Getting a taxi in Kuala Lumpur
There are over 67,000 taxis in Malaysia and a huge percentage of them are romaning the streets of its capital city, Kuala Lumpur. That’s why it’s so simple to find a taxi in Kuala Lumpur. Public transport in Kuala Lumpur is known to be quite overwhelming – particularly for those new to the city. Therefore, getting a Kuala Lumpur taxi provides a simpler solution at a reasonable cost.
Taxis in Kuala Lumpur are brightly coloured and tend to be four-seater sedans. They are metered, by law, with rates regulated by the city government which ensures a reasonable cost regardless of the vehicle you take. You can find taxis on the street and waiting at taxi ranks by main tourists. Alternatively, you can call a Kuala Lumpur taxi number to arrange a taxi on demand.
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How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| KUALA LUMPUR TO BATU CAVES | 5.25 € | 7.85 € | 21 MIN |
| KUALA LUMPUR TO PUTRAJAYA | 10 € | 15 € | 35 MIN |
| KUALA LUMPUR TO PORT KLANG | 12.80 € | 19.20 € | 45 MIN |
| KUALA LUMPUR AIRPORT TO CITY CENTRE | 22 € | 25 € | 1 HR |
Kuala Lumpur Taxi Fares
Taxis in Kuala Lumpur are metered, with the rates set and regulated by the city’s official tariff ordinance. That means that most taxis in Kuala Lumpur prices are stable across the board.
The only issue is that many taxi drivers will attempt to negotiate a fixed fare with you before your trip begins. This can work out as a good deal if you know the local prices well. But 9 times out of 10, a tourist is more likely to be overcharged if the meter isn’t used. So we recommend that you insist the driver uses the meter to get the best fare for your trip.
There are three types of taxis in Kuala Lumpur. Budget taxis are brightly coloured orange and white or red and white. These offer the cheapest fares for trips across the city. Blue taxis offer premium taxis for a more comfortable and spacious vehicle. Black taxis are the most expensive option and are rare to find on the streets. You mostly find exclusive black taxis are the airport. So for our purposes today, we’ll break down the Kuala Lumpur taxi rates for the most common taxis you’ll see – budget and premier taxis:
Budget (orange/red & white) taxi prices in Kuala Lumpur:
Base fare: €0.60 (MYR 3.00)
Price per km: €0.25 (MYR 1.25)
Night-time fares are 50% higher than daytime rates. They come into effect between 00:00 and 06:00.
Premier (blue) taxi prices in Kuala Lumpur:
Base fare: €0.60 (MYR 3)
Price per km: €0.40 (MYR 2)
The same nighttime surcharge of 50% applies to premier taxis.
In terms of payment methods, you cannot pay for your Kuala Lumpur taxi by credit card. Instead, ensure you have cash in the local currency, Malaysian Ringgit, to settle your fare.
Additional charges
Beyond the 50% surcharge from 00:00 to 06:00, you can also expect to pay extra for large luggage. The rate is €0.20 (MYR 1) per piece. If you order a cab by calling a local Kuala Lumpur taxi service, you’ll be subject to a surcharge of €0.40 (MYR 2).
Any tolls you pass along your journey will also be added to your final fare.
If you’re travelling to or from the airport, there’s also an airport surcharge of €2.50 (MYR 12.00).
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How to get a taxi in Kuala Lumpur
If you’re looking for a Kuala Lumpur taxi on the street, you won’t need to look too far. As there are thousands driving around, hailing a cab is super simple. When the LED light in the car window is illuminated, that means the cab is free. Hold out your hand and the driver will find an appropriate place to stop.
Locating a taxi rank in Kuala Lumpur is relatively easy too. The main transportation hubs such as the airport or KL Sentral Station. Large shopping malls like Pavillion Mall also have a supply of taxis outside of each of the major exits.
Alternatively, you can call a local Kuala Lumpur taxi number which we’ll cover in a later section.
How to get a taxi from Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL)
To get a taxi from Kuala Lumpur Airport, you’ll need to go to the taxi booth in the Arrivals Hall. The airport is the only place where fixed rates apply. You prepay your taxi fare at the booth and present your receipt to the driver after queuing. The taxi rank at Kuala Lumpur Airport is located immediately outside of the main exit of the Arrivals Hall. You can’t miss it.
Note: An airport toll of €2.50 (MYR 12.00) will be added to your final fare.
How to get a taxi from KL Sentral
KL Sentral is the largest transportation hub in Malaysia so of course it is well-supplied with taxis. As you leave the main exits to the building, the large taxi rank is located on the right-hand side. There is a mix of budget and premier taxis that depart from here.
How to get a taxi from Petronas Twin Towers
Taxis can’t park for long outside of Petronas Twin Towers because of its location and popularity. However, it’s easy to hail a taxi from the nearby streets. You can even walk from the towers towards KLCC park (~10 mins) and find plenty of taxis on the streets on the way.
How to get a taxi from KLCC Park
There is a taxi rank located outside of the main gate at KLCC Park. Though taxis are abundant here, it can get busy during the peak tourist months. You may find it more convenient to pre-order your taxi or use the Grab app if you’re travelling from KLCC Park.
How to get a taxi from Pavillion Mall
As one of the main shopping centres in Kuala Lumpur, it’s also a main hub for taxis.
The stretch of taxis on Jalan Bukit Bintang Road is relatively famous in the city. There may be a queue of fellow shoppers by the taxi stand but it goes quickly.
Benefits of booking a Kuala Lumpur taxi in advance
Booking your Kuala Lumpur Taxi in advance can save you some stress and time during your stay. Rather than worrying about finding a taxi to flag down or wondering about what the meter will add up to, you can sit back, relax and let your driver come to you at a fixed price. To ensure you have a comfortable transfer with a professional English-speaking driver at a competitive set-rate fare, consider pre-booking your taxi or Kuala Lumpur Airport taxi with Welcome Pickups.
Kuala Lumpur taxi tips
- Make sure your driver turns the meter on and resets it to the base fare before starting your journey.
- Many Kuala Lumpur drivers will insist on negotiating a set fare before your taxi ride. We recommend ensuring your driver uses the meter unless you are completely confident in your negotiation skills.
- In budget taxis, there is limited space for luggage. If you have a lot of items with you, you may be limited to two people in the taxi, or you may need to request a larger vehicle.
- You do not have to tip your Kuala Lumpur taxi driver, however, gratuity is always appreciated, especially if your driver has gone above and beyond.
- Most drivers only accept cash, so be sure you have enough change with you to cover your taxi fare.
- The traffic in Kuala Lumpur is heaviest from 07:00 to 10:00 and from 16:30 to 20:00. During these time frames, it may be faster to walk or take a train to your destination.
- If you require a baby seat or booster, it’s best to bring one with you. Kuala Lumpur taxis do not provide one as standard.
- Taxis in Kuala Lumpur are generally not wheelchair accessible. However, the public transportation system is fully adapted for people of reduced mobility.
- Language barriers don’t tend to be a huge problem with Kuala Lumpur taxi drivers. In any case, we recommend writing down the address of your destination to aid communication.
- All payments must be made in the local currency, the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur’s public transportation system is almost entirely accessible, but if you are looking to get somewhere a little quicker and with more comfort, you can also request a transfer with Ace Altair Travels’ Travel Assist service for travellers with special needs. They offer advice on accommodation, restaurants, and attractions, and they provide transfers and tours with vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts and tie-downs. You can find more information here.
Kuala Lumpur taxi safety and complaints
Kuala Lumpur taxi drivers are friendly and professional in their majority, however, the quality of service you receive depends massively on the company and the individual you come across. If an issue arises with your taxi ride, be sure to record the taxi number and the time the incident occurred as well as where you boarded and exited that taxi. You can make your complaint by emailing or calling the taxi company you used, or for more serious matters, you can file a complaint with Kuala Lumpur’s Ministry of Transport.