Malaysia's transportation systems are, by regional standards, pretty well functioning. Planes, trains, buses, and taxis are linked in a system conceived and constructed by, if not an order-loving Teuton, at least a dedicated amateur. The planners' aims are an ultra-modern, chic, european-style system that are a far cry from the city's humble barrio beginnings. The reality is a sound B+ with still a long way to go before hitting the top.
A bewildering jumble of initials and acronyms assault any first time journey planner in KL and it will take at least a day to decipher the scheme of things.
By plane
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
All scheduled flights, domestic and international, arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (IATA: KUL ICAO: WMKK), about 50km south of the city, in the Sepang district of Selangor. The US$2.5bil glass and steel structure was inaugurated in 1998 and has been ranked as one of the world's top airports. It superseded the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah International Airport in Subang, which is now only used for charter and turboprop flights. Over 50 airlines call at KLIA.
Terminals
The Main Terminal is what gives KL its world class airport status. The Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) opened in March 2006, and is used by AirAsia, Tiger Airways, and Cebu Pacific. Though this terminal is across the runway from the Main Terminal Building, a trip between the two involves bussing for 20km (RM2.50). From the Main Terminal Building, these buses depart from the Bus Terminal on the Ground Floor of the Car Park C building. At the LCCT, they can be found at the bus bays in front of the terminal. From the KLIA Ekspres train station, head to Level 2 and follow the signs to Car Park C and the Bus Station.
By train
• KLIA Trains link the Main Terminal with the KL Sentral transportation hub in Kuala Lumpur. Non-stop KLIA Ekspres trains (RM35 one way)
