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56.7 km • ~61 mins

How to Get from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Chinatown (Petaling Street)

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is about 56.7 km south of Chinatown (Petaling Street). Depending on traffic and mode, the journey takes roughly 45–90 minutes by road or about 50 minutes using the airport train plus LRT.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 56.7 km road distance

Private Door-to-Door Transfer

Recommended
61 mins •Pre-booked / On Request
€22 - €30 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit customs and meet your driver in the arrivals hall at KLIA Terminal 1 (Door 3/4, Level 1) or KLIA Terminal 2 (Transportation Hub, Level 1 of Gateway@klia2).
  2. Show your booking confirmation and board the licensed vehicle.
  3. Ride directly to Chinatown (Petaling Street); typical driving time is 45-75 minutes.
  4. Ask the driver to drop you at Jalan Sultan or the Petaling Street entrance.
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

KLIA Ekspres + LRT to Pasar Seni

Fastest
50 mins •Every 15-20 Mins
€12.00 / Person + LRT
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From KLIA Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 arrivals, follow train signs to the KLIA Ekspres/Transit station (below Terminal 1 or via Gateway@klia2).
  2. Buy an adult one-way ticket to KL Sentral at a counter, machine, or on kliaekspres.com/app (RM55; 10% off online).
  3. Take the non-stop airport train to KL Sentral (28 min from T1, 33 min from T2).
  4. At KL Sentral, change to the LRT Kelana Jaya Line and travel one stop to Pasar Seni station.
  5. Exit Pasar Seni and walk about 5 minutes east to Petaling Street / Chinatown.

Airport Bus to KL Sentral + LRT

Cheapest
90 mins •Every 20-40 Mins
€2.60 - €4.00 / Person
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. At KLIA Terminal 1, go to Level 1 bus bays; at KLIA Terminal 2, go to the Transportation Hub Level 1 in Gateway@klia2.
  2. Buy a ticket at the bus counter to KL Sentral (RM12-18 one way; cash/card accepted).
  3. Board the airport bus; the journey to KL Sentral takes about 1 hour to 1.5 hours depending on traffic.
  4. At KL Sentral, take the LRT Kelana Jaya Line one stop to Pasar Seni, or use a taxi/Grab for the final leg if travelling with heavy luggage.
  5. Walk about 5 minutes from Pasar Seni station to Petaling Street / Chinatown.

Official Airport Taxi (Coupon)

On Demand
61 mins •On Demand (24/7)
€16.50 - €22.00 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. At KLIA Terminal 1 Arrivals, locate the official Airport Limo counter; at Terminal 2, use the taxi counters in the Transportation Hub Level 1.
  2. Buy a fixed-price coupon for Chinatown/Petaling Street (roughly RM75-100 for a standard car; 50% night surcharge 00:00-06:00).
  3. Hand the coupon to the driver and board; the price includes the trip and tolls.
  4. Ride directly to Chinatown (Petaling Street), about 45-75 minutes.
  5. Ask the driver to drop you at Jalan Sultan or the Petaling Street entrance.

Grab / E-hailing

App Based
61 mins •On Demand (24/7)
€17.50 - €29.00 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. At KLIA Terminal 1, go to Door 3 or 4, Level 1; at KLIA Terminal 2, head to the e-hailing pickup in the Transportation Hub Level 1.
  2. Request a Grab ride through the app and confirm the exact pickup point shown in the app.
  3. Wait in the designated area and match the car plate before boarding.
  4. Pay through the app; tolls and surge pricing are included in the quoted fare.
  5. Ride directly to Chinatown (Petaling Street); journey around 45-75 minutes depending on traffic.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore touts in the arrivals hall offering 'taxi'; use only the official Airport Limo counters or book Grab via the app.
  • Check the taxi coupon price before paying; night trips from midnight to 06:00 carry a 50% surcharge.
  • At KL Sentral, buy LRT tickets at official machines only; do not accept help from strangers offering discounted transport cards.
  • Airport bus counters are the only safe place to pay; keep your ticket and confirm the bus company before boarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from KUL to Chinatown?

Take an airport bus to KL Sentral for RM12–18 (about €2.60–€4.00) and then the LRT one stop to Pasar Seni, or a short taxi/Grab for the last leg.

How long does it take from KUL to Chinatown?

By road, taxis and private transfers usually take 45–75 minutes. The KLIA Ekspres plus LRT and walk takes about 50 minutes in total.

Is there a direct train from KUL to Chinatown?

No. KLIA Ekspres or KLIA Transit runs to KL Sentral only. From KL Sentral take the LRT Kelana Jaya Line one stop to Pasar Seni and walk about 5 minutes.

Can I pay by card for the airport train and bus?

KLIA Ekspres accepts contactless bank cards at the gates and e-tickets online. Airport bus counters usually accept cash and cards, but confirm before boarding.

What about night arrivals at KUL?

Official taxis and Grab operate 24/7. Airport buses run from early morning to after midnight but are not 24 hours, so check the counter on arrival.

Which option is best for families with luggage?

A private transfer or official coupon taxi is best because it is door-to-door with a fixed price and no train changes. A standard taxi costs roughly RM75–100.

Nearby places

More transfers from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

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