KUL transfers or taxi?

[cmon0005]

Hi all,

As I am arriving at KLIA at 1:30am, the hotel charges 50% surcharge for airport pickup 00:00-06:00, making it around $110AU for a Camry pickup, a bit excessive I think (half the room rate!) .
Would you recommend Taxi at that time and if so how much approx KLIA to KL city? 2pax travelling. Don't really want to use the train line at that time and have lots of luggage anyway.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I arrived into KL about 10:30pm last time, and got a taxi into the Doubletree Hilton @ Ampang park (close to the KLCC). Cost me about RMB$65, which is about AUD$25. That Hotel transfer sounds excessive.

What I normally do is head town to the "official" taxi rank. You take the directions on the signs, out of arrivals, down the escalators towards the KLIA express, but turn to the left instead of to the right for the taxi stand. You pay RMB$2 to get a voucher, then stand outside and get assigned a taxi. You still need to pay the driver at the end for the ride plus tolls.

As I'm heading into Ampang Park area, I tell the drivers to use the MEX (Maju Expressway), its slightly more expensive but makes the total trip time about 50mins.

 

[Simo]

Generally when ever the hotel organises a Transfer it is not the cheapest option as they have to put the margin on it.

 

[markis10]

Hi all,

As I am arriving at KLIA at 1:30am, the hotel charges 50% surcharge for airport pickup 00:00-06:00, making it around $110AU for a Camry pickup, a bit excessive I think (half the room rate!) .
Would you recommend Taxi at that time and if so how much approx KLIA to KL city? 2pax travelling. Don't really want to use the train line at that time and have lots of luggage anyway.

The train would normally be a good option regardless of baggage as they have porters etc, and its quick, but it won't be available at the time your arriving. Grab a taxi.

 

[MH_fan]

I simply use the limo service from KLIA to anywhere in KL. The counter is just after you've collected your bags and passed through customs, before you enter the arrivals hall. You can get a one way or a return ticket/voucher. you choose between Budget or Premier. The only difference between them is the size of the boot, so if you don't have much luggage, a budget one will do. It costs about MYR 80 one way (there is a surcharge for transfers between midnight and 6am). The best thing about this service is that you can pay by credit card, you've paid up front (so no haggling over the fare) and you get taken straight to your destination.

 

[cmon0005]

That Hotel transfer sounds excessive.

Yes my thinking exactly, the 50% surcharge between 0:00-6:00 is what tips it over from being expensive but justifiable, to down right excessive!
Regular cost: MYR240 = A$78
After midnight: MYR360 = $118

So extra A$40 after midnight.

 

[cmon0005]

I simply use the limo service from KLIA to anywhere in KL. The only difference between them is the size of the boot, so if you don't have much luggage, a budget one will do. It costs about MYR 80 one way (there is a surcharge for transfers between midnight and 6am). The best thing about this service is that you can pay by credit card, you've paid up front (so no haggling over the fare) and you get taken straight to your destination.

I think I'll do this, rate is quite reasonable even with a surcharge still half the cost of hotel car!

Thank you all for your insights..

 

[MH_fan]

I think I'll do this, rate is quite reasonable even with a surcharge still half the cost of hotel car!

Thank you all for your insights..

Yes. Never do the hotel organised transfers. I have never paid more than MYR150 for a return limo/taxi from the official counter. I never take the train either. For 2 people, it costs more than the official limo/taxi and it doesn't get you to your final destination (unless that destination is KL Sentral), which you then have to try to get a taxi to!

 

[pumba_oz]

I was in KUL in march, was ridiculously cheap to get around with taxis and stuff
me n 3 friends split the differences in all fares, which were premium ones anyway and worked out dirt cheap. I was quite amused with their driving standards and habbits.... i guess its standard in areas as such. But i love KUL, will visit again soon.
I went to Sepang from my hotel (Royal Ascott near Patronas Tower) and was 400ringit return... devided by 4ppl was 100 ringit each, in a premium cab and the drive was well over an hour. Hope that helps with anything

Note : They will try and rip you off as well, so be weary of that

 

[MH_fan]

When you get the official taxi voucher (Airport Limo), there is never any haggling because the price is set. Avoid taking the 'everyday taxi' to the airport because they will try to rip you off. Book via the telephone if you haven't already booked the return when you first arrived.

 

[markis10]

I was in KUL in march, was ridiculously cheap to get around with taxis and stuff
me n 3 friends split the differences in all fares, which were premium ones anyway and worked out dirt cheap. I was quite amused with their driving standards and habbits.... i guess its standard in areas as such. But i love KUL, will visit again soon.
I went to Sepang from my hotel (Royal Ascott near Patronas Tower) and was 400ringit return... devided by 4ppl was 100 ringit each, in a premium cab and the drive was well over an hour. Hope that helps with anything

Note : They will try and rip you off as well, so be weary of that

I stick to the train at 35MYR each way, 28 minutes and free wifi to keep me busy.

 

[RB]

I stick to the train at 35MYR each way, 28 minutes and free wifi to keep me busy.

Yep found the train great when we were there & as a couple with luggage it was an excellent way to get out to the airport

 

[NM]

I stick to the train at 35MYR each way, 28 minutes and free wifi to keep me busy.

I always use the train too. But I have only arrived at times when its operating. If not operating (i.e. a 2am arrival), I would use a Teksi.