Transportation in Kuala Lumpur
A high-tech city of towering skyscrapers and shopping malls linked by overhead railways and monorails, KL is a tenth of the size of Bangkok with an old colonial heart looped by traffic-packed highways.Meaning "muddy confluence" in Malay, Kuala Lumpur sits at the convergence point of the Klang and Gombak rivers. KLCC is the city's central district with the Golden Triangle home to hotels and malls; Little India and lively Bangsar lie in the south with the restaurants of Damansara and Hartamas, and Petaling Jaya to the west.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Taxi
KL's plentiful supply of distinctive red-and-white taxis can be flagged down on the street. Each is metered, although overcharging tourists is a common scam, so it pays to agree on a ball-park figure in advance.
Train
Railway travel is an integral part of the city's transport system with commuter trains that ferry passengers efficiently across KL. The Monorail (PRT) and two light railway transit (LRT) systems - PUTRA and STAR - crisscross the city on elevated tracks and are fast, frequent and reliable, departing every few minutes early until late.
Bus
KL's inexpensive buses are served by bus stops in every nook and cranny of the city, including the adjoining areas of neighbouring Selangor state. Avoid rush hours (7am-9am and 5pm-7pm), when buses are busy and slow-moving. Tickets are issued on boarding via a coin-operated machine, so be sure to carry loose change.
Foot
KL's central districts are easily navigable on foot with compact clusters of shops, hotels, restaurants and attractions within walking distance of each other. Strolling around the streets and pavements of colourful Chinatown and Little India provide a particularly enjoyable sightseeing stroll.
Rent your car
Several expressways link Kuala Lumpur with other Peninsular Malaysia destinations, but you can expect to pay a toll on these. Tolls haven’t eased congestions in the city and double parking is a regular occurrence. Underground car parks are a better option.
Transportation Tips
Kuala Lumpur may seem like one vast urban sprawl, but the city’s excellent public transport network means that it’s quick and easy to reach most of the top attractions.
