KLIA Vs KLIA2: 
Avoid this common Kuala Lumpur business travel mistake

fcm-hw-my-airport-kuala-lumpur-klia-vs-klia2-blog

 

If you're flying into Kuala Lumpur on a business trip, here's something crucial to know right from the start - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and KLIA2, may share the same airport code (KUL), but they are entirely different terminals and confusing them could spoil your business travel experience.

Although part of the same airport system in Sepang, both the airports are a couple of kilometres apart, serve different airlines, and much more. Even the seasoned travellers have gotten confused between them, leading to last-minute scramble, chaotic airport transfers and missed flights.

For a smoother and uninterrupted business trip, here’s a breakdown of the difference between the two...

KLIA Vs KLIA2- Mapping the difference
 

Although both terminals are in Sepang, roughly 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur city centre, they cater to different types of carriers.

KLIA is the primary terminal, serving full-service carriers such as Malaysia Airlines, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways. Whereas KLIA2 is about 2kms away, primarily serving low-cost carriers including AirAsia and Scoot.

Despite their proximity, the terminals are not walkable, and you’ll require some transport assistance. 

The fastest option is the KLIA Express or KLIA Transit train, which takes just three minutes. For those on a budget, a free terminal shuttle is available, though it runs less frequently, so extra time should be factored in. If you're switching terminals, it's advisable to allocate at least 90 minutes as a buffer to avoid delays.

Sneak peek into each terminal
 

KLIA offers a more premium experience. Think comfy lounges, luxury brands, and less crowding. Meanwhile,KLIA2 is massive, vibrant, and feels more like a mall than an airport. You’ll find tons of food options, retail stores, and even budget hotels connected directly to the terminal.

fcm-hw-my-business-traveller-kuala-lumpur-klia-vs-klia2

Common travel management issues
 

For corporate travel managers, one of the most common mistakes are assuming that both terminals are interchangeable. 

  • Booking confusion: Some booking platforms list only “Kuala Lumpur International” without terminal details.
  • Transfer stress: Travellers with connecting flights from KLIA or KLIA2 may not account for the travel time between terminals.
  • Mismatched arrivals: Ground transportation like car service may get impacted due to miscommunication about the terminal, causing delays and additional costs.

These mistakes highlight the importance of working with a reliable travel management company that ensures itinerary accuracy and provides clear guidance for travellers.

Quick travel tips to avoid the airport mix-up
 

  • Always check your terminal, especially if you are booking through third-party platforms. If you are flying with AirAsia, it will be KLIA2 regardless of what the booking confirmation says.
  • Ride-hailing cab Grab and taxis are available at both terminals, and each has direct train access to KL Sentral.
  • KLIA2 is generally more budget friendly, especially if you need a quick hotel stay, late night food, or shopping while in transit.

Why this matters for business travel
 

Business trips are busy, and small delays can leave a big impact, resulting in late meetings to lost productivity. Ensuring accurate terminal information is not just a nice-to-have, it’s a part of running an efficient travel programme. Partnering with a travel management company can streamline this by verifying terminal details at the time of booking, providing automated travel alerts and itinerary updates, coordinating seamless ground transport with terminal-specific pickups and supporting business travellers in case of re-bookings.