Getting from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to the city centre (and from the city to the airport) is rather straightforward and easy. There are several options to choose from, depending on your preferences regarding the time it takes, the money you have to spend and comfort.
1. Taxi
Obviously, one option is to use a taxi. The taxi might be comfortable, but not necessarily the quickest way depending on traffic. If you want to use a taxi, I suggest that you should find the taxi counter inside the airport rather than fall prey to some not necessarily reliable drivers outside. Expect to pay less than a hundred ringgits to the centre. If you have mobile data, and if you have the app, try to call a Grab car, which may or may not be cheaper than the official taxi. Even without mobile data, you can try to use the free airport Wifi.
I used the airport’s taxi service only once, from KLIA2. At the counter, you pay the full amount and get a voucher. Then you need to find the taxi stand on the ground floor – just ask anyone if you get lost, people are very helpful there.
My taxi driver was not very good, he wasn’t even able to follow the GPS directions, but anyway, he took me to my hotel – after a long cruising around the destination.
2. KLIA Express Train
One of the most popular, straightforward and comfortable, albeit not the cheapest option is to take the KLIA Express train, which takes you non-stop from KLIA to KL Sentral (the central transport hub of Kuala Lumpur). You can easily find the terminal both at KLIA 1 and KLIA 2, just follow the signs (or ask someone for directions). You need to buy the ticket at the ticket counter next to the trains, and you can pay by card or cash (RM55). You can also book your ticket online, in which case you save a few ringgits. Return tickets are also available. This is certainly the quickest option; it takes 30 minutes to get to Sentral, the trains are comfortable, with plenty of space for luggage, and there is even fri WiFi. The first train from the airport is at 5:30 am, the last train leaves at 1:10 am. From the city, the first train leaves at 5 am, the last one at 0:40 am.
3. Direct Bus
There is also a direct bus from KLIA to KL Sentral. With 15 ringgits, this is perhaps the cheapest option. At KLIA, go down to the ground floor, where the bus station is located. You need to find the lift, but be careful, only one of the lifts (on one side only) takes you to the bus terminal floor. Taking the escalators may be confusing, I got lost once this way. Once down on the street level, turn right, and you will need to walk out of the airport building, cross the street, and walk into the other building. Don’t expect big signs saying Bus terminal or anything like that. The ticket office is next to the main entrance. The bus takes you to the not-so-good-looking ground floor of KL Sentral. First it may seem that there are only stairs to walk up to the “civilised” floor, but walk a little further, and you will find a lift, too.
