KLIA vs KLIA2: Which Terminal and How to Transfer

Malaysia's main international airport has two terminals — KLIA and KLIA2 — and confusing the two is one of the most common mistakes visitors make. They are separate buildings, about 2 kilometres apart, with different airlines, different layouts, and different pickup points. Here is what you need to know.

KLIA (Terminal 1)

KLIA is the original terminal, opened in 1998. It handles full-service airlines:

• Malaysia Airlines
• Singapore Airlines
• Cathay Pacific
• Emirates
• Qatar Airways
• Turkish Airlines
• Korean Air
• Japan Airlines
• Most other legacy carriers

KLIA has a distinctive conical roof design and is known for its spacious layout. The arrival hall is on Level 3, with immigration, baggage claim, and customs on the same level. Ground transport pickups are at Level 1 (taxis and buses) or the designated area outside the arrival hall for private cars.

KLIA2

KLIA2 opened in 2014 as the dedicated low-cost carrier terminal. It handles:

• AirAsia (the primary airline here)
• AirAsia X (long-haul)
• Malindo Air / Batik Air
• Some charter and seasonal airlines

KLIA2 is a more modern building connected to the Gateway@KLIA2 shopping mall. The arrival hall is on the ground floor. Ground transport — taxis, buses, and private car pickups — is accessible from the arrival level. The terminal has a more compact layout than KLIA.

How to Know Which Terminal You Are Using

Check your airline. If you are flying AirAsia, you are at KLIA2. If you are flying Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, or any other full-service carrier, you are at KLIA.

Your booking confirmation and e-ticket will state the terminal. If in doubt, check your airline's website — the terminal information is listed on the departures page.

This matters for two reasons: your ground transport needs to know which terminal to pick you up from, and if you are departing, going to the wrong terminal means a 30-minute detour and potential missed flight.

Transferring Between KLIA and KLIA2

If you need to transfer between terminals — perhaps arriving at KLIA on Malaysia Airlines and departing from KLIA2 on AirAsia — here are your options:

Free Shuttle Train (KLIA Ekspres)

The KLIA Ekspres train connects both terminals. The journey takes about 3 minutes and runs every 15-20 minutes. This is the fastest option for inter-terminal transfers. Follow the signs to the KLIA Ekspres platform at either terminal.

Private Car

If you have a private car picking you up, they can drive you between terminals in about 10 minutes. This is convenient if you have heavy luggage or are travelling with children, as you avoid navigating the train with bags.

Taxi

An airport taxi between terminals takes 10-15 minutes and costs approximately RM10-RM15. Available from the taxi counters at both terminals.

What Each Terminal Has

Food and Shopping

KLIA2 has the edge here, thanks to the attached Gateway@KLIA2 mall. It has a wider range of restaurants, fast food options, and retail stores. KLIA has food outlets in the departure hall but the variety is more limited.

Lounges

Both terminals have airline lounges and pay-per-use lounges. KLIA has the Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge (one of Asia's best) and several others. KLIA2 has the AirAsia Premium Red Lounge and independent lounges.

Prayer Rooms

Both terminals have prayer rooms (surau) available before and after immigration. Clearly signposted throughout both buildings.

WiFi

Free WiFi is available at both terminals. Connection quality varies but is generally adequate for messaging and light browsing.

Ground Transport from Each Terminal

Whether you land at KLIA or KLIA2, the same transport options are available:

• Private car with driver: Pre-booked, driver meets you at arrivals. See our airport transfer service.
• KLIA Ekspres: Direct train to KL Sentral (28 min from KLIA, 33 min from KLIA2).
• Grab: E-hailing from designated pickup zones at both terminals.
• Airport taxi: Fixed-fare taxis from counters at both terminals.
• Airport bus: Services to KL Sentral and other destinations from both terminals.

The pickup locations differ between terminals, so when booking a private car, always specify which terminal you are arriving at. Your driver needs to know whether to position at KLIA's Level 1 or KLIA2's ground floor.

Common Mistakes

Going to the Wrong Terminal

This happens more often than you think. Double-check your terminal before your driver takes you to the airport. If you realise mid-journey, the transfer between terminals adds 20-30 minutes including the train ride and walking time.

Not Specifying the Terminal for Pickup

Telling your driver "I'm at KLIA" when you are actually at KLIA2 means they are waiting at the wrong building. Always specify: "KLIA Terminal 1" or "KLIA2." Even better, share your flight number — your driver can look up the terminal automatically.

Assuming One Terminal for All Flights

If you have a multi-leg trip — for example, arriving from Singapore on Malaysia Airlines (KLIA) and later departing to Bali on AirAsia (KLIA2) — you will use both terminals at different times. Plan each segment separately.

Quick Reference

• Flying AirAsia? You are at KLIA2.
• Flying Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, or other full-service? You are at KLIA.
• Transfer between terminals? Free train, 3 minutes.
• Booking a pickup? Always specify which terminal.
• Not sure? Share your flight number and we figure it out for you.