Kuala Lumpur is hosting the ASEAN Summit 2025 from 26 to 28 October, welcoming leaders from Southeast Asia and global partner countries. While the summit highlights Malaysia's leadership as ASEAN Chair, it also brings several days of traffic disruption and increased security in the city.

This guide covers the key travel and commuting information that locals and visitors need to know during this period.

The ASEAN Summit Kuala Lumpur will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), with official meetings and side events in nearby venues. Leaders from China, India, the United States, Brazil, and ASEAN member states are scheduled to attend. Delegations begin arriving from 26 October and are expected to leave by 28 October.

Significant traffic measures will be in place during the summit. Over 25 major roads and six highways will face intermittent closures to make way for official convoys. Roads affected include:

Key highways such as the Maju Expressway (MEX), ELITE Highway, KL-Seremban Expressway, North–South Expressway, and NKVE are also on the list. These closures are expected to last 30 to 45 minutes at a time and will be enforced in stages throughout the day.

Motorists are encouraged to avoid entering central Kuala Lumpur during the ASEAN Summit Road Closures. Delays should be expected even on alternative routes, particularly during peak hours.

All LRT, MRT, and monorail services will continue to operate as usual. Rapid KL may increase train frequency and extend peak-hour schedules based on demand. Stations near KLCC will remain open, making rail the most reliable way to travel during the summit.

Most bus routes will continue service, although some may be rerouted depending on road conditions and traffic police instructions. Travellers using buses should plan for possible delays or detours.

Travellers going to or from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) during the summit should allow extra time for the journey. Highways connecting KLIA to the city, including ELITE and Lebuhraya KLIA, will experience rolling roadblocks for VIP convoys.

Airlines such as Malaysia Airlines have advised passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure and to use online check-in when possible. No flight cancellations have been announced, but travellers may encounter additional security checks and minor delays.

Hotels near KLCC are accommodating summit delegates, with added security in place around the premises. Streets like Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Kia Peng, and Persiaran KLCC may be blocked during certain hours. Access for pedestrians and vehicles will be controlled around these areas.

For visitors who have not booked accommodation, many city-centre hotels are already at full capacity. Staying in surrounding districts may offer a more convenient and less congested experience during the summit period.

There will be no full lockdown in Kuala Lumpur, but security will be tighter across key areas. Police presence will be visible around KLCC, hotels, and main routes, with occasional checkpoints and crowd control measures.

Some schools will move to online classes, and government offices near the summit area will switch to remote work. These steps are meant to ease congestion and ensure smooth operations during the ASEAN Summit.

The ASEAN Summit KL coincides with Deepavali 2025 travel, adding to overall traffic volume. Staying informed about road closures and public transport options will help reduce inconvenience during this busy week in the capital.