KLIA to the City: Airport Transfer Guide

From KLIA to the city, the KLIA Ekspres train is the no-brainer: 28 minutes nonstop to KL Sentral, RM55 one-way (about 10% cheaper booked online). A friend would say take the train unless you've got heavy bags or a group, then Grab is comparable and drops you at your door. Both beat the overpriced airport taxi coupons.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Should I take a taxi from KLIA?

Skip the traditional taxi-coupon counters, which tend to be pricier. Use Grab (the app-based option with upfront fares) or the train instead. Follow the app's signs to the designated pickup area rather than accepting touts inside the terminal.

What's the fastest way from KLIA to the city center?

The KLIA Ekspres train, nonstop to KL Sentral in 28 minutes from Terminal 1 (about 33 from KLIA2). It runs every 20 minutes all day. Nothing on the road beats it for time, since traffic can turn the drive into an hour-plus.

Is Grab cheaper than the train from the airport?

For one or two people, the train is usually faster and competitive on price. For a group of three or four with luggage, a Grab split can work out similar per person and drops you right at your hotel. Just expect roughly an hour in traffic and possible rain surge pricing.

How much does the KLIA Ekspres cost?

A standard adult one-way is RM55, and a return is RM100. You save about 10% booking through the KLIA Ekspres app or website in advance. Kids aged 2-12 are RM25.

Where does the KLIA Ekspres drop me, and can I get to my hotel from there?

It terminates at KL Sentral, the city's main transport hub, where you connect to MRT, LRT, Monorail and Grab. Some airline passengers can even check in there. From KL Sentral, most hotels are a short train ride or cheap Grab away.

What time does the airport train run until?

KLIA Ekspres runs roughly 5am to midnight, every 20 minutes, seven days a week including holidays, with late trains stopping at all stations and service extended to around 1am. If you land after that, Grab or an airport bus is your fallback.

Is there a cheaper train option than KLIA Ekspres?

There's also the KLIA Transit, which uses the same line but stops at intermediate stations, so it's a bit slower but can be cheaper and handy if your destination is along the route. There are budget airport buses too, taking around an hour for a fraction of the price if you're not in a rush.

How do I get from KLIA to KLIA2 (the two terminals)?

The KLIA Ekspres train links Terminal 1 and KLIA2 in about 3 minutes, and there's also a free shuttle bus. If you're connecting between a full-service flight at T1 and a budget flight at KLIA2, factor this hop into your timing.