If you are ever flying to Kuala Lumpur, then you will find yourself landing at one of the two major International Airports that service the Malaysian capital. Like any major city in the world though, getting from the airport to where you want to go can be a challenge. Likewise, if you need to transfer, moving between the airports themselves can be just as hard. Fortunately, Kuala Lumpur solves that problem easily with the KLIA to KLIA2 Shuttle Bus.
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Table of Contents
- KLIA and KLIA2
- How to get from KLIA to KLIA2
- The KLIA to KLIA2 Shuttle Bus
- From KLIA
- From KLIA2
- Where to stay near KL Airports
- Summary
KLIA and KLIA2
So what is the difference between KLIA and KLIA2? Or what is also known as KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2.
Basically it boils down to this.
KLIA is the main airport of Kuala Lumpur, and services both International and Domestic flights. KLIA2, while a lot newer and more modern airport, services all the low cost carriers.
So, if you are flying into Kuala Lumpur on Air Asia, you will land at KLIA2. Alternatively, if you are flying in on Malaysia Airlines or Cathay Pacific, you will land at KLIA.
How to get from KLIA to KLIA2
So the question for many travelers that are transiting through Kuala Lumpur, is how to get from KLIA to KLIA2, or vice versa? The answer is actually very easy.
There are several ways to get between the airports in Kuala Lumpur, and the transit is quick and easy. Unlike cities like Istanbul, Tokyo or Bangkok, the airports (terminals) here are only 6km apart, which also takes out a lot of the stress at making a connecting flight.
There are several ways to transit from KLIA to KLIA2.
- KLIA Express – Train from the city center to the airport that stops at both terminals.
- Taxi or GRAB – Taxi is easy to catch, as is GRAB via the mobile app.
- Airport Liner Bus – A paid bus option
- The KLIA to KLIA2 Shuttle Bus – the FREE shuttle bus option
For those on a budget, the most obvious option is the Free Shuttle bus.
The KLIA to KLIA2 Shuttle Bus
The KLIA to KLIA2 Shuttle bus is a service that runs 24/7, with a bus coming every 10 minutes. This is a real no brainer for anyone wanting a quick, easy and cheap (free) way to move between terminals.
The problem comes when you need to actually FIND the bus.
As with any terminals in any airport in the world they can instantly become confusing. Signs may not be in English, and walking out into any arrivals hall immediately has you disoriented. You only have to stand and watch travelers pushing carts and carrying backpacks who have heads on swivels as they walk through the final doors from customs, trying in vain to figure out where to go. Add to that the “helpful” locals that are offering everything from taxi rides to SIM cards, and the whole mess just becomes a nightmare.
Fortunately, I’ve been there and done it. So here is the quick and easy instructions for finding the KLIA to KLIA2 Shuttle bus.
From KLIA
When you arrive at KLIA (terminal 1) you will emerge into the arrivals hall on Level 3.
If you need local SIM cards, then you will find them on this level, along with a couple of coffee shops. Directly below you on level 2 there is also a really nice food court if you are hungry and have time.
Otherwise, locate an escalator, and head down to Level 1, where the shuttle bus leaves from.
Once on Level 1, find door 4. The KLIA to KLIA2 Shuttle Bus leaves directly out front of this door, one lane across. You will be able to recognize it easily by its distinctive purple color, and clear markings that say “free shuttle”.
The shuttle will take you to KLIA2 directly and drop you on Level 1. From there you will have to go to Level 3 for departures. Take note that there are a lot of “split’ Levels in KLIA2, and you may feel like you have gone up 5 or 6 floors, when you have only gone 3!
There are also a LOT of restaurants and shops at KLIA2 compared to KLIA. So it is not a bad place to stop and grab a bite to eat, or wait out your time in transit.
From KLIA2
The first time I arrived at KLIA2 and needed to find transport I was VERY confused. Granted, it was late at night and a lot of things were closed, meaning limited people to ask for assistance. Then, because I was going to KL city, a lot of services had stopped.
Fortunately, it’s actually pretty easy when you are transiting between terminals with the KLIA to KLIA2 Shuttle bus.
When you arrive in KLIA2, you will emerge from arrivals on Level 2.
You will walk through a lot of restaurants, cafes and currency exchange places here. What you want to do is head to Level 1. This is where the taxi ranks are located, and where the buses leave from. You can get to Level 1 via escalators and an elevator.
Once on Level 1, there is basically only a couple of doors going out toward the bus stands. if you come down the elevator, it is directly ahead of you.
Once you emerge, you will be faced with a dozen or so bus stands. Take note of the poles with large white signs on them pointing you in the right direction for the Shuttle Bus. I think they got sick of people asking where to catch it, so they overcompensated!
Head to the left and follow the numbered poles to Stand A10. Strangely enough, all the bus stands are numbered EXCEPT A10, where there is just a small sign. Go figure.
The bus should come within 10 minutes. Last time I was there I saw one drive away as I approached, and I only had a short wait for the next one, so they are very regular.
The bus will take you direct to KLIA, via one short stop at the Long Term Parking on route.
Where to stay near KL Airports
If you are only transiting Kuala Lumpur, and don’t have enough time to get into the city, but have a bit too long to sit around in the terminal, then why not try one of the nearby hotels? No one likes to sit for 12 hours when they could at least have a semi comfortable bed. Terminal sleeping pods are ALWAYS overpriced, so here are a few hotels only a couple of minutes away to choose from.
SAMA SAMA HOTEL KLIA
The Sama Sama Hotel is nice and close to the airport, clean and comfortable, good sized rooms, pool and gym, along with a really nice buffet breakfast if you are staying overnight.
TUNE HOTEL KLIA-KLIA2
A great option for a longer transit. Only a few minutes easy walk from KLIA2, so when you land at KLIA, simply catch the free shuttle to KLIA2 first. Comfortable and clean rooms, and the breakfast is amazing! Perfect way to start the day before heading to your next flight.
MOVENPICK HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTER
About 15 minutes from the airport, but an amazing option for an overnight stay near the airport. Shuttle to the airport is provided, but check in advance for the time you need it. This hotel is large, and they provide everything you could possibly need.
CAPSULE TRANSIT SLEEP LOUNGE KLIA
If you have a transit that is just not quite long enough to head to a hotel, the Capsule Transit Sleep Lounge in KLIA could be the perfect option for you. Comfortable and clean with very helpful staff, why not get a bit of shut eye while everyone else fights for seats just outside?
Summary
The KLIA to KLIA2 Shuttle Bus is totally free, and is the most direct and easy way to transfer between the terminals. Simply follow my instructions, or locate the signs in the airport as per the images I have supplied in this article, and you will be away in no time!
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