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.
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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: KLIA1 and KLIA2. is a major global hub with two terminals: KLIA Terminal 1 (KLIA1) and KLIA Terminal 2 (KLIA2). KLIA1 comprises the Main Terminal Building (check-in), Contact Pier (domestic gates), and Satellite Terminal A (international gates), connected by Aerotrain. KLIA2 is a single integrated terminal for 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 several 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.
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 near the 2nd-floor food court and the Samsung lounge. KLIA2 gets mixed reviews, with some travellers recommending avoidance if possible. Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- Many people congregate at the food court on Floor 2 when eateries close.
- The Samsung movie lounge in KLIA2 may have comfortable sofas and a quiet vibe, especially at night.
- A nook near the movie lounge offers a little privacy.
- Level 3 of Gateway@KLIA1, near Exit Door 3, there’s a small nook that is dark and a bit private.
- Terminal 1’s Floor 4 may have padded benches lining the walls, often with staff and locals resting there.
- The Mezzanine area may quiet down and get darker at night.
- Seats without armrests were spotted near Gate 10.
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 a day, some travellers find themselves restricted on the landside if they try to clear security late at night.
If you’re looking for uninterrupted sleep, there is a transit hotel and sleep pods inside the airport, and several hotels nearby are connected with shuttles. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.
Good to Know
There are many 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.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Kuala Lumpur Airport Guide.
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.
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.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & 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 precautions 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.
Cots
Cots are not offered to stranded travellers at KLIA. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
KLIA 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 gives you nightmares, there is good news for those 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 three transit hotels offer both short-term and overnight rates. Several other hotels can be found in the public area of both terminals, and, of course, there are off-site hotels with paid airport shuttles.
KLIA
- Sama-Sama Express KLIA – In 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. A boarding pass is required at check-in. Prices start at RM 440.00. Shower-only packages (warm water) are available, giving you access to a towel and other amenities. Rate: RM 32. » Check Rates
- Sama-Sama Hotel – This hotel is connected to the main terminal via a covered sky bridge. It’s a five-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
- Airport Hotel Kepler Club – Sleep pods are available in two locations. Each sleeping cabin includes a smart TV with Netflix, YouTube and cable channels, a personal tablet to check flight status, contact reception, extended stay, a charging station, ergonomic beds, a worktable and an alarm clock. Hours: open 24 hours. Reservations can be made at the door.
- Landside, Level 2, Link Bridge, which connects KLIA to the carpark. Rate: 6 EUR / hour or 60 EUR / 24 hours
- Satellite Building, Airside, Mezzanine Level, Above Gate C33. Rate: 10 EUR / hour or 100 EUR / 24 hours
- Capsule Transit (Landside) – Located in KLIA1, Departure Hall, Level 5. Capsule Transit offers single capsules 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 105 for 3 hours, RM 162 for 6 hours, and RM 216 for 12 hours. Shower-only packages (warm water) are available, giving you access to a locker, towel, and dentary kit. Rate: RM 50. » 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 or those traveling on an international flight. Do not clear Malaysian Immigration and Customs after your arriving flight. Guests coming from the KLIA main terminal or Domestic are required to check in their bags and present boarding passes for the next flight (which must be an international flight) before being allowed into the KLIA2 Satellite Building. Rates start at RM 272.00 » Check Rates
- Capsule Transit (Airside) – In Transit – Located in KLIA2 Satellite building, International Departure Hall, Level L, near Gates Q. There are two types of capsules (Mixed Single and Female Single) that can be booked in blocks of 3, 6 or 12 hours. Single capsules start at RM 121.50 for 3 hours, RM 162 for 6 hours, and RM 216 for 12 hours. Shower-only packages (warm water) are available, giving you access to a locker, towel, and dentary kit. Rate: RM 50. » Check Rates
- Aerotel (KLIA2) – Located Landside (before immigration clearance) at Level 2M of KLIA2 Gateway, the hotel features single, double, double squared, and family rooms. Sample Rates: Single Room/6 hours/RM 158 • Double Room/6 hours/RM 314. » Check Rates
- Capsule Transit (Landside) – Location: Landside, Level 1 of KLIA2 Gateway, linked to KLIA2 Arrival Hall.. If you are arriving at KLIA1, you must take the free shuttle bus provided by the airport. There are five types of capsules (Mixed Single, Female Single, Male Single, Queen and Private Suite) that can be booked in blocks of 3, 6 or 12 hours. Prices start at RM 148.5 for 3 hours, RM 157.5 for 6 hours, and RM 166.5 for 12 hours. Shower-only packages (warm water) are available, giving you access to a locker, towel, and dental kit. Rate: RM 50. » Check Rates
- Capsule Transit (MAX) – Location: Level 2M of KLIA2 Gateway. If you are arriving at KLIA1, you must take the free shuttle bus provided by the airport. There are five types of rooms (Deluxe Twin, Deluxe King, Executive King, Family Room, and Runway Suite) that can be booked in blocks of 3, 6 or 12 hours. Prices start at RM 315 for 3 hours, RM 260 for 6 hours, and RM 405 for 12 hours. Shower-only packages (warm water) are available, giving you access to a locker, towel, and dental kit. Rate: RM 50. » Check Rates
- Tune Hotel – The budget hotel is connected to KLIA2 via a covered walkway, a ten-minute walk from Arrivals Hall. KLIA Ekspres brings passengers to and from KLIA in 3 minutes. Day Rooms: Available between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM (subject to availability). Sample rates: 6 hours for RM 170 / 12 hours for RM 200 / overnight for RM 280. » 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 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 learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
Main Terminal
- Plaza Premium Lounge (KLIA) – Location: International Departures, Terminal 1, Airside, Mezzanine Floor, Level 2, near Gate G2. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
- Plaza Premium First Lounge – Location: Contact Pier, Airside, near the G Gate. 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 2M, International Departure, near Gate L8. Showers are available. 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).
- Satellite Terminal, Airside – Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge.
- KLIA2, Airside – Malindo Air Lounge (Temporarily closed) • AirAsia Premium Red Lounge.
Related Pages: Kuala Lumpur Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Free water refill stations are available airside: KLIA1 Satellite Terminal A near Gates B3 and C5, KLIA2 near Gates K3 and Q7. Landside options in KLIA1 (Level 5, near check-in) and KLIA2 (Level 2, near Arrivals) limited to restroom taps or purchases (7-Eleven, KLIA2 Level 2).
Food & Drinks
When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, 24-hour food concessions are available. Both KLIA and KLIA2 offer a vast array of options from which to choose. There are also plenty of convenience shops available, which are also open 24 hours a day. The following are open 24 hours:
- KLIA: 4 Fingers (Level 3) • Boost Juice Bar (Satellite, Mezzanine) • Burger King (Arrival Hall) • Costa Coffee (Departure Level) • Dunkin Donuts (Departure Level • Contact Pier • Domestic Departure) • Flight Club Grab & Go (Satellite, Mezzanine) • Flight Club Signature (Satellite Building, Mezzanine Level) • Food Garden (Level2) • • Gloria Jean’s Coffees (Level 3 • Level 5 • Contact Pier International Level, near Gate G) • Grandmama’s (Satellite Building, Mezzanine Level) • Hameed Dalca Curryhouse (Short term car park, CPBC-1-L01) • 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) • Contact Pier, International Level) • Sports Bar by Bones (Satellite, Level 2) • Starbucks (Satellite Building • Contact Pier, International Level) • The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Arrival Level • Satellite Building Passenger, Level 1) • The Loaf (Satellite Building, Mezzanine Level).
- KLIA2: A&W (International Departures, Level 3) • Ahh-Yum (International Departures) • 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 ( Level 3) • Starbucks (Departure Hall, Level 3) • Tealive (Level 3) • The Refinery (International Departures, Level 2) • Urban Food Court (International Departure, Level 3).
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Baggage Solution provides short to long-term luggage storage and lockers. Locations: Main Terminal, Level 3, Arrival Hall • KLIA2, landside, Level 2, Arrival Level. Hours: Open 24 hours.
Mobile Charging
Mobile charging points are available throughout both terminals.
Shower
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Locations:
KLIA
- Hot-water shower facilities are available at Sama-Sama Express (Rate: RM 32) and Capsule Transit Hotel (Rate: RM 50).
KLIA2
- Main Terminal Building, Levels 2 and 3
- Satellite Building, Level 2
- Sama-Sama Express
WiFi/Internet
Free unlimited WiFi is available at KLIA Airport. Connect to the “KLIA WiFi” network. No registration required.
Security & Safety
Airport staff and security generally ignore the many overnight travellers. Several travellers reported feeling relatively safe, but others had somewhat sketchy experiences in landside and airside zones. Minor safety concerns include occasional pickpocketing in KLIA2 landside areas (Level 2, Arrivals) during late hours. KUL remains generally safe with 24/7 security; sleeping near staffed zones (e.g., KLIA1 Gate C1 or KLIA2 Gate L8) reduces typical airport risks.
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Airport Ambassadors – Stationed around the airport, the airport ambassadors are easy to spot with their sashes. Ambassadors can assist with everything from airport logistics to 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 have 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 at 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, Terminal Building, Level 3 • Main Terminal, Satelllite Building, Level 1 • KLIA2, Arrival Hall, Level 2 • Satellite Building, Level 3. Hours: Open 24 hours.
- Pharmacy – Stop by the following pharmacies for any last-minute medication: Guardian – Locations: Departure Level (24 hours) • Caring Pharmacy – Location: KLIA2, International Departures, Level 3 (Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM).
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and 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) • KLIA2 (Departure Hall • International Arrivals).
- Currency Exchange – Fifteen foreign exchange counters are available in the airport. Locations: Main Terminal Building • Contact Pier • Satellite Building • KLIA2.
Prayer and Silent Rooms – Muslim prayer rooms (surau) are available throughout the airport, on each floor of the Main Terminal and in the Satellite Building. There is also a Silent Room for travellers looking for a quiet place for prayers or meditation on Level 5 of the Main Terminal.
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.
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 ten convenience shops (Expressmart, 7-Eleven, etc.) available, some are open 24 hours.
Smoking Lounges – Locations: Domestic Departure/Arrivals • Satellite Building, Level 2.
Spa – Massage and a range of hair and beauty treatments are available at the Be Relax Spa. Location: Satellite Building, International Departure, Level 2. Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 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 – Enjoy free movies in a comfortable setting. Location: Satellite Building, Level 2.
Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving 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.
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.
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 (Level G, Block D, car park) • 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.
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 passengers on 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, Bay A10 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 – three passengers), Executive Premier (upgraded vehicles – five passengers), and Family (via Nissa Urvan – eight 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. Rates start at RM 32.20.
- Budget, metered taxis are also available in both terminals. An RM2.00 coupon is required in order to board one of these taxis. Charges are based on distance with an additional flag fall charge of MR3.00 – 6.00, depending on the taxi type. These can be purchased at KLIA, Level 3 and at KLIA 2, Transportation Hub, Level 1.
Train
KLIA is served by two train lines.
- The KLIA Ekspres train connects KLIA1 (Level 1) and KLIA2 (Level 2A) to KL Sentral (28-33 minutes, RM 55/$12 USD one-way), running 5:00 AM–12:40 AM, every 15-30 minutes is a comfortable, modern and wheelchair-friendly express. For more information on this train service, visit the KLIA Ekspres website.
- KLIA Transit is a commuter service that makes three stops on its route between KLIA and KL Sentral. For more information on these train services, visit the KLIA Ekspres website.
User Tip: You can get a 10% discount using 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.
Last updated: 2025-02-25
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.