Kuala Lumpur Airport: A Detailed Guide to Terminals and How to Get to the City

General info about Kuala Lumpur Airport

Kuala Lumpur International Airport, shortened to KLIA – is the main airport of Malaysia's capital and the main international gateway through which most tourists enter the country.

KLIA is located 50 kilometers from the center of Kuala Lumpur, consists of two separate terminals KLIA and KLIA 2. Official airport website: http://www.klia.com.my/. In this guide, we'll tell you everything in detail and reliably about this airport and how it's set up, so you don't get lost upon arrival and know everything in advance.

Online flight board. You can check the current departure and arrival schedules for the KLIA and KLIA2 terminals on the official airport website:

• KLIA departure and arrival board
• KLIA2 departure and arrival board

We recommend checking it before heading to the airport.

How to fly to Kuala Lumpur Airport, flights and tickets

For foreign tourists, the airport is the main air gateway to Malaysia. There are no other airports in Malaysia that accept long-haul international flights. And although you can fly to Malaysia with connections to Langkawi, Penang airports and airports on the island of Borneo, Kuala Lumpur Airport is still the best option in terms of price and schedule.

There are no direct regular flights from Russia to Kuala Lumpur, but you can get there on convenient connecting flights. Most often these are flights by Qatar Airways, Air Astana (operates flights with a connection not only from Moscow), Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air Arabia, China Southern, etc. From other Asian countries, you can get there very cheaply with the Asian budget carrier AirAsia.

You can find and book tickets for your desired dates to Kuala Lumpur on trusted, reliable search engines Aviasales and Trip.com, or through the search form:

KLIA and KLIA2 terminals: layout and how not to get lost

Terminal 1 (KLIA): main terminal for international flights

Most long-haul international flights are handled by this terminal. In transport schemes, routes, booking systems and air tickets, it is usually referred to as KLIA, i.e., the same as the airport as a whole. Pronounced K-L-I-A.

Inside KLIA there is a Satellite terminal A, which is located in the middle of the airfield. International airline planes dock at the satellite terminal. There is practically nothing there except a few cafes and restaurants, toilets, a tourist information desk (where you can get free guidebooks and maps), and an international Web phone. Baggage claim and passport control are not here either. So, once you get to the satellite terminal via the jetbridge, immediately head to the main terminal.

To get from the satellite terminal to the main one, you need to take the automatic Aerotrain. Finding its platform is very easy: it's right in the center of the terminal, and all passengers, all paths, and all signs lead to it. Just step into the open carriage doors, and within a couple of minutes you'll be in the main terminal. It's all free.

Passport control, baggage claim and customs clearance are carried out in the main terminal. All procedures are simple and well organized. First of all, you will need to go through passport control and right there, at the passport control counter, submit the fingerprints of your two index fingers. Place your fingers on the scanner as directed by the border guard and in a few seconds everything is ready. If you are entering without a visa, you will receive a 30-day stamp and a sticker in your passport. About visa to Malaysia here.

Then you pick up your luggage from the belt, and then go through the "green" or "red" customs corridor, as usual. Read about customs rules in Malaysia here. After going through these procedures, you will find yourself in the arrival hall on the first floor of the airport.

If you are flying out of KLIA, the procedure is the same, but in reverse: check-in and baggage drop, passport control, duty-free visit, Aerotrain, boarding. The Departure Hall is on the fifth floor. Once you get to the departure waiting area (after passing passport control), do not rush to take the Aerotrain to the satellite terminal; it is better to wander around the main terminal: most of the duty-free shops, cafes, and stores are in the main terminal, and there is practically nothing to do in the satellite one. You can also ride the Aerotrain back and forth, no one will charge you :-).

Terminal 2 (KLIA2): hub for low-cost carriers (AirAsia and others)

On May 9, 2014, the new KLIA2 terminal for budget airlines began operations. Until then, all budget airlines operated through the LCCT terminal, which ceased to accept passengers after the new terminal came into operation. Absolutely all budget airline flights now arrive and depart not from LCCT, but from KLIA2, including the region's most popular budget airline, AirAsia.

The new KLIA2 terminal is four times larger than the old LCCT terminal. It is the largest airport in the world designed exclusively for budget airlines. More about the new KLIA2 terminal.

KLIA2 also has all the amenities and everything you need for waiting for a flight or connections, but everything is arranged more simply. Honestly, this terminal reminds us of large bus stations; there is even clothing sales like at a market.

But check-in and baggage drop here are done with the latest technology, without human involvement. You independently print your boarding pass and baggage tags, go with them to the drop-off belt, stick the tags according to the instructions, and your luggage goes off for loading. Watch our video on this:

How to get from KLIA to KLIA2

If after arriving at KLIA you continue your journey with budget airlines, for example AirAsia, you will need to get to the KLIA2 terminal. The terminals are not far from each other, but you cannot walk between them due to road interchanges. So you need to take a taxi, bus, airport train, or free shuttle.

🚌 Free Shuttle Bus — the most economical option, especially if you have connecting flights. Buses run 24/7 every 10 minutes. Travel time is about 10 minutes. Route: KLIA → KLIA2 → long-term parking (LTCP) → KLIA.

Stops:

• At KLIA: Door 4, Level 1 of the main terminal building.
• At KLIA2: Bay A10, Level 1, Transportation Hub, Gateway@klia2 mall.

In the arrival halls of both terminals, there are special counters that can help arrange a transfer between terminals.

🚇 By KLIA Transit train — more convenient and faster if you don't want to wait for the bus. Trains depart from the lower level of the terminal (follow the signs). The fare between terminals is 2 ringgit, travel time no more than 5 minutes. You can pay with cash or a bank card, including Russian UnionPay cards (personally tested).

If the card doesn't work for some reason, you'll have to exchange cash or withdraw money from an ATM — for that you need to go back to the arrival hall one level up.

Taxis and regular buses are also available, but they are paid and less convenient for a short connection.

Transfers and transit at Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA / KLIA2)

KLIA has two international terminals — KLIA and KLIA2. If you are flying on one ticket and one airline (or within an alliance), the transfer usually takes place in one terminal via the transit corridor, passport control and baggage claim are not needed, and 1 hour is enough for the transfer under ideal conditions.

But if you have different airlines and especially different terminals for arrival and departure, you will have to leave the international zone and go through all the standard procedures. The procedure will be as follows:

1. passport control (with fingerprinting and stamp);
2. baggage claim;
3. customs;
4. transfer to the other terminal (by taxi, bus or KLIA Transit train);
5. check-in for the next flight, baggage drop;
6. passport control and customs.

The same applies to transferring from an international flight to a domestic one (and vice versa) — you will have to go through passport control in any case. Allow at least 3-4 hours for this, especially if you need to change terminals.

Tip: Check the arrival and departure terminals in your itinerary receipt in advance (KUL — KLIA, KUL2 — KLIA2). If in doubt, check with your airline.

Airport infrastructure and amenities

Kuala Lumpur Airport has everything you need for a comfortable stay: ATMs and exchange offices, SIM card sales points for local operators, free Wi-Fi, cafes, shops, and waiting areas. Below is the main stuff you'll need right after arrival.

Currency exchange and bank cards

The exchange rate at the airport (in both terminals) is significantly less favorable than in the city. The spread on US dollars can reach 18%, so we recommend exchanging only the minimum amount — for transportation to the city or a taxi. Exchange most of your money already in Kuala Lumpur.

However, there is no problem with withdrawing cash. There are many ATMs in the arrival halls of both terminals. Maybank and CIMB ATMs do not charge a fee on their side and work great with UnionPay cards from Russian banks (personally tested). Avoid Euronet ATMs — they inflate the exchange rate and charge hidden fees.

For more details on currency, cards, and the best exchange places in the city, read our article "Money in Malaysia: currency, exchange, cards".

Where to buy a local SIM card

There are tourist SIM card sales counters at the airport. You can buy a card immediately after arrival and leave the airport with mobile connectivity. The nice thing: here they sell SIM cards at official counters at the operator's price, without markup. For example, we bought TuneTalk for 35 ringgit valid for a month with over 100 GB of data. The SIM card is registered with your passport, the whole procedure takes a few minutes. Internet starts working within a couple of minutes after restarting your phone.

Such counters are available in both terminals (KLIA and KLIA2), they are hard to miss — there are advertisements and signs everywhere. The only difficulty we personally encountered: sale is only for cash, card payment is not accepted. So be prepared to exchange a small amount or withdraw money from an ATM (see the money section above).

WiFi at Kuala Lumpur Airport

The free Wi-Fi at the airport works well. You can use it to order a taxi (Grab), make reservations, or, as a last resort, to fill out the electronic immigration card on the website https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main?registerMain/mdac/main?registerMain before going through passport control, if you forgot to do it before departure.

No SMS confirmations or passwords are needed to connect — the network connects with just a button. Select the "KLIA Free WiFi" network (or similar), click "Connect" and you're ready to go.

Luggage storage at Kuala Lumpur Airport

There is luggage storage at the airport, you will find it in both terminals in the arrival halls (first floor), ask the staff, they will point you in the right direction. Prices start from 13 ringgit per day, the price depends on the duration and size. You can even leave oversized items like a surfboard, but that costs from 90 ringgit per day.

Showers, smoking rooms and late-night snacks

In addition to the main amenities, the airport has several important little things that can come in handy during a long layover or night arrival.

Where to take a shower? After a long flight, a shower is a real lifesaver. Here are a few proven options:

• At KLIA2 terminal: At the Aerotel hotel (Level 2M, Gateway@klia2 area) you can pay for just a shower without renting a room. Cost — 39 ringgit for 30 minutes. Towels and toiletries are provided.
• In business lounges: The Plaza Premium Lounge (available in both terminals) offers access to a shower as part of the lounge visit. Entry cost is from 180 ringgit for 3 hours, but this includes food, drinks, and a rest area.
• At the main KLIA terminal: At the Sama-Sama Express Hotel (satellite terminal, level 5) you can also take a shower for an additional fee.

Smoking rooms: Smoking is strictly prohibited at the airport, but there are designated areas. The fine for smoking outside these areas is up to 250 ringgit.

• At KLIA (main terminal): Two smoking rooms are located on the mezzanine level (Level 2) of the satellite building — one in the south zone, the other in the north zone, near gates C11 and C30. You can only get there after passport control, by taking the Aerotrain.
• At KLIA2: One smoking room is located in the satellite building on Level 2, near the Khazanah Home Decor store (departure area, after passport control). Additional smoking areas are available outside the main terminal building — to the left and right of the entrances.

Where to eat at night? Even if you arrive late at night, you won't go hungry. At least the following are open 24/7 at the terminal:

• Texas Chicken — chicken, burgers, sandwiches. Level 2M, Gateway@klia2 Mall.
• McDonald's — classic menu and local dishes like Bubur Ayam McD chicken porridge. Level 3, Gateway@klia2 Mall.
• Old Town White Coffee — Malaysian cuisine, famous white coffee, kaya toast. Departure area of the main KLIA2 building.
• Memang Meow Kopitiam — traditional Malaysian kopitiam (coffee shop) with affordable prices, located near the exit from KLIA2 terminal.
• Food District (International Food Hall) — food court with Malaysian, Japanese and Korean cuisine, Level 3 of the KLIA2 departure area.

At the main KLIA terminal, we didn't see any 24-hour establishments in the public area, but several cafes and restaurants operate 24/7 in the departure area after passport control.

How to get from the airport to the city center

Kuala Lumpur Airport is located 50 km from the city. You can get to the center (KL Sentral area, Chinatown or KLCC) in three main ways: by taxi (including via the Grab app), the high-speed KLIA Express train, or a budget bus. Below are current instructions with prices, travel times, and important payment nuances.

🚇 By KLIA Express / KLIA Transit train

• 💰 Cost: adults (over 12 years) – 55 ringgit; children (2-12 years) – 25 ringgit
• 🕑 Travel time: 28–33 minutes to KL Sentral station + another 30–60 minutes to the hotel by city transport
• 📅 Operating hours: from 4:55 AM to 1:00 AM, interval 15–30 minutes (current schedule at kliaekspres.com)

KLIA Express and KLIA Transit are high-speed trains that depart from the lower level of both terminals. Previously, they differed in price and travel time, but now there is no difference: a one-way ticket costs the same — 55 ringgit. The only difference is that Transit makes three stops (Salak Tinggi, Putrajaya, Bandar Tasik Selatan), but it takes only 5-7 minutes longer to get to KL Sentral.

The trains arrive at KL Sentral station — a major transport hub. From here you can transfer to the metro (LRT, MRT, monorail) or a taxi to get to your hotel. KL Sentral station itself is located in the Brickfields area, not in the tourist center. It's 2 stops on the LRT to Chinatown, 4 stops on the MRT to KLCC, and by monorail to Bukit Bintang.

Tickets can be bought at ticket offices or machines with cash or card. Russian UnionPay cards work without problems. Trains run frequently, no need to adjust to a schedule. KL Sentral station also has remote check-in for KLIA flights (KL Sentral Air Terminal) — you can drop off your luggage and get your boarding pass in advance.

🚖 By taxi

• 💰 Cost: from 65 ringgit via Grab; official taxi from 75 ringgit
• 🕑 Travel time: 60–120 minutes depending on traffic
• 📅 Operating hours: 24/7

The most convenient option, especially with luggage. We recommend using the Grab app (the local equivalent of Uber) — it is noticeably cheaper and more reliable than hailing a taxi on the spot.

The cost of a trip via Grab from the airport to the center of Kuala Lumpur starts from 65 ringgit. The price is fixed at the time of order and depends on the distance and time of day. At night (after midnight) the fare is about 50% higher.

Official Airport Limo taxis can be ordered at the counters in the arrival hall. Budget fare — from 75 ringgit, premium — from 100 ringgit. At night — more expensive. This is convenient if you don't have a local SIM card or the app.

You can also pre-book a tourist transfer. It's more expensive, but you will be met with a sign and taken directly to the hotel, online payment. You can check prices and book using the form:

🚌 By bus

• 💰 Cost: from 15 ringgit
• 🕑 Travel time: 60–90 minutes (depends on traffic)
• 📅 Operating hours: from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM, every 15–30 minutes (less frequent at night)

The bus is the most budget-friendly way to get to the city. A ticket costs from 15 ringgit, which is 3-4 times cheaper than a taxi or train. Buses run frequently, you don't need to buy tickets in advance — you can pay on the spot.

The bus station in both terminals is on the lower level (follow the "Bus" signs). At KLIA you need to walk through a covered walkway. Main destinations:

• KL Sentral — the most convenient option. Buses depart from platform 1 (Airport Coach) and other operators. Travel time is about 1 hour. From KL Sentral it's easy to get to any area by metro or taxi.
• Pudu Raya (Pudu) — bus station near Chinatown. Please note: ticket offices at Puduraya no longer work, tickets can only be bought online (for example, on starmartbus.com) or directly from the driver when boarding. This option is convenient if your hotel is in Chinatown.
• TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) — a large intercity bus terminal. If you plan to go to another city in Malaysia immediately after arrival (Malacca, Penang, Johor Bahru), this is a good option. From TBS you can take the metro to the center of Kuala Lumpur.

Main carriers: Airport Coach (to KL Sentral), Starmartbus (to Pudu Raya and Ipoh). All of them accept cash; Russian UnionPay cards often do not work at their terminals, so it's better to have ringgit in cash.