Kuala Lumpur is famous for a few things: its epic skyline, multicultural food scene, and yes… traffic (or as Malaysians like to call it, “jam”). So if you’re landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) — either KLIA 1 or KLIA 2 — and wondering how to get to the city without getting stuck in gridlock, here’s the lowdown.

Having lived in Kuala Lumpur for 5 years, I’ve done the trip from the airport to the city and back countless times. I’ve taken the train (KLIA Ekspres), booked Grabs, and even caught the airport bus.

In this article, I’ll explain how and when to use each transport option to the airport, give you insights about the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to help make your trip smoother, and give you some quick tips on what to do if you are visiting the city.

Heads up: I may earn a small commission if you book through some links on this page — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Travelynne and helping me create more free travel guides and adventure trips.

QUICK LINKS

Here’s everything you need before you land:

✅ Get your KLIA Ekspres ticket on Klook or Traveloka

✅ Get data straight when you land by downloading an eSIM

✅ Download Grab for e-taxis/rideshares

IN THIS GUIDE

How to Take the KLIA Ekspres Train to Kuala Lumpur
Taking Grab from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur
Taking the Airport Bus from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur
Know Which KLIA Terminal You're Flying From
What to Do in KL
Where to Stay in KL
Final Thoughts

KLIA1 vs KLIA2: Which Terminal Do You Need?

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
Final Thoughts

🚆 How to Take the KLIA Ekspres Train to Kuala Lumpur

Let’s start with the easiest and fastest way to get into KL: the KLIA Ekspres. It runs from both KLIA Terminal 1 (international flights) and KLIA2 (mainly budget and domestic flights) straight to KL Sentral Railway Station in under 30 minutes.

KLIA EKSPRES — QUICK FACTS

PRICE: 100 MYR round-trip
TRAVEL TIME: ~28 minutes
BUY TICKETS: Purchase tickets online via Traveloka or Klook, or in person at a kiosk
WHERE IT DROPS YOU OFF: KL Sentral (connected to LRT, MRT, and monorail lines)
AMENITIES: Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, clean & comfy seats, bathrooms, luggage space, and even nice views of the jungle and city skyline

The inside of a KLIA Ekspres (airport) train, with seats in groups of 4 facing each other, some customers seated, and a rack with a few luggage items on it — The KLIA Ekspres trains are really comfortable and efficient! They even have semi-decent Wi-Fi, luggage space and air conditioning.

Sentral Station is the main transport hub in the city, making for easy connections to other parts of the city, and it's directly connected to the Nu Sentral Mall in Brickfields, aka Little India.

If I’m honest, I used to avoid this option because the “Ekspres” wasn’t actually express. But now it’s back to being fully express and it’s so good!

I always buy my ticket ahead to save time at the station. This way, the ticket is on your phone, and the barcode lets you walk straight through the gate — no printing or line-ups.

A pink KLIA ekspres booth in KL Sentral Station, Kuala Lumppur, with instructions to purchase tickets for the airport train — While you can buy tickets a the station, I always grab mine ahead of time on Klook to save time.

💡 TRAVELYNNE TIP:If you’re transiting through KL and want to explore for a few hours, there’s luggage storage at KL Sentral. Head left past Starbucks for lockers around ~55 MYR/day.

🚗 Taking Grab from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur

There’s no Uber in Malaysia, but Grab is the go-to when I need a taxi service. I don’t typically take Grab from the airport in Kuala Lumpur because traffic is very unpredictable, and starting a visit in gridlock just isn’t fun.

But it could be the best option in a few scenarios, such as if you have lots of luggage, are travelling with a large group, or are arriving late at night.

Before calling a Grab from the airport, make sure:

✅ You call the car to the correct terminal and to the arrivals location

✅ You are at (or near) the terminal’s e-hailing pick-up lounge:

1️⃣ KLIA 1: Go to Level 1, Door 1, 3 or 4 (specified when you book)
2️⃣ KLIA 2: Go to Level 1, Door 5

✅ You double-check that the car picking you up is the same as the one indicated on the app

GRAB RIDESHARE — QUICK FACTS

PRICE: 65-95 MYR one way (more for peak times or bigger cars)
TRAVEL TIME: ~45-60 minutes (varies depending on traffic)
PAYMENT: You can pay cash (except after midnight) or connect your credit or debit card to pay through the app (recommended)
WHERE IT DROPS YOU OFF: You can select your preferred drop-off location on the app
AMENITIES: Cars vary but typically have air conditioning

Travellers wait for their rideshare vehicles outside of the pickup point in KLIA2 airport terminal, with silver cars lined up in the underground parking space

I usually have backup rideshare apps on my phone like InDrive and AirAsia Ride, just in case Grab is glitching or there aren’t any cars nearby.

Also, if you’re travelling with lots of luggage or in a group, check out the different ride types on Grab. For example, Grab XL is super handy for bigger vehicles, or Grab Plus for nicer cars.

👉 Safety Tip: I’ve got a full post on rideshare safety for women!

🚌 Taking the Airport Bus from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur

If you’re really watching your budget, there’s a bus from KLIA to KL Sentral. It’s the cheapest option but also the least comfortable during peak times and slow because of KL’s traffic.

KLIA BUS — QUICK FACTS

PRICE: 13-14 MYR one way
TRAVEL TIME: ~90+ minutes
BUY TICKETS: Purchase tickets online via Klook or 12Go, or in the airport arrivals hubs (may cost more)
WHERE IT DROPS YOU OFF: Options vary, with KL Sentral being the most popular
AMENITIES: Some busses have air conditioning but conditions vary — check your options online for photos of the coaches and reviews

A "KLIA T1" sign on a post in the middle of the waiting area for the KLIA Ekspres train in the KLIA airport, with several passengers waitinf on benches.

I’d keep this option in your back pocket in case your budget is super tight or the trains are down, but it’s not by any means my first choice.

🔁 KLIA1 or KLIA2: Know Which Terminal You're Flying From

Keep in mind that Kuala Lumpur has two airports: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (known as Subang Airport). Most flights depart from KLIA, but there are domestic and budget regional flights leaving from Subang Airport, too.

Once you confirm your flight is from KLIA, make sure to check whether it leaves from KLIA1 or KLIA2. They are in the same airport complex, but require different stops to get off by KLIA Ekspres, Grab or bus:

Terminal 1 (KLIA1), also called Kuala Lumpur International Airport or just KLIA: Mainly serves larger international airlines, and is the default terminal on Grab
Terminal 2 (KLIA2): Mainly serves budget regional airlines like AirAsia and most domestic flights

I recommend using the TripIt app— it pulls your terminal, gate, flight info, and more from your confirmation email. Super helpful when your airline doesn’t mark which terminal you leave from on the ticket (why do they do that?!).

TRAVELYNNE TIP:‍ ‍When taking the KLIA Ekspres back to the airport, make sure to get off at the correct terminal — they’re farther apart than many people expect, especially when you’re tight on time.

Three Air Asia planes wait on the tarmac with jet bridges and stairs leading up to them at KLIA

What to Do in Kuala Lumpur

Now that you know how to get to the city, you may be wondering what to do while you’re there. There’s plenty to see and do for a day or a few days in the city, and I've put together a dedicated guide with suggested itineraries, food recommendations, and my favourite places to explore — but here’s a little spoiler alert for my faves:

🏮 Wander through Chinatown and discover hidden speakeasies, cafés, and street art.

🍜 Try Malaysian favourites like kaya toast, roti canai, laksa, nasi goreng, and (if you're brave!) durian.

🌇 Walk through KLCC Park before watching the sunset from one of Kuala Lumpur's rooftop bars overlooking the Petronas Towers.

"How to Spend a Layover in Kuala Lumpur" on a background image of the Petronas Twin Towers lit up at night in a cloudy grey and black sky from a bar with a pool

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

I usually recommend staying in KLCC, Chow Kit or Bukit Bintang to make the most of a short trip to KL. These neighbourhoods offer easy access to public transportation, access to nearby attractions, and lots of good food within walking distance.

MY GO-TO HOTEL APARTMENT STAYS IN KUALA LUMPUR INCLUDE:

Platinum Homestay Luxury Apartments (from $57 USD per night)
The Robertson Residence (from $62 USD per night)
Regalia Residence (from $22 USD per night)

FOR A HOSTEL, I RECOMMEND THIS ONE:

Sunshine Bedz Hostel (from $11.50 USD per night)

If you are travelling with others and looking for something on a lower budget, consider staying in an apartment in Chow Kit, like the Regalia, a complex offering nice units for short-term stays, located on the KTM rail line for ease of transportation in the city.

Final Thoughts

Getting from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur doesn’t have to be stressful—as long as you plan a little ahead. I usually go with the KLIA Ekspres unless I need a door-to-door drop-off or I’m arriving late at night, in which case I go for Grab.

Need help deciding or want custom trip advice? Book a free 15-minute call or explore my Travel Planning Services.

Travel well,

Lynne

Was this helpful? Have more questions? You can reach me by leaving a comment below, sending me a DM on Instagram, or getting in touch by email.

READ NEXT:

Blog