How to Get from KLIA to Bukit Bintang

Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) › Airport to Bukit Bintang

Transportation from Kuala Lumpur Airport to Bukit Bintang

Bukit Bintang is one of the most vibrant districts in Kuala Lumpur. It is the ideal place to feel in touch with the city’s past while enjoying its present urban vibes. Here, shopping and dining are unique experiences, only to be outdone by the district’s vibrant nightlife. So, are you looking for the available transportation options for your ride from KL Airport to Bukit Bintang? KLIA taxis and airport car rentals are available at KLIA, while private KLIA airport transfers are the most luxurious way to reach your destination. On the other hand, the two KLIA train lines, as well as various bus routes, head from KUL Airport to Kuala Lumpur. However, they don’t go straight to Bukit Bintang. Therefore, you’ll need to change lines to reach your journey’s end.

KLIA to Bukit Bintang by Taxi

KLIA taxi rides are a hassle-free way to transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport to Bukit Bintang. However, scamming incidents are common in Kuala Lumpur. Verily, the safety of taxis is often questionable. That’s the reason why women traveling alone are recommended to avoid catching taxis. If they wish to do so, they’d better use a taxi app to keep track of their route or book a lady taxi, which is a cab driven by a female driver. In any case, if you don’t want to get scammed or overcharged, you should always catch your cab from the official taxi ranks. Is your ride metered? Make sure the taximeter works properly. Moreover, you are advised not to negotiate fares with taxi drivers. It is regarded as the easier way to end up paying a higher price for your journey from KL Airport to Kuala Lumpur. In any case, official KLIA airport taxis are red (budget) or blue (premium), bearing a Teksi sign on their roof and the company’s logo on their doors. Plus, their license plates start with the letter “H”. Black taxis can also be found at the airport. They offer flat fares.

Taxi ranks can be found at both KLIA terminals. The taxi ranks of KLIA terminal 1, the terminal housing the conventional airlines, can be found on the Main terminal’s Level 3, outside the baggage claim area of International Arrivals and the Domestic Arrivals zone. Moreover, a taxi stand is situated on Level 1 of Gateway@klia2, the shopping mall located adjacent to the main building of KLIA terminal 2. Explicitly, the taxi rank lies at the Transportation Hub housed inside the mall, close to Door 4.

As already mentioned, there are three types of taxis: the red cabs, the blue taxis, and the black airport limos. Red and blue cabs are metered. The red KLIA taxis offer the cheapest fares. They can fit up to 4 passengers and feature limited luggage storage space. On the other hand, the blue cabs are the premium category. They are spacious, slightly more expensive than red taxis, and can accommodate up to 7 passengers. Finally, black airport taxis (Airport Limos) offer flat fares, consisting of fleets of several vehicle types, providing various services (budget, premium, family, etc.).

The red and blue taxis are metered, meaning that their journeys are calculated by taximeters based on the traveling distance and the journey’s duration. Therefore, the cost of metered taxis is affected by traffic levels. The usual fare (under normal traffic levels) for a red taxi ride from KL Airport to Bukit Bintang is around RM80 ($18,10/€17,40) – RM100 ($22,75/€21,86). Blue taxis charge a somewhat higher fare. Although tipping the driver is welcomed but optional, other surcharges apply on metered taxi journeys. Thus, each piece of luggage is charged RM1 ($0.23/€0.22), night rides (from midnight to 6:00 AM) are 50% more expensive, and toll fees are to be paid by the passenger. Additionally, some taxi companies impose an RM2 ($0,45/€0,43) fee for each passenger starting from the third and on. Lastly, before catching your metered cab from KUL Airport, you’ll have to buy an RM2 ($0,45/€0,43) coupon from the taxi counters located at the taxi ranks. Once you purchase your coupon, you’ll show it to the first taxi in line and get in to begin your journey to Bukit Bintang. Please remember that metered taxis typically accept cash payments. Do you want to pay with your credit card? You should first check with your driver.

It is strongly advised to avoid negotiating fares with the taxi driver, as you’ll likely be overcharged.

On the other hand, black airport taxis offer pre-determined rates for rides from the airport. Passengers approach the taxi kiosks lying close to the taxi ranks and pay for their fare depending on their destination. The cost of the journey with a black airport taxi from Kuala Lumpur Airport to Bukit Bintang is  RM74 ($16,84/€16,18). You can pay with cash or via bank cards.

Overall, the 58-km/36-mile taxi transfer from KLIA to Bukit Bintang costs RM74 ($16,84/€16,18) to RM100 ($22,75/€21,86), based on the selected taxi option, and lasts around 70-75 minutes. It’s important to remember that taxi journeys can be considerably longer during rush hours. Moreover, during those times, rides with metered taxis are pricier as well.

Our Tip: Do you want to book a ride-hailing service for your ride from Kuala Lumpur Airport to Bukit Bintang? Several companies, such as Grab, offer their services at KUL Airport.

KLIA to Bukit Bintang by Bus

Are you considering catching a KLIA bus line for your transportation from KL Airport to Bukit Bintang? Although they are the cheapest option, KLIA buses can be time-consuming as their routes depend on traffic levels, and they don’t run directly to Bukit Bintang, so a train journey is required to reach KL’s vibrant district.

In any case, if you want to save money on your transit expenses, you should catch a bus from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Four bus companies provide routes to KL Sentral, where you’ll have to board the train to Bukit Bintang. In detail, you can take one of the following buses to KL Sentral: 

• Airport Coach: Buses depart from KLIA T1 from 05:00 am to midnight. The Airport Coach also offers available routes from KLIA T2 from 05:15 am to 00:15 am.
• Skybus: You can catch the Skybus from 05:30 am to 00:30 am (KLIA terminal 1) and from 05:45 am to 00:45 am (KLIA terminal 2).
• Suasana Edaran: You can board a Suasana Edaran bus from 06:00 am to 01:00 am from KLIA terminal 1, while the bus runs from KLIA T2 to KL Sentral from 06:15 am to 01:15 am.
• Aerobus: The Aerobus Coaches run from KLIA T1 to the main railway station in Kuala Lumpur from 04:30 am to 11:30 pm. You’ll also find available routes from KLIA T2 to KL Sentral from 04:45 am to 11:45 pm.

Are you wondering where to catch the bus at KUL Airport? The main airport in Kuala Lumpur features bus stops at both terminals. The bus station of KLIA terminal 1 (KLIA Bus Terminal) is located on Block C of the Short-Term Car Park (STCP), the parking facility lying interconnected to the Main terminal building of KLIA T1. Explicitly, it can be found on its first level. On the other hand, buses from KLIA terminal 2 depart from the bus stop located on the Transportation Hub of Gateway@klia2, the shopping mall adjacent and linked to the main building of KLIA T2. The Transportation Hub is located on the mall’s first floor.

You can buy your bus tickets for the ride from KL International Airport from the bus counters located at both bus stops. In fact, all ticket counters sell tickets for all bus routes, regardless of the bus company providing the service. Payments are accepted in cash or via bank cards. You can also use e-wallets. Finally, you can buy your ticket online. However, although some bus companies offer lower rates for children, only adult fares can be purchased online. In any case, children younger than two travel for free.

Your bus ride to KL Sentral will last around one hour. That being said, bus journeys can be more time-consuming during peak hours. The cost of your ticket from KLIA terminal 1 to KL Sentral is RM15 ($3,34/€3,27). Tickets from KLIA terminal 2 to KL Sentral are priced at RM16 ($3,57/€3,49).

From KL Sentral, you’ll have to board the MR6 train to Bukit Bintang. The MR6 train (Monorail) runs from 06:00 am to 11:30 pm every 7-12 minutes and takes 14 minutes to reach Bukit Bintang. If you buy your ticket with cash, you’ll pay RM2,50 ($0,56/€0,54), while cashless payments (via a Touch’ n Go Card) are slightly cheaper, costing RM2,20 ($0,50/€0,48).

Overall, the total airport transfer from KLIA to Bukit Bintang via bus and train typically lasts 85 minutes (under normal traffic conditions) and costs RM17,50 ($3,92/€3,80).

Our Tip: If you plan to use the RapidKL trains and buses frequently during your stay in Kuala Lumpur, you should buy one of the available travel passes (for one, two, or three days). They also offer various benefits and discounts. 

KLIA to Bukit Bintang by Train

Two trains depart from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The two KLIA trains are the fastest way to get from KLIA to Bukit Bintang. However, they aren’t direct, meaning that a line change is required to reach Kuala Lumpur’s cosmopolitan district. That being said, both train lines feature air-conditioned and accessible passenger cars, equipped with luggage storage space, quiet zones, and digital infotainment systems. Moreover, passengers can use the 5G Wi-Fi for free.

The KL airport train stations lie at both terminals. The railway station at KLIA T1 is located on the first level of the Main terminal building, while the KLIA T2 Train Station is situated in the Transportation Hub of Gateway@klia2 Mall, interconnected with the main building of KLIA terminal 2. Passengers can buy their tickets from the mall’s second floor and descend to the first level, which houses the Transportation Hub, to board the train.

KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit run from KUL Airport to KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur. KLIA Ekspres travels directly from the two airport stations to KL Sentral, operating from 05:00 am to 00:05 am from KLIA T1 and from 04:55 am to midnight from KLIA terminal 2. KLIA Ekspres runs at a 20-minute frequency and takes 28 minutes to reach KL Sentral from KLIA T1 and 33 minutes to reach its terminus from KLIA T2. On the other hand, KLIA Transit makes three in-between stops before reaching KL Sentral. Thus, its traveling time from KLIA T1 is 35 minutes, and from KLIA T2 39 minutes. KLIA Transit has available routes from KLIA terminal 1 from 05:22 am to 00:34 am and runs from KLIA T2 from 05:18 am to 00:30 am. The train operates every 15-30 minutes, depending on the time of the day.

KL City Air Terminal (KL CAT) is an extension of KUL Airport, located inside KL Sentral. KL Transit and KL Ekspres head to KL City Air Terminal.

Although the tickets for KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit differ, fares for both trains are the same. Thus, adult passengers pay RM55 ($12,26/€11,90) for the ride from KL International Airport to KL Sentral, while children aged 6 to 15 are entitled to discounted fares (RM25 ($5,57/€5,40). Younger kids (three per paying adult) travel free of charge.

You can buy your tickets for the train ride to KL Sentral from the self-service ticket kiosks located at the train platform of the Main terminal of KLIA T1, as well as from its third level (Domestic and International Arrivals). Automatic machines can also be found on Level 2 of Gateway@klia 2 Mall and on the second floor of the main terminal building of KLIA terminal 2 (International and Domestic Arrivals of KLIA T2). You’ll also spot ticket counters. However, you can’t buy tickets from the ticket counters. Ticket counters at KLIA Airport are only for redemption and validation and provide info. 

You can buy your tickets using bank cards, e-wallets, or mobile devices. Cash payments aren’t accepted. Moreover, you can pay directly at the gates with bank cards or Touch ’n Go Cards. Touch’n Go Cards are rechargeable cards that can be used for rides on trains and buses, as well as to pay for toll and parking fees. Moreover, they can be used in some retail stores. A Touch ’n Go Card costs RM10 ($2,23/€2,26) and must be loaded with a minimum of RM20 ($4,46/€4,33). Online tickets are also available.

Once you reach KL Sentral, you’ll need to board the MR6 train, the Monorail line traveling to Bukit Bintang. The MR6 line operates every 7-12 minutes and takes 14 minutes to get to Bukit Bintang. A ticket for the ride from KL Sentral to Bukit Bintang costs RM2,50 ($0,56/€0,54) if you pay with cash and RM2,20 ($0,50/€0,48) if you use a Touch’n Go Card.

Therefore, the train transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport to Bukit Bintang lasts around 47 minutes and costs RM57,50 ($12,87/€12,47).

The KL TravelPass

A KL TravelPass is recommended for your ride from KL Airport to Bukit Bintang provided you plan to travel using the KL public transit network during your stay. Plus, the waiting lines for a ticket at KL Sentral are often long. Therefore, the KL TravelPass can save you time at KL Sentral Station. It is a Touch ’n Go Card that offers one-way or return rides on KLIA Ekspres (but not on KLIA Transit) and unlimited RapidKL train and bus journeys for two calendar days. If you buy a KL TravelPass including a one-way ticket from KUL Airport, you’ll pay RM88 ($19,61/€19). Alternatively, the KL Travel Pass including a return trip to KLIA Airport is priced at RM133 ($29,64/€28,74). Fares for Malaysian citizens are slightly cheaper. Please note that the pass includes an RM5 ($1,11/€1,08) amount of money, the minimum required to travel on RapidKL buses and trains. The RM5 ($1,11/€1,08) balance is refundable. Once the two-day period expires, holders of the KL TravelPass can load it with cash and use it as a Touch ’n Go Card.

Have you bought a KL TravelPass? You can use it for rides on KLIA Ekspres and the KL Monorail.

Car Rental from Kuala Lumpur Airport to Bukit Bintang

KLIA airport car rentals are the ideal way to get from KL Airport to Bukit Bintang if you enjoy independent rides. Kuala Lumpur Airport houses numerous car hire companies, featuring desks at both terminal buildings. Thus, travelers looking for the top value-for-money car hire will most likely find it as long as they make a thorough search of the available options and opt for an early reservation. 

Overall, if you plan to explore areas outside Kuala Lumpur, renting a car from the airport to Bukit Bintang is recommended. Indeed, traffic levels in KL are often high. Hence, although car transfers from KLIA to Bukit Bintang typically last around 75 minutes, they can be up to 100 minutes when roads are congested. Additionally, parking your Kuala Lumpur car rental in Bukit Bintang can be challenging. Does your accommodation feature parking facilities? You’ll conveniently park your car there. Otherwise, you’ll have to use one of the district’s car parks, as street parking is extremely limited. 

Private Airport Transfers from KL Airport to Bukit Bintang

Private Kuala Lumpur airport transfers are the ultimate option for your transportation from KLIA to Bukit Bintang. Providing comprehensive services, they are the top option for travelers valuing luxury during their travels. Have you booked a private airport transfer for your transfer from KL Airport to Bukit Bintang? Your assigned driver will be waiting for you at the Arrivals hall of your terminal, ready to assist you with your luggage and show you the way to the vehicle parked just outside the terminal. Moreover, your ride can be tailored to your exact needs. From the vehicle’s type to add-ons, such as luggage racks, children’s seats, etc., you can choose the necessary amenities to optimize your ride. On the other hand, private KLIA airport transfers are somewhat costlier than ordinary taxis. That being said, the provided services make it worth the extra money.

FAQs

How to reach Bukit Bintang from the airport?

Do you want to travel from Kuala Lumpur Airport to Bukit Bintang? Are you looking for the most convenient option? Airport taxis and private Kuala Lumpur airport transfers are the most hassle-free ways to get from KLIA to Bukit Bintang, while airport car rentals are recommended if you plan to travel beyond Kuala Lumpur as well. On the other hand, train and bus journeys are the most affordable alternatives. However, they don’t travel straight to Bukit Bintang, requiring a line change to reach your final destination.

How much is the train from KLIA to Bukit Bintang?

The two KLIA train lines link the airport to KL Sentral. Passengers reaching the train station need to change to MRL Line 6 (KL Monorail) to Bukit Bintang. The total train ride from KLIA to Bukit Bintang lasts around 47 minutes and costs RM57,50 ($12,87/€12,47).

How much is a taxi from KLIA to Bukit Bintang?

You’ll find metered and fixed-fare taxis at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The metered taxis charge around RM80 ($18,10/€17,40) – RM100 ($22,75/€21,86) for the ride from KL Airport to Bukit Bintang under normal traffic conditions. On the other hand, the ride with the black airport taxis that offer set-price journeys costs RM74 ($16,84/€16,18).