Welcome / Kuala Lumpur / Airport to City Centre

Getting from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the City Centre

April Dwyer

Travel/Copy Writer - 10+ years with private, NGO and startups | Adventure Seeker/World Explorer - 40+ countries and counting | MSc Wildlife Conservation Biology

September 3, 2024

When considering how to transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city centre you have four main options to choose from: taxi, private transfer, train, or bus.

The most efficient and stress-free option is to take a Kuala Lumpur Airport taxi or private transfer, each with a travelling time of about 50 minutes. These are ideal if you’re travelling with luggage as they provide door-to-door transfers.

Your second option is to take either the Klia Ekspres or the KLIA Transit train. Both options terminate at KL Sentral station and take 28 or 35 minutes, respectively, and the cost is the same. The difference between the two is that KLIA Ekspres is a direct service with no stops, whereas the Transit service offers more flexibility for anyone not getting off in the city.

Lastly, the Express Coach bus runs from the airport to KL Sentral station and takes around 1 hour to reach the centre. This is by far the cheapest option, perfect for those on a budget and not in too much of a hurry.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Kuala Lumpur at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€16.40	50min	24/7
Private Transfer	€23	50min	24/7
KLIA Ekspres	€22.60	28min	04:55–00:00
KLIA Transit	€22.60	35min	05:18–00:30
Bus	€4	60min	06:30–00:30

How to get from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city by taxi

Taxis depart from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city 24/7, offering a convenient door-to-door service in 50 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Two types of taxis operate from Kuala Lumpur’s main airport, red and white ‘budget’ taxis, and blue or yellow ‘executive/premium’ taxis. Whichever you choose, taxis should have a rooftop ‘Teski’ sign.

From Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city your taxi cost will depend on whether you choose a metered taxi or if you purchase a coupon from a taxi counter at the airport with a set cost. Note that purchasing a coupon is typically more costly than a metered fare, dependent on weather, time of day or the distance travelled.

How much is a taxi from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city centre?

If you choose to take a premium airport taxi you will need to purchase a coupon from the Transport Desk located in the Baggage Claim and Arrival Hall areas on Level 3. You’ll be given a set price based on your destination and once paid for, you’ll be given a receipt to show to your driver.

If you decide to take a metered taxi, the price may be more or less, depending on traffic. In any case, from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city centre the taxi fare should cost between €16.40 and €20.60 (MYR 80 – 100), or a little more for the premium taxi. Please note that when travelling at night between 00:00 and 06:00 taxi fares will increase by 50%, plus any tolls.

Taxi prices

Day time
(05:00–24:00)

Night time
(00:00–05:00)

Duration

FROM KUL - TO CITY CENTRE

€15.70

€23.55

50 min

FROM KUL - TO HOTELS IN CITY CENTRE

€15.70

€23.55

50 min

FROM KUL - TO SUBANG AIRPORT

€16

€24

45 min

FROM KUL - TO BATU CAVES

€19.50

€29.25

1 hr 10 min

FROM KUL - TO PETRONAS TOWERS

€15.70

€23.55

50 mins

FROM KUL - TO BUKIT BINTANG

€15

€22.50

48 min

Cost

€16.40

Trip Duration

50 Min.

*Rates may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Kuala Lumpur (KUL) Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Taxis are available at the airport taxi ranks outside the Arrival Hall at both KLIA T1 and KLIA T2.

Convenience

From Kuala Lumpur Airport a taxi to the city is the fastest and most efficient transport option as they provide a 24/7 door-to-door service. They are also very convenient for those travelling with luggage as you won’t have to navigate crowded bus and metro stations or squeeze your luggage onboard. If you prefer to travel for a set rate fare, you can either purchase a coupon at the airport or book a private airport taxi in advance with Welcome.

Editor’s Note

Standard-sized taxis don't have much storage space; if you are travelling with a lot of luggage, it’s best to book a minivan.

Useful Tips

When taking a budget taxi, don’t accept a set price from a driver who refuses to turn his meter on as this price will more than likely be higher than usual.

If your destination is outside the city centre and longer than usual, it's polite to leave a 10% tip. Otherwise, you can just round up to the nearest 5 ringgits.

Only accept a set cost price when purchasing a coupon at an official taxi counter.

Make sure that your taxi driver has his license on display and that the meter has been reset and is running before leaving the airport.

How to get from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the city centre by private transfer

Similar to an airport taxi, private transfers offer direct door-to-door service, reaching your downtown accommodation in around 50 minutes, if traffic conditions are favourable. Private transfers go one step further, however, offering lots of additional perks such as access to a top-rated 24/7 customer service team, an airport meet-and-greet upon pick-up, competitive fixed rate fares and complete privacy in the comfort of a modern air-conditioned vehicle.

Furthermore, your English-speaking driver will be more than happy to share some of their local secrets with you as they give you a mini tour of the city on the way to your destination.

How much is a transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city centre?

When you book a private transfer you’ll have the added convenience of receiving a fixed fare quote before you hit confirm. This is great for anyone who likes to budget, but more importantly, this cost won’t change, not even if you get held up in traffic or overpack and have lots of luggage.

Given all the extra perks, a private transfer is very affordable, costing just €23 for up to 3 passengers in one of Welcome’s stylish sedans, or €40 for up to 7 people in a spacious minivan with plenty of room for luggage and stretching out.

Booking is also easy. Just head to the website or download the app, enter your personal details and flight information and select the time and date you’d like to be picked up. It’s that easy!

Cost

€23

Trip Duration

50 Min.

Your vehicle will be waiting for you on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Kuala Lumpur Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

On arrival at KLIA T1 or T2, you won’t need to go searching for a taxi. Instead, a friendly driver will be waiting to greet you in the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name. You and any travelling companions will be helped with any luggage on the way to your pre-selected private vehicle where your transfer will begin.

Convenience

For almost the same price as a taxi, private transfers offer a fully personalised service with complete flexibility – ideal for families or larger groups with specific needs to start their trip as smoothly as possible. Moreover, a private transfer is actually cheaper than the train if you’re a group of 3 or more people.

Editor’s Note

Drivers at Welcome Pickups monitor each flight so in the event that your plane is delayed, they'll still be there to meet you right on time.

Useful Tips

You can make special requests at the time of booking. This might include a minivan for a larger group, a specialised vehicle for wheelchair users or a baby seat for families.

It's best to select a pick-up time 30 minutes after your arrival to ensure you have enough time to clear Passport Control and Customs and then collect any luggage.

You won't be expected to tip your driver. However, it's not considered rude to tip if you should choose to.

How to get from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city centre by express train

There are two different train options when taking the metro from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city: you can either take the KLIA Ekspres or the KLIA Transit. The Ekspres (express) train is the fastest and most convenient option, as it takes you directly to KL Sentral in the city centre in just 28 minutes, with no stops along the way. From there, you have several transport options that you can connect to including the light rail and metro.

How much is the train from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city centre?

A one-way ticket on the KLIA Ekspres train costs €11.30 (MYR 55) for each adult passenger. You can purchase your ticket from the dedicated ticket counter available at either terminal using a card or cash. Otherwise, you can buy it in advance from the website or at the airport using a self-service kiosk. Lastly, you can tap your credit card at the gate before boarding, but just remember to tap off when you disembark!

Cost

€11.30

Trip Duration

28 Min.

Ekspres trains run every 20 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The train operates every day of the year between 04:55 and midnight.

Where do I get the train from?

The train can be taken from both terminals so you won’t need to worry about transferring between the two. From KLIA T1, make your way to Level 1 and follow the signs to the train. At Terminal 2, located at The Gateway, you’ll need to go to Level 2 and follow the signs from there.

Convenience

Although the metro is slightly cheaper than a taxi, it’s not the most convenient option for those staying in the city centre, since you would need to connect with another transport mode at KL Sentral. This not only adds to your journey time but it can be quite inconvenient when travelling with children or luggage.

Timetables

KLIA T1 & T2 – KL Sentral

KLIA Ekspres Train Timetable

Editor’s Note

Trains have the advantage of avoiding rush hour traffic, however, this is when they are the most crowded. To avoid extra stress, try avoiding these hours.

Useful Tips

A 10% discount is applied to online ticket purchases.

The train journey between KLIA T1 and T2 is 3 minutes.

If you plan on returning to the airport from KL Sentral it is cheaper to purchase a return ticket.

Children under the age of six can travel for free.

Luggage racks are available onboard.

How to get from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city centre by train (Transit)

Similar to the Ekspres train, the Transit line makes stops at both terminals and also terminates at KL Sentral. However, the Transit service provides greater flexibility for onward travel, making stops at three additional stations along the way, including Bandar Tasik Selatan, Putrajaya/Cyberjaya, and Salak Tinggi. In total, the journey takes 35 minutes from KLIA T1 and 39 minutes from KLIA T2.

How much does the Transit trains service cost?

The Transit train costs the same as the Ekspres service, €11.30 (MYR 55) for an adult, and tickets can also be bought either online, from the ticket counter or self-service kiosks at the airport, or by tapping your credit card at the entrance and exit gates.

Cost

€11.30

Trip Duration

35 Min.

The Transit service runs every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes during off-peak times and on weekends.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The first Transit train of the day departs KLIA T2 at 05:18 and the last one leaves at 00:30.

Where does the Transit train depart from?

The KLIA Transit train departs from Level 1 at T1 and from Level 2 at T2 Gateway. The airport is well signposted to guide passengers to the train platform and there are staff on hand to assist if you become lost.

Convenience

Since the Transit line costs the same as the Ekspres line and runs just as frequently, the only advantage it provides is that it makes more stops on its journey which may be convenient for people not staying within the city centre.

Otherwise, a much more convenient option is to pre-book a private transfer. That way you won’t have to worry about using timetables and tickets or making any connections and can instead be dropped right to your door for a competitive fixed fare rate.

Timetables

KLIA T1 & T2 – KL Sentral

KLIA Transit Timetable

Editor’s Note

Transfer at KL Sentral to the light rail to reach Petronas Towers. The additional journey time is 15 minutes.

Useful Tips

Tickets bought online must be used within a month of the selected travel date.

Children aged between 6 and 15 can travel for €5.20 (MYR 25).

WiFi is available on the platform and onboard the train.

The train is wheelchair-friendly.

How to get from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city centre by bus

The cheapest way to travel between Kuala Lumpur Airport and the city centre is to take the bus. There are several bus services that regularly depart the airport to different destinations across Peninsular Malaysia, however, the quickest service to the city centre is the Express Coach bus. This service takes one hour to reach KL Sentral and tickets can only be purchased from the airport on the day of travel.

How much is a bus ticket from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city centre?

A one-way bus ticket costs €2 (MYR 10). Tickets are available from the Transportation Hub (the area where the bus departs) which is located on the Ground Floor of the main terminal building – only a 3-minute walk from the arrivals area. You can purchase your bus tickets from counter number 3.

For your onward journey from KL Sentral to the city centre (KLCC), you can buy your metro ticket at the vending machines in the station for the cost of €0.50 (MYR 2.50).

Cost

€2

Trip Duration

60 Min.

The bus departs every 30 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The bus is available daily between 06:30 and 00:30.

Where do I get the bus from?

You can find the bus at the KLIA bus station, on the Ground Floor of the main terminal building, only a 3-minute walk from the Arrivals Hall exit. Follow the signage for the ‘Transportation Hub’.

Convenience

Much like the metro, the bus does not go to the city centre but stops at KL Sentral, requiring additional transport to get you to your final destination within the city. For those travelling with luggage, this option can be quite an effort as well as time-consuming. The best option is getting a private transfer or airport taxi to the city centre.

Editor’s Note

A free shuttle service is available between KLIA T1 & T2 or you can ride the train which takes 3 minutes and costs €0.40 (MYR 2).

Useful Tips

The price for a child is €1.25 (MYR 6).

When taking a taxi from KL Sentral you can also get a set fare with a taxi coupon.

Trains are often the preferred method of public transport due to their ability to avoid traffic, which can be heavy during peak hours.

The Light Rail Train (LRT) leaves from the KL Sentral station every 3 minutes between 06:00 – 23:59. Please note, that on special days there is a time extension to 01:00.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Kuala lumpur. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city?

The taxi price from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city centre will depend on which type of taxi you take and whether you opt for a metered or pre-paid coupon. Nevertheless, the journey will cost at least €16.40 (MYR 80) to the city centre, regardless of which option you choose.

How much is Grab from Kuala Lumpur Airport to city centre?

The price of a Grab from the airport will depend on traffic, driver demand and vehicle type, however, for a standard GrabCar you can expect to pay between €13.40 and €20.60 (MYR 65 – 100).

How far is Kuala Lumpur (KUL) Airport from the city centre?

From Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city centre the distance is 55 km. When travelling by car or taxi under normal traffic conditions, the trip takes around 50 minutes.

How many transport options are available from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) Airport to the city centre?

There are four transportation options to choose from between Kuala Lumpur Airport and downtown; you can either take a taxi, a private transfer, the train or a public bus. Taxis and private transfers offer a direct service in around 50 minutes. On the other hand, trains take just 28 to 35 minutes making them perfect for avoiding traffic. A bus is the cheapest option but the journey will take one hour, not including wait times.

Keep in mind that if you choose to take public transport, you will need to take an additional mode of transport from KL Sentral if you’re not staying in the area.

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