The best way to travel from KLIA Airport to Kuala Lumpur City is no other than using the KLIA Express Train that runs direct and only takes 28 minutes.
While there are many other options for traveling from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur, your options are pretty decent. In this article, I will share with you the pros and cons of doing so as there are travelers who are on a budget, while others may be leisure travelers or even business travelers.
Kuala Lumpur city is located approximately 62 kilometers from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport or KLIA as it is commonly called.
The budget terminal, known as KLIA2 is also located just nearby the main airport and a journey by road from KLIA or KLIA2 to KL City will take you around 60 minutes. So, this article was created to give you the options of traveling to and from.
While there are many other options for traveling from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur, your options are pretty decent. In this article, I will share with you the pros and cons of doing so as there are travelers who are on a budget, while others may be leisure travelers or even business travelers.
Kuala Lumpur city is located approximately 62 kilometers from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport or KLIA as it is commonly called.
The budget terminal, known as KLIA2 is also located just nearby the main airport and a journey by road from KLIA or KLIA2 to KL City will take you around 60 minutes. So, this article was created to give you the options of traveling to and from.
KLIA Express Train
The KLIA Express Train (KLIA Ekspres) runs frequently and services both KLIA and KLIA2 before heading directly into the city at KL Sentral Station.
During peak hours, there are 4 trains running every 15 minutes and off-peak hours, three trains operate on 20-minute intervals. The train service starts at 5.00 AM and the last train from KLIA is at 1.00 AM.
In terms of comfort and security, this is the most recommended transport from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur as things work on time and in of world-class standards.
On board the train, guests can use the free 4G WiFi services or simply absorb the beautiful Malaysian scenery along your journey.
If you are traveling from KL Sentral to KLIA, you should also know that there is a baggage check-in service at KL Sentral for selected airlines like Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Etihad Airways, and Malindo Air.
This means, you can just go up to the check-in counter and drop your baggage there and then travel to the airport hassle-free, allowing you to have more time to explore the shopping and duty-free areas.
KLIA Express Ticket Price:
One Way: Adult - RM 55.00, Child (2-12 years) - RM 25.00
Return: Adult - RM 100.00, Child (2-12 years) - RM 45.00
During peak hours, there are 4 trains running every 15 minutes and off-peak hours, three trains operate on 20-minute intervals. The train service starts at 5.00 AM and the last train from KLIA is at 1.00 AM.
 |
| KLIA Express Ticket Counter at KLIA 2 |
On board the train, guests can use the free 4G WiFi services or simply absorb the beautiful Malaysian scenery along your journey.
If you are traveling from KL Sentral to KLIA, you should also know that there is a baggage check-in service at KL Sentral for selected airlines like Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Etihad Airways, and Malindo Air.
This means, you can just go up to the check-in counter and drop your baggage there and then travel to the airport hassle-free, allowing you to have more time to explore the shopping and duty-free areas.
KLIA Express Ticket Price:
One Way: Adult - RM 55.00, Child (2-12 years) - RM 25.00
Return: Adult - RM 100.00, Child (2-12 years) - RM 45.00
 |
| The interior of the KLIA Ekspres Train |
Discounts: Get a 10% discount when you buy your KLIA Ekspres tickets online, through the mobile app or the self-service kiosk. Please note that all pre-purchased KLIA Express tickets are valid for 30 days only. Find out more from KLIA Ekspres.
The setback - Well, everything is picture-perfect when you use the KLIA Express train, except that it does not drop you right at your doorstep of your hotel or home, for the general travelers. But for the business or luxury travelers, read below.
KLIA Ekspres VIP Service
There is a KLIA Ekspres VIP Service offered where the service combines the train and limousine service to your hotel, hospital or home. Not only that, but you will also have a personalized meet and greet at the baggage claim area where you will be ushered to the train.
A personalized porter will accompany you on the train to the city station where you will next board an exclusive executive Limousine to your hotel, home or business center. This is of course, at a premium price for luxury or business travelers.
The price range is anywhere from RM 155.00 to RM 210.00 per person. Add on's are available for second, third and so forth. You can even get a VIP Van Service for persons more than four.
KLIA Ekspres VIP Service
There is a KLIA Ekspres VIP Service offered where the service combines the train and limousine service to your hotel, hospital or home. Not only that, but you will also have a personalized meet and greet at the baggage claim area where you will be ushered to the train.
A personalized porter will accompany you on the train to the city station where you will next board an exclusive executive Limousine to your hotel, home or business center. This is of course, at a premium price for luxury or business travelers.
The price range is anywhere from RM 155.00 to RM 210.00 per person. Add on's are available for second, third and so forth. You can even get a VIP Van Service for persons more than four.
 |
| Taxi options from KLIA2 to Kuala Lumpur |
Taking a Taxi from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur
One of the most popular ways to travel from KLIA airport to Kuala Lumpur is by simply taking the airport taxi.
This will allow you to go straight to your hotel entrance or home and the price would vary anywhere from RM 85.00 to RM 150.00, depending on the area or zone you are going to.
Also, after midnight, there is a 50% surcharge on top of your main fare for all taxi services. Sounds simple, but let me just share with you the points of this.
There are a few types of Taxi Services from KLIA and KLIA2 which you should know about.
KLIA Metered Taxi - This is where you buy a metered coupon from the Metered Taxi Counter for RM 2.00. Then you will head to the taxi bay area where a taxi will pick you up and you will travel using the general meter fair.
This KLIA metered taxi service is for up to three persons only. But you must know that if your luggage exceeds the taxi booth, they will not take you and you would have to go in again and book a premier or van taxi, which costs more.
KLIA Budget Taxi - This is a coupon-based system, where you go to the KLIA Budget Taxi Counter and tell them where you want to go. They will ask how many persons and how many pieces of luggage and also the size of the luggage.
The maximum is three persons too. The price is according to the zone or place you are heading too. Again, if there are three of you with three large luggage bags, they will instead give you a premier taxi or taxi van, which costs a bit more. Prices range from RM 85.00 to RM 150.00 per taxi to the main city area.
KLIA Premier Taxi - One level above the budget is the premier taxi which can take up to four persons. The price is slightly more but these taxis are spacious.
KLIA Executive Taxi - This taxi can comfortably sit up to five persons but the price difference is around RM 40.00 compared to the KLIA budget taxi. Also recommended for business travelers.
KLIA Family Van Taxi - This is the best option for large families or groups of up to 10 persons. For any larger groups, you would need a couple of these vans. The price per van is around RM 180.00 and above.
The set back of taking a taxi from KLIA to KL - Overall, it is the time and price where most people do not want to get caught in traffic, or even risk getting ripped off. It's true, there are still taxi touts operating just as you exit the arrival hall.
Therefore, the safest option to avoid any possible situations is to take the KLIA Express Train to KL City.
 |
| Buses from KLIA to KL Sentral |
Bus from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur
There are a number of buses that travel from KLIA / KLIA2 to Kuala Lumpur and these are specialized buses that only ply these routes. At the bus terminal of KLIA and KLIA2, you can choose which bus service and where it will stop.
Most buses stop at KL Sentral but there are some that may stop at Kota Raya near Petaling Street or even in Petaling Jaya at One Utama Shopping Mall. Best is to always ask the bus ticket counter about the price and also where the final stop is.
There are a few bus services that operate from KLIA to KL Sentral which is Aerobus, Skybus, RedBus and Airport Coach that operate the buses both ways.
Each of the bus companies has their bus ticket counters at the lower level arrival halls and you should buy your tickets directly from the ticket counter. Be careful of touts as they are known to be around.
For bus connectivity to around Malaysia, you can refer to this article on Bus Terminals in Kuala Lumpur as they will connect the traveler to all cities and towns around Peninsular Malaysia. The article highlights the different bus terminals in KL and which one goes where.
If you are planning to stay in KL city, you can also find out the best way to get around Kuala Lumpur by using a simple card system, which is accepted by most public transport systems. The city is well connected, especially the main tourist areas therefore it is much easier nowadays to move around.
How long does it take to travel from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur?
A common question asked by most travelers, and the answer is one hour. This is also based on normal traffic conditions. During peak hours, it can take from 60 to 90 minutes.
If there is a major traffic jam or accident on the main highway, you can expect the journey to be at least two hours, and in this case, many people miss flights or are simply frustrated getting caught in traffic, which is pretty common nowadays in Kuala Lumpur.
I would recommend that you always plan to be at the airports three hours before your flight departs. Especially if you are flying international, the normal time states two hours, but better to be safe than sorry.
Having said this, I strongly believe in taking the KLIA Express train as it takes only 28 minutes to both airports and not having to worry about traffic or anything else.
 |
| The KLIA Ekspres takes 28 minutes to travel from the airport to KL City. |
Conclusion
So the next time you plan to travel from KLIA Airport to Kuala Lumpur, you have the options to choose and the fastest way is still by using the KLIA Express train which takes only 28 minutes. Any feedback or comments, please feel free to leave them below.