Getting to Kuala Lumpur

KL is well connected to the rest of the world by its international airport. There are also rail links with Thailand and Singapore in addition to an excellent road network, allowing for quick connections to and from the capital.

By car

Malaysia has various road crossings with Thailand and Singapore, making travelling to KL by car feasible if you have time on your hands. Crossings from Thailand can be made at Pedang Pesar, Bukit Kayu Hitam and Rantau Panjang among other places, while the route to Singapore is via the causeway that links Johor Bahru with Singapore Island. Roads are in excellent condition, but journeys to the capital from all borders are lengthy.

By rail

Trains from Thailand cross the Malaysian border at Padang Besar and continue into the capital. There are different classes of train, with a comfortable overnight service available from Bangkok. Likewise, there are day and overnight services from Singapore to KL, with various classes of trains available. Long-distance trains arrive and depart from KL Sentral Station.

By bus

Long-distance bus tickets from Bangkok to KL can be bought from private travel agencies or at main bus stations. There are services from the Thai towns of Krabi, Hat Yai, Phuket and Surat Thani as well as direct buses from Singapore to KL. Bus travel time can be lengthy, making the journey uncomfortable; however, there are different classes of buses, with VIP services offering a smooth ride. Long-distance buses arrive and depart from Puduraya Bus Station.

By air

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is a primary gateway into the country and one of Asia’s most significant air terminals. Although situated 75kms from the city centre, the airport has excellent transport links and can be accessed by train in less than 30 minutes.

Flights operate to and from KLIA from destinations worldwide as well as to and from many domestic cities. Facilities include a Tourism Malaysia office, located in the International Arrivals Hall; several eateries and snack bars; an airport hotel and car hire outlets including Hertz, Mayflower and Pacific.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport

KLIA has extensive facilities for its passengers including telephones, foreign exchange services, a nursery and baby changing facilities, facilities for the disabled, baggage trolleys and a baggage wrapping service, left luggage, ATMs, smokers’ lounges, restrooms, a prayer room and extensive parking facilities. In addition, shopping and dining facilities are extensive, with a wide choice of retail outlets and restaurants.

Those who have time to kill can enjoy the airport’s leisure options, which encompass a shower and fitness centre, a massage parlour, lockers, an e-centre, the viewing gallery, business centre and children’s playground. Meanwhile, information counters, a pharmacy, clinic, lost and found office and a postal service are also available. 

Kuala Lumpur International Airport transportation

Passengers can reach the city centre by taking the speedy KLIA Ekspres, which although relatively expensive, reaches the city in just 28 minutes. Alternative options include taking a taxi (the most expensive option), taking the KL Transit train (journey time 35 minutes), or taking an airport coach (the cheapest option, journey time 1 hour).