There are several transportation options to consider when travelling from KLIA Airport to KL Sentral, such as buses, trains, or taxis. However, during our visit to Malaysia, we decided to use the quickest option - the KLIA Express.
The KLIA Express is the only rail-based transportation mode at KLIA 1 and KLIA 2. It's important to note that there are two variations of the KLIA Express: the KLIA Transit and the KLIA Express itself.
The KLIA Transit makes several stops at KLIA, KLIA 2, Salak Tinggi, Putrajaya & Cyberjaya, Bandar Tasik Selatan, and KL Sentral, making it an excellent choice if you wish to explore more of the city. On the other hand, the KLIA Express has fewer stops, making it the faster option, with stops only at KLIA, KLIA 2, and KL Sentral.
During our visit, only the KLIA Transit was in operation. While the ticket pricing remains the same whether you're traveling from KLIA to KL Sentral or in reverse, the travel duration varies since KLIA Transit stops at all stations.
However, for the sake of simplicity, we'll refer to the KLIA Transit as KLIA Express throughout this guide, as it is the more recognized term. Upon landing at KLIA, we made our way to the station located on the first floor. If you're arriving at KLIA 2, you'll find the station on the second floor.
On reaching the first floor, we made a beeline for the ticket counter located in front of the elevator. The staff promptly asked our destination and informed us of the fare, which amounted to RM 110 for two passengers. Upon payment, we received two paper tickets.
Ticket vending machines and online ticket purchasing options are also available for travelers. The ticket machine is conveniently located adjacent to the ticket counter and accepts credit or debit cards.
If you opt for online booking, you can purchase tickets in advance and receive an e-ticket to your email address, often at a discounted rate.
With tickets ready, we proceeded to the entrance gate, just a short walk from the ticket counter. We only had to scan the QR Code on our tickets at the gate. Accustomed to the quick scanners in Singapore, we were taken aback by the slower pace of these scanners.
It took several tries and adjusting the angle of our tickets before the QR Code could be successfully read. We even received assistance from a nearby officer to ensure our tickets were scanned correctly. After a while, the gate finally opened, granting us access to the platform.
The platform hosts two train lines - the train on the right heads to KLIA 2, while the train on the left services other stations. Clear instructions on the platform allay any concerns about boarding the wrong train.
Comfortable seating is available on the platform, as well as an information screen displaying the schedule for the next train arrivals. We found a seat and settled in to wait for our train to KL Sentral.
When the train arrived a few minutes later, we moved towards one of the doors, expecting them to open automatically like MRT or LRT doors. However, the door remained closed.
Only after spotting the "Press To Open" sign on the door did we realize that the KLIA Express doors must be manually opened. Upon pressing the red button on the door, it finally opened.
Thankfully, we noticed the instructions in time. Otherwise, we might have missed this train and had to wait for the next one. Once aboard, we found a comfortable seat for the journey.
The seating arrangements within the train are varied, with options including 1x1 and 2x2 formations. Some seats face each other, while others face in one direction.
For those traveling with luggage, rest assured that there's a designated area to store your belongings. Passengers can conveniently stow larger pieces of luggage away from their seats. Additionally, overhead compartments are available for storing smaller bags. In case of a need, toilets are available in some train cars.
Our journey from KLIA to KL Sentral took approximately 45 minutes. Along the way, we were treated to a diverse display of scenery, from palm oil plantations and rural houses to towering city skyscrapers.
Interestingly, the train made stops at every station on its route before finally reaching its last stop - KL Sentral. Unlike the manual doors at other stations, the doors at KL Sentral opened automatically upon arrival.
Upon reaching KL Sentral, we disembarked the train and made our way towards the exit gate. Here, we encountered another ticket scanning hiccup, but luckily, the gate opened before we needed to call for assistance.
Reflecting on our journey, we found the KLIA Express to be quite comfortable and punctual. It's an ideal choice for passengers seeking efficiency and speed.
However, if your travel time isn't a pressing concern, the KLIA Express may not be the best choice given its relatively high cost. To put it into perspective, a KLIA Express ticket is nearly five times the price of a bus ticket to KL Sentral, which typically costs around RM 12
Ultimately, your choice of transportation should align with your specific needs. If speed is your priority, the KLIA Express is the way to go. If you're budget-conscious, consider taking the bus. Comfort isn't compromised with either choice; both the buses and the KLIA Express are air-conditioned and well-maintained.
Whether you prefer the bus or KLIA Express, each offers a unique way to experience the journey from KLIA to KL Sentral. How about you - which mode of transportation would you choose?
