Getting Around in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur’s public transport system is extensive, making it easy to get around the city whether you’re a newcomer or a long-term resident. It is largely made up of buses and various rail systems, including the popular Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system. Public transport routes, availability, and commute times are significant factors you will need to get used to when moving to Malaysia. That said, getting around Kuala Lumpur is relatively straightforward.

You may prefer driving to public transport, especially if you have children or want to visit areas beyond the city. Driving can be advantageous if you want to visit more remote spots, such as the scenic Genting Highlands or the beautiful beaches along the coastline, which are not easily accessible by public transport. It also gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten track. Traffic and parking can be challenging, though, and you might find the Malaysian driving style somewhat unpredictable.

Public transport in Kuala Lumpur

MyRapid Touch ’n Go

The MyRapid Touch ’n Go Card is a smartcard ticketing system that you can use on all trains and buses, regardless of carrier. You load credit onto the card in advance and simply tap in and out when boarding a bus or train. When you place the card on the reader, the ticket value is automatically deducted from your available credit.

Alternatively, you can pay using contactless debit or credit cards, as well as other online payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay, depending on the service.

Trains

Public transport in Kuala Lumpur includes a well-developed rail system, with three Light Rapid Transit (LRT) lines, three commuter lines, one Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line, and one monorail line. The LRT, MRT, and monorail operate under the Rapid Rail brand, and the commuter rail is operated by KTM Komuter. Two dedicated airport link services, the KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit, connect to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and are operated by Express Rail Link (ERL).

The monorail runs directly through the city centre, and the LRT lines branch out to connect various suburbs to the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The MRT and commuter rail lines run longer distances, linking Kuala Lumpur with surrounding towns. 

The LRT, with a daily ridership of nearly half a million people, is one of the most reliable and popular forms of public transport in Kuala Lumpur. It can, however, get quite crowded during rush hour.

Buses

Kuala Lumpur boasts an extensive bus network. Rapid KL is the primary operator, and the bus system is well-integrated with the train network, with many routes acting as feeder services to train stations. Buses are an affordable and efficient option, provided there are no traffic jams.

Bus usage has declined recently, likely due to the expansive train network, which many find a more practical choice. Still, new routes and ongoing fleet expansions are being rolled out to improve bus services and better connect residential areas to key destinations.

The GoKL City Bus service offers free rides on several routes throughout Kuala Lumpur’s Central Business District (CBD), including popular areas such as Bukit Bintang and Chinatown. It has gained popularity for its convenience and cost-effectiveness, especially for short trips around the city centre.

Useful links

• Rapid KL
• Touch ’n Go
• KTM Komuter
• GoKL City Bus

Taxis in Kuala Lumpur

Taxis in Kuala Lumpur are available 24 hours a day and can be hailed on the street or booked through an app. All taxis in Kuala Lumpur are required by law to use calibrated fare meters, meaning you should always see the meter running when you take a taxi. While taxis can be useful, heavy traffic, especially during rush hour, can sometimes make them a slower option compared to trains or the GoKL City Bus.

Ride-hailing services like Grab and MyCar are also widely used, providing a more practical way to get from door to door. Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app in Kuala Lumpur, and its pricing is based mainly on ride duration rather than distance, which helps ensure transparency. There are also options like inDriver, which allows you to negotiate fares.

Useful links

• Grab Malaysia
• MyCar Malaysia

Driving in Kuala Lumpur

Driving in Kuala Lumpur can be chaotic at the best of times. Traffic lights and road rules are not always adhered to, which can make driving unpredictable. For this reason, driving is often not recommended unless you are confident negotiating these challenges.

If you do decide to drive, you can use an international driver’s permit for up to 90 days – if you are a citizen of a Commonwealth country, your driving licence from home may be used during this time. After the 90-day period, you will need to convert your licence to a Malaysian one. This involves providing the necessary documentation, passing a vision test at the local Road Transport Department (JPJ), and paying the relevant processing fee.

Multi-storey car parks are available, but street parking tends to be limited and generally requires payment through mobile apps or parking meters. There are some apps which allow you to find and pay for parking spots through your smartphone, and Kuala Lumpur is also busy implementing smart parking systems to make finding available spots easier.

For more on converting your driving licence, read up on Transport and Driving in Malaysia.

Walking in Kuala Lumpur

Walking in Kuala Lumpur has become more feasible in recent years, especially in districts like Bukit Bintang, Jalan Alor, and Dataran Merdeka, where pedestrian-friendly paths and crossings have been introduced. The River of Life project has also enhanced walkability by adding scenic walkways along the Klang River, making it easier to visit cultural sites and nearby attractions on foot.

Not all parts of the city are pedestrian-friendly. Construction zones often obstruct pavements, and poorly marked detours can make walking challenging. Crossing busy streets can also be hazardous, as traffic congestion often leads to vehicles not yielding to pedestrians. Inadequate lighting on some paths further adds to safety concerns, especially at night.

Cycling in Kuala Lumpur

Cycling in Kuala Lumpur is gaining popularity, supported by efforts to improve infrastructure and promote it as a sustainable mode of transport. There are some dedicated cycling paths, particularly along the Klang River and near Dataran Merdeka, but many of these paths have deteriorated. The city is working on future cycling initiatives, such as a dedicated cycling highway, to improve connectivity between key areas.

Still, cycling is not without its challenges. Many roads do not have bike lanes, making cycling alongside traffic potentially hazardous. If you are an avid cyclist, it is best to stick to the quieter suburbs or parks, where you can enjoy safer, more scenic routes.