How to get to KLIA from KL guide
We all know the taxi fares to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) can burn a hole in your wallet – not literally, but you know what we mean. Based on our research, a basic 4-seater cab starts at around RM65. That’s not exactly budget-friendly, especially for solo travellers who don’t have anyone to split the cost with.
This guide will show you the affordable ways to get to KLIA without relying on a taxi.
KLIA Transit from Putrajaya Sentral
From RM8.50/ticket
No matter where you’re staying in Klang Valley, taking the KLIA Transit from Putrajaya Sentral station to the airport is a foolproof option that we also found to be the cheapest. Even if you’re coming from Gombak, one of the furthest stations from Putrajaya Sentral, the MRT fare is only around RM7.
KLIA Transit tickets can be purchased on the spot at the ticket counters or self-service kiosks for RM9.40 per trip. Alternatively, if you buy your tickets via the KLIA Ekspres mobile app or website, you’ll get a discounted fare of RM8.50. Online tickets come in the form of QR codes, so no physical copies are required.
The tickets are valid 31 days from purchase, so you can purchase tickets in advance without worrying about last-minute changes. Also, you don’t have to select a specific time slot or seat.
How to get to KLIA on the KLIA Transit:
- Hop on the yellow MRT Putrajaya Line and alight at Putrajaya Sentral.
- Once you arrive, follow the KLIA Transit signs and take the escalator down.
- Ignore the first Pintu B you see. Instead, turn left to the next Pintu B.
- The KLIA Transit departure area is outside Pintu B, on your right.
- Head to Platform 3 or Platform 4, which are bound for KLIA Terminals 1 and 2.
The journey between Putrajaya Sentral and KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 takes about 20 minutes, with the train departing every 30 minutes.
KLIA-bound bus from KL Sentral
~RM13/ticket
If you’re staying far from Putrajaya Sentral and want a direct route without any transfers, all while keeping costs low, the KLIA-bound bus is your best option. A one-way ticket costs around RM13 – you can purchase this on-site or online. There’ll be multiple trusty bus operators to opt for, including Skybus, Aerobus, and Airport Coach.
How to get to KLIA from KL Sentral:
- Make your way to KL Sentral.
- Look for the Feeder Bus sign on the left of the NU Sentral entrance.
- Exit through the door and take the escalator to the underground level, where the buses depart.
The journey takes about an hour, with the buses departing every 30 minutes. The best part is that the buses are available 24/7, so rest assured you can secure a bus for your flight at any time of the day – red-eye ones included.
KLIA Express from KL Sentral
From RM45/ticket
If you are looking for a faster route and don’t mind coughing up a little extra, hop on the KLIA Express. At RM55 per one-way trip, it’s not dramatically cheaper than a taxi, but booking online brings it down to RM49.50.
Plus, if you buy round-trip tickets online, you’ll enjoy an extra 10% discount, bringing the total to RM90 for two tickets. This works out to be around RM45 per ticket.
Route:
- Make your way to KL Sentral.
- Look for the KLIA Ekspres sign on the right of the NU Sentral entrance.
- Exit through the departure gate and take the escalator to the underground level, where the trains depart.
The journey takes about 30 minutes, with the trains departing every 20 minutes.
KLIA Transit VS KLIA Express
At this point, you might be thinking: Since both KLIA Transit and KLIA Express take you to the same place, what exactly sets them apart? Here’s how they differ in terms of the stops on the journey:
| KLIA Transit | KLIA Express |
| KL Sentral → Bandar Tasik Selatan → Putrajaya Sentral → Salak Tinggi → KLIA T1 & T2 | KL Sentral → KLIA T1 & T2 |
In short, KLIA Express travels non-stop between KL Sentral and KLIA T1 and T2, whereas KLIA Transit has multiple stops in between.
Which bus should I take?
If you are staying nearby Putrajaya, Salak Tinggi (from RM4.50), or Bandar Tasik Selatan (from RM34.60), the KLIA Transit is the more budget-friendly option. However, if you are closer to the city centre and prefer a faster ride, KLIA Express will be the better choice.
Budget-friendly ways to KLIA T1 & T2
Here’s the TL;DR table for your easy reference:
| Travel options to KLIA | Price | Duration | Pros | Cons |
| KLIA Transit (from Putrajaya Sentral) | From RM8.50 | 20 minutes | Cheapest option Flexible ticket validity for 31 days | Requires multiple transfers and a longer journey to Putrajaya Sentral |
| KLIA Bus (from KL Sentral) | Around RM13 | 1 hour | Available 24/7 Direct route | A longer travel time |
| KLIA Express (from KL Sentral) | From RM45 | 30 minutes | Fastest option Direct route | More expensive than other options |
Whether you are a cost-savvy traveller or someone who travels with lots of luggage and prefers a direct route without overspending on taxis, save this guide for your next trip.
Also watch our video feature here:
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- Travel tips you should know to avoid alamak moments
- How to travel from Malaysia to Thailand by train
- New express Causeway Link bus from JB to KL
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Xinyee.