Sleeping in Airports

Kuala Lumpur Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Kuala Lumpur Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

Long cushioned benches were nice and we pushed a couple of these together in a more remote area to make a ‘double bed’ – lisadridenour

KUL Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

What to Expect

Kuala Lumpur Airport (code: KUL) is a large, and busy, global hub with two terminals: KLIA 1 and KLIA2. KLIA 1 has three areas: the main terminal, the contact pier and Satellite Terminal A, which is connected by train. KLIA 2 is smaller and caters to low cost carriers. It is located 6km from KLIA 1, and you can connect to it by a free shuttle bus.

The airport has a decent range of amenities – including showers, TV lounges, rest zones and free WiFi. There are a number of 24/7 restaurants and convenience stores. For those looking for a little added comfort, there are first class lounges, many of which have showers, that economy class passengers can pay to access. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for locations and access information.

Kuala Lumpur Airport Guide
(Photo courtesy of alvianantia / 14Jun2016)

Sleeping in Kuala Lumpur Airport

KLIA is generally quite popular with airport sleepers – so much so that the good spots get scooped up quickly! The best and most plentiful chairs and benches are located airside in the Main Terminal, with some especially good spots located near the 2nd floor food court and the Samsung lounge. KLIA2 gets mixed reviews, with some travellers recommending avoidance if possible. No matter where you sleep, bring eyeshades and earplugs or noise cancelling headphones, as this airport is busy around the clock. That said, while the airport is open 24-hours, some travellers found themselves restricted landside if they tried to clear security late at night.  Explore our guide to sleeping in Kuala Lumpur Airport or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips.  If you’re looking for uninterrupted sleep, there is a transit hotel and sleep pods inside the airport, and several hotels nearby that are connected with shuttles.  See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.

Good to Know

There are a lot of different ways people and airlines refer to the various terminals at Kuala Lumpur. The airport officially refers to its terminals as KLIA1 and KLIA2. However, some airlines will call them Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Other airlines will call the Main Terminal, “Terminal M” or “TM”. The Contact Pier is sometimes referred to as CP1.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s web site for current information.  For more airport information continue scrolling down to explore more in our Kuala Lumpur Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

airport hoursAirport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

airport hotelsKLIA Airport Hotels, Sleep Pods & Day Rooms

Quick Facts
  • Nearest Hotel:  Inside the Airport
  • Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
  • Day Rooms: Yes
  • Nearby Hotels with Shuttles: Yes

When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at KLIA Airport in comfort.   If you are on a layover, you don’t have to go through security as there are three transit hotels offering both short-term and overnight rates.  Several other hotels can be found in the public area of the both terminals and, of course, there are off-site hotels with paid airport shuttles.

KLIA

  • Sama-Sama Express KLIAIn Transit – Located inside the airport at Satellite A Building near Gate C5. This hotel is only for travellers who are transiting between flights. Do not clear Malaysian Immigration and Customs after your arriving flight. Boarding pass is required at check-in. Prices start at RM 288.00.   » Check Rates
  • Napzone KLIATemporarily ClosedIn Transit – Located Airside, Satellite Building, on the Mezzannine Level. The facility offers 28 sleep capsules that come equipped with a bed, power socket, light, fan and WiFi. There are also lockers and massage chairs. Guests can use the shower facilities at the Sama Sama Express KLIA.  » Check Rates
  • Sama-Sama Hotel – This hotel is connected to the main terminal via covered sky bridge. It’s a 5 minute walk from the Arrivals Hall, or you can get there in 3 minutes with the hotel’s free buggy ride (operates 24/7).   » Check Rates

KLIA2

  • Sama-Sama Express KLIA2 – In Transit – Located inside the KLIA2, Level 3, International Departure Hall. The hotel 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 boarding pass for next flight (must be international flight) before being allowed into the KLIA2 Satellite Building. Rates start at RM 198.00.  » Check Rates
  • Capsule Transit (Airside)In Transit – Located in KLIA2 Satellite building, International Departure Hall, Level L, near Gates Q. There are 3 types of capsules (Single, Queen and Private Suite) that can be booked in blocks of 3, 6 or 12 hours. Single capsules are available in mixed or female-only zones, upon request. Single capsules start at RM 145 for 3 hours, RM 155 for 6 hours, and RM 165 for 12 hours. Queen capsules run RM 250/270/290 for 3/6/12 hours and Private suites run RM 270/290/310 for 3/6/12 hours. Shower only packages (warm water) are available giving you access to a locker, towel, and dentary kit.  » Check Rates
  • Aerotel (KLIA2) – Located Landside (before immigration clearance) at Level 2M of KLIA2 Gateway, the hotel features single, double, and family rooms Sample Rates: Single Room/3 hours/RM 133 or 5 hours/RM 150 • Double Room/3 hours/RM 226 or 5 hours/RM 295.  » Check Rates
  • Capsule Transit (Landside) – Location: Landside, Level 1, near Transportation hubs’ ticketing counter. If you are arriving at KLIA1, you would need to take the free shuttle bus provided by the airport. Female single capsules and mixed single capsules can be booked in blocks of 3, 6 or 12 hours. Prices start at RM 145 for 3 hours, RM 155 for 6 hours, and RM 165 for 12 hours. Shower only packages (warm water) are available giving you access to a locker, towel, and dental kit.» Check Rates
  • Tune Hotel – The budget hotel is connected to KLIA2 via covered walkway, and is a 10 minute walk from Arrivals Hall. KLIA Ekspres brings passengers to and from KLIA in 3 minutes. Day Rooms: Available between 7:00AM and 7:00PM (subject to availability). Sample rates: 6 hours for RM 140 / 12 hours for RM 170 / overnight for RM 300.   » Check Rates

To see some options off-site with airport transfers, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Kuala Lumpur Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

airport loungeAirport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!

Main Terminal
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (KLIA) – Location: International Departures, Terminal 1, Airside, Mezzanine Floor, Level 2, near Gates G. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Plaza Premium First Lounge – Location: Contact Pier, Airside, near Gates G. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door.
  • Premier Lounge @ Sama Sama Hotel – Location: Landside, 9th Floor.  Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • Sama Sama Express – The Airport Lounge – Location: International Departures Building, Airside, next to Gate C5. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door.
  • Sphere Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Landside. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
KLIA2
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (KLIA2, Gate L8) – Location: KLIA2, Level 2, International Departure, near Gate L8. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Sky Suite Airport Lounge – Location: Landside – Level 3, Sector 2, near Gates J & K. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • Travel Club Lounge – Location: Airside, International Departures, next to Gate L8. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.

  • KLIA Main Terminal, Airside – Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge (Domestic) • Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge (Regional) • Malaysia Airlines Golden Business Class Lounge.
  • Satellite Terminal, Airside – Malaysia Airlines Golden First Class Lounge • China Airlines Dynasty Lounge • Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge • Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge (Temporarily closed).
  • KLIA2, Airside – Malindo Air Lounge (Temporarily closed) • AirAsia Premium Red Lounge.

Related Pages: Kuala Lumpur Airport Lounges

water bottle refillsDrinking Water

Information is unavailable. Does Kuala Lumpur Airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.

foodFood & Drinks

Many food options are available. The following are open 24 hours:

  • KLIA: 4 Fingers (Level 3) • Boost Juice Bar (Satellite, Mezzanine) • Burger King (Arrival Hall • Satellite, Mezzanine) • Costa Coffee (Departure Level) • Dunkin Donuts (Departure Level • Contact Pier) • Flight Club Grab & Go (Satellite, Mezzanine) • Flight Club Signature (Satellite Building, Mezzanine Level) • Fukuya @ KLIA (Satellite, Mezzanine) • Gloria Jean’s Coffees (Level 5) • Grandmama’s (Satellite Building, Mezzanine Level) • Hameed Dalca Curryhouse (Arrival Hall) • • Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria (Level 5) • KFC (Main, Departures Level) • Krispy Kreme (Level 5) • McDonald’s (Main, Departures Level) • Nooodles (Satellite, Mezzanine • Level 5) • O’Briens (Passanger Satellite) • Old Town White Coffee (Main, Departures Level • Contact Pier, International Level) • Sports Bar by Bones (Satellite, Level 2) • Starbucks (Contact Pier, International Level) • The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Arrival Level • Satellite Building Passenger, Level 1) • The Loaf (Satellite Building, Mezzanine Level).
  • KLIA2: Ahh-Yum (International Departures) • Bar Metropole (Skybridge, Level 3) • Bibik Heritage (Departures, Level 3) • Burger King (Satellite, Level 3) • Costa Coffee (International Departure, Level 2) • Dunkin Donuts (Gate J) • Kopi Kita (Level 3) • Noodles (Departures, Level 3A) • O’Brien’s (Satellite, Level 2) • • Starbucks (Satellite Building, Level 2, near Gate C30 • Departure Hall, Level 3) • The Chicken Rice Shop (Satellite, Level 3) • The Refinery (International Departures, Level 2) • Uncle Lim’s (Level 1A, Gate J) • Wincaa (Departures, Level 3).

Luggage StorageLuggage Storage & Lockers

Baggage Solution provides short to long term luggage storage and lockers. Location: Main Terminal, Level 3, Arrival Hall • KLIA2, landside, Level 2, Arrival Level. Hours: Open 24 hours. Rates:

  • Storage – Storage room rates are per bag/per 24-hour period, from RM19.00 – RM51.00, depending on size. Oversized items are accepted. Discounts available for items stored longer than 7 days.
  • Lockers – Medium and large lockers are available for RM38.00 (medium) and RM48.00 (large) per locker/per 24-hour period. Discounts apply for longer use.

mobile chargingMobile Charging

Mobile charging points are available throughout both terminals.

rest zonesRest & Relaxation Zones

Rest N Go offers a little oasis of rest and relaxation in the middle of the Main Terminal. Comfortable massage chairs await! Location: Main Terminal, landside, opposite the Air Asia ticket counter.

Take precaution even when sleeping in the rest zones.  In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them.  Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.

showersShower

Free cold water showers used to be available on the 4th floor, past the eateries. Additionally, showers used to be found on Level 2 and 3, Main Terminal and Level 2 Satellite Building. Hot showers are available at the Sama-Sama Express Hotel and KLIA2. Rates: Unknown. The Capsule Transit (Landside) offers showers (hot water). Rates: Unknown.

wifiWiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at KLIA Airport. Connect to the “FREE_WIFI@KLIA” network. No registration required.

airport infoMore Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Airport Ambassadors – Stationed around the airport, the airport ambassadors are easy to spot with their sashes. Ambassadors can assist with everything from airport logistics, flight information and medical assistance.

Business Centre – Printing, faxing, photocopies and a limited variety of business services are available. Location: Sama Sama Hotel, connected to the Main Terminal via a covered sky bridge.

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – Baby Care Rooms are equipped with a baby bed, changing table, chair and wash basin. Locations: Main Terminal Building • both Contact Piers • Satellite Building.
  • Children’s Play Areas – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the children’s play area. Location: Main Terminal, Level 5.
  • Strollers – Free strollers used to be available in KLIA2, in both the Arrivals and Departures Halls.

Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit one of the airport information desks. Locations: Arrival Hall, Level 3.

Luggage

  • Baggage Trolleys – Baggage trolleys used to be available free of charge throughout the airport.
  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Protect your valuables! Get your luggage wrapped in the airport. Locations: KLIA, Landside, Departures Hall, Level 5 • KLIA2, Landside, Departures Hall, Level 3. Hours: 24 hours. Rates: small-sized luggage RM 9 / medium-sized luggage RM 14 / large-sized luggage RM 19 / extra-large luggage RM 33.

Medical Services

  • Medical Services – Menara Medical Group offers urgent and emergency medical care. Location: Main Terminal, Level 5, Departure Hall • KLIA2, Level 2. Hours: Open 24 hours.
  • Pharmacy – Stop by the following pharmacies for any last minute medication: Guardian – Locations: Satellite Building, Level 1, West Zone (Hours: 6:00AM – 12:00AM) • Caring Pharmacy – Location: KLIA2, International Departures, Level 3 (Hours: 7:00AM – 10:00PM) • Pusrawi Health Pro Shoppe – Location: Main Terminal, Level 5.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your bank’s fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Main Terminal Building (Departures Hall, Arrivals Hall and Contact Pier) • Satellite Building.
  • Banking Services – Am Bank, Bank Islam, Affin Bank, Bank Muamalat, CIMB Bank, HSBC, Maybank and Public Bank offer full-service banking in the airport. Location: Main Terminal, Departures, Arrivals, Contact Pier and more. Hours: vary by location.
  • Currency Exchange – Fifteen foreign exchange counters are available in the airport. Locations: Main Terminal Building • Contact Pier • Satellite Building.

Post Office – Send your last minute postcards to friends and family from the airport’s post office. Location: Main Terminal, landside. Hours: 8:30AM – 5:00PM (Mon – Sat).

Prayer and Silent Rooms – There are Muslim prayer rooms (surau) available throughout the airport, on each floor of the Main Terminal, in the Contact Pier, and the Satellite Building. There is also a Silent Room, which is for travellers looking for a quiet place for prayers or meditation.

SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Telecommunications – Access the internet, make phone calls, reload prepaid phone cards and more used to be available for a fee at the Multimedia Phone Kiosks located in the Satellite Building.

Reflexology & Massage Centre – A Reflexology & Massage Centre used to be located in the Satellite Building, Passenger Level, Satellite Building. At the time of this update we were unable to confirm this information.
If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in many locations, some of which are open 24 hours. There is a wide variety of retail shops to pass your time. There are approximately 10 convenience shops (Expressmart, 7-Eleven, etc.) available, some are open 24 hours.

Smoking Lounges – Locations: Contact Pier, Domestic Level, near Gate B2 • Satellite Building, Mezzanine Level, near Gate C11 and C31.

Spa – Massage and a range of hair and beauty treatments are available at the Be Relax Spa. Location: Terminal 2, Gates P. Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM.

Things to do & see

  • Movie Lounge – Enjoy free movies in a comfortable setting. Location: klia2, airside, International Departure Satellite, Level 2, near Chocolatte Bar.
  • Observation Deck – Relax and watch planes taking off and landing from the vantage point of the airport’s observation deck. Location: Landside, at the end of the Main Terminal Building, past the food hall.
  • TV Lounges – Location: Satellite Building.
Airlines
Kuala Lumpur airport is served by the following airlines: Air Arabia • Air Asia • Air Asia X • Air Astana • Air China • Air Mauritius • Air New Zealand • All Nippon Airways • Batik Air • Biman Bangladesh • British Airways • Cathay Pacific • Cebu Pacific • China Airlines • China Eastern Airlines • China Southern • Citilink • Emirates • Ethiopian Airlines • Etihad Airways • Eva Airways • Flynas • Garuda Indonesia • Himalaya Airlines • IndiGo • Indonesia AirAsia • Iraqi Airways • Japan Airlines • Jetstar • KLM • Korean Air • Kuwait Airways • Lanmei Airlines • Lion Air • Lucky Air • Malaysia Airlines • Malindo Air • Myanman Airways International • Nepal Airlines • Oman Air • PIA • Philippine Airlines • Qatar Airways • Regent Air • Royal Brunei • SalamAir • Saudia Airlines • Scoot • Shenzhen Airlines • SilkAir • Singapore Airlines • SriLankan Airlines • Starlux • Super Air Jet • Thai Airways • Thai Smile • Turkish Airlines • US Bangla Airways • Uzbekistan Airlines • VietJet • Vietnam Airlines • Xiamen Airlines.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies can be found in the Arrivals Hall of KLIA: Avis (counter C6) • Hertz (counter B10) • Insas Pacific (counter C4) • Kasina Baru (counter B16) • Mayflower (counter C1) • Orix (counter C2) • Pantas (Lot CR17, Block D, car park).

The following car rental agencies are available at KLIA2: Asia Car • Avis • Europcar • Hawk • Hertz • Kasina • Mayflower Car Rental • Pacific Rent A Car • Xplore Drive.

Buses

KUL airport is well connected to the bus system. Whether you are looking for an express bus service, a bus to connect to the central station, a city bus or a long distance bus, there is probably an option for you. For more information regarding routes, schedules and fares, visit the Kuala Lumpur Airport website for KLIA and KLIA2.

Hotel Shuttles

A few area hotels provide airport shuttles: Tune Hotel KLIA Aeropolis •  Qlassic Hotel the youniQ Hotel

See also Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Transfer

Free transfer service is now available for those passengers with interconnecting flights between KLIA and KLIA2. Shuttles are available 24/7 and depart every 15 minutes from Door 4, Level 1 in KLIA and from the Transportation Hub on Level 1, in KLIA2.

Taxis

There are two types of taxis are offered at the airport:

  • Pre-paid with three different types of taxis and limousines to choose from: Budget Taxi (economy taxi – 4 passengers), Premier Limo (upgraded vehicles – 5 passengers), and Family Service (via Kia Pregio van – 8 passengers). Passengers need to purchase a coupon in advance. These are available at KLIA, Domestic Arrivals, Level 3 • KLIA, International Baggage Claim, Level 3 • KLIA2, Transport Hub, Level 1.
  • Budget, metered taxis are also available in both terminals. A RM2.00 coupon is required in order to board one of these taxis. These can be purchased at KLIA, Level 1 and at KLIA 2, Transportation Hub, Level 1.

Train

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 just 28 minutes.
  • KLIA Transit is a commuter service that makes three stops on its route between KLIA and KL Sentral. For more information on either of these train services, visit the KLIA Ekspres website

User Tip: You can get 10% discount if you use their app or the self service kiosks rather than the counter. And a further 10% for using Mastercard (which we found out by accident when we used ours to pay – it doesn’t seem to be advertised anywhere!). Also, if you want to use the baggage drop off at Sentral, you have to buy the Ekspres tickets first as there’s a barrier you need to scan it against to get into the baggage drop off bit.

layover sightseeingLayover Sightseeing

Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by getting out of the airport to do some sightseeing?  Check out our Kuala Lumpur Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Kuala Lumpur on Tripadvisor.

Airport Photo Gallery

Related Pages: Kuala Lumpur Airport Photos

Last updated: 2024-02-06

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.