Transport from the airport in Malaysia
KLIA is 60 km south of Kuala Lumpur. KLIA Ekspres reaches KL Sentral in 28 minutes for RM 55, or RM 49.50 booked online, with the first train from T1 at 05:00 and the last at 00:05. The airport bus takes 60 to 75 minutes for RM 13 to 15, but the last one leaves between 22:45 and 01:00 depending on operator. Land between about 01:00 and 04:30 and neither runs: that leaves Grab at RM 65 to 85 plus tolls, or the official taxi, which adds 50 per cent between 00:00 and 06:00.
- KLIA is 60 km south of Kuala Lumpur, with Terminal 1 for full-service airlines and Terminal 2 for low-cost carriers.
- KLIA Ekspres reaches KL Sentral in 28 minutes for 55 RM, or 49.50 RM booked online - first train from T1 at 05:00, last at 00:05.
- The airport bus is 13 to 15 RM and takes 60 to 75 minutes, but it does not run all night: the first is 04:30 and the last is between 22:45 and 01:00 depending on the operator.
- Between about 01:00 and 04:30 there is no train and no bus - only Grab at 65 to 85 RM plus a toll of about 8 to 10 RM, or the official taxi.
- Official taxis add a 50 per cent surcharge between 00:00 and 06:00. In Penang, Rapid buses to George Town are 2.70 RM in exact cash - drivers give no change.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is located in Sepang, approximately 60 kilometers south of the capital. The airport consists of two separate terminals, Terminal 1 for full-service airlines and Terminal 2 for low-cost carriers. Transfer into the city center can be done in several ways:
| Mode of transport | Route | Travel time | Approximate price (MYR) | Operating hours | Departure point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KLIA Ekspres | KLIA T1/T2 → KL Sentral | 28/31 minutes | 55 RM (49.50 RM when purchased online) | First 05:00, last 00:05 from T1 (00:00 from T2) | Ground floor of the terminals (train stations) |
| Airport bus | KLIA T1/T2 → KL Sentral | 60 - 75 minutes | 13 - 15 RM | First 04:30, last between 22:45 and 01:00 depending on operator | T1: Block C, T2: Level 1 Transportation Hub |
| Ride-hailing | KLIA T1/T2 → city center | 50 - 75 minutes | 65 - 85 RM (+ toll gate fee approx. 8-10 RM) | 24/7 | T1: Level 1 (Door 3/4), T2: Level 1 (Door 5) |
| Official taxi (Limo) | KLIA T1/T2 → city center | 50 - 75 minutes | from 32.20 RM (+ 50% surcharge 00:00-06:00) | 24/7 | Dedicated ranks at the hall exits |
Landing after midnight. The train and the bus both stop, and they do not stop at the same time. KLIA Ekspres publishes a last train from T1 at 00:05 and a first at 05:00 — while also announcing, on the same page, service extended to 01:00; the two are not reconciled, so nothing after midnight should be counted on. The bus is worse: SkyBus's own timetable runs to 01:00, the Aerobus consortium timetable (Aerobus, A.Coach, SkyBus, S.Edaran) ends at 22:45. Between roughly 01:00 and 04:30 there is no train and no bus at all, and the way into the city is Grab or the official taxi — which is when the 50 per cent night surcharge applies.
Penang International Airport (PEN)
Penang International Airport (PEN) is a key gateway in the north of the country, located approximately 16 kilometers from the historic center of George Town. To get into the city, you can use:
- Ride-hailing apps: Grab and Bolt offer the fastest transport option, with an average fare between 25 RM and 40 RM as of February 2026, though the price fluctuates depending on traffic conditions around the bridges and the historic core.
- Rapid Penang city buses: Routes 401, 401E and 102 connect the airport terminal with the central KOMTAR station in George Town. The fare is 2.70 RM as of February 2026, paid exclusively to the driver in cash (drivers cannot give change and require the exact amount). The journey takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
- Metered airport taxi: Requires purchasing a boarding coupon in advance at the counter in the arrivals hall to fix the price, which runs around 45 RM to 60 RM to central George Town, as of February 2026.
Recommendations by traveler type
KLIA Ekspres for solo travellers, the RM 13 to 15 airport bus on a budget, a 6-seat Grab at RM 100 to 120 for a family. Between 01:00 and 05:00 the train does not run, so use a prepaid coupon taxi. In the city, buy a Touch 'n Go card for RM 10 and keep at least RM 10 on it to pass the metro gates.
Match the transport to your group and the clock.
- Solo traveler - the KLIA Ekspres rail link is fastest and immune to traffic jams.
- On a limited budget - the airport bus at 13–15 RM.
- Family with children, or three or more people - book a 6-seat vehicle in the Grab app, roughly 100 RM to 120 RM including tolls. Better on both money and time, and no walking luggage through transfer hubs.
- Late-night arrival, 01:00 to 05:00 - trains are not running, so use only a prepaid coupon taxi (Airport Limo) or a verified ride-hailing app.
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