KLIA Airport: Terminals, Airlines & Transfers

For us Malaysians, KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) is our main international airport. It’s located in Sepang, Selangor, about 45 km from the heart of Kuala Lumpur. This is the gateway for most of our international and domestic flights, and the airport many of us pass through when flying abroad.

📜 A Little History

KLIA officially opened on 27 June 1998, taking over from Subang Airport (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah) as Malaysia’s main airport. It was designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, who brought in eco-friendly elements and wide open spaces. Today, it serves as the main hub for Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia, and many other international carriers.

🏢 Terminals at KLIA

KLIA is divided into two major terminals:

1. KLIA Terminal 1 (T1 / Main Terminal)
This is where you’ll find the full-service airlines like Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates. The terminal is well equipped with large duty-free shops, exclusive lounges, an airport hotel, and smooth transit facilities.

2. KLIA Terminal 2 (KLIA2)
Opened in 2014 to replace the old LCCT (Low-Cost Carrier Terminal), KLIA2 mainly serves budget airlines like AirAsia, Scoot, and Cebu Pacific. It feels more like a shopping mall with its gateway@klia2 complex, and you’ll also find capsule and budget hotels here, along with a spacious check-in area.

🏢 KLIA Terminal 1 (Main Terminal Building)

As a Malaysian traveller, KLIA Terminal 1 always feels like the “real” KLIA to me. Opened together with the airport on 27 June 1998, this is the main terminal that handles most full-service airlines as well as long-haul international and domestic flights.

📍 Terminal Structure

Terminal 1 is laid out in three main parts:

• Main Terminal Building (MTB) – the central hub for check-in, arrivals, and departures.
• Contact Pier – directly connected to the MTB; Gates A/B serve domestic flights, while Gates G/H serve international ones.
• Satellite Terminal A – a separate building linked by the Aerotrain (an automated people mover) from the MTB, mainly used for long-haul international flights.

🛤️ Passenger Flow

• Check-in Area (Level 5): There are around 216 check-in counters spread across zones A–M (excluding I). Self-service kiosks are also available for quick check-in.
• International Departures / Immigration (Level 4–3): After check-in, passengers go through immigration and security. Those flying from Satellite A will then board the Aerotrain to reach their gates.
• Contact Pier: Domestic departures use Gates A/B, while international flights use Gates G/H.
• Satellite Terminal A: Mainly for international long-haul flights, with plenty of lounges, duty-free shops, and wide boarding gates.

🌿 Design & Location

Located in Sepang, about 45 km from downtown Kuala Lumpur, KLIA’s Terminal 1 was designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa with the concept “Airport in the Forest, Forest in the Airport.” The mix of natural light, greenery, and modern architecture makes it a uniquely calming place to start a journey.

✈️ Airlines Operating at Terminal 1

• Malaysia Airlines (main hub)
• Batik Air Malaysia
• Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, ANA, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and other major full-service carriers.

🛫 Flights

• Domestic: Routes to Malaysia’s main cities like Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, and Langkawi.
• International: Destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Australia, and even North America.

🏢 KLIA Terminal 2 (KLIA2)

For most Malaysians who travel on a budget, KLIA2 is probably the terminal we’re most familiar with. Opened on 2 May 2014, it replaced the old LCCT (Low-Cost Carrier Terminal), which had become overcrowded. KLIA2 was designed to be bigger, more modern, and a lot more comfortable, while still keeping costs low for airlines and passengers.

This is the main hub for AirAsia (all its subsidiaries fly here), and it’s also used by Scoot, Cebu Pacific, Jetstar Asia, Citilink, Thai Lion Air, and other low-cost carriers.

📍 Layout & Main Areas

• Check-in Area: Located in the Main Terminal, with 4 large islands (S–Z) for check-in. Self check-in kiosks are available for AirAsia flights.
• Piers (Gate Areas):
• • J & K → Domestic flights
  • L, P & Q → International flights
  • K & L are physically linked (K at Level 1A for domestic, L at Level 2 for international).
• Skybridge: A huge bridge that connects the main terminal to P & Q gates, offering views of the airfield while walking across.
• gateway@klia2: More than just an airport — it’s a full shopping mall with restaurants, retail shops, capsule hotels, and direct access to transport options like trains, buses, and parking.

🚶 Passenger Experience

The journey starts at the check-in hall, then passengers proceed through immigration and security. For those flying from P or Q gates, you’ll cross the Skybridge — which can be a long walk, especially if your gate is at the far end. Signage is generally clear, but during peak hours, some corridors and boarding areas can get quite crowded.

🌍 Design & Location

KLIA2 is about 2 km from KLIA Terminal 1. You can get there via the free shuttle bus or the KLIA Transit train (just a 3-minute ride). Covering around 257,000 m², it was built to handle up to 45 million passengers a year. The concept here is “airport meets shopping mall” — and honestly, you really do feel like you’re walking through a mall before reaching your gate.

✈️ Airlines at KLIA2

• AirAsia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, India)
• Scoot
• Cebu Pacific Air
• Thai Lion Air
• Jetstar Asia
• Citilink Indonesia
• Other regional low-cost carriers

🛫 Flights

• Domestic: Pretty much all the major cities in Malaysia.
• International: Routes across Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and even Australia.

🚆 Getting To/From KLIA2

• KLIA Ekspres / KLIA Transit: Direct to KL Sentral in about 33–35 minutes.
• Free Shuttle Bus: Connects KLIA2 with KLIA Terminal 1 in about 5–10 minutes.
• Taxis & E-hailing: Grab and AirAsia Ride are popular, plus buses run to various cities across Peninsular Malaysia.

🏢 Comparison of KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2 (KLIA2)

🏢 How to Choose Between KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2 (KLIA2)

For most of us Malaysians, choosing between KLIA Terminal 1 (T1) and KLIA2 isn’t really complicated — the terminal is usually decided by the airline you’re flying with. Still, there are a few things worth knowing so you don’t end up going to the wrong place.

🛫 Based on Airlines

• KLIA Terminal 1 (T1): Used by full-service airlines.
  Examples: Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air Malaysia, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, ANA, Cathay Pacific.
• KLIA Terminal 2 (KLIA2): Dedicated to low-cost carriers (budget airlines).
  Examples: AirAsia (all branches), Scoot, Cebu Pacific, Citilink, Jetstar Asia, Thai Lion Air.
  💡 Tip: When you book your ticket, check the terminal code on your e-ticket or the airline’s website.

🌍 Type of Travel

• KLIA T1 is best for:
• • Long-haul flights (Europe, Middle East, Americas, Australia).
  • Transit with full-service airlines or major alliances like Oneworld and Star Alliance.
• KLIA2 is best for:
• • Budget-friendly trips around Southeast Asia, East Asia, and South Asia.
  • Easy connections between AirAsia flights or other LCCs.

⏳ Transit Time

If you’re transiting between terminals, keep in mind it takes extra time. The free shuttle bus takes about 5–10 minutes, and the KLIA Transit train takes about 3 minutes, but you’ll also need to allow time for walking, security, and immigration. If you’re on separate tickets, it’s safer to leave at least 1.5–2 hours between flights.

🛍️ Facilities You Might Need

• KLIA T1: More premium lounges, large international duty-free shops, and the Sama-Sama Hotel (linked to the terminal).
• KLIA2: gateway@klia2 mall with plenty of affordable shopping and dining options, plus budget hotels like Aerotel and Tune Hotel.

🏙️ Attractions Near KLIA

If you ever find yourself with a few hours to spare around KLIA or waiting for your next flight, there are actually quite a few interesting spots nearby. As a Malaysian traveller, these are the places I’d recommend checking out:

🏙️ Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA Sepang

Source: Plus PM Consultant

📍 Distance: About 6 km from KLIA / ~10 minutes by car
🚗 How to Get There: Free shuttle bus from KLIA & KLIA2 (runs every hour), or just grab a taxi/e-hailing.
🎯 What to Do:

• Shop for international and local brands with discounts of 30–70%.
• Grab a meal at one of the restaurants or cafés.
• Check out seasonal events like mega sales or food festivals.
  🏨 Nearby Hotels: Sama-Sama Hotel KLIA (5★), Tune Hotel KLIA2 (budget).

🌊 Bagan Lalang Beach (Sepang Gold Coast)

📍 Distance: About 27 km / ~35 minutes by car
🚗 How to Get There: Best by taxi, e-hailing, or renting a car (public transport is limited).
🎯 What to Do:

• Watch the sunset along the sandy beach.
• Try light water sports like kayaking or banana boat rides.
• Enjoy fresh seafood at seaside restaurants.
  🏨 Nearby Hotels: Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort (overwater villas), Seri Malaysia Bagan Lalang.

🏎️ Sepang International Circuit

Source: engear english

📍 Distance: About 8 km / ~15 minutes by car
🚗 How to Get There: Taxi, e-hailing, or shuttle buses during big events.
🎯 What to Do:

• Watch motorsport events (F1, MotoGP, Super GT, drag racing).
• Join a circuit and pit lane tour when there are no races.
• Try go-karting or book a track experience.
  🏨 Nearby Hotels: Sama-Sama Express Hotel KLIA, Capsule Transit KLIA2.

🌿 Putrajaya

📍 Distance: About 30 km / ~30–40 minutes by car, or 20 minutes by KLIA Transit to Putrajaya & Cyberjaya station + short taxi/e-hailing ride.
🚗 How to Get There: Easiest via KLIA Transit plus onward taxi.
🎯 What to Do:

• Explore architecture and landmarks like Putra Mosque and Perdana Putra.
• Stroll through lakeside parks or take a cruise on Putrajaya Lake.
• Capture photos of the city’s iconic bridges.
  🏨 Nearby Hotels: The Everly Putrajaya, Pulse Grande Hotel.

🌳 Dengkil & Surroundings (Local Eats)

📍 Distance: About 20 minutes from KLIA
🚗 How to Get There: Taxi or e-hailing.
🎯 What to Do:

• Taste authentic Malaysian food at local stalls.
• Visit the night market (depends on the day).
• Chill at a kopitiam or traditional kedai.
  🏨 Nearby Hotels: Budget stays in Seri Kembangan and Dengkil.

✈️ KLIA: Malaysia’s Main International Gateway

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), located in Sepang, is Malaysia’s main airport and it’s split into two terminals. KLIA Terminal 1 is where you’ll find the full-service airlines like Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates. It comes with premium facilities such as exclusive lounges and large duty-free outlets. On the other hand, KLIA Terminal 2 (KLIA2) is home to low-cost carriers like AirAsia and Scoot, and it feels more like a shopping mall thanks to gateway@klia2, plus budget-friendly hotels right next door.

Both terminals are well-connected — you can move between them using the free shuttle bus or the KLIA Transit train. For those heading into the city, the KLIA Ekspres gets you straight to KL Sentral in about half an hour. At the end of the day, which terminal you use really depends on the airline you’re flying with.