KL Monorail guide
Getting around Kuala Lumpur to hop from mall to mall and cafe to cafe seems straightforward enough on a map. But there’s often just one thing hindering our plans: the clog of vehicles on the road that adds more than a few minutes to our excursions.
This is where public transportation comes in handy. Enter the KL Monorail, which travels exclusively within the capital city.
We’ve put together this ultimate guide to help you navigate the line like a true local, including all the KL hotspots that it reaches, like Bukit Bintang and Chow Kit, and ride fares.
Table of Contents
The history of KL Monorail
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The KL Monorail began operations on 31st August 2003. Initially known as the People-Mover Rapid Transit Line, it connected with other Rapid KL rail systems, namely the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). Together, they would form the nation’s Klang Valley Integrated Transit System.
Image credit: @gypsypianist via Instagram
Despite initial challenges, including issues with infrastructure planning, the completed monorail became an important mode of travel within the capital city among both locals and tourists alike.
It stands as the only operational monorail system in Malaysia and an integral part of the city. Its presence is particularly notable in KL’s bustling Bukit Bintang, where trains travel over the Shibuya-like road crossing there, adding a cyberpunk vibe to the area, especially come night fall.
How to identify the KL Monorail line
Image credit: Maps Kuala Lumpur
The KL Monorail is identified by a light green line on Rapid KL’s transit maps. It features a straddle-beam, single-rail track design and operates on an 8.6km long elevated track, connecting KL Sentral to Titiwangsa.
A journey from end to end takes approximately 30 minutes, so it’s recommended to hop on the line if you’re looking to get between KL hotspots quickly – think of it like an express line.
Breakdown of stations on the KL Monorail line
Image adapted from: @klcityscapes via Instagram
The KL Monorail line consists of 11 elevated stations, each strategically located to serve major commercial, tourist, and residential areas within the capital.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the stations, their operating hours, nearby attractions, and ride fares:
| Station | Last train towards Titiwangsa | Last train towards KL Sentral | Nearby attractions | Fares from KL Sentral |
| KL Sentral | 11.30pm | – | NU Sentral | – |
| Tun Sambanthan | 11.32pm | 12.15am | Brickfields | RM1.30 |
| Maharajalela | 11.36pm | 12.12am |
| RM2 |
| BBCC-Hang Tuah | 11.38pn | 12.10am | LaLaport BBCC | RM2.50 |
| Imbi | 11.40pm | 12.08am | Berjaya Times Square | RM2.70 |
| Bukit Bintang | 11.42pm | 12.06am |
| RM2.20 |
| Raja Chulan | 11.44pm | 12.04am | Helipad Kuala Lumpur | RM2.40 |
| Bukit Nanas | 11.46pm | 12.02am |
| RM2.70 |
| Medan Tuanku | 11.48pm | 12am | Quill City Mall | RM3 |
| Chow Kit | 11.50pm | 11.58am | Chow Kit Market | RM3.20 |
| Titiwangsa | – | 11.55am |
| RM3.50 |
KL Sentral
NU Sentral
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The starting point of the KL Monorail is conveniently located at KL Sentral. The station connects important rail lines, including the KLIA Transit and KLIA Ekspres that travels down to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA); the KTM Komuter, which accommodates interstate travels; and the LRT line that links towns and neighbourhoods within Klang Valley.
Image credit: NU Sentral
The station is also directly connected to NU Sentral, a huge 7-storey mall with staple brands like Watsons and Miniso, and a whole slew of popular eateries. You can view the mall’s full list of stores here.
Tun Sambanthan
Brickfields
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If you’re looking to explore the vibrant Brickfields, then alight at Tun Sambanthan. The station is located near the area, which locals often refer to as the ‘Little India’ of KL because of its vibrant Indian shops and eateries.
Some must-try food spots include Brickfields Pisang Goreng, which sells a variety of fried fritters for under RM5, and MTR, a Michelin-approved South Indian eatery with a history that dates back to 1924.
For shopping, turn to Jalan Tun Sambanthan, where you’ll find small shops carrying all sorts of local goods, including sarees, spices, and more.
Maharajalela
Petaling Street
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The Maharajalela station will bring you close to several prominent areas in KL. They include the historic Merdeka Stadium, the site of the official declaration of independence of Malaysia on 31st August 1957.
The landmark Petaling Street is also approximately 10 minutes away on foot, or about 2km. The area covers a street market best known for local food and bargains, as well as Central Market, the popular arts and culture hub, and Kwai Chai Hong, which boasts pretty cafes and vibrant street art.
BBCC-Hang Tuah
LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre
Image adapted from: @foodmsia via Instagram
Hang Tuah serves as an important interchange station that connects with the Ampang and Sri Petaling LRT lines. You can also easily access LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre from here.
The mall has a good collection of Japanese fashion retailers and eateries. For entertainment, there’s a retro-themed GSC, a rooftop garden with a go-kart track, and the city’s latest immersive digital art gallery, Immersify KL.
Imbi
Berjaya Times Square
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Those looking to spend a day exploring the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia at Berjaya Times Square can alight at Imbi – the monorail station is located just in front of the mall. This towering attraction has other entertainment spots too, including a bowling alley, escape room, and claw machine arena.
Bukit Bintang
Pavilion KL
Image credit: @aereonwong via Instagram
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Bukit Bintang is a popular destination for shoppers. The KL Monorail drops passengers off at Bukit Bintang station, close to Pavilion KL and other shopping malls such as Lot 10, Fahrenheit 88, and Starhill Gallery. China’s KKV, which carries lifestyle and beauty products from RM2.90, also has its flagship store in Bukit Bintang.
Raja Chulan
Helipad Kuala Lumpur
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The Raja Chulan station mainly serves commuters who need to access Wisma Genting, and tourists who are spending the night at nearby hotels like the Holiday Inn Express KL. The popular Helipad Kuala Lumpur, a rooftop bar on an actual helipad, is just a 5-minute walk from the station, too.
Bukit Nanas
KL Forest Eco Park
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For an escape to nature without leaving the city, KL Forest Eco Park is a must-visit spot. The ticketed attraction is just next to the KL Tower and accessible via the Bukit Nanas station. It features a canopy walkway that extends 200m over trees and several hiking trails suitable for newbie and seasoned hikers.
Medan Tuanku
Quill City Mall
Image credit: B+ H Architects
The Medan Tuanku station is directly connected to Quill City Mall on its second floor. It’s one of the city’s more laidback malls, with a good number of eateries, an NSK Grocer, a GSC branch, and an outlet of the entertainment sports hub, Game On.
The Row, which houses a collection of eateries in conjoined heritage buildings, is just a stone’s throw away too.
Chow Kit
Chow Kit Market
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The Chow Kit station is within walking distance of major hospitals in the city, including the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital, and also hotels such as the Grand Seasons Hotel and Hilton Garden Inn.
Image credit: @klcityscapes via Instagram
As Chow Kit is relatively small, you can pretty much get around much of it without crazy long walks, including to the popular Chow Kit Market, a wet market that opens from 6am to 2pm, daily.
Titiwangsa
Taman Tasik Titiwangsa
Image credit: Bus Online Ticket
Titiwangsa, the final station on the KL Monorail line, connects to the Ampang and Sri Petaling LRT lines. It’s also near the Pekeliling Bus Terminal, a hub for express buses travelling to Malaysia’s east coast.
Image credit: @hazizesan via Instagram
On foot from here, you can also easily reach attractions like Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, a sprawling park that offers lake activities and jaw-dropping views of KL’s skyline, and the free-entry National Art Gallery.
What is the monorail’s schedule?
The first train on the KL Monorail departs at 6am daily, while the last train leaves KL Sentral and Titiwangsa at 11.30pm and 11.45pm respectively. Trains operate at a frequency of approximately five minutes during peak hours.
How to pay to ride the KL Monorail
Image adapted from: @mingleeng via Instagram
Riding the KL Monorail is pretty straightforward, even for first-timers.
You’ll first need to purchase a single-trip token from a ticketing counter or vending machine at a station, or opt to top up a Touch n’ Go card with cash to tap in and out from a monorail station.
The price per journey is typically around RM1.20. Otherwise, you can enjoy free rides on the KL Monorail if you’ve already purchased an unlimited pass such as the My50, MyCity, or MyTourist.
Once you have your fare sorted, determine which station you want to alight at, and head to the correct platform.
Guide to riding the KL Monorail around KL
The KL Monorail is an essential part of KL’s public transportation system, offering passengers an affordable, quick, and convenient way to reach important areas in the city.
Bookmark this guide, to easily navigate KL with the KL Monorail.
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Cover image adapted from: @gypsypianist, @hazizesan via Instagram