How to Get from KLIA to KLCC

Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) › Airport to KLCC

Transportation from Kuala Lumpur Airport to City Center

Kuala Lumpur International Airport lies around 55km/34.1 miles from the city center of KL. Thus, travelers who want to reach KLCC after landing at KLIA Airport should expect a time-consuming ride to their destination. So, how to transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city center? Which option is most suitable for your preferences, needs, and budget? If you value convenience during your travels, you should consider catching a KLIA taxi or a private Kuala Lumpur airport transfer to KLCC. On the other hand, KLIA bus lines provide cheap yet long journeys from KLIA to KLCC, while KLIA trains are the fastest way to get to downtown Kuala Lumpur. That being said, they require a change of lines. Lastly, KLIA airport car rentals are recommended for the ride from Kuala Lumpur Airport to downtown if you plan to travel beyond the city limits as well.

KLIA to KLCC by Taxi

A KLIA taxi ride is one of the most comfortable ways to transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city center. However, you should keep in mind that Kuala Lumpur taxis have a bad reputation for scamming and overcharging passengers. Therefore, it is strongly advised to avoid rides with individual passengers and always catch your cab from the taxi ranks. Official taxis have a “Teksi” sign on their roofs and license plates starting with the letter “H”. Moreover, they bear their company’s logo on their doors and must display the driver’s and vehicle’s info on their interiors.

Women traveling alone should avoid taxi rides from KLIA to KLCC. They should use a taxi app instead. Some taxi companies also offer lady taxis driven by female drivers. They are also a safer option for airport rides.

There are three types of taxis at KL Airport. The red taxis are the most affordable option. They can accommodate up to 4 passengers and limited luggage. Blue taxis are premium, hence slightly more expensive, and more spacious, with a total capacity of 7 passengers. Both red and blue taxis are metered. 

If you opt for a metered ride with a red or blue taxi, you should never negotiate flat fares with the driver. They will almost certainly be higher than the taximeter’s indication.

On the other hand, Airport Limos (Airport taxis) are black cabs that provide set-price journeys. The black airport taxis can also be pre-booked. Finally, ride-hailing companies such as Grab operate at the airport.

Both terminals (KLIA T1, serving the conventional airlines, and KLIA T2, handling flights operated by low-cost air carriers) house taxi ranks. The KLIA terminal 1’s taxi stands lie on the Main terminal building’s Level 3 (outside the Domestic Arrivals and the International Baggage Claim Area), while T2’s taxi rank is located on the Transport Hub of Gateway@klia 2 (the shopping mall adjacent to the main building of T2), close to Door 4. 

The red and blue taxis offer metered rides. However, you’ll have to approach one of the taxi counters located in the taxi ranks and buy an RM2 ($0,45/€0,43) coupon. You’ll have to display that coupon to the first cab in line to catch it and begin the ride to KLCC. The taxi from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city center typically costs around RM80 ($18,10/€17,40) – RM100 ($22,75/€21,86), and its duration is approximately 60 minutes. That being said, traffic congestion is an everyday fact in KL. During rush hours, taxi rides can be longer and costlier. Plus, an RM1 ($0,23/€0,22) fee applies per piece of luggage, while toll fees are added to the final rate. Night rides (from midnight to 06:00 am) are 50% pricier. Some taxi companies also apply a small surcharge for each passenger starting from the third. On the other hand, tipping the driver is optional. Overall, cash is the only accepted payment method. A few blue taxis may also accept credit cards.

The black airport taxis offer flat rates for transportation from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city center. Hence, passengers pay for their rides at the taxi counters, according to their final destination. You should expect to pay RM74 ($16,84/€16,18) for a flat-price ride in a budget category vehicle to downtown. Cash and credit cards are accepted at the taxi counters.

KLIA to KLCC by Bus

KLIA bus lines linking KUL Airport to the city center are the cheapest way to travel downtown. However, they are time-consuming as they are dependent on traffic conditions.

Unfortunately, neither of the bus companies present at Kuala Lumpur Airport travel from KLIA to KLCC. Thus, passengers have to catch a bus from the airport to KL Sentral and change to the LTR train heading to the city center. Four bus companies travel from KLIA to KL Sentral:

• Airport Coach: It has available routes from 05:00 am to midnight from KLIA T1 and from 05:15 am to 00:15 am from KLIA T2.
• Skybus: Coaches leave from KLIA T1 from 05:30 am to 00:30 am and from KLIA T2 from 05:45 am to 00:45 am.
• Suasana Edaran: Buses run from 06:00 am to 01:00 am from KLIA terminal 1 and from 06:15 am to 01:15 am from KLIA terminal 2.
• Aerobus: It offers available routes from KLIA T1 to KL Sentral from 04:30 am to 11:30 pm and from KLIA T2 to KL Sentral from 04:45 am to 11:45 pm.

The bus stop at KLIA Terminal 1 (KLIA Bus Terminal) is located in Block C of the Short-Term Car Park (STCP), adjacent to the Main terminal building. In detail, it lies on its first level. KLIA terminal 2 houses a bus stop at the Gateway@klia Mall, the shopping facility inter-connected to the main building. Gateway@klia2 houses a Transport Hub on its first floor. The bus stop can be found there. Ticket counters are available at the bus stops of both terminals. Please note that you can buy your ticket from any of them. Indeed, regardless of the chosen kiosk and the bus company, you’ll be given a bus ticket for the next bus route to your destination. Cash and bank payments are accepted, along with e-wallet payments. You can also reserve your ticket online. Overall, many bus companies offer discounted fares for kids, while children younger than two travel for free. However, only adult tickets are available for online reservations. The bus ride to KL Sentral lasts around one hour and costs RM15 ($3,34/€3,27) from T1 and RM16 ($3,57/€3,49) from KLIA T2. During peak hours, rides to KL Sentral may last up to 90 minutes.

Once passengers disembark at KL Sentral, they have to catch the KJL Line (Kelana Jaya Line), the LTR train running to KLCC. It operates every 3-12 minutes, depending on the time of the day, and reaches KLCC in 13 minutes, costing RM4,30 ($0,97/€0,93) if you buy your ticket with cash and RM3,80 ($0,86/€0,83) if you pay with a Touch’n Go rechargeable card.

Therefore, transportation from KLIA to KLCC via bus and train will last about 80 minutes and cost approximately RM19,30 ($4,36/€4,19).

Our Tip: If you plan to use the RapidKL trains and buses during your stay in Kuala Lumpur, you can get 1-, 2-, or 3-day passes that allow seamless cashless payments and offer benefits and discounts.

KLIA to KLCC by Train

The KLIA train lines are the fastest way to travel to downtown Kuala Lumpur. However, they reach KL Sentral, requiring an additional ride from that point to KLCC. That being said, they don’t depend on traffic levels, are air-conditioned and accessible, offer free 5G Wi-Fi, and are equipped with luggage storage space and a digital infotainment system.

Thus, KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit travel from KLIA to KL Sentral. They stop at both terminals. The train station at terminal 1 can be found on the first level of the Main terminal building, while the KLIA T2 Train Station is situated in Gateway@klia2, the shopping mall adjacent to the main building of T2. Passengers can buy tickets from Level 2 and descend to the first level to catch the train. Both KLIA train lines terminate their routes at KL Sentral, in the KL City Air Terminal located inside the railway station’s premises, to be precise. However, KLIA Ekspres runs directly to KL Sentral, whereas KL Transit makes three in-between stops, resulting in a 7-minute longer route to its terminus. Explicitly, KLIA Ekspres runs from KLIA T1 from 05:00 am to 00:05 am and reaches KL Sentral in 28 minutes. Moreover, it has available routes from KLIA T2 from 04:55 am to midnight. The journey from that terminal lasts 33 minutes. It operates at a 20-minute frequency. On the other hand, KLIA Transit departs from KLIA T1 from 05:22 am to 00:34 am and gets to KL Sentral in 35 minutes, while it operates from KLIA T2 from 05:18 am to 00:30 am, every 15-30 minutes. Its traveling time from KLIA terminal 2 to KL Sentral is 39 minutes.

Although similarly priced, there are different tickets for KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit trains. 

The ticket for the ride from KUL Airport to KL Sentral costs RM55 ($12,26/€11,90) for adult passengers and RM25 ($5,57/€5,40) for children aged 6 to 15. Younger kids travel for free. Tickets can be bought from the automated ticket machines located on the Platform of KLIA T1 Train Station (level 1 of the Main terminal) and Level 3 of the Main terminal building (Domestic and International Arrivals). Self-service ticket kiosks can also be found on Level 2 of Gateway@klia 2 Mall and Level 2 of the T2’s main building (International and Domestic Arrivals). Cash payments aren’t accepted. However, you can pay for your train fares via bank cards, mobile devices, and e-wallets. Online purchases are also an option. In fact, they offer 10% discounted fares. Finally, you can pay contactless -via a bank card or a Touch’n Go Card- directly at the gates. Touch’n Go Cards are rechargeable cards that can be used for rides with public means of transit, as well as to pay for toll and parking fees. They are valid even at some retail stores. They cost RM10 ($2,23/€2,26) and must be loaded with a minimum of RM20 ($4,46/€4,33).

Have you reached KL Sentral? You’ll have to catch the KJL LRT Line traveling from KL Sentral to KLCC. The Kelana Jaya Line runs every 3 minutes during peak hours and every 8-12 minutes at other times, and it takes 13 minutes to get to KLCC. Its ticket costs RM4,30 ($0,97/€0,93) for cash payments and RM3,80 ($0,86/€0,83) if you use a Touch’n Go rechargeable card.

Therefore, the train ride from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city center will last around 50 minutes and cost RM59,30 ($13,41/€12,90).

The KL TravelPass

The KL TravelPass is a Touch’n Go Card that offers one-way or return trips on KLIA Ekspres from and to the airport and unlimited rides on RapidKL buses and trains for two calendar days. The KL TravelPass offering a one-way ride on KLIA Ekspres costs RM88 ($19,61/€19), while if you want a return trip to the airport, you’ll need to pay RM133 ($29,64/€28,74). Please note that these prices apply to non-Malaysian travelers. The pass includes a refundable RM5 ($1,11/€1,08) amount, which is the minimum amount of money required to travel on RapidKL buses and trains. Following the end of the two days, you can load the TravelPass with cash and use it as a Touch’n Go Card. 

Thus, a TravelPass will be valid for both train transfers from KLIA to KLCC, as the Kelana Jaya LRT Line is a RapidKL train.

Our Tip: Touch’n Go Cards are recommended as waiting lines at the KL Sentral’s ticket machines can be long.

Car Rental from Kuala Lumpur Airport to City Center

KLIA airport car rentals are widely favored by passengers planning to explore the scenic Malaysian countryside and as many Malaysian destinations as possible during their stay or even cross the borders and head to Singapore. Indeed, although driving around Kuala Lumpur can be challenging as traffic is often hectic and parking difficult, Kuala Lumpur car rentals offer the freedom of autonomous journeys and the flexibility to customize your rides according to your everyday needs. Various car hire companies are present at KL International Airport, with their desks lying at the Short-Term Car Park of KLIA terminal 1 and the Transportation Hub of KLIA terminal 2 (inside the Gateway@klia 2 Mall). In general terms, the provided services are top quality, and prices tend to be competitive. In any case, early reservations usually include more deals and lower rates.

The ride with your Kuala Lumpur car rental from KLIA to KLCC should last around 60 minutes. Nevertheless, if roads are congested, you may need up to 1.5 hours to reach the city center. Does your accommodation offer parking services? You’ll conveniently park your vehicle there. Alternatively, you should keep in mind that street parking in downtown Kuala Lumpur can be quite tricky. Plus, it is paid and comes with time restrictions. Fortunately, several car parks are located around Kuala Lumpur, while shopping malls feature spacious parking facilities.

Private Airport Transfers from Kuala Lumpur Airport to City Center

Despite being convenient, Kuala Lumpur airport taxis are known for scamming passengers. On the other hand, airport car rentals guarantee independent and pleasant journeys, provided you don’t mind traffic and the lack of parking downtown. Therefore, it is evident that private Kuala Lumpur airport transfers are the most convenient and lavish way to travel from KLIA to KLCC. You’ll be welcomed at the airport by your assigned driver, who will help you with your luggage and show you the way to the vehicle of your choice parked outside the terminal. A seamless, safe, and comfortable ride to your destination in Kuala Lumpur is on the way. Do you want to customize your journey from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city center? Private KLIA airport transfer companies at KUL Airport offer many side amenities. All you’ll have to do is choose the necessary add-ons (luggage racks, children’s seats, etc.) to tailor your trip to your exact needs.

FAQs

How do I go to KLCC from KLIA 1?

If you want to travel from KLIA terminal 1 (or KLIA terminal 2) to downtown Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find many available transit options. Indeed, you can opt for a taxi ride or a private Kuala Lumpur airport transfer from KLIA to KLCC or even rent a car at the airport for your journey. Alternatively, bus rides are the cheapest way to reach the city center, while trains are the fastest option. Still, both bus and train rides aren’t direct, meaning that they don’t go straight to KLCC.

How much does a taxi cost from KLIA to KLCC?

You’ll find metered taxis (red and blue cabs) and flat-price cabs (black airport taxis) for your ride from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city center. In any case, the usual fare for the taxi ride from KLIA to KLCC is RM80 ($18,10/€17,40) – RM100 ($22,75/€21,86), while the journey lasts about 60 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

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

Two train lines run from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city center. Thus, KLIA Ekspres travels directly from KLIA to KL Sentral, while KLIA Transit makes three intermediate stops before reaching its terminus. The ticket for both lines is RM55 ($12,26/€11,90). However, you’ll need to change to the Kelana Jaya Line at KL Sentral to reach the city center. Hence, the total cost of your journey will be RM59,30 ($13,41/€12,90).

How long does it take from Kuala Lumpur Airport to city center?

A car ride from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city center lasts 60 minutes if roads aren’t congested. However, journeys can last up to 90 minutes during rush hours. On the other hand, buses offer cheap but indirect services from KLIA to KLCC. Thus, they take around 80-90 minutes to get to downtown KL. Finally, train rides are the fastest alternative. Verily, even though they don’t go straight to KLCC either, their traveling time from the airport to the heart of the city is around 50 minutes.