Kuala Lumpur International Airport, KL’s main airport and called KLIA for short, is home to two massive terminals, the older terminal with most airlines including Malaysia Airlines and most of the international flights, and KLIA2, which is home to many budget airlines, primarily AirAsia.
The main difference between KLIA and KLIA2 is simply that they are two different terminals, serving different airlines.
Your plane ticket should state which terminal to go to. Below, I describe whether to go to KLIA or KLIA2 based on your airline if you are still confused.
Note that sometimes people talk about KLIA1. This is exactly the same as saying KLIA.
The two terminals do sit side by side and the distance between KLIA and KLIA2 is only a couple of kilometers as the crow flies. However, the distance from KLIA to KLIA2 by road is about 5 kilometres, and these are not pedestrian friendly so if you are wondering how to walk from KLIA to KLIA2. Don’t!
In case you missed it above, the KLIA and KLIA2 difference is just that they are two different terminals at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
You can see how they are located in relation to each other in the KLIA map below.
You need to take transport from KLIA2 to KLIA or vice versa if you plan to transit through each of them or want to stay overnight at a different terminal (which we have done –there is a much nicer hotel at KLIA than KLIA2 which you can see here).
In this article, I explain how to get from KLIA to KLIA 2 and from KLIA 2 to KLIA. This is very simple and there is no need to worry if you need to make this journey.
Just give yourself plenty of time if you flying out on the same day from another terminal especially as you will need to go through immigration and collect your bags.
There is currently no way to transfer between the two terminals airside. You will need to pass through immigration and customs if you are on international flights and collect baggage.
The good news is that KLIA Is regularly voted one of the world’s best airports and is really well connected. There is plenty of Kuala Lumpur airport public transport options to connect you to Kuala Lumpur and beyond. Once you are ready to go, you have three options. Train, bus and taxi!
The options are the same regardless of whether you are working out how to go from KLIA to KLIA2 or how to get from KLIA2 to KLIA.
I also describe KLIA vs KLIA2 based on which airline you are flying.
IMPORTANT: Even though the KLIA to KLIA2 distance is small on the map, it’s around 5km by road so you cannot walk between the two terminals! Nor will you need to, given the number of options for transport to KLIA2, including a free option.
Want to read how to get from KLIA2 to KL Sentral instead? Read full details here!
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Contents
How To Get From KLIA To KLIA2 [2024]
The best way to travel from KLIA to KLIA2 (or vice versa) is on the quick and frequent train. Either the KLIA Transit or KLIA Express does this journey in three minutes.
If you want to save RM2, you can take the free bus. This takes longer and is a longer walk in the terminal, but it is free and easy.
Here’s a summary of your options…
| Mode of transport | Duration | Frequency | Price |
| Free Bus | 10 – 26 minutes | Every 15 minutes | Free |
| Train | 3 minutes | 4 – 5 per hour | RM2 |
| Bus/Airport Liner | 10 minutes | Every 20 minutes | RM3 |
| Taxi | 10 minutes | On call | RM18-44 |
Option 1: Free Shuttle Bus From KLIA2 to KLIA or KLIA1 to KLIA2
Pros: Free. Services every fifteen minutes 24/7
Cons: May need to change buses at the long term car park, takes longer
If you want to know how to go from KLIA2 to KLIA for free then this is for you – the best thing about this Kuala Lumpur airport shuttle is that it won’t cost you a single ringgit!
There is a free shuttle bus KLIA to KLIA terminal 2 (and reverse) for transit passengers. This means that if you are flying into one terminal and out of the other, you can transfer for free between the two.
This is the only way you can take the free shuttle bus from KLIA to KLIA2 and vice versa.
The KLIA to KLIA2 free shuttle bus schedule (or free shuttle bus from KLIA2 to KLIA schedule) is easy – it runs around the clock approximately every fifteen minutes in both directions. This means it is a great option when travelling from KLIA to KLIA2 after midnight as it does not stop.
The biggest problem is that it goes via the long term car park when you are travelling from KLIA2 to KLIA1. When we took it, we had to change buses at the car park. This was easy to do but annoying when you have luggage. Plus, there were already people waiting on the next bus so most seats were taken already.
Most buses do just wait ten minutes at the long term car park before travelling on. If you are not in a rush, I recommend you just wait and save the bother, particularly if you have a seat or lots of luggage. However, we had to get off our bus when we caught this.
This only happens when travelling from KLIA2 to KLIA and not in reverse. It adds to the journey time and we ended up taking over 20 minutes. Travelling from KLIA1 to KLIA2 is direct and should only be about ten minutes.
This a short video to help show you what to look for when looking for the KLIA2 bus terminal or KLIA bus terminal so you find your shuttle bus KLIA2 to KLIA easily.
The main thing is to look for the round, orange logo. You will see this many places and just need to follow it.
When arriving at KLIA2 for the shuttle from KLIA2 to KLIA, the pickup point is in the Transportation Hub on Level 1 (this is about a 5-minute walk after exiting customs) at Bay A10. There are signs everywhere for the KLIA2 bus, you can’t miss it.
A10 is at the end of the terminal – turn left when you walk outside and you will find it.
When arriving at KLIA, the pick-up point is at Level 1 (signs will say “Tour Coach Lounge”), Door 4 for the bus to KLIA 2.
While the airport website states that this bus is only for connecting passengers, no one checked or asked us anything when we caught it.
The KLIA2 to KLIA shuttle bus option is a winning one thanks to being free but I find Option 2, a little bit easier and faster…
Option 2: Train from KLIA to KLIA2
Pros: Quickest and easiest option with regular services. Less walking in KLIA2
Cons: Need to buy tickets (easy to do and cheap)
Taking the train from KLIA2 to KLIA 1 is super easy. This is my top recommendation for how to get to KLIA from KLIA2 and vice versa for being quick and easy with less walking. Taking the Express Rail Link (ERL KLIA to KLIA2) is only a three-minute journey between the two terminals.
The Kuala Lumpur airport train from KLIA to KLIA2 is cheap and simple and I always think trains are more fun 🙂
Both the KLIA Express/Ekspres and KLIA Transit trains go between the two terminals. Either is fine to catch. They both cost RM2 for an adult and take only three minutes, so just catch the one coming next.
Just make sure the one you hop on is going in direction you want and isn’t on its way to KL Sentral having already visited the other terminal.
Both go to KL Sentral, the main difference is that the KLIA Transit train also stops at other stations on the way. However, they both travel directly between KLIA and KLIA2. You can use the same service to get from KLIA2 to Kuala Lumpur, KLIA to Kuala Lumpur, or between the two terminals KLIA 1 and 2.
The KLIA to KLIA2 train schedule is five an hour during the day and evening and four times an hour overnight, so you shouldn’t need to wait long. As I said above, the KLIA to KLIA2 train time is only 3 minutes!
Adults currently cost MYR2 and kids MYR1 to take the KLIA to KLIA2 train or the train from KLIA2 to KLIA (so it’s the same cost in either direction). Kids need a ticket from two years old.
The train stations are within each of the terminals so it is also the easiest option especially as it avoids the longer walk to the Transportation Hub at KLIA2. This helps ensure it is by far the quickest way to travel between the terminals.
When taking a KLIA2 to KLIA1 train, you will find the train station after walking out of customs. Keep going straight ahead and follow the signs. It will be to your right.
When you find it, you buy your ticket on this top level then go down to level 1 to catch the train. Platform A to go into the city, Platform B to go to KLIA.
When taking a train transfer from KLIA to KLIA2, go to level 1. Take an elevator or escalators down. There is a booth selling tickets or machines right next to the platform. It’s easy to use the machines and, when we last used it, there was even a discount for using a visa card.
The KLIA train to KLIA2 is very easy.
To repeat, make sure you hop on a train KLIA to KLIA2 that will stop at the other terminal and not just go straight to KL Sentral!
Ask someone if you aren’t completely sure, but it is explanatory.
When you arrive at your destination, it is just a short walk to the check-in desks.
Option 3: Bus from KLIA to KLIA2
Pros: It takes you from KLIA to KLIA2
Cons: More expensive. Longer Than Train. Doesn’t run overnight
There is also another option of a bus from KLIA2 to KLIA and vice versa called the Airport Liner.
This bus runs a regular route between the two terminals and other points from Nilai KTM Komuter station from 5:30am to 11:50pm about every 20 minutes. You can take it just between the two terminals.
It costs MYR3 for a seat. You buy tickets at ticket counters by the boarding platforms.
At KLIA, you can find this bus at platforms 10, 11 or 12 at KLIA Bus Station. It runs from 5:30am – 11:40pm
At KLIA2, you can find this bus at the Level 1 Transportation Hub. It runs from 6am – Midnight
You can find both the KLIA Bus Station and the Transportation Hub, by following numerous signs at the terminals which will point you in the right direction.
However, when it comes to the best answer for how to get to KLIA2 from KLIA, I recommend either of the options above over this. If you want to catch a bus, you may as well catch the free shuttle bus. If you are happy to pay, take the train from KLIA2 from KLIA.
Option 4: Taxi from KLIA to KLIA2
Pros: More privacy. Runs when you want.
Cons: Costs much more. Longer than Train
The final option of how to travel from KLIA to KLIA2 is with a taxi with a KLIA2 to KLIA1 transfer (or vice versa).
It is straightforward to take a taxi to KLIA2 or a taxi to taxi to KLIA/KLIA2 but note that this will most probably take longer than the train, and it is more difficult to get luggage to the Transportation Hub where the taxis depart at KLIA2 than it is to get luggage to the train platform.
It is more expensive with a rough cost being MYR42 for a small car with a coupon taxi. It will be cheaper with a metre taxi. It costs more at night. Grab says the cost through their app is likely to be RM18-24.
There really is no reason to take a taxi transfer from KLIA2 to KLIA. If you decide to take this option, the following information will help.
In either direction, a Grab taxi via the Grab app will be the cheapest option.
When taking a taxi from KLIA to KLIA2, you can catch a Grab taxi at level 1 of the main terminal building at gate 3 or 4. This is easy to find. If you would prefer a pricier normal taxi, this is also on level 1 and there are signs.
When taking a taxi transit from KLIA2 to KLIA, follow the signs to the TRANSPORTATION HUB. From here, you can take a Grab taxi or you can buy a coupon for the metered taxi from one of the counters. When taking a taxi to KLIA, just walk over to the line of taxis, handover your coupon and you’ll be set to go.
KLIA or KLIA2? Airlines Operating at each Terminal
If you are wondering which terminal, KLIA 1 or 2, your airline ticket should tell you. Otherwise, it is quite clear cut as currently no airline flies out of both terminals.
As stated above, the general rule is budget airlines at KLIA2 and full service carriers at KLIA (or KLIA1). But this isn’t a hard rule. The AirAsia KLIA terminal is usually KLIA 2 but do double check before travelling as these things can change.
If you are wondering AirAsia KLIA or KLIA2, they are the main airline at KLIA2. I promise, you can’t miss them! Also at terminal 2 is Cebu Pacific Air, Jetstar Asia and Scoot.
If you are wondering Malaysia Airlines KLIA or KLIA2, they are at KLIA along with the other carriers including Batik Air, Lion Air, Vietnam Airlines, Emirates, Ana Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Oman Air, China Airlines and many more.
Make sure you are clear before you go which terminal to go to. Although getting between the terminals is straightforward, it still takes some time and you don’t need that stress when you arrive at the airport.
I hope you are now clear on how to go to KLIA from KLIA2 or how to go to KLIA2 from KLIA. Ask in our Facebook group you have any questions or advice!
If you decide to stopover at KL Airport, here’s our favourite airport hotel. Travelling to KL Sentral? Read our guide here. For more KLIA and KLIA2 guides, hotel and lounge options, click here.
Regarding the Free Shuttle Bus — if I am not connecting, can I pay to take the shuttle? My biggest problem is that my flight arrives late, by the time I go through custom and pick up my luggage, I fear that I would miss the express train.
There did not seem to be a way to pay but no one was checking anything so I wouldn’t worry.