At a glance
- Terminals
- T1 (formerly KLIA) and T2 (formerly klia2)
- Distance apart
- About 2 km — not walkable
- Main airlines at T1
- Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air and most full-service foreign carriers
- Main airlines at T2
- AirAsia group and other low-cost carriers
- Between terminals
- About 3 min by airport train or 10 min by car
On this page
The short answer
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (originally just "KLIA") and Terminal 2 (originally "klia2"). Since 2024 they have officially been called KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2, but you will still see the old names on tickets, booking sites and in everyday conversation.
The terminals are about 2 km apart, and each has its own check-in, security, immigration and baggage claim. Knowing which one you need is the single most useful thing to sort out before you fly.
| Terminal 1 (T1) | Terminal 2 (T2) | |
|---|---|---|
| Former name | KLIA | klia2 |
| Main airlines | Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air and most full-service foreign airlines | AirAsia group and other low-cost airlines |
| Airport train | KLIA Ekspres / KLIA Transit stop here | KLIA Ekspres / KLIA Transit stop here |
| Around the terminal | Duty-free and dining in the main and satellite buildings | Connected to the gateway@klia2 shopping mall |
How to check which terminal you need
- Your ticket or itinerary usually shows "Terminal 1 / Terminal 2" or "KUL T1 / KUL T2".
- The operating airline: AirAsia flights are almost always at T2 and Malaysia Airlines at T1. For codeshares, go by the airline that actually operates the flight.
- Check again before you go: airlines occasionally move terminals, so confirm in the airline app or on the airport website the day before.
Getting between the two terminals
- Airport train: KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit run between T1 and T2 in about 3 minutes. A separate ticket is needed.
- Shuttle bus: buses run between the terminals; check the timetable and fare posted on site.
- Taxi or e-hailing: about a 10-minute drive.
If you are on two separate tickets — for example arriving at T1 on an international flight and continuing on AirAsia from T2 — you will normally need to clear immigration, collect your bags and check in again at the other terminal. Allow at least three hours.
Pickups and drop-offs
- Pickups: private transfer drivers usually wait with a name board at the arrival hall exit. The two terminals have different exits, so go by the meeting point your driver sends you. See how our airport transfer works.
- Drop-offs: tell the driver your airline and flight number and you will be taken straight to the right departure level.
- Early departures and late arrivals: public transport thins out at night — see arriving at KLIA late at night.
For getting into the city, compare all the ways from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur.
FAQ
Is klia2 the same as KLIA Terminal 2?
Can I walk between T1 and T2?
Do all AirAsia flights use T2?
Where will my driver meet me?
Malaysia Routes is run by YX Go, a private transport company in Malaysia. We aim to keep information on public transport, attractions and routes objective; the private car, transfer, guide, interpreter and trip-planning services mentioned here are provided by YX Go.
