Travel Guide for Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Public Transport

This guide helps the traveler with the next step when arriving in Malaysia's KLIA or LCCT Airport; explaining tourists about the transport options.

When visiting Kuala Lumpur for the first time, traffic might feel chaotic at first, however a traveler will soon feel at home and get a good feel for Kuala Lumpur’s transportation systems.

Kuala Lumpur offers many alternative transport options. Bus, monorail, train and taxi are all fast and safe. Traveling this way also gives more pleasure, enjoyment and the best views of this magnificent city.

Kuala Lumpur by Air

Most people will travel to Malaysia by air, either arriving at KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal) both located 60 kilometers South of the city center or Subang Airport (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport) 20 kilometers West of the city center.

From KLIA and LCCT there is a variety of transport options to make it to the city, busses, taxis and the KLIA Express; all take less than one hour to Kuala Lumpur City and the major Kuala Lumpur hotels. From Subang Airport the only option is by road, taxi is the fastest means of transportation and takes about 30 minutes to the booming heart of KL.

Busses Crowded But Fun to Do

Busses are a great way to travel, crowded but cheap in the city center. RM1 or RM2 bus ticket lasts all day. When traveling outside of Kuala Lumpur the bus is the best option. Inexpensive transport travels to any destination within the Peninsular. Buses leave from various bus stations in the city; KL Main Bus station Puduraya at Jalan Pudu, Putra Bus Terminal at Jalan Putra, Duta Bus Terminal at Jalan Duta and Pekeliling Bus Terminal near Titiwangsa. Most operators offer standard or luxury options. With the local bus operators any destination can be reached, Genting, Penang, Melaka, Johor Bahru, Langkawi, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bahru and all other major cities including Singapore.

Driving a Car in Kuala Lumpur

Driving in KL can be disorientating as highways are not built like other major cities. Road users apply their own set of rules, drive carefully is the best advice. Major car rental dealer can be found at all airports.

Kuala Lumpur’s Unique Monorail System

KL Monorail is a perfect intra-city public transit system. KL Monorail operates from KL Sentral to Titiwangsa over a distance of nearly 9 kilometers. With its 11 stations stopping at major destinations in the city it is the most ideal form of transport. Over rush hour it might be a bit crowded.

Motorbike Not an Ideal Way of Transport

Thousands and thousands of small motorbikes swarm the city. Unless there is no other option renting a motorbike within the city is possible. Owners of cars have no respect for motorbikes.

Taxi Come In Many Colors And Sizes

Yellow cabs, abundant and relatively cheap can be found everywhere in Kuala Lumpur. Two main systems exist, vouchers and general pick-up. Vouchers can be bought at major taxi stands around the city. There is a set price from point of departure to any destination. Taxis should use the meter which should start at RM3 (US$0.90). When a taxi does not drive on the meter, find another one; or agree on a price. After midnight there are no rules.

Local Trains

This is where KL traffic really gets interesting. Five different train companies operate within the Klang Valley. They do not always inter-connect at the same location; hopping from one train to the next might take as much as a 500 meter walk. Monorail, Putra, Star, KLIA express, Komuter KTM are all reliable services and a great means of transport, cheap and pretty efficient.

National Trains Services

KL Sentral train station offers trains to serve the south all the way to Singapore, and the north to Kedah and Kelantan even crossing into Thailand and on to Bangkok. Trains are a magical means of transport; a variety of landscapes passes by while the traveler sits back and relaxes.

Walking The Streets of Kuala Lumpur

Car drivers, taxis, motorbikes and busses offer no respect to pedestrians, our best tip can only be, be careful and stay on the pavement.

Traffic Jams Bring Mayhem to The City

Kuala Lumpur is notorious for its early morning and after work traffic jams, try to avoid these hours as a tourist.

Road Signage Not Clear and Bold

Signage in Malaysia is not always as one may expect, Asian street signs have often no hard rules, bold and clear directions are hard to get. Owning a map is a must for every tourist. Not all signage is in English.

Traveling in Malaysia can be a small adventure. But traveling in and around Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia is a true pleasure.