Exploring Malaysia: Your Guide to Public Transportation Options

Traveloka MY
23 Jun 2024 - 7 min read

Understanding public transportation in Malaysia is important, especially if you're planning a trip there. Getting around Malaysia is made simple with its reliable and affordable public transportation system. Whether you're exploring Peninsular Malaysia or heading to the eastern regions, there are various options to choose from. Buses, minivans, and taxis are popular for local travel, while budget flights offer convenient connections between different areas.

In Sabah and Sarawak, boats and occasional flights are necessary for longer trips. During busy times like festivals, it's wise to plan your travel in advance to avoid any hassles. Keep in mind that arranging transport for remote areas may be costly, but it allows you to explore hidden gems in Malaysia's parks and islands. Let's explore more about the available transportation options in Malaysia, including their operating hours, and routes. Travel with ease by booking your transportation through Traveloka for a seamless journey across Malaysia!

1. KL Monorail

The KL Monorail is a vital mode of transportation in Kuala Lumpur, linking KL Sentral to Titiwangsa with its network of 11 stations covering a distance of 8.6 km, facilitated by two parallel train bridges. Managed by Rapid Rail, a subsidiary of Prasarana Malaysia, it operates as part of the RapidKL system, contributing to the Klang Valley Integrated Transit System. Rapid KL, with 177 routes and an average daily ridership of 332,000 passengers, provides connectivity to residential, industrial, and commercial areas in Greater Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

Operating from 6 am daily, the monorail offers frequent services, with varying intervals based on the time of day. It serves as a vital intra-city transit system, efficiently connecting key destinations within Kuala Lumpur. Moreover, the monorail's route intersects with various other transit systems, including KLIA Transit, KLIA Ekspres, KTM Komuter, Ampang Line LRT, Sri Petaling Line LRT, Kelana Jaya Line LRT, MRT Kajang Line, and MRT Putrajaya Line, enhancing connectivity across the city. This makes it an indispensable link between Kuala Lumpur's main transport hub, KL Sentral, and the bustling "Golden Triangle" area.

Routes

The KL Monorail operates along a route that spans from KL Sentral station to Titiwangsa station, connecting Kuala Lumpur's main transport hub, KL Sentral, with the vibrant "Golden Triangle" area. Along this route, the monorail stops at several key stations, facilitating convenient access to various destinations:

1. KL Sentral Monorail Station

2. Tun Sambanthan Monorail Station

3. Maharajalela Monorail Station

4. Hang Tuah Monorail Station

5. Imbi Monorail Station

6. Bukit Bintang Monorail Station

7. Raja Chulan Monorail Station

8. Bukit Nanas Monorail Station

9. Medan Tuanku Monorail Station

10. Chow Kit Monorail Station

11. Titiwangsa Monorail Station

This comprehensive network ensures accessibility to key areas within Kuala Lumpur, making it easier for commuters and travelers to navigate the city.

2. LRT (Light Rapid Transit)

In Kuala Lumpur, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system serves as a network of electric train lines connecting various parts of the city, offering an affordable, speedy, and eco-friendly mode of transportation to avoid the city's notorious traffic. Managed by RapidKL and MyRapid, these entities ensure a seamless and comfortable travel experience for commuters.

Using the LRT system offers numerous benefits, including affordability, speed, and convenience, with frequent and punctual train services. Stations are well-connected to other public transportation modes like KTM Komuter, MRT, and Monorail, providing extensive coverage across the city. Stations are accessible from 6 am onwards every day, with some opening earlier on special occasions.

Routes

The LRT network comprises three main lines: the Kelana Jaya Line, Ampang Line, and Sri Petaling Line. The Kelana Jaya Line, being the busiest, links the city center to popular neighborhoods and attractions, while the Ampang and Sri Petaling Lines extend to the eastern and southern regions of the city.

The Ampang Line spans 18 stops, starting from Sentul Timur and ending at Ampang. Notable stops include Titiwangsa, Bandaraya, and Masjid Jamek. The Sri Petaling Line covers 29 stops, with routes from Sentul Timur to Putra Heights. Stops include Cheras, Bukit Jalil, and Sri Petaling. Lastly, the Kelana Jaya Line covers 37 stops from Putra Heights to Gombak. Key stations include KL Sentral, Masjid Jamek, and KLCC. Each line offers comprehensive coverage, connecting passengers to major hubs, neighborhoods, and attractions across Kuala Lumpur.

3. KTM Komuter

KTM Komuter, operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM), is a commuter rail service based in Kuala Lumpur's KTM KL Sentral. It's a convenient and economical choice for navigating the city, offering extensive routes and reasonable fares.

KTM Komuter operates two main lines, namely the Port Klang Line and the Seremban Line, linking KL Sentral to various urban and suburban destinations. Passengers can conveniently purchase tickets based on the distance traveled or opt for the hassle-free Touch 'n Go card payment method. Moreover, KL Sentral station boasts an array of passenger amenities, such as elevators, escalators, and restrooms, ensuring accessibility and comfort for all travelers.

Traveling long distances with KTM KL Sentral opens up opportunities beyond Kuala Lumpur, linking you to destinations across Malaysia and neighboring countries like Thailand and Singapore. Here are some essential tips for your long-distance journey:

1. Reserve tickets early to secure seats and favorable prices, especially during peak seasons.

2. Consider your budget and comfort preferences when selecting your train class, ranging from economy to first-class.

3. Stay prepared for potential delays by allowing some buffer time in your schedule and keeping track of train timings.

4. Pack essential items like snacks, water, and entertainment to enhance your travel experience.

Routes

The four major routes covered by KTM Komuter trains are:

Batu Caves – Pulau Sebang
Tanjung Malim – Pelabuhan Klang
Padang Rengas – Bukit Mertajam
Butterworth – Padang Besar

4. MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)

Since December 2016, Malaysia has been operating the MRT, a significant addition to its land transportation network, surpassing the LRT in size. Passengers can conveniently purchase MRT tickets from vending machines located at the station. Moreover, helpful officers are available to assist passengers in acquiring the tickets they need. Unlike tickets for the KL Monorail and LRT, MRT tickets are issued in the form of tokens at the entry gate and must be inserted into the exit gate upon reaching the destination station.

The Kuala Lumpur MRT system is a modern and efficient rail network designed to facilitate travel across the city. Presently, it comprises three operational lines:

1.
Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) Line: Connecting the northwest suburbs of Sungai Buloh to the southeast suburbs of Kajang.
2.
Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya (SSP) Line: Providing a link from Sungai Buloh to the administrative capital of Putrajaya, with stops in Serdang.
3.
Circle Line: A forthcoming route intended to enhance connectivity within the city center.

For navigating the MRT system, the MRT Malaysia map is an invaluable tool, offering a comprehensive overview of the entire network, including the Putrajaya Line map with stations and landmarks.

Fares for the MRT are calculated based on distance traveled, and detailed fare and schedule information can be found on the official Rapid KL website. Moreover, the 2023 MRT map outlines planned expansions and future lines, providing insights into the development of Kuala Lumpur's public transportation network.

5. KLIA Ekspres (KLIA Transit)

The KLIA Express / KLIA Transit serves as a transportation option to and from the airport, connecting Kuala Lumpur airport to the city center. It offers a comfortable train journey with air conditioning and WiFi facilities onboard. The KLIA Ekspres arrives every 15 minutes during off-peak hours and every 20 minutes during peak hours, providing convenient travel options for passengers.

KLIA Ekspres Routes

Routes from KLIA T2:

KLIA T2 - KLIA T1 - Salak Tinggi - Putrajaya & Cyberjaya - Bandar Tasik Selatan - KL Sentral Arrival

Routes from KL Sentral:

KL Sentral - Bandar Tasik Selatan - Putrajaya & Cyberjaya - Salak Tinggi - KLIA T1 - KLIA T2

Discover Kuala Lumpur Package with KLIA

KLIA Ekspres has a package called Discover Kuala Lumpur. It gives you a ride to and from the airport and a tour on the KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus. This lets you see some of the city's cool places. The package costs RM65 for kids aged 2 to 12 and RM140 for adults. It's great for people new to the city or those waiting at KLIA for at least eight hours.

Discover Kuala Lumpur Fare Tickets

Adult: RM140

Child (Ages 6-15): RM65

Children under 6 years old: Free

*Discover Kuala Lumpur Pick-Up Point: Stop 19 – KL Sentral

Hop-On Hop-Off Day Tour

The KL Hop-On Hop-Off Tour lets you get off and on the bus at different stops along the way. The tour starts at 9:00 am every day from Stop 01 – Sg Wang Plaza.

At each stop, the bus comes every 20-30 minutes, so you won't have to wait too long. The last pick-up is at 5:00 pm, no matter which stop you're at.

There are two routes: the City Route and the Garden Route (Red & Green Line). Each route takes about one and a half hours to complete if you stay on the bus the whole time.

Once you use your KL Hop-On Hop-Off voucher, it's good for only 24 hours. So make sure to plan your trip accordingly!

6. Buses

The bus system in Malaysia, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, is highly efficient and cost-effective. Most buses are equipped with air conditioning for passenger comfort. While purchasing tickets at counters is an option, long queues, and exact change issues can be a hassle. To address this, Touch 'n Go (TnG) cards are available, priced at RM 20 with a stored credit of RM 10.

Public Bus Operator

1. Go KL City Bus

Go KL City Bus offers a complimentary service covering popular tourist destinations in Kuala Lumpur, such as Bukit Bintang, Chinatown, and KLCC. These pink buses operate every 15 minutes, are air-conditioned, and provide free wifi. The service is managed by two operators: Rapid Bus and Konsortium Transnasional.

2. Rapid Bus/Rapid KL

RapidKL operates on 177 routes across Kuala Lumpur. The service has been recently revamped, categorizing routes into express, city shuttles, trunk, and local shuttles. Passengers can pay up to RM 3, either with exact change or through TnG cards.

3. Konsortium Transnasional Berhad (KTB)

KTB is the leading bus operator in Peninsular Malaysia, operating various bus types on over 250 routes with more than 1500 buses. Their services, including Transnasional, Pushliner, Nice, and Cityliner, facilitate over 1000 trips daily, serving over 60 million passengers annually. KTB also offers bus services to and from Singapore.

Private Bus Operators

1. Aeroline

Aeroline offers a deluxe bus service connecting Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. It pioneered the concept of on-road mobile business lounges, providing passengers with onboard crew service for food and beverages.

2. Super Nice

Super Nice, also known as Supernice Grassland or Comfort Super Nice Express Sdn Bhd, has been a trusted bus service since the 1980s. Covering key destinations like Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, and Genting Highland, it has gained popularity for its reliability and extensive route network.

3. Taxis

Taxis are not widely used in Malaysia but serve those seeking convenience, albeit at a higher cost. There are two types: local taxis, operating in Kuala Lumpur, and long-distance taxis from Puduraya bus station. However, passengers often encounter issues like meter refusal and overcharging, particularly among tourists. Payment is typically in cash, and the government has set up a hotline (1 800 88 9600) for complaints regarding fare manipulation by drivers.

Convenient Travel Solutions with Traveloka!

Discovering Malaysia's public transportation options has never been easier with Traveloka. Whether you're navigating the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur or exploring the scenic beauty of Penang, Traveloka offers seamless booking solutions for buses, trains, and other modes of transport. With user-friendly interfaces and a wide range of options, Traveloka makes it simple to plan your journey, reserve tickets, and ensure a smooth travel experience.

From browsing schedules to securing affordable fares, Traveloka puts the power of travel planning in your hands. Don't let transportation logistics hold you back—take advantage of Traveloka's convenient platform and embark on your Malaysian adventure with confidence. Book your tickets today and unlock a world of possibilities with Traveloka!

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Tue, 13 May 2025

Malaysia Airlines

Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Start from RM 141.76

Thu, 22 May 2025

Batik Air Malaysia

Surabaya (SUB) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Start from RM 238.66

Tue, 6 May 2025

AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)

Kuching (KCH) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Start from RM 96.18

In This Article

• 1. KL Monorail
• Routes
• 2. LRT (Light Rapid Transit)
• Routes
• 3. KTM Komuter
• Routes
• 4. MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
• 5. KLIA Ekspres (KLIA Transit)
• KLIA Ekspres Routes
• Discover Kuala Lumpur Package with KLIA
• Hop-On Hop-Off Day Tour
• 6. Buses
• Public Bus Operator
• 1. Go KL City Bus
• 2. Rapid Bus/Rapid KL
• 3. Konsortium Transnasional Berhad (KTB)
• Private Bus Operators
• 1. Aeroline
• 2. Super Nice
• 3. Taxis
• Convenient Travel Solutions with Traveloka!

Flights Featured in This Article

Tue, 13 May 2025
Malaysia Airlines
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Start from RM 141.76
Book Now
Thu, 22 May 2025
Batik Air Malaysia
Surabaya (SUB) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Start from RM 238.66
Book Now
Tue, 6 May 2025
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Kuching (KCH) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Start from RM 96.18
Book Now
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