Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is Malaysia's main gateway to the world, serving as a major hub for international and domestic flights. With its state-of-the-art facilities, two terminals and efficient services, KLIA offers a seamless travelling experience for millions of passengers every year. Whether you've just arrived in Malaysia or are about to embark on your next adventure, understanding the layout and services of this airport is essential for a smooth journey.

This comprehensive guide to KLIA from Traveloka will give you everything you need to know before, during and after your flight. From navigating the terminal and getting to the airport, to finding the best airlines, organising your departure or arrival, and exploring what to do while you're there, we've got you covered. Plus, we'll share important contact information to ensure you can get help whenever you need it. Let's dive in and make your KLIA experience as easy and enjoyable as possible!

KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) is not only home to one of the world's busiest international flight routes, connecting Kuala Lumpur with Singapore, but also occupies 39 square miles (100 square kilometres) of former farmland. This makes it one of the largest airport sites in the world, more than eight times larger than London Heathrow and nearly 1.5 times larger than Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

The airport has two terminals, previously known as KLIA and KLIA2, which are now renamed KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2. What sets these two terminals apart is that they operate as two different airports, each with different facilities. Despite sharing the same runway, the two terminals are about seven minutes apart by car. Travellers can easily move between the two using the free shuttle bus service or KLIA Aerotrain, an inter-terminal rail transfer that ensures a smooth connection for passengers.

KLIA Terminal 1, or the Main Terminal, serves as a hub for various airlines, providing access to a wide range of domestic and international flights. The terminal offers a convenient and easy experience for travellers, with Malaysia Airlines as one of the main airlines operating from this terminal.

Every week, Malaysia Airlines operates 837 flights from Terminal 1, providing over 160,000 seats. Besides Malaysia Airlines, other leading airlines using the terminal include:

KLIA Terminal 2 caters to low-cost carriers, providing a wide range of affordable travel options for travellers on a budget. The AirAsia group, including AirAsia and AirAsia X, dominates this terminal with most of its flights, offering affordable travel within Malaysia, across Asia, and to some long-haul destinations.

AirAsia operates more flights from Kuala Lumpur than Malaysia Airlines, with around 1,000+ departures each week and over 195,000 seats available. Other budget airlines operating from Terminal 2 are as follows:

KLIA is located at 6400 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia, and can be easily reached by various public transport options available in the area, including the following:

Taking the bus is the most cost-effective option to reach KLIA. Several bus companies offer services at similar fares, usually ranging between RM12-15 for one-way. Tickets can be purchased online or at KL Sentral ticket counters, with buses departing every few hours.

Buses usually stop at KLIA2 before continuing their journey to KLIA. The journey usually takes about an hour, providing an affordable and convenient way to travel to the airport.

If you're looking for hassle-free and convenient airport travel, the train is the way to go. KLIA Ekspres offers the fastest route between KL Sentral and the KLIA terminal, taking less than 30 minutes to reach your destination. Operating every 20 minutes, this service runs every day, including weekends and public holidays.

The train provides a comfortable journey with air-conditioned carriages, spacious seats, toilets, free WiFi, and a dedicated luggage area. There are even porters available to help load and unload your luggage. Ticket prices for a one-way trip are around RM49.50 for adults and RM22.50 for children, while return tickets are around RM91 for adults and RM40 for children. The journey takes 28 minutes to reach KLIA Terminal 1 and 31 minutes to reach Terminal 2.

Driving to KLIA from KL Sentral is an easy option, with several routes available depending on your preference. You can either use the Maju Expressway (MEX) for a more direct journey, or opt for the North-South Expressway (NSE) which is combined with the ELITE Expressway for a slightly different route.

Toll fees for these routes are around RM3.50 for the MEX-Putrajaya toll, RM4.30 for the ELITE-KLIA toll, and RM4.30 for the ELITE-Putrajaya toll. The journey usually takes about 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

If you don't like driving, you can easily take a taxi or use a ride-hailing service to reach KLIA. Special pick-up zones for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles are available at KL Sentral for your convenience.

For those of you who want more flexibility, you can also opt for a private airport shuttle service. With this option, you will be travelling in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle while a driver will organise your journey.

KLIA and KLIA2 operate around the clock, accommodating red-eye flights daily. Both terminals have lounges available for 24 hours, provided you fulfil the entry requirements. While the Post Office at the Main Terminal operates from 8.30am to 5pm (Monday to Saturday), some restaurants may not be open 24 hours, although convenience stores remain accessible at any time.

Some essential services at the airport are also available for 24 hours, such as the Information Desk (Main Terminal, 3F), luggage storage, lockers, and baggage wrapping services. The Medical Clinic operates throughout the day and night, but the Pharmacy is open until midnight, and reopens at 6am. CIMB Bank provides services daily from 7.30am to 10.30pm.

You can access free WiFi ("FREE_WIFI@KLIA") throughout most seating areas, public spaces, and even the parking lots in both terminals. There's no need for any application or sign-up process to connect, making it easy to stay connected during your time at the airport.

When travelling from KLIA, it's important to remember that most airline check-in counters open at least 3 hours before your flight. Some airlines may even open earlier, so it's best to check with your airline first. As a general guideline, try to check-in at least 2 hours before departure to avoid last-minute rushes.

Also, when travelling through KLIA, passengers will have to pay a Passenger Service Charge (PSC), previously known as Airport Tax. This fee is levied by the airline at the time of ticket purchase, but the payment is transferred to the airport management board (MAHB) only after the flight is completed. If passengers do not use the ticket for their flight, they may be eligible for a full refund of the PSC from the airline.

From 1 June 2024, the PSC rates are as follows: for domestic flights, the departure fee is RM11 and RM7 for transfers. For flights from KUL Terminal 1, the departure fee increases to RM73, with RM42 for transfers. International travellers departing from KUL Terminal 2 or other airports will pay RM50 for departure and RM29 for transfers.

The Arrival Halls at KLIA and KLIA2 are just as well-equipped as the departure areas, offering a variety of dining options, shopping outlets, souvenir shops and convenience stores.

At KLIA, the Arrivals Hall is located on Level 3 of the Main Terminal Building, and passengers can reach the Contact Pier by taking the Aerotrain from the Satellite Building. If you are transferring to another flight, the transfer counter can be found at the Contact Pier, with easy access to Level 3 for security screening and baggage collection.

The Arrivals Hall at KLIA consists of five levels, each serving a different purpose. On Level 1, you will find the coach lounge, pick-up/drop-off area, group check-in counter, as well as the ERL and commuter train stations. Level 2 includes the car park, food court, and access to hotels, bus stations, and car hire.

Level 3 is where the main Arrivals Hall is located, with taxi stands, express bus ticket counters, car hire, and hotel booking services. Level 4 houses the airline offices and food court, while Level 5 is dedicated to the Departure Hall. Make sure you check the map upon arrival to orientate yourself and plan your next move.

While waiting for your flight at KLIA, you can make the most of your time by enjoying various fun activities, including the following:

Indulge in Malaysian flavours at the cafes, restaurants and food courts located at KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. From classic nasi lemak and savoury noodles to traditional Peranakan dishes, there's something to satisfy every palate. Don't forget to savour a cup of teh tarik, Malaysia's signature frothy hot tea, to complete your meal and refresh your body.

Treat yourself to some shopping without even leaving the airport! Whether you're looking for mouth-watering chocolates, high-end brands or exquisite jewellery, duty-free shops, emporiums and gift shops have you covered. For even more options, you can take a 9-minute shuttle bus from Terminal 1 or 13 minutes from Terminal 2 to Mitsui Outlet Park, but make sure to check the bus schedule before you leave.

If you need a place to relax, refresh or get some work done during your layover, head to one of the airport lounges. The Plaza Premium Lounge at Contact Pier International in Terminal 1, as well as the Sama Sama Express Lounge, are both excellent places with comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, food, and shower facilities.

If you have more than 8 hours of layover time in Kuala Lumpur, why not take the opportunity to explore the city? Hop on the KLIA Ekspres from Terminal 1 and you'll be in the city centre in just 28 minutes. Once there, you can visit famous landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers. You can also purchase the Discover Kuala Lumpur Package, which includes a return trip on the KLIA Ekspres and an unlimited ride on the KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus.

KLIA offers excellent facilities such as clean and well-equipped baby care rooms and medical clinics, as well as a specialised service called The Butterfly Effect. This service is designed to assist passengers with special needs, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travelling experience from start to finish.

At KLIA2, the Arrival Hall is located on Level 2 of the Main Terminal Building, which serves as the final stop for domestic and international arrivals. After collecting your luggage, you can start shopping for duty-free items.

Transport options are available outside the Arrivals Hall, providing easy access to the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Domestic flights usually land at Pier J or K, while international arrivals at Pier P, Q, and L. After disembarking from the aircraft, passengers will have to walk towards the Satellite Building, following the signs that are there to guide them. Upon reaching the Satellite Building, you will find the Skybridge leading to the Arrivals Hall, with shops and services located on Level 2, Sector 2. The area also has multi-storey car parking and various transport options into the city.

All in all, Kuala Lumpur International Airport is a world-class travel hub, offering a seamless experience with its modern facilities and comprehensive services. Whether you're catching a flight, arriving for a visit, or simply exploring what the airport has to offer, knowing the information about KLIA will make your trip hassle-free.

To make your journey even easier, don't forget to plan your entire trip with Traveloka. From booking flight tickets and hotels to organising car rentals and entrance tickets to various exciting attractions in Malaysia, Traveloka is your one-stop platform for all your travel needs.