Getting to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Getting to Kuala Lumpur by Air

Traveling by air is the easiest and most convenient way of getting to Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia's national carrier, the Malaysia Airlines, or more popularly known as MAS flies between the capital and most major cities around the world. MAS is one of the only five airlines in the world to have been awarded a 5-star rating by Skytrax (a United Kingdom-based consultancy that conducts research for commercial airlines to find the best cabin staff, airport, airline and several other elements of air travel).

Besides MAS, Air Asia is one of Malaysia's largest domestic carriers. Air Asia is a low-cost airline and is Asia's leading low fare, no frills airline. If you're already in Thailand or Indonesia, and you're on a tight travel budget, you could choose to fly with Air Asia's affiliate airlines such as Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia. Air Asia is also the top choice among locals when flying domestically because of its attractive low fares.

Planes from all over the world arrive at Kuala Lumpur's International Airport, also known as KLIA. The airport is situated about 50 km from Kuala Lumpur City Centre. From KLIA, there are a few options you can take to get to Kuala Lumpur:-

1) Electronic Rail Link Express (ERL Express)

With speeds of up to 160km/h, the ERL is the fastest way to get to Kuala Lumpur. It only takes 28 minutes to reach KL Sentral (the main railway station of Kuala Lumpur) from KLIA. The ERL operates daily from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. and the frequency of the trains is 15 minutes once. It costs Ringgit Malaysia (RM)35 (Adult) and RM 15 (for children between ages 2-12 years) for a one-way trip from KLIA to KL sentral.

For the convenience and time saved, I would say it's very well worth it. I highly recommend the ERL for those who want a hassle free travel experience.

From KL Sentral, you can then board a taxi to your hotel.

2) Airport Express Coach

The Airport Express Coach is an alternative to get to Kuala Lumpur City Centre. You board the coach from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and then you have 2 options on where you would like to get off. You could either get off at the Duta Bus Terminal or at the Chan Sow Lin Light Rail Transit (LRT) Station. If you choose to get off at the Duta Bus Terminal, you can then board a taxi to your hotel. If you choose to get off at the Chan Sow Lin LRT Station, you can continue your journey to the city centre by boarding the LRT. The trip takes approximately 5 minutes.

The charges from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur on the Airport Express coach is as follows:-

KLIA to Duta Bus Terminal (one way)

RM 25.00 (Adult) and RM 13.00 (Child)

KLIA to Chan Show Lin LRT Station (one way)

RM 10.00 (Adult) and RM 6.00 (Child)

3) Taxi and Limo

Another alternative to get to Kuala Lumpur City Centre is by Taxi or Limo. There are 4 types of services provided by "Airport LIMO (M) Sdn. Bhd.":

(a) Budget - RM 67.40 (RM 86.40 Midnight)

(b) Premier- RM 92.40 (RM 118.40 Midnight)

(c) Luxury - RM 180.40 (RM 233.40 Midnight)

(d) Family - RM 180.40 (RM 233.40 Midnight)

*Fares shown are charged according to the destination and are subject to change.

*Midnight - 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.