Kuala Lumpur LRT and MRT: Lines, Fares and Routes
How to ride the Kuala Lumpur LRT and MRT: which line goes where, how to pay, key interchanges, and mistakes to avoid on your first trip.
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Last updated November 2026. The Kuala Lumpur LRT and MRT run as one loose network of separate lines that meet at interchange stations. Most sights are reachable by combining two lines, and our parent guide to Getting Around Kuala Lumpur: Trains, Buses and Grab covers the wider transport picture. Pick a line by the area you want, then plan the transfer before you tap in.
Featured image: *angys*, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Quick answer: which line for which trip
Four rail lines matter most to a first-timer. Each one suits a different kind of day.
- Kelana Jaya LRT: Pasar Seni for Chinatown and Central Market, and KLCC for the Petronas Towers.
- Ampang and Sri Petaling LRT: shared tracks through the city centre, with interchanges at Masjid Jamek and Merdeka.
- MRT Kajang line: Merdeka and Bukit Bintang, plus links across to the LRT.
- MRT Putrajaya line: a newer MRT route. Check the station list on the MRT Corp site before you plan around it.
Kuala Lumpur rail lines at a glance
Names differ by operator, so match what you see on platform signs to this table. For the current route map and line colours, use the Rapid KL network map.
| Line | Type | What a visitor uses it for |
|---|---|---|
| Kelana Jaya line | LRT | Pasar Seni, KLCC and cross-city trips |
| Ampang and Sri Petaling lines | LRT | Masjid Jamek, Merdeka and eastern stops |
| Kajang line | MRT | Merdeka, Bukit Bintang and links to the LRT |
| Putrajaya line | MRT | Newer MRT route; confirm stations before use |
| KL Monorail | Monorail | Bukit Bintang area; see our monorail guide |
| KLIA Ekspres and Transit | Airport rail | Airport only; separate from the city lines |
LRT lines: Kelana Jaya and Ampang/Sri Petaling
The Kelana Jaya line is the one most visitors learn first. Pasar Seni on this line is the closest station to Petaling Street. KLCC, for the Petronas Towers, is also on it. The Ampang and Sri Petaling lines cover the city centre and the east. Both stop at Masjid Jamek, which sits beside Jalan Tun Perak. Both also meet the MRT at Merdeka. Rapid KL runs the LRT, so its site is the place for timetables and fares.
MRT lines: Kajang and Putrajaya
The Kajang line is the MRT route most useful in the centre. Merdeka station sits underneath Jalan Hang Jebat, next to Stadium Negara and Stadium Merdeka. It is an interchange with both the Ampang and Sri Petaling LRT lines. The station has an island platform, lifts, escalators and ticket vending machines. The Putrajaya line is the other MRT route. MRT Corp publishes current stations for both lines.
Interchanges and transfers that trip people up
Interchange stations are where most first-timers lose time. Masjid Jamek links the two LRT systems. Merdeka links the Kajang line to the Ampang and Sri Petaling lines. Chan Sow Lin and KL Sentral are also interchange points. Bukit Bintang is reachable by both LRT and MRT stations, and the monorail serves it too. Our monorail guide explains that link. Do not assume every link is a short covered walk. The Ampang Line route to Petaling Street needs a change to the MRT line towards Pasar Seni, then about a 3-minute walk. Allow extra time for stairs, lifts and platform changes.
Which station for which sight
Match the sight to the station before you leave. Central Market is open daily from 10:00am to 10:00pm. Its Pesona Nyonya event runs 25 to 29 November 2026. Petaling Street trades 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Sunday to Friday and until 10:00 PM on Saturday.
| Sight | Nearest station | Last-mile note |
|---|---|---|
| Petaling Street | Pasar Seni (Kelana Jaya line) | Closest station to the street |
| Petaling Street via Ampang Line | Pasar Seni, after changing to the MRT | About a 3-minute walk |
| Petaling Street via monorail | Maharajalela Monorail Station | About a 14-minute walk |
| Central Market | Pasar Seni area | Jalan Hang Kasturi address |
| Merdeka stadiums | Merdeka (Kajang line) | Station sits next to Stadium Negara and Stadium Merdeka |
| Bukit Bintang | LRT/MRT stations | Taxis and ride-hailing also reach it |
| Petronas Towers | KLCC (Kelana Jaya line) | Check exits on the operator map |
Tickets, cards and fares
Fares are distance-based, so they depend on where you start and finish. International visitors can buy the KL Travel Pass. It gives unlimited rides on the Monorail, LRT and MRT. Locals use the MyCity Pass, which gives a day of unlimited travel on the same three modes. Prices and hours checked November 2026. For current fares and card options, check the MyRapid fare pages rather than older blog figures. Old guides quote tokens and a fixed RM fare that should not guide your budget.
Rail vs bus vs ride-hailing
Rail avoids road traffic and is the fastest option between interchange stations. The free GO KL city bus costs nothing, which helps on short central hops. Ride-hailing through Grab or InDriver has a fixed price, while taxi cost varies by starting point. Rain and heat make covered station links valuable. Luggage is easier on a direct ride-hail than on a long interchange walk. For the airport, rail is a separate service: see our airport transfer guide.
Maharajalela monorail to Petaling Street is a 14-minute walk, so bags tilt the choice toward ride-hailing.
Rules, hours and accessibility
Expect eating and drinking to be banned inside stations and trains. Merdeka station offers ramp access, tactile tiles, low lift buttons, braille lift buttons and staff assistance. Disabled-friendly toilets are also listed there. Interchanges elsewhere may involve stairs, so check each station on the operator's site. First and last train times differ by line, so read the current timetable before a late return.
Central Market stays open from 10:00am to 10:00pm daily, but last trains differ by line, so check timetables before a late return.
Mistakes to avoid
A few errors cost first-timers the most time.
- Assuming every interchange is a short covered walk.
- Confusing the airport trains with the city lines.
- Using old blog fares or token advice.
- Heading for Petaling Street from the monorail when Pasar Seni is closer.
- Carrying luggage through a multi-level transfer at peak hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between LRT and MRT?
In Kuala Lumpur, the LRT lines are Kelana Jaya, Ampang and Sri Petaling. The MRT lines are Kajang and Putrajaya. They are separate systems with their own platforms and maps. They link at stations such as Merdeka.
Can you show me a route map for Rapid KL?
The current Rapid KL network map is on the MyRapid official site. Use it for line colours and station names.
How do I pay for LRT in Kuala Lumpur?
International visitors can use the KL Travel Pass for unlimited rides on the Monorail, LRT and MRT. Fares are distance-based. Check the operator's site for current card and ticket options.
Useful notes for your Southeast Asia trip
Optional updates to our guides.
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