Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL): Guide, Facilities & Hotels, Cafes, and Restaurants

When you are traveling to and from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.

Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.

Brief Overview of Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia

Situated about 45 km (28 miles) south of Kuala Lumpur city center, lies the largest and busiest airport in Malaysia, called the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The airport was previously called Subang Airport.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is Malaysia’s main gateway that serves airlines not just in Asia, but across the globe. The airport is often abbreviated as KLIA, which is also used in the naming of its main terminal building. Going to KLIA is convenient and straightforward. You can drive your own car or rent a vehicle, then drive through the ELITE highway, or LDP highway. Road signs are almost everywhere to guide you to the airport.

IATA: KUL

Address:
Sepang,
Selangor,
Malaysia

Airport Contact: +603 8776 2000

Website: http://www.klia.com.my

Operation Hours: Kuala Lumpur International Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, on-site accommodations, and public and private transport services may not offer services throughout the day and night. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may vary with the flight schedule. Therefore, it is advised that you check with the airport.

About Airport’s Terminals

Kuala Lumpur International Airport has two terminals. These are named KLIA (Main Terminal or Terminal 1) and klia2 (Terminal 2). KLIA is the main terminal building (five stories) and klia2 is the other terminal building. KLIA consists of three areas, which are the Main Terminal, the Contact Pier, and Satellite Terminal A. Satellite Terminal A is connected via the inter-terminal train. klia2 is a smaller terminal and mostly caters to budget carriers. It is located not far from KLIA. There is a free shuttle service that can transport passengers between the airport terminals.

Travelers can easily find various amenities, such as information desks, lounges, ATMs, conference rooms for business travelers, newsagents, courtesy telephones, restaurants, restrooms, facilities for handicapped passengers, retail shopping outlets, ticket counters, baggage claim, and locker facilities, gift shops, transportation, car park and more at the airport.

Parking at Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Kuala Lumpur International Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to travelers. Airport Parking is available at both terminals. One can choose from on-site parking options, off-site car parks, and garages that are located in the nearest proximity to the airport. These consist of short-term and long-term parking.

Free parking at the airport is only offered for a limited period.

Valet Parking:
A Valet Parking service is also available at the airport. You also receive complimentary services, such as window cleaning and interior vacuuming, and luggage assistance.

Airlines Operating at Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Kuala Lumpur International Airport serves many domestic, international, government, and cargo airlines. Airlines that operate short and long-distance flights to and from the airport include:

Air Astana, Air China, Air Mauritius, AirAsia, AirAsiaX, ANA, Bangkok Airways, Batik Air, Biman Bangladesh, British Airways, Cathay Dragon, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Citilink, Condor, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eva Air, Flynas, Garuda Indonesia, Himalaya Airlines, IndiGo, Indonesia AirAsia, Iraqi Airlines, Japan Airlines, Jetstar, KLM, Korean Air, Lion Air, Lucky Air, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Nepal Airlines, Oman Air, PIA, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Regent Air, Royal Brunei, Saudia Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, SilkAir, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Thai Airways, Thai Smile, Turkish Airlines, US Bangla Airways, Uzbekistan Airlines, VietJet, Vietnam Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines.

Facilities and Services Available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia offers various amenities to passengers to make their traveling experience worthwhile. The airport also offers a range of duty-free stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services, and more.

Security Check-points

There are security checkpoints at the airport’s terminals. All passengers are required to pass through the security checkpoints.

Help Desk

When you are at the Kuala Lumpur International airport and need help, there are information desks to assist you. Here, you can inquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport. They are open 24 hours and can be found in Main Terminal, Level 5; Satellite Building, International Arrivals; Satellite Building, International Departure/Arrival; Contact Pier, International Departure/Arrival. The Malaysia Visitor’s Centre is open 24 hours a day and is located in Main Terminal, 3rd Floor.

Airport Ambassadors are also available to assist passengers.

Wi-Fi and Mobile Charging Points

Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminals at the airport, in case you want to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet.

In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile and laptop charging power outlets are also available at the airport, in case you need to charge your laptop and/or phone’s battery.

Baggage Handling and Storage

Luggage Lockers:
Lockers and luggage storage and locker facilities are available at the airport. Baggage Solution provides paid locker facilities and luggage storage services at the airport. You can find them in Main Terminal, Level 3, Arrival Hall, and KLIA2, landside, Level 2, and Arrival Level. They are open 24 hours.

Luggage Wrapping:
Luggage wrapping services are available at the airport. Bags are wrapped in plastic to protect them from theft and damage. You can find them in KLIA, Landside, Departures Hall, Level 5, and KLIA2, Landside, Departures Hall, Level 3. They are open 24 hours.

Luggage Trolleys/Carts:
Luggage trolleys are available at the airport for free.

Porter Services:
Porter’s services are not available at the airport.

There is a Baggage Claim facility available at the airport. Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.

Lounge and Business Conference Centre

At Kuala Lumpur International Airport, passengers can use public lounges, VIP lounges, and business conference rooms, which may be available for free or paid in order to access these facilities.

A few lounges and business conference rooms that are available at Kuala Lumpur Airport are:

Plaza Premium Lounge (KLIA):
The lounge is located in International Departures Building, Satellite Building, airside, Mezzanine Floor, Level 2, near Gates C11 – C17. Showers are also offered. It is open 24 hours. Access to the lounge is via pay-at-the-door, pre-paid lounge passes, and lounge membership programs.

The Lounge KLIA:
The lounge is located in the International Departures Building, Airside, next to Gate C5. Showers are also offered. It is open 24 hours. Access to the lounge is via pay-at-the-door only.

Plaza Premium First Lounge:
The lounge is located in Satellite Terminal, Airside, near Gates C21 – C27, Mezzanine Floor, Level 2. Showers are also offered. Access to the lounge is via pay-at-the-door only.

Plaza Premium Lounge (KLIA2, Gate L8):
The lounge is located in klia2, Level 2, International Departure, near Gate L8. Access to the lounge is via pay-at-the-door, pre-paid lounge passes, and lounge membership programs.

Plaza Premium Lounge (klia2, Level 3): The lounge is located in klia2, Level 3, International Departure. Showers are also offered. Access to the lounge is via pre-paid lounge passes and lounge membership programs.

The Lounge klia2:
The lounge is located in klia2, Airside, Level 3, International Departures. Showers are also offered. It is open 24 hours. Access to the lounge is via pay-at-the-door only.

First and Business Class travelers also have access to the lounges listed below. More information can be found on the airline’s website.

KLIA Main Terminal (Airside):
Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge (Domestic), Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge (Regional), and Malaysia Airlines Golden Business Class Lounge.

Satellite Terminal (Airside):
Malaysia Airlines Golden First Class Lounge, Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge, China Airlines Dynasty Lounge, Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge, Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge, and The Emirates Lounge.

klia2 (Airside):
Malindo Air Lounge and AirAsia Premium Red Lounge.

Stores and Duty-Free Shopping

There are plenty of shops that can be easily found throughout the airport’s terminals and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items, from children’s toys to fashion accessories for adults. You may also buy books, magazines, newspapers, etc., to help pass time during your stopover or flight delay.

Duty-Free stores are also available at the airport that sells all kinds of merchandise, including souvenirs. These are located throughout both terminals.

Cafes, Bar, and Restaurants

Finding snack and beverage options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. These cafeterias and restaurants are located throughout the terminals and concourses, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.

Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found throughout the airport.

Several eateries include Bones (Satellite, Level 2), Boost Juice Bar (Satellite, Mezzanine), Burger King (Arrival Hall and Satellite, Mezzanine), Flight Club (Satellite, Mezzanine), Flight Club Grab & Go (Satellite, Mezzanine), Food Paradise (Arrival Hall), Fukuya @ KLIA (Satellite, Mezzanine), Hameed Dalca Curryhouse (Arrival Hall), Hameed Exotic Drinks (Arrival Hall), Hot & Roll (Arrival Hall), KFC (Main, Departures Level), Marrybrown (Contact Pier, Domestic Level), McDonald’s (Main, Departures Level), Noodles (Satellite, Mezzanine, Main, Departures Level), Old Town White Coffee (Main, Departures Level, Contact Pier, International Level), PappaRich (Main, Departures Level), Secret Recipe (Satellite, Mezzanine), Sports Bar by Bones (Satellite, Level 2) and Starbucks (Satellite, Mezzanine).

Other Amenities Available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport

There are other amenities that are available to passengers at the airport. These include:

Business Centre:

There is a business center room offered to business travelers. It is equipped with facilities, like printing, faxing, and photocopies, and a limited variety of business services are also available.

Postal Services:

There is a post office available at the airport. It is located on the landside of the Main Terminal. It is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm (Monday to Saturday).

Children’s Play Area:

The airport offers play zones for children. These are located in Main Terminal, Level 5, klia2, airside, International Departure Satellite, Level 2, near Elle Cafe.

Baby Care Facilities:

Baby Care Rooms are available at the airport. The facilities are equipped with a baby bed, changing table, chair, and washbasin. These can be found located in the Main Terminal building, both Contact Piers and Satellite Building.

Strollers:

Strollers can be borrowed for free at klia2. These can be found in the Arrival and Departure Halls.

ATM:

ATMs are available at the airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATMs if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located throughout the airport.

Currency Exchange Counter:

The currency used in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Currency exchange counters are available at the airport.

Banking Services:

Banking facilities are available at the airport.

Phone Kiosks:

This facility offers passengers access to the internet, makes phone calls, reload pre-paid phone cards, and more for free using the automated multimedia Phone Kiosks located in the Satellite Building. Cash, coins, and credit cards are accepted.

Hotels On-site and Nearby Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Finding accommodations on-site or nearby Kuala Lumpur International Airport should not be a problem for travelers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find convenient and affordable places for a comfortable stay during your visit to Malaysia.

A few hotels that are located on-site as well as near the airport are:

Sama-Sama Express KLIA:
The hotel is located inside the airport, at Satellite A Building, near Gate C5. It is only for travelers who are transiting between flights. Do not clear Malaysian Immigration and Customs after your arriving flight. A boarding pass is required at check-in. Day rooms are available on an hourly basis with a 6-hour minimum. Rates start from RM 290 ($67.46 US).

Sama-Sama Express KLIA2:
The hotel is located inside the klia2 Satellite Building, Level 3. It is available only to passengers transiting from one international flight to another. Do not clear Malaysian Immigration and Customs after your arriving flight. Guests arriving from KLIA main terminal or Domestic are required to check in their bags and present a boarding pass for the next flight (must be an international flight) before being allowed into the klia2 Satellite Building. Rooms must be booked in advance and at least 6 hours minimum. Rates start from RM 195 ($45.36 US).

Aerotel (KLIA2):
The hotel is located at Landside (before immigration clearance) at Level 2M of KLIA2 Gateway. It offers rooms with single, double, or bunker beds. Lounge access is also included. Rates for Single Room for 3 hours ($75 US), 5 hours ($131 US), and Double Room for 3 hours ($96 US) or 5 hours ($167 US).

Napzone KLIA:
The hotel is located Airside, inside the Satellite Building, on the Mezzanine Level. It offers 28 capsules that come equipped with a bed, power socket, light, fan, and Wi-Fi. There are lockers and massage chairs as well. Guests can use the shower facilities at the Sama-Sama Express KLIA.

Ground Transport Options To and From Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Getting to and from Kuala Lumpur International Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. There are several ground transportation options available to travelers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick, and affordable.

Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to hotels and/or airports. Free shuttle buses provide travelers with easy connectivity. Also, there may be a few hotels in the city and adjoining areas that provide free or on-demand shuttle services to and from the airport.

Additionally, you may also book pre-arranged rides that offer services to and from the Kuala Lumpur International airport, which can also be scheduled as per your needs. You can usually find their kiosks or counters/stands located either at the terminal’s entrance or exit area. These may also contain information on the companies that are permitted to render such services at the airport.

Inter-Terminal Airport Shuttle Service

There is an inter-terminal ground transport shuttle service available at the airport. Free transfer service is available to passengers with inter-connecting flights between KLIA and klia2. This is a free service but needs to be booked in advance.

Hotel Shuttle Service

A few hotels located near the airport offer free or premium shuttle services to passengers.

Bus Service

Public bus transportation services are available for the commute. It is both affordable and convenient and can get you to places in no time. Bus stands are located on-site.

Train and Metro Services

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is connected by train and metro services. KLIA is served by two train lines. The KLIA Ekspres is a comfortable, modern, and wheelchair-friendly express service that transports passengers between KLIA and KL Sentral railway station in less than 30 minutes.

KLIA Transit is a commuter service that makes three stops on its route between KLIA and KL Sentral. Trains depart at a frequency of 15 minutes, particularly during peak times.

Taxi Service

Taxis are available, if you need a ride to a hotel or want to go sightseeing. Taxi stands can be found on-site. Metered taxis are also available.

Car Hire/Rental Service

You can hire a car at Kuala Lumpur International Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. There are several companies that offer cars on hire/rent at the airport. The car hire/rental agencies or companies have their counters/stands located on-site.

The companies or agencies that offer car hire/rental services at the airport’s KLIA (Main Terminal) include Avis (counter C6), Hertz (counter B10), Insas Pacific (counter C4), Kasina Baru (counter B16), Mayflower (counter C1), Orix (counter C2) and Pantas (Lot CR17, Block D, car park).

Car rental agencies located in klia2 (Terminal 2) include Asia Car, Avis, Europcar, Hawk, Hertz, Kasina, Mayflower Car Rental, Pacific Rent-A-Car, and Xplore Drive.

Ride-Sharing Service

Aside from several transport options that are available to travelers from and to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, ride-sharing services are also offered.

Conclusion

Traveling to and from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And, if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find lots of attractions to enjoy your holidays.