Kuala Lumpur Airport Transfers (KUL)

Welcome to the heart of Southeast Asia. Arriving in Malaysia means stepping into a world where modern skyscrapers meet lush rainforests and incredible street food. This guide covers the essentials of Kuala Lumpur Airport Transfer options and airport facilities, so you can navigate your arrival with ease.

KUL Airport Overview

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL airport) is one of the major aviation hubs in Asia. Located in Sepang, approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of the city center, the journey to downtown Kuala Lumpur typically takes about an hour. The airport is vast, modern, and designed to handle millions of passengers, but its sheer size means you should know where you are landing before you arrive.

Airport Structure

The airport is divided into two distinct terminals that are physically separated by a few kilometers.
 

• Terminal 1 (formerly KLIA): This is the main terminal serving full-service carriers like Malaysia Airlines, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines. It consists of the Main Terminal Building and a Satellite Building connected by an Aerotrain (or shuttle bus during maintenance).
   
• Terminal 2 (formerly klia2): This terminal primarily serves low-cost carriers like AirAsia. It is attached to a large shopping mall called "Gateway@klia2."

Note: You cannot walk between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. You must take the KLIA Ekspres train or a shuttle bus to transfer between them.

Kuala Lumpur Airport Lounge Options

If you have a layover, both terminals offer excellent places to rest. 
 

• Plaza Premium Lounge: Locations available in both KLIA1 and KLIA2 (International and Domestic departures).
   
• Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge: The flagship lounge in KLIA1 Satellite terminal, offering showers, nap areas, and a Laksa bar.
   
• Sama-Sama Express: An airside transit hotel/lounge available in both terminals for passengers who do not want to clear immigration.
   

Parking at Kuala Lumpur Airport

• Block A, B, C & D (KLIA1): A covered parking facility, you can get straight to the main terminal from there.
   
• Gateway@KLIA2: A massive multi-story car park attached to the shopping mall at Terminal 2.
   
• Long-Term Parking (LTCP): Located near the Malaysia Airports Training Centre, requiring a shuttle bus to reach the terminals.
   

Hotels near Kuala Lumpur Airport

If you arrive late or have an early flight, staying nearby is often the best choice:
 

• Sama-Sama Hotel: The premier 5-star option connected to KLIA1 via a skybridge.
   
• Tune Hotel KLIA2: A popular, modern transit hotel directly connected to KLIA2.
   
• Aerotel Kuala Lumpur: Located inside the Gateway@KLIA2 mall, perfect for flexible hourly bookings.
   

Transportation Options From/To KUL Airport

The drive from Sepang to Kuala Lumpur city center takes about 45 to 60 minutes, but it can take longer during rush hour or heavy rain. Public transport gets you to the central station, but "last mile" connectivity to hotels can be tricky with heavy luggage.

TravelThru Airport Transfer Service 
 

After a long flight in the tropical humidity, navigating a new public transport system with luggage can be exhausting. TravelThru offers a private transportation service that prioritizes your comfort. When you book an airport transfer with us, you avoid the long queues for taxi coupons or the hassle of dragging bags onto a train.

Your professional driver monitors your flight and meets you at the arrival hall of your specific terminal. We assist with your luggage and escort you to your air-conditioned vehicle. Our service offers fixed pricing, so you never worry about the meter ticking during rush hour traffic. You can easily book your airport rides on our website by selecting your vehicle type, ensuring a smooth start to your Malaysian trip.

Other Transportation Alternatives

• KLIA Ekspres: A high-speed train connecting both terminals to KL Sentral Station in 28 minutes. Note: You will need to take a taxi or LRT from KL Sentral to reach your hotel.
   
• Airport Taxi Transfers: You can opt for a Coupon Taxi by purchasing a fixed-price voucher at a dedicated counter inside the terminal. Alternatively, you can choose a Metered Taxi, where the fare is calculated based on distance and time
   
• Grab (E-hailing): Popular in Malaysia, but finding the designated e-hailing pickup points at the massive terminals can be confusing for first-time visitors.

Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, food, and architecture.

• Petronas Twin Towers: Visit the iconic twin structures and take a walk in the surrounding KLCC Park.
   
• Batu Caves: Climb the 272 colorful steps to this limestone hill and Hindu shrine just north of the city.
   
• Bukit Bintang: Discover the heart of the city's nightlife and retail scene in this premier district, renowned for its diverse selection of shopping malls and vibrant night markets.
   
• Jalan Alor: Experience the best of Malaysian street food on this bustling street filled with open-air restaurants.

How to Get Around Kuala Lumpur

TravelThru Chauffeur Service

To explore the city or take day trips to places like Malacca or the Genting Highlands, our private transfer services are the perfect solution. TravelThru provides experienced local drivers who know how to navigate KL's complex traffic system. You can book a car for the day to visit the National Mosque, the Bird Park, and the Royal Palace without the stress of driving or finding parking. You simply sit back and enjoy the ride.
 

Other Options

The city has a comprehensive rail network, including the LRT, MRT, and Monorail. These are efficient for short hops within the city center. Ride-hailing apps like Grab are also widely used and affordable. However, traffic congestion during peak hours (morning and evening) can be severe, so planning your travel time is essential.