
Service schedule: Every 30 minutes (Airport Coach); every hour (SkyBus)
Note: Get on the bus at least 10 minutes before its departure to avoid problems.
Image credit: KLIA EkspresNot the cheapest way to get from the KLIA / KLIA2 to KL Sentral, but certainly the fastest one (even the craziest taxi driver in Kuala Lumpur is not able to take you to central city faster than the KLIA Express train).
It’s also a great option if you’re traveling with lots of luggage.
You can catch the KLIA Express train at Level 1 at KLIA terminal, or at Gateway@KLIA2 at KLIA2 terminal.
Travel time: 28 to 33 minutes
Cost: RM55 ($13.5) for adults; RM25 ($6) for children aged 2 to 12 years
Service hours: 05:00 – 01:00 daily
Service schedule: Every 15 minutes during rush hours and 20 minutes during off-rush hours
Notes
– Fares from KLIA2 (to other stations) are identical to fares from KLIA.
– The inter-terminal fare between KLIA and KLIA2 is RM2 ($0.5).
Image credit: KLIA EkspresThe transit train in Kuala Lumpur shares the same tracks as the KLIA Express and charges the same amount of money to get to KL Sentral, but it makes four stops along the way: KLIA2, Salak Tinggi, Cyberjaya/Putrajaya and Bandar Tasik Selatan, before it reaches KL Sentral.
Basically, it’s a KLIA Express train alternative, and is a convenient option for travelers who are not heading toward Kuala Lumpur city center.
So it takes this train slightly longer to reach KL Sentral though you’re paying the same money. If you haven’t changed your mind about heading to central Kuala Lumpur, opt for the KLIA Express train (see above).
Travel time: 35 to 40 minutes
Cost: RM55 ($13.5) for adults; RM25 ($6) for children aged 2 to 12 years
Service hours: 05:48 – 00:59 daily
Service schedule: Every 20 minutes during rush hours and 30 minutes during off-rush hours
Image credit: Fabio Achilli/FlickrWhen we say the words ‘limo’ and ‘limousine’, don’t picture a luxury sedan or saloon car. In Kuala Lumpur, limousines are ordinary cars, they simply use a more attractive word for it.
Airport Limo and Taxi service is a pretty comfortable way to get to KL Sentral, but the most expensive one.
Most cars provided by Airport Limo and Taxi service can seat 2 people with large suitcases and bags or 3 people with lighter luggage. But there are also minivans that can carry 5 people with heavy travel bags or 6 people with little luggage.
This service is a good option especially if you’re traveling with someone.
Let’s say you’re traveling with your loved one. In the case with the KLIA trains, you’ll have to purchase two tickets (RM110, $27 total), while you would pay only RM60 ($14.5) for a budget taxi for you two.
Remember that you can find budget taxis only INSIDE the airport. Outside the airport, there are regular taxi driver who will try to trick you out of your money.
Airport Limo and Taxi service operates through a coupon system and tickets can be purchased at the Airport Limo counter in the Arrival Hall.
Travel time: 40 to 50 minutes
Cost: RM60 ($14.5) for budget taxi; and RM100 ($24.5) for premier limo
Service hours: 24 hours
Notes
– If you use taxi services between 00:01 and 05:59 there will be a 50% surcharge (for example, if at 02:30 the meter shows RM18, you’ll have to pay RM18+9).
– Uber and GrabCar are available in Kuala Lumpur, and they most of the time are cheaper than the regular taxi services in the city.
