Getting to KL
Flights arrive at KL’s International Airport (KLIA), 72 km south of the city. Frankly, its distance from downtown KL must be factored-in when considering flying to other cities in Peninsular Malaysia. Taking a bus to Melaka, for instance, will be much quicker than flying, when airport distance and waiting time prior to flight is factored in. Airport departure tax from KLIA is RM40.
Trains arrive at KL Sentral Station, served by taxis and monorail.
Buses will generally arrive at the massive Puduraya bus station on Jalan Pudu, near Chinatown, which has an adjacent LRT station. Puduraya is located at GPS: N03°08.762’ E101°42.004’
Getting to/from Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Taxis from KLIA to the city are hired at the airport kiosk for RM70.
Buses can be taken at the ground floor bus terminal for RM25, and depart every 25-45 minutes, and arrive at selected hotels. You may find that a taxi makes more sense if waiting 45 minutes for your bus puts you in the middle of the KL rush hour. Other buses leave for the KL Sentral bus terminal for RM8, and return for the same price.
The new KLIA Ekspress train we used to think was the best solution, taking 28 minutes each way to and from the KL Sentral Train Station, and costing RM35. Riders, however, are subjected to obnoxious television ads and “happy talk” the whole way, and it’s completely unavoidable, with televisions and speakers every two seats. This is yet another example of the public in transit being held hostage by advertisers, media companies, and greedy private transit companies (e.g. Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain trains and stations). For a nicer ride, take the bus.
Getting around KL
KL’s LRT light rail, which uses surface as well as underground routes, is a snap, and stops are close to virtually everywhere you’ll want to go in KL. Fares are based on distance, and usually not more than RM3.
The modern Monorail system runs north through the city from KL Sentral train station, and connects with several LRT stops along the way. Fares are distance-based, topping at RM2.50. Handy pocket maps are available at all Monorail stations.
Taxis are easy to find, and the metered flag fare is RM2. We strongly recommend that you take taxis from established taxi stands, which will always use the meter. Taxis that are hailed will attempt to charge you a flat fare of RM15 to any point in the city, which is excessive. During peak hours, take LRT or the monorail when possible.
