Kuala Lumpur is a capital city of Malaysia. It has become the most famous tourist destination in Southeast Asia during the past decade. It’s because of the city is so diverse and rich in cultures. In this article, I will show you 3 ways on how to get to Kuala Lumpur city from the airport.
If you visit Kuala Lumpur, you will either arrive in Kuala Lumpur International Airport or Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2. There are 3 main options to get to the city.
From KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) to City Center
- KLIA Transit or KLIA Express
- Bus
- Taxi or Grab Car
1. KLIA Transit or KLIA Express
KLIA Express takes about 30 minutes to get from the airport to the city center ( KL Sentral, a transportation hub). It costs 55 RM if you buy from the airport. But you can save a little bit more, if you buy from this website before you arrive at the train station. Click here to buy KLIA Express Pass at 49.50RM !
KLIA Express is the best option if you want convenience and fast. There is wifi on the train for you to enjoy while you’re on the ride.
KLIA Transit is a train that will stop at every stations along the line. This train is used mostly by local who live outside of Kuala Lumpur. KLIA Transit will take around 45-50 minutes to get to KL Sentral.
If you decide to get a special pass from this website, just pay online and save the QR Code. When you arrive at the train station, just go straight to the gate, scan the QR Code and you are ready to enjoy a ride!
2. Bus
Bus is the most affordable options if you are travelling on a budget. You will pay only 10-15 RM per round on a bus but you need to trade off your time because it will take you up to 1 hour and 20 minutes to get to the city center, depending on the traffic.
You can check bus schedule and price from this website : Busonlineticket.com
If would suggest not to take a bus during day time, as it can takes you even longer! I believe you better spend your time in the city than on the bus right?
3. Grab Car
The only ride-hailing service in the country, Grab car is a convenient way to travel from KLIA Airport to your destination. Price of Grab Car from KLIA airport to any destination in Kuala Lumpur will be around 65RM to 75RM. It depends on the toll you are passing by.
Grab Car can be the best option if you are travelling with 3 people because you can share among each other. Also, it’s more comfortable if you want avoid any transit in the city.
How to get by in Kuala Lumpur?
If you plan to travel in Kuala Lumpur on your own, I would recommend you to download the app called “Transit”. This app shows real-time information for train and bus.
However, you might need to manage your expectation that public transportation in Kuala Lumpur can be unreliable sometimes. It might be delay. You just need to be patient!
And here are 5 public transportations in Kuala Lumpur.
1. Monorail
Monorail is a small train line going to downtown- Bukit Bintang. Monorail mostly has few coaches, making it crowded and packed every time you need to ride the train. Just stay away from the Monorail if you can!
2. LRT
LRT is a sky train which speed and punctuality are quite better than other trains. Also, LRT covers many area of the city, you can also visit many tourist destination by using LRT such as Twin Tower ( KLCC ), Masjid Jamek, etc.
3. KTM
KTM is the biggest rail operator in the country. The train is covering most major area of the country. The train will come into Kuala Lumpur from other cities, causing a delay in case of accidence or flood happening outside of the city.
KTM is unreliable as it can delay up to an hour. I personally waited for an hour and the train never came. If you want to give it a try, just spare more time for your schedule.
4. MRT
MRT is my most favourite public transportation system as it is new, which was opened for public in 2017. The train is very new, the aircon is great. Plus, it’s covering famous destinations like Bukit Bintang.
To ride the train : Monorail, LRT, MRT, KTM you will need to get a token from the machine at the train station. In case you are living in Malaysia, you might want to consider buying Touch n Go Card. Your ride will cost 20% cheaper than usual!
5. Bus
You might want to download Moovit application. It shows a bus route and schedule, which makes it convenient to get around the city. However, it might not be a good idea for traveler to take a bus as it requires a bus ticket ( touch n Go ).
I hope this article is helpful for those who are going to travel Kuala Lumpur by train as well as planning a trip from Kuala Lumpur Airport to city center. Wish you enjoy the trip.
