The complete guide to public transport in KL at the lowest cost

Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 2:06 pm

Getting around the bustling city of Kl is no mean feat. At peak hour, be prepared to be stuck in traffic for hours on end, or squished in a sea of people on a public train. However, travelling can also be a really interesting and adventurous experience.

If you want to find out how to travel around KL using its public transport system in the cheapest way possible, read on to find out more:

The KL Train Transit System
One of the most economical ways to get around KL and its surrounding areas is to hop onto any one of the train systems. There are three systems in total, namely the RapidKL LRT, KTM Komuter and KL Monorail and they meet in the huge KL Central station located at the heart of the city. They criss-cross the entire Klang Valley and cover almost 120 stations.

A one way trip usually costs an average of RM5, and the most expensive ticket doesn’t go over RM8. The fastest and most efficient way to travel is by getting yourself a prepaid MyRapid Card or Touch N’ Go Card that can be tapped when you enter and exit any station. There’s also a monthly pass you buy that allows you unlimited travel access over a period of 30 days at a price of RM100.

Buses in Kuala Lumpur
One of the major bus lines in KL are run by the same company that runs the LRT train lines, RapidKL. Therefore, the prepaid MyRapid card can be used to tap and pay for any of the bus trips you make. Compared to the trains, buses are much cheaper, but they’re often crowded and due to the unprecedented traffic jams, they’re don’t arrive on schedule. The RapidKL buses don’t accept cash and you have to tap your prepaid cards once when you get on, and once when you get off.

There are also other bus lines, namely Metrobus and several smaller companies. These bus lines mostly operate by having a conductor sell you tickets for cash. A trip from the suburbs into downtown KL usually do not cost more than RM4, and travelling within the city is only about RM2 or less.

Free Bus Services
There are currently two free bus systems operating in and around KL. The main one is called GoKL, and it operates from 6am to 11pm on weekdays and 7am to 11pm on weekends. Their routes cover many commercial, shopping and tourists areas in downtown KL surrounding the golden triangle and you can’t miss them as they’re painted bright lavender.

In certain parts of Selangor bordering KL, like Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya ,Ampang,  Kajang and Subang, there are free buses provided by the local councils. They go by various names according to the areas they cover, like Bas Selangorku and Selangor Smart buses.

Top Image: 1000 Words / Shutterstock.com