Transportation from KLIA to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan
TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) is a modern and technologically advanced bus terminal in Kuala Lumpur. In fact, it is one of the main bus terminals in the Malaysian capital, featuring a wide variety of retail stores and dining facilities, and even resembling a busy aviation hub. TBS lies 50km/31 miles from KL International Airport, linked to the major airport in Malaysia via several transit options. KLIA airport taxis and private Kuala Lumpur airport transfers provide convenient services from KLIA to TBS, while airport car rentals are favored by passengers who enjoy autonomous journeys. On the other hand, travelers looking for a more affordable alternative can choose between bus rides and journeys on the fast KLIA Transit Train.
| Options | Price (RM) | Price ($) | Price (€) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 95 | 21,40 | 20,60 | 40 min |
| Bus | 12-14 | 2,70-3,12 | 2,60-3,05 | 75-90 min |
| Train | 38,40 | 8,65 | 8,34 | 30 min |
KLIA to TBS by Taxi
You may feel hesitant to take a taxi from Kuala Lumpur Airport. Truth be told, KLIA airport taxis don’t have a good reputation. Kuala Lumpur taxis, in general, are known for scamming passengers and trying to overcharge first-time visitors. However, not all taxis are unreliable. Thus, if you catch your cab from the official taxi stand, avoid negotiating fares with the driver, and check that the taximeter works properly (for metered rides), you should enjoy a pleasant journey to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. It goes without saying that you should never accept offers by individual, unlicensed drivers. In any case, it is advisable for women traveling solo to use a taxi app that allows them to keep track of the route and be informed about the driver’s details. Alternatively, they can book a lady taxi -lady taxis are cabs driven by female drivers- for their ride from KLIA to TBS to be on the safe side.
The KL airport taxi ranks can be found on both terminals. Hence, KLIA terminal 1 features two taxi ranks, on Level 3 of the Main terminal, outside the Domestic and International Arrivals. KLIA terminal 2’s taxi stand is located on the Transportation Hub, on the first floor of Gateway@klia 2 Mall. Gateway@klia2 is the shopping mall lying next to the main building of the terminal, inter-connected to its premises. The taxi rank is situated close to Door 4.
Red and blue taxis are lining up at KLIA taxi ranks. They are both metered, bearing a “Teksi” sign on their roofs and the company’s logo on their doors. Moreover, their license plates start with the letter H. Red cabs are cheaper. That being said, they can fit up to 4 passengers and have limited luggage storage space. On the other hand, blue cabs are slightly more expensive and can accommodate up to 7 passengers.
Rides with red or blue taxis from Kuala Lumpur Airport to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan are metered, hence dependent on traffic. Thus, although the journey with a cheap red taxi to TBS costs around RM95 ($21,40/€20,60), it can be pricier during peak hours. You should keep in mind that tipping the driver is up to you. It isn’t obligatory. Conversely, other surcharges apply. Hence, each piece of luggage comes with an RM1 ($0.23/€0.22) extra fee, while toll fees must be paid by the passenger. Moreover, some taxi companies charge an extra fee of RM2 ($0,45/€0,43) for each passenger starting from the third and on. Are you traveling during the night shift (from midnight to 06:00 am)? Your drive will be 50% pricier. Finally, you must approach one of the taxi counters located at the taxi ranks and pay an RM2 ($0,45/€0,43) fare before catching your KLIA taxi. You’ll be given a coupon. You’ll need to display it to the first taxi in line to begin your trip from KLIA to TBS. Cash payments are typically accepted. Therefore, if you want to pay with a credit card, you should discuss it with the driver.
Is the taxi driver trying to negotiate a supposedly lower flat fare? You should refuse such offers, as they are often a trick to overcharge passengers.
Are you looking for a set-price taxi option for your transportation from KLIA to TBS? You should catch one of the black cabs present at KUL Airport. They offer premier services. However, there are vehicle categories in this case, too (budget, premium, family, etc.). Taxi counters for black airport taxis are located close to the taxi lines at the airport taxi ranks. Passengers pay their fares (in cash or via bank cards) depending on their destination and begin the ride to their journey’s end. Budget black airport taxis charge RM74 ($16,67/€16,04) for the drive to TBS.
Overall, the taxi transfer from KLIA to TBS lasts around 40 minutes and costs RM74 ($16,67/€16,04) to RM95 ($21,40/€20,60). However, the duration of the trip can be up to 70 minutes during rush hours, while fares for metered taxis are also higher if roads are congested.
Our Tip: Ride-hailing services are available at KL International Airport. Thus, you can use one of the relevant apps and book your taxi ride. Grab is one of the most popular ride-hailing options.
KLIA to TBS by Bus
KLIA bus lines also link KLIA to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. They are affected by traffic levels, meaning that journeys can be long, but they are the cheapest way to reach the busy bus terminal.
Are you landing at KLIA terminal 1? You should head to the KLIA Bus Terminal, located in Block C of the Short-Term Car Park (STCP), the parking lot lying adjacent to the Main terminal, directly accessible from its second level. In detail, it can be found on Level 1 of the STCP. You’ll find several ticket counters at the KLIA Bus Terminal. You can approach any of them, as all ticket kiosks provide tickets for all bus companies. Thus, you’ll be given a ticket for the next bus route from KLIA to TBS, regardless of the bus company operating the route.
On the other hand, the bus stop at KLIA terminal 2 is located in the Transportation Hub housed inside Gateway@klia2 Mall, the shopping mall next to the main building of terminal 2. Ticket counters are available there. All ticket booths offer tickets for all bus operators.
You can pay for your bus fare in cash or via a bank card. You can also use e-wallets or purchase your ticket online. Nevertheless, although some bus companies offer lower fares for children, you can only buy adult tickets online. In any case, kids younger than two don’t have to pay for their bus rides.
Buses from KLIA terminal 1 to TBS
- Starmart Express: It runs five times a day from KLIA to TBS, at 08:45 am, 12:30 pm, 02:00 pm, 06:00 pm, and 08:30 pm (fare: RM12 ($2,70/€2,60)
- JetBus: It offers available routes from 04:15 am to 01:15 am (fare: RM13 ($2,90/€2,83)
Buses from KLIA terminal 2 to TBS
- Starmart Express: Starmart Express runs from KLIA T2 to TBS at 08:30 am, 12:15 pm, 01:45 pm, 02:30 pm, 04:45 pm, 05:45 pm, and 08:15 pm (fare: RM13 ($2,90/€2,83)
- JetBus: Jetbus has available routes from 04:30 to 01:30 am (fare: RM14 ($3,12/€3,05)
- Aerobus: Aerobus departs from KLIA to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan at 02:00 pm (fare: RM13 ($2,90/€2,83)
- Billion Stars Express: Buses depart from the bus stop at KLIA terminal 2 three times a day, at 08:15 am, 05:00 pm, and 11:59 pm (fare: RM13 ($2,90/€2,83)
Thus, a bus transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport to TBS costs around RM12 ($2,70/€2,60) to RM14 ($3,12/€3,05), depending on the chosen bus provider and the departure terminal. Buses take around 75 minutes to travel from KLIA terminal 1 to TBS and 90 minutes to reach TBS from KLIA T2. Expectantly, if traffic levels are high, journeys are longer.
KLIA to TBS by Train
Two trains run from KLIA Airport to Kuala Lumpur. However, only one of them reaches TBS. Thus, although KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit -both air-conditioned and accessible, equipped with luggage storage, and offering free 5G Wi-Fi- depart from KUL Airport, only KLIA Transit stops close to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan.
KLIA Transit links both KLIA terminals to TBS. Thus, you’ll find KLIA terminal 1’s railway station on the first level of the Main terminal building, while KLIA terminal 2’s train station is located in the Transportation Hub of the Gateway@klia2 Mall, the shopping establishment lying next to the terminal building, linked to its premises. In detail, ticket counters and machines lie on the second floor of Gateway@klia 2, while the train platform is located on Level 1.
KLIA Transit runs from 05:22 am to 00:34 am from terminal 1 and from 05:18 am to 00:30 am from terminal 2. It operates at a 15-minute frequency during peak hours and every 30 minutes during non-rush hours. KLIA Transit heads to Bandar Tasik Selatan, the station connected to TBS via a pedestrian bridge. The travel time from KLIA T1 to Bandar Tasik Selatan is 27 minutes, while the train takes 31 minutes from KLIA T2 to the station next to TBS.
You can buy your train tickets from the ticket machines lying on Level 3 of T1’s Main Terminal (International and Domestic Arrivals) and at terminal 1’s train platform. Moreover, self-service kiosks are available on terminal 2’s second floor (Arrivals area) and Level 2 of Gateway@klia 2 (please note that the train platforms can be found on the mall’s first floor). You’ll also spot ticket desks. However, ticket counters don’t sell tickets but provide information, as well as handle redemptions and validations.
While cash payments aren’t accepted, you can use bank cards, e-wallets, or mobile devices. Do you want to avoid waiting lines at the automatic payment machines? You can pay directly at the gates with a bank card or a Touch ’n Go Card. Touch ’n Go are rechargeable cards. They cost RM10 ($2,23/€2,26) and can be used for train and bus rides, as well as to pay in collaborating retail stores and for parking and toll fees. Please keep in mind that you must load your card with a minimum of RM20 ($4,46/€4,33). Last but not least, you can also buy your train tickets online.
The train fare for the journey from KLIA to TBS is RM38,40 ($8,65/€8,34) for adult passengers, whereas kids aged 6 to 15 pay RM17,30 ($3,90/€3,76) for their trip to TBS. Younger children (up to three per paying adult) travel for free.
Our Tip: Please note that there are weekly and monthly travelcards, valid for rides on KLIA Transit. However, KL TravelPass only includes journeys on KLIA Ekspres.
Car Rental from KLIA to TBS
Kuala Lumpur Airport houses several car hire companies. International agencies and local providers have desks inside both KLIA terminals, while many companies operate at the airport even though they feature off-airport desks. A KLIA airport car rental is recommended for the transfer from KLIA to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan if you value independent rides and want flexibility in your schedule. Check and compare the available options, and you’ll definitely find a value-for-money rental car. Even more so, if you book your car hire early in advance, you’ll benefit from lower prices and a wider selection of vehicle models.
The ride from KLIA to TBS lasts around 40 minutes. That being said, if traffic is heavy, you should expect longer journeys. Thus, you may need up to 70 minutes to reach the bus terminal. Are you wondering where to park the Kuala Lumpur rental car once you reach TBS? Fortunately, Terminal Bersepadu Selatan features parking facilities. Therefore, you can park your vehicle in the parking zones located on levels 4, 5, and 6 of the terminal. Please keep in mind that although the provided parking services are paid, motorcycle parking is free of charge.
Private Airport Transfers from KLIA to TBS
What is the most comfortable way to reach the busy bus terminal from Kuala Lumpur Airport? Private KLIA airport transfers are, undoubtedly, the ideal option for your transportation if you set luxury and comfort as top priorities during your travels. Indeed, private airport transfers come with many benefits. Thus, a driver is assigned to each ride, patiently waiting at the Arrivals hall of KLIA Airport, ready to help passengers with their luggage and guide them to the vehicle parked near the terminal building. Area-knowledgeable and highly skilled, drivers not only handle relaxed and pleasant rides to the exact location of the passengers’ destinations but also give useful insights on the top things to do in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, customers can customize their rides. By selecting the vehicle type and adding amenities, such as luggage racks, children’s seats, etc., they enjoy drives tailored to their needs. Therefore, if you aren’t traveling on a budget, you should consider reserving a private Kuala Lumpur airport transfer from KLIA to TBS.
FAQs
How do I go from KLIA to TBS?
Airport taxis and private KLIA airport transfers are convenient ways to travel from KLIA to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. Moreover, car rentals are also available at Kuala Lumpur Airport. Finally, several bus lines and the KLIA Transit Train depart from the airport, heading to TBS.
How far is TBS from the airport?
Kuala Lumpur International Airport lies 50km/31 miles from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. Thus, a car ride from KLIA to TBS typically lasts around 40 minutes. However, if roads are congested, journeys may last up to 70 minutes.
How long is the bus from KLIA2 to TBS?
Several bus companies provide routes from both terminals to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. Overall, bus rides from KLIA terminal 2 to TBS last approximately 90 minutes under normal traffic conditions. During rush hours, journeys are more time-consuming.
How much is it from KLIA to TBS?
If you catch an airport taxi for your ride from KLIA to TBS, you should expect to pay around RM95 ($21,40/€20,60), while a bus ride to the bus terminal costs RM12 ($2,70/€2,60) to RM14 ($3,12/€3,05), depending on the selected route and the departure KLIA terminal. On the other hand, the journey with KLIA Transit is priced at RM38,40 ($8,65/€8,34).