How to Take the Train from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the City Centre (KLIA Ekspres)

The KLIA Ekspres is the train service from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to KL Sentral, the main transport hub in the centre of Kuala Lumpur.

It's the route that many visitors take to get to their hotels, though of course there are taxis and ride shares, which I'd recommend for small family or friend groups.

In this short guide, I'll walk you through what you need to know about taking the train, from buying tickets to boarding and getting to the city centre.

I took the train on my last solo trip to Kuala Lumpur and it's clean, fast and easy to use.

Whether your flight is arriving at KLIA1 or KLIA2, find out all you need to know about this low-stress transfer.

Why Choose the KLIA Ekspres?

Photo by Patrick Hughes - signs for the KLIA Ekspres

The KLIA Ekspres is a direct, non-stop journey from KLIA to KL Sentral, taking only 28 minutes from KLIA1 and 33 minutes from KLIA2.

Take the train if you're travelling alone or there's two of you. It might be better value to take a taxi or rideshare if you've got a lot of baggage or your hotel is hard to get to from KL Sentral station.

I liked that it was fast and got me near my hotel.

Getting to the KLIA Ekspres Station

Check which terminal you're arriving at / departing from (there are two terminals, called KLIA1 and KLIA2):

• KLIA1: The KLIA Ekspres station is located at Level 1 of the Main Terminal Building (MTB).
• KLIA2: For those arriving at KLIA2, there is a 5-minute shuttle train to KLIA, where you'll find the KLIA Ekspres station.

Clear signage throughout both terminals will help guide you to the train station.

Buying Tickets for KLIA Ekspres

Photo by Patrick Hughes - a couple buying train tickets

There are several options for purchasing your KLIA Ekspres tickets:

• Online: Book ahead of time on the KLIA Ekspres website or use their app. You'll get a 10% discount for buying ahead.
• At the Station: Buy tickets at the KLIA Ekspres Ticket Counter (if open) or at self-service kiosks located at KLIA1, KLIA2, and KL Sentral. There are usually staff members around who can help.
• Contactless Options: you can use a credit card or a Touch 'n Go card to tap directly at the gate and skip the ticket counter altogether. The KLIA Ekspres website does not make this very clear.

Ticket Prices

The standard one-way fare from KLIA to KL Sentral is RM55 one way (around $17 USD) or RM100 return if purchased at the counter. If you book online, you can get one way tickets for 10% off for RM49.50 (around $15 USD).

Children's tickets are RM25 one way and RM45 return, and kids under 6 travel free.

Boarding the KLIA Ekspres

The barriers where you scan your ticket

The KLIA Ekspres platforms are close to the ticket area. Here's the process:

1. Ticket Scanning: If you purchased your ticket online, scan the QR code at the gate / barriers (shown above) to enter the platform area. Alternatively, swipe your contactless card.
2. Waiting Information: screens show when the next train is expected to arrive.
3. Luggage Storage: The trains have designated luggage racks and overhead compartments for your bags.
4. Seating: The trains have quite comfortable seating in a 2×2 configuration with plenty of legroom. There is also free WiFi available on board, although in certain areas during the journey it blacked out.

Journey Time and What to Expect Onboard

The KLIA Ekspres operates from 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM daily, with trains departing every 15-20 minutes. The journey is pretty quick and takes:

• 28 minutes from KLIA1 to KL Sentral
• 33 minutes from KLIA2 to KL Sentral

I like train journeys and on your way to/from KL Sentral, you'll get a mix of KL skyscrapers and some rural views.

Arriving at KL Sentral

Once you arrive at KL Sentral, you're in the main transportation hub for the city. Connections include:

• MRT: Muzium Negara station is connected to KL Sentral, making it easy to switch lines.
• LRT: The Kelana Jaya LRT station is within a 5-minute walk from the train platform.
• Grab and taxis: Get a taxi or Grab to your final destination.
• Hotels: Some really good 5* hotels at nice prices, like the Hilton Kuala Lumpur, Le Meridien, and St. Regis, are a few steps away from KL Sentral.

KLIA Ekspres vs. Grab or Taxi

The speed of the KLIA Ekspres was what swung it for me as an option, plus I was travelling alone. However, there's plenty of options, including if you're in a group or have a lot of luggage. Here's a quick comparison of transport options from KLIA to KL:

KLIA Ekspres:

• Cost: RM55 ($17 USD)
• Travel Time: 28 minutes
• Comfort: Comfortable seats, air conditioning, free WiFi, luggage racks

Bus:

• Cost: RM12 ($3 USD)
• Travel Time: 1 hour (subject to traffic)
• Comfort: Basic, but air-conditioned

Taxi:

• Cost: RM65-100 ($20-30 USD) (but very dependent on traffic)
• Travel Time: 1 hour (subject to traffic)
• Comfort: Private, door-to-door service, potential traffic delays

Frequently Asked Questions

The first train departs KLIA at 5:00 AM, and the last train leaves at 12:30 AM. Trains run every 15-20 minutes, with more frequent departures during peak hours.

Yes, tickets can be purchased at the station or online even at the last minute. Just make sure to check train schedules to ensure you're leaving plenty of time before your flight.

If you're traveling with young children and lots of luggage, you'll find a taxi or Grab to be more convenient, but allow lots of extra time in case of the inevitable KL traffic.

Conclusion

The KLIA Ekspres is quick, reliable, and comfortable, and is the route I personally prefer to get from Kuala Lumpur Airport to KL Sentral.