Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Railways and Tickets at KL Sentral Station

KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur’s central station, serves many railway lines. Utilizing the railway for getting around Kuala Lumpur city, as well as for domestic travel within Malaysia, significantly enhances convenience. This article will focus on the lines used for travel from KL Sentral to Chinatown and the regional city of Ipoh, explaining how to buy tickets and how to board trains.

1. Types of Railways Departing from/Arriving at KL Sentral

Kuala Lumpur city has the following seven major railway networks:

• LRT (Light Rail Transit): An elevated railway running through the city center. It has one main line and two branches, covering major tourist spots and shopping malls.
  • MyRapid
• MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): A newer line than the LRT, running both underground and elevated. It has three lines, also providing access to the suburbs.
  • MyMRT
• Monorail: Connects KL Sentral Station and Bukit Bintang. It’s a single line, convenient for short-distance travel.
  • Monorail on Wikipedia
• KTM Komuter: A line running through the Kuala Lumpur suburbs. Major stations include KL Sentral, Bandar Tasik Selatan, and Putrajaya.
  • KTM Komuter on Wikipedia
• KTM Intercity: Long-distance trains operating from Kuala Lumpur to various parts of Malaysia. Major cities served include Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, and Singapore.
  • KTM Intercity on Wikipedia
• KLIA Ekspres (Express): A high-speed rail connecting KL Sentral Station and KL International Airport.
  • KLIA Ekspres
• KLIA Transit (Local): A local train service connecting KLIA Ekspres and KL International Airport, stopping at all stations.
  • KLIA Transit

2. How to Buy Tickets

Since there are multiple lines, it’s convenient to check the nearest station to your destination using Google Maps.

Tickets for Kuala Lumpur city trains can be purchased by the following methods:

• Station Ticket Counter: Can be purchased with cash or credit card.
• Vending Machine: Can be purchased with cash or a Touch ‘n Go card.
• MyRapid App: Purchase tickets using a smartphone app.
• KTM Intercity Website: KTM Intercity train tickets can be purchased online.

The Touch ‘n Go card is a prepaid IC card. It can be used for buses and taxis in addition to trains. To ensure smooth boarding, charge it in advance.

How to Buy Tickets from a Vending Machine (LRT)

• Check the line for the nearest station to your desired destination. Lines are color-coded on the route map.
• Select the line on the vending machine screen and tap it.
• Select the nearest station from the stations on the route map and tap it.
• After determining the number of people, the fare will be finalized.
• Pay with cash or card.
• A paper ticket resembling a receipt will be issued.

How to Buy Tickets from a Vending Machine (for KTM Intercity)

• Select the ticket type on the KTM vending machine (this time, Intercity).
• Select the departure station (search for KL if from KL Sentral).
• Select the arrival station (search for IP if for Ipoh).
• Select the date and time, and confirm the train.
• Select your seat.
• Confirm the fare (at this point, confirm if insurance is needed; select “not needed” if unnecessary).
• Pay with cash or card.
• A paper ticket resembling a receipt will be issued from the bottom of the machine.

3. How to Board Trains (KL Sentral Station, bound for Ipoh)

To board a train in Kuala Lumpur city, follow these steps:

Location of KL Sentral Station

KL Sentral Station is accessed from the concourse level of the station building (on the 3rd floor in Japanese terms). Follow the signs and take the escalator down. For lines other than KTM Intercity, there are respective ticket gates on that floor; follow the signs to enter. The ticket gates for KTM Intercity are on the upper floor, accessed by going up the escalator on the opposite side.

Ticket Gates and Boarding

Entry is regulated by train service. When your train is displayed, scan the QR code on your ticket to pass through the gate. Wait in the waiting room until announced. Once announced, descend to the platform below. Confirm the destination displayed on the train and board your reserved carriage and seat.

Route Maps and Fare Information

Route maps and fare information for each line can be checked at the following URLs:

• RapidKL (LRT, MRT, Monorail)
  • Route Map & Fares: https://myrapid.com.my/
• KTM Komuter
  • Route Map & Fares: https://www.ktmb.com.my/
• KTM Intercity
  • Route Map & Fares: https://www.ktmb.com.my/
• KLIA Ekspres
  • Route Map & Fares: http://www.kliaekspres.com/
• KLIA Transit
  • Route Map & Fares: http://www.kliaekspres.com/

Other useful websites:

• MyRapid App: A smartphone app that allows you to check route maps, timetables, and fare information. You can also purchase tickets and view your travel history.
  • MyRapid App on Google Play
• Kuala Lumpur Tourism Board: Provides information on Kuala Lumpur tourism as well as transportation.
  • Tourism Malaysia

Source:

• Traveling The World Is Living There: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Railways and Tickets at KL Sentral Station
• MyRapid
• MyMRT
• KTM
• KLIA Ekspres / KLIA Transit
• Tourism Malaysia