One of the doubts on our trip to Kuala Lumpur was how we would get from the airport, Klia2, to the city center, namely to KL Sentral, where our hotel was.
We landed at Klia2. This is a terminal that was made with the main objective of responding to the growth of the low-cost companies, but it is still a great option to take us to the city of Kuala Lumpur.
So, in this post, we will talk about the different possibilities of transport from the airport to the city center, as the station KL Sentral serves as the gateway to the city and from there you can easily move to your final destination within Kuala Lumpur.
If your plane lands on KLIA and you want to travel to KLIA2, you can do so for free and fast via the Free Shuttle Bus, which operates for free and connects in just 10 minutes between the two terminals.
By Train - KLIA EKSPRES
This is undoubtedly the fastest option for those who want to get to the city center. You can pick up from KLIA or KLIA2 and it takes about 30 minutes on the direct route to KL Sentral if that is your destination and then we recommend picking up KLIA EKSPRES.
However, you can also take the KLIA TRANSIT, which stops four times, in Salak Tinggi, Cyberjaya / Putrajaya, Bandar Tasik Selatan and the last, KL Sentral, for a total trip of 38 minutes.
Schedules
The first train leaves a little before 5 and the last near 1h but, what we advise here is to consult the detailed time at the site, as there may be changes.
Prices
The price for a trip from KLIA or KLIA2 to KL Sentral is RM55 for one trip, or RM100 for return trip, price for adults, and RM25 for children per trip and RM45 round trip. See here for detailed prices and discount possibilities. It is possible to do the online purchase here in which, besides allowing to be faster when catching the train, gives access to discounts on the purchase of tickets.
If you choose to buy the tickets at the airport, you can do so at the KLIA EKSPRES ticket counter, or through these very easy to manage machines, just before you board the train.
We leave the advice to reach the city by this means of transportation, for you to try to sit on the right side of the train, to approach the city and enjoy the privileged view that it can offer.
Bus - Skybus
This is a trip carried out in modern, comfortable buses, with space to transport your luggage. There is no possibility to reserve places, so the rule is: the first to arrive, choose where to sit.
When traveling with children, this is a great means of transportation, comfortable and safe.
Ticket price
A ticket from Klia 2 to KL Sentral costs RM12 (close to €2.5 or $3 USD) but there is the possibility of buying the ticket online (see here SkyBus website) and print the ticket at home or, if you travel by Air Asia, you can buy tickets to the on-board team. If you wish to buy them on your arrival, you can make the purchase when you enter the bus.
If you buy your trip from the SkyBus website, or if you arrive at the airport through Air Asia, you can buy your ticket at a discount, so you can have some discounts save some money.
Schedules
SkyBus works every day of the year, without exception. On the way to KL SENTRAL, during the peak hours, buses depart at 15-minute intervals and, outside peak hours, depart at 30-minute intervals. You can see the schedules of 2018 here but, to be sure of the time, we ask that you consult the company site here.
Bus schedule from Klia 2 to KL Sentral
Bus schedule from KL Sentral to Klia 2
How to take the bus
It's very easy to catch SkyBus. After passing through the alfândela, it goes towards the exit, passing through the shopping area. Then take the elevator and go down to Level 1, always following the signs and you can easily find the Taxi and SkyBus counters. Then head for the well-signposted port 2 and you will see the SkyBus red bus, which you should go to.
Taxi
Taxi is always a comfortable option, which has the advantage of taking us to the exact location of our destination. At Klia2 exists the possibility to take the Taxi during the 24 of the day and, its payment works with taximeter, reason why can vary according to your final destination, as well as the type of Taxi, because it changes according to the quality of the car. Although not a exact price, because it depends on many factors, the cost of a trip from Klia2 to KL Sentral could cost around RM80.
This is not the fastest option to get to the city, the train is faster but, it has the advantage, as mentioned above, to leave us at the door of our destination. It also has the advantage of allowing at least 3 passengers, which can make the trip more economical for a family of 3, or even 4. Just be careful to see if the taxi has the capacity to carry all your luggage, since in some cases of budget taxi, the carrying capacity of luggage is reduced.
As for travel time, it always depends a lot of the final destination and the traffic but, to the center of the city, will always be about one hour's journey.
How to get the Taxi
As with the SkyBus, it is also very easy to get a taxi. After the customs, go towards the exit, passing through the shopping area, get off the elevator to Level 1, always following the signs and easily see the counter with the indication Taxi. Then follow the directions.
Grab Car
If you have mobile data and a smarthphone, you can look for cheaper alternatives than Taxi to make your route.
You can download these applications at home and it is even possible to perform simulations of the price you will pay until you reach your final destination.
The advantages are the same as the Taxis, but for a more affordable price. Its ideal for those who have internet at the exit of the airport and, preferably, that can occupy the vehicle to the maximum, because the more people, the lower the cost per person.
A word for Uber. You will not be able to use your app in Malaysia, sense it has stop working in that country in 2018.
Which one should I choose?
Well, here we go to the big question, what is the best option? Of course this always depends on several factors, and in each of the options there are advantages and disadvantages. The KLIA EKSPRES is undoubtedly the fastest and most comfortable way to get to KL Sentral station, which then allows you to reach any destination in the city. Besides being very fast, it allows to avoid any problems connected to the traffic but, it is without a doubt an expensive option.
If for a solo traveler it can be a good option, for a family of 3 or 4 members the value is very high, being that, although more time consuming, a car trip in the options we speak is much cheaper and a good option to accommodate more people and lead up to your destination door.
If for a solo traveler it can be a good option, for a family of 3 or 4 members the value is very high, being that, although more time consuming, a car trip in the options we speak is much cheaper and a good option to accommodate more people and lead up to your destination door.
The one we decided to choose was the SkyBus, and it was for the price issue (the cheapest of all), but also because it was right next to our hotel, located in the immediate vicinity of KL Sentral. The trip is quiet, comfortable, safe and totally recommendable for a family trip with children.
We hope this post helps you plan your family trip to Kuala Lumpur. As always, we leave the request to check with official sites for updated prices and schedules, as there is always the possibility of changes without we having had time to make the necessary changes. These prices and schedules refer to the first half of 2018.
Be sure to visit the Batu Caves, near Kuala Lumpur (see here for how to get there), and we look forward for your comments and recommendations.
