Getting around Kuala Lumpur, the national capital and largest city of Malaysia covers an area of 243 km2 (94 sq mi).
The current metro area population of Greater Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Klang Valley, is 8,211,000, as of 2021.
For travelers and visitors, there are several hassle-free options for getting around the city center.
Kuala Lumpur is a busy city filled with plenty of sightseeing opportunities.
You can see state-of-the-art skyscrapers, luxurious condominiums, mega malls, five-star luxury hotels, old Chinese shops, charming Kopitiam, and even backpacker enclaves.
Transportation in Kuala Lumpur is diverse and efficient.
Whether you self-drive, take light-rail commuter trains, metered taxis, or use an extensive bus network, Kuala Lumpur (KL) is well-connected and accessible via an entire highway network.
The Kuala Lumpur highways are all very well connected.
- Federal Highway
- New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE)
- Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP)
- New Pantai Expressway (NPE)
- KESAS Highway
- Ekspress Lingkaran Timur Tengah (ELITE)
The shortfall of being in the middle of this giant network of highways is the traffic congestion and morning and evening hour rush caused by motorists.
Here are some easy transport suggestions for getting around KL when you arrive by flight to KL International Airport (KUL), KLIA, and KLIA2.
One of the most convenient and fastest ways to reach Kuala Lumpur City Centre is by train, which departs directly from the airport.
Hotels near Petronas Twin Towers – KLCC
- Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur USD288
- Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur USD124
- W Kuala Lumpur USD148
- The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur USD86
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is Malaysia’s primary international aviation gateway.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) is the world’s largest airport for budget airlines for
- Air Asia
- Cebu Pacific Air
- Tiger Airways
- Lion Air
Both KLIA and klia2 are approximately 35km south of the city center.
KLIA Ekspres Train – Kuala Lumpur Airport Train
The KLIA Ekspres train is the fastest and most convenient way for travelers from KLIA and KLIA2 to reach Kuala Lumpur.
Time to reach Kuala Lumpur city center
From International Airport KLIA – 28 minutes
From Domestic Airport klia2 – 33 minutes
The non-stop airport train is fully air-conditioned with comfortable seats and luggage storage compartments.
You get high-speed WiFi on the train.
KLIA Express operates at 15-minute intervals during peak hours and 20-minute intervals during off-peak hours and Saturdays
Temporary Suspension of ERL Train Services
Given the total lockdown directive from the Malaysian Government, the Express Rail Link (ERL) will stop operating from 4 June 221 until further notice.
Time for Trains
KLIA Ekspres train From KLIA departs at 05:00
Last train at 01:00
KLIA Ekspres train From KL Sentral depart at 05:00
Last train at 00:40
KLIA Ekspres train departs from KLIA and reaches KL Sentral in 28 minutes. Photo: Visit Malaysia
Tip: First-time visitors should familiarize themselves with the city’s public transportation. KL has efficient light rail transit, commuter rail, and monorail systems that connect almost every part of the city and beyond.
KL Sentral Station
KL Sentral is KL’s central railway station (it has officially replaced the old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station) and the largest train station in Southeast Asia.
The hub from which all long-distance trains depart is best known as the integration point of an urban rail-based network.
Other rail services besides the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) include the Light Rail Transit (LRT), monorail, and KTM Komuter.
Train in Kuala Lumpur
The trains in the city pass through iconic attractions such as KLCC, Central Market, and Muzium Negara.
If you’re visiting for an extended period, consider purchasing the cashless MyRapid Touch n Go card or weekly passes for cheaper fares.
The card can be used on all trains and RapidKL buses.
Taking A Taxi around Kuala Lumpur
In and around KL, a taxi is a convenient way to get around the city.
However, do insist on using the meter.
Do not be duped into haggling for a price.
According to the Land Public Transport Commission, regular budget taxis (red and white or red and blue cabs) charge RM3 for the first three minutes.
Subsequent distance or time are charged RM0.25 every 200m or 36 seconds.
For bigger groups and luggage, take Blue Cabs (Teksi Eksekutif) and Gold Cabs (Teks1M), but they charge a higher fee.
KL Metered Taxi. Photo KL Taxi
Ride-hailing Apps – By Car
Malaysia has a few ride-hailing options available.
Grab is one of the more popular options—you may even see a Grab Pick-up Point at the airport, malls, and hotels.
You can use the service by downloading an app.
If you are new to any city, getting a ride from a Ride-hailing app is safer.
The journey is recorded, and you can see where you are headed.
The only downside is that you will need mobile data or WiFi to operate the service.
You can also book regular taxis on some of these apps.
First, type in your starting and ending locations. Your location pin will automatically populate your starting location.
Self-drive in Kuala Lumpur
Going by ride-hailing app is the most convenient way to get around the city.
With the pandemic, you may want to avoid the trains as there are many commuters.
Driving around the city during off-peak hours would be a good and safe way to travel.
With plenty of car rental options available online or at the airport, you can easily pick up a car.
Having a car would allow travelers to quickly reach surrounding townships such as Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Gombak, and Shah Alam in Selangor.
Driving around KL is safe and relatively breezy.
Travel Tip: Avoid peak hours, as traffic congestion can set you back at least an hour!
Free Go KL buses
Look for the free purple Go KL buses, which serve the city center of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
To explore air-conditioned comfort, take one of the fully air-conditioned Go KL buses to get you to popular tourist attractions.
The bus lines are color-coded and scoot around the central business district, taking you to popular tourist sites and shopping districts.
- Green Line to go between KLCC and Bukit Bintang and stop near the Suria KLCC mall
- Purple Line connects Bukit Bintang to Chinatown
- Red Line to head towards the Chow Kit market
Go KL Bus Operating Hours from 6 am till 11 pm.
Free Go KL buses Photo:www.visitkl.gov.my.
If you want a drive-by, you can take a bus to quaint old neighborhoods like Petaling Jaya. You can also travel further on the RapidKL buses.
Buses in Kuala Lumpur
KL’s array of bus services is quite efficient, with a network of public express buses and several privately run services.
RapidKL is running 177 routes around the city.
There are four classes in the RapidKL fleet of buses
- express routes
- City shuttles
- trunk routes
- local shuttles
Within KL city center, there are five major bus hubs:
- KL Sentral
- KLCC, Maluri
- Titiwangsa
- Pudu Sentral
Express Buses are usually much faster than trains and tend to arrive at awkward times, such as in the middle of the night.
Getting Around Kuala Lumpur By Foot
Kuala Lumpur is notorious for its gridlocked traffic during peak hours.
Most travelers travel on foot to explore the heart of Old Kuala Lumpur.
The original commercial center is Chinatown, an area surrounding Petaling Street, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kuala Lumpur.
You can spend an entire day walking around these destinations, taking in the sights and sounds of street markets, temples, and shophouses.
Photo for illustration purposes only. Photo by Uriel Mont from Pexels
- Petaling Street Market
- Central Market
- Kasturi Walk
- Central Market
- Chan She Shu Yuen Clan Ancestral Hall
- Guan Di Temple 關帝廟
Many tourists and visitors prefer leisurely exploring Kuala Lumpur or just shopping and eating trips.
If you are short on time and the destinations are not on a train or bus route like Batu Caves, booking a guided tour saves time as you pick up and drop off at your hotel.
