Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), commonly known as KLIA, is Malaysia's primary international gateway and one of Southeast Asia's major aviation hubs. Located approximately 50 km south of Kuala Lumpur in Sepang, Selangor, the airport handles over 50 million passengers annually.

The airport operates from two separate terminals that are not connected airside:

• KLIA Main Terminal: Malaysia Airlines hub, full-service carriers, and most international airlines. Features the iconic cone-shaped roof and rainforest-inspired design by architect Kisho Kurokawa.
• KLIA2: Dedicated low-cost carrier terminal opened in 2014. Home to AirAsia (the world's largest low-cost carrier by fleet size), AirAsia X, and other budget airlines.

KLIA Main Terminal layout:

• Contact Pier C: Gates C1-C36 (domestic and regional flights)
• Satellite Building A: Gates A1-A11 (international flights, connected by Aerotrain)

KLIA2 layout:

• Single integrated terminal with Pier P (domestic) and Pier Q (international)
• Gateway@klia2 mall connected to the terminal

The two terminals are approximately 2 km apart and require a train or bus transfer. There is no airside connection between them.

KLIA is located 50 km south of central Kuala Lumpur in Sepang, Selangor. Travel times to the city center:

• KL Sentral: 28-33 minutes (KLIA Ekspres)
• KLCC/Petronas Towers: 45-60 minutes (train + transfer)
• Bukit Bintang: 50-70 minutes (depending on mode)

The KLIA Ekspres is the fastest option, while buses offer the most affordable transport. Grab (rideshare) provides door-to-door convenience.

Grab is the dominant rideshare app in Malaysia (Uber exited Southeast Asia in 2018). Download the app before arrival. Pickup points are at designated areas in both terminals.

Typical Grab fares:

• KL city center: RM75-100 (approximately $16-22 USD)
• KLCC/Petronas Towers: RM80-110
• Bukit Bintang: RM75-100
• Petaling Jaya: RM70-95

Fares vary based on demand, time of day, and traffic. Peak hour and late-night surcharges apply.

Metered taxis are available but less commonly used. Use the taxi coupon counter inside the arrivals hall to pre-pay for a fixed fare. This avoids disputes and ensures you use a registered taxi.

Typical prepaid taxi fares (budget taxis):

• KL Sentral: RM75-85
• KLCC: RM85-100
• Petaling Jaya: RM80-90

Premium taxis and executive cars are available at higher rates.

KLIA Ekspres (Express Train)

The KLIA Ekspres is the fastest way to reach Kuala Lumpur:

• Route: KLIA → KLIA2 → KL Sentral (non-stop)
• Duration: 28 minutes from KLIA, 33 minutes from KLIA2
• Fare: RM55 one-way (approximately $12 USD), RM100 return
• Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes
• Hours: 5:00am to 1:00am

From KLIA: Follow signs to "Train to City" in the Main Terminal Building. From KLIA2: The station is integrated into the terminal, Level 1.

KL Sentral is Kuala Lumpur's main transportation hub, with connections to:

• LRT (Kelana Jaya Line): To KLCC, Bukit Bintang
• MRT (Kajang Line): To Bukit Bintang, Merdeka
• KTM Komuter: To suburbs
• Monorail: To Bukit Bintang, Chow Kit

Discounts: Book online via the KLIA Ekspres website or app for 10-15% savings. Family and group discounts available.

KLIA Transit

The KLIA Transit is a slower commuter service that stops at intermediate stations:

• Stops: KLIA → KLIA2 → Salak Tinggi → Putrajaya → Bandar Tasik Selatan → KL Sentral
• Duration: 35-39 minutes to KL Sentral
• Fare: Same as KLIA Ekspres (RM55)
• Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes

Useful if you need to reach Putrajaya (Malaysia's administrative capital) or Bandar Tasik Selatan (for connections to other rail lines).

Buses

Several bus services connect KLIA/KLIA2 to Kuala Lumpur:

Skybus:

• To KL Sentral: RM12, approximately 75 minutes
• Departures every 30-45 minutes

Aerobus:

• To 1 Utama Shopping Centre: RM18
• To various KL destinations

Star Shuttle:

• Various destinations in the Klang Valley

Buses are significantly cheaper than the train but take 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. Book through the respective company websites or purchase at the Transportation Hub (KLIA) or Level 1 (KLIA2).

Both terminals offer multi-level car parks:

KLIA Main Terminal:

• Short-term (STCP): RM6/hour (first 2 hours), RM4/hour thereafter
• Long-term (LTCP): RM25/day (covered), RM15/day (open-air)

KLIA2:

• Short-term: RM5/hour (first 2 hours)
• Long-term: RM22/day (covered), RM14/day (open-air)

Pre-booking via the Malaysia Airports website can provide discounts of 15-20%. Free shuttle buses connect long-term car parks to terminals.

Both terminals offer a range of dining options from local Malaysian cuisine to international fast food.

KLIA Main Terminal:

• Old Town White Coffee: Malaysian coffee and toast
• Secret Recipe: Cakes and Malaysian dishes
• The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Coffee chain
• Nando's: Peri-peri chicken
• Marrybrown: Malaysian fast food chain
• Dome Café: International menu

KLIA Satellite Building A (airside):

• PappaRich: Malaysian cuisine
• Flight Club: Bar and grill
• Various quick-service restaurants

KLIA2:

• OldTown White Coffee: Multiple locations
• Nasi Kandar Pelita: Authentic Malaysian-Indian cuisine (landside)
• The Chicken Rice Shop: Local favorite
• BMS Organics: Vegetarian options
• Boost Juice: Fresh juices

Gateway@klia2 Mall (connected to terminal):

• Extensive food court with local and international options
• Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC: International chains
• Sushi Zanmai: Japanese
• Absolute Thai: Thai cuisine

For authentic Malaysian food at reasonable prices, try Old Town White Coffee for kopi (local coffee) and nasi lemak, or venture to the Gateway@klia2 food court.

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals:

• Network: "klogin" or "free-KLIA-WiFi"
• Duration: 3 hours free (can reconnect for more time)
• Speed: Adequate for browsing and email, variable for streaming

Registration with a mobile number may be required. Alternatively, connect to airline-specific or lounge WiFi if available.

SIM cards are available at multiple locations in both terminals:

Arrivals hall locations:

• Celcom: Major carrier with good coverage
• Maxis (Hotlink): Reliable network, tourist SIM available
• Digi: Budget-friendly prepaid options
• U Mobile: Competitive data packages

Typical tourist SIM pricing:

• 7-day tourist SIM with 15-20GB: RM30-40 (approximately $7-9 USD)
• 15-day SIM with 30GB: RM50-60
• 30-day SIM with unlimited data: RM75-100

Booths are located after immigration in arrivals. Staff can help activate and configure your SIM. Major carriers have good 4G coverage throughout Malaysia.

ATMs are located throughout both terminals, operated by major Malaysian banks:

• Maybank: Malaysia's largest bank
• CIMB: Major local bank
• Public Bank: Widely available
• RHB Bank: Multiple locations

Most ATMs dispense Malaysian Ringgit (MYR/RM). International cards on Visa, Mastercard, and Cirrus/Plus networks are accepted. Standard foreign transaction fees apply based on your home bank.

Currency exchange counters:

• Located in arrivals and departures at both terminals
• Rates are typically 3-5% worse than city center money changers

For better rates, use ATMs or exchange money at money changers in KL (Mid Valley, Bukit Bintang). Malaysia is increasingly card-friendly, but many smaller vendors prefer cash.

Currency: 1 USD ≈ RM4.40-4.60 (rates fluctuate)

KLIA offers duty-free shopping across both terminals:

KLIA Main Terminal (airside):

• Eraman Duty Free: Liquor, tobacco, chocolate, perfume
• Heinemann Duty Free: Cosmetics and luxury goods
• Royal Selangor: Malaysian pewterware (great souvenirs)
• Batik Boutique: Traditional Malaysian textiles

KLIA2:

• Eraman Duty Free: Multiple locations
• Various fashion and electronics stores

Gateway@klia2 Mall (landside):

• 200+ retail outlets
• Uniqlo, H&M, Cotton On: Fashion
• Jaya Grocer: Supermarket
• Guardian: Pharmacy

Malaysian souvenirs to look for:

• Royal Selangor pewter: High-quality pewterware
• Batik: Traditional fabric
• Boh Tea: Malaysian highland tea
• White coffee sachets: Ipoh-style coffee
• Dodol: Traditional sweet treat

Both terminals have lounge options for various travelers:

Priority Pass Lounges

KLIA Main Terminal:

• Plaza Premium Lounge (Satellite Building A): Hot food, showers, comfortable seating

KLIA2:

• Plaza Premium Lounge: Basic amenities, can get crowded during peak hours

Credit Card Lounges

• Plaza Premium accepts various credit card programs including Diners Club
• Some Malaysian bank cards (Maybank, CIMB) offer lounge access

Airline Lounges

KLIA Main Terminal:

• Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge (Domestic and International): For MH Business Class, Enrich Gold/Platinum, oneworld Sapphire/Emerald. Features local cuisine, showers, excellent facilities.
• Cathay Pacific Lounge: For Cathay Pacific and oneworld passengers
• Emirates Lounge: For Emirates Business/First Class

KLIA2:

• Limited lounge options as it primarily serves low-cost carriers
• Plaza Premium Lounge: Pay-per-use available (from RM130 for 3 hours)

The Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge is highly regarded, featuring satay bars and excellent Malaysian cuisine.

Day-Use Options

• Sama-Sama Express (KLIA): Airport transit hotel with day rooms from RM100/6 hours
• Capsule by Container Hotel (KLIA2): Budget capsule accommodation

Inside/Connected to the Airport:

KLIA Main Terminal:

• Sama-Sama Hotel: 5-star hotel connected to the main terminal via covered walkway. From RM400/night.
• Sama-Sama Express: Transit hotel airside for short stays. From RM150/6 hours.

KLIA2:

• Tune Hotel klia2: Budget hotel connected to the terminal. From RM150/night.
• Capsule by Container Hotel: Pod-style accommodation. From RM80/night.

Near the Airport:

• Hotel & Resort SKY View KLIA: Budget option with shuttle. From RM100/night.
• Palm Garden Hotel: 4-star hotel in Putrajaya (20 min away). From RM200/night.

For early morning departures, Sama-Sama Hotel offers the most convenient access. Budget travelers can use Tune Hotel at KLIA2 or the capsule hotel.

Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant, multicultural city with excellent food, shopping, and attractions:

From KLIA to Key Attractions:

• KLCC/Petronas Twin Towers: 45-60 minutes via train + LRT
• Bukit Bintang (shopping district): 50-70 minutes
• Batu Caves: 75-90 minutes via train + KTM
• Putrajaya: 20 minutes via KLIA Transit

Must-See Attractions:

• Petronas Twin Towers: Iconic 88-floor towers with Sky Bridge and observation deck (book tickets online in advance)
• Batu Caves: Hindu temple complex in a limestone cave (free entry)
• Merdeka Square: Historic colonial buildings and architecture
• Central Market: Arts, crafts, and souvenirs
• Jalan Alor: Famous street food alley in Bukit Bintang

Shopping:

• Pavilion KL (Bukit Bintang): Luxury shopping mall
• Suria KLCC: Mall at the base of Petronas Towers
• Mid Valley Megamall: One of Southeast Asia's largest malls
• Petaling Street: Chinatown market for bargains

Food to Try:

• Nasi Lemak: Coconut rice with sambal, Malaysia's national dish
• Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried flat noodles
• Roti Canai: Flaky flatbread with curry
• Satay: Grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce
• Teh Tarik: Pulled milk tea
• Cendol: Shaved ice dessert

Hawker Centers and Food Courts:

• Jalan Alor: Open-air street food (evening)
• Lot 10 Hutong: Air-conditioned food court in Bukit Bintang
• KLCC Food Court: Convenient if visiting the towers

Getting Around KL:

• Get a Touch 'n Go card at any convenience store for seamless payment on trains and buses
• MRT and LRT cover most tourist areas efficiently
• Grab is reliable for point-to-point travel
• KL traffic can be heavy; avoid driving during rush hours (7-9am, 5-8pm)

Practical Tips:

• English is widely spoken
• Tap water is not recommended for drinking; bottled water is inexpensive
• Malaysia uses Type G electrical plugs (same as UK)
• Modest dress recommended when visiting mosques and temples
• Tipping is not expected but appreciated