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The express train that runs between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and KL Sentral station is the quickest and most efficient way to get into the city. Most hotels in Zone 1 are a short taxi ride from KL Sentral station. On my last trip to KL (Malindo Air Business Class review here), I used the KLIA VIP service which includes the express train ride to KL Sentral, porter service, limousine ride to the hotel and a meet and greet service. A complete door to door airport transfer for passengers arriving in KL – the KLIA express VIP Service.
KLIA Express VIP Service
I came across the VIP Service desk just by the baggage collection area and was intrigued by the service on offer. The helpful attendant at the desk explained the services and related fares. He also highlighted the added value to the VIP service compared to just the Ekspres train service.
VIP Service Desk
A regular Ekspres train ticket for an adult was RM55 (~12 USD) while the VIP Service for an adult was RM155 (~35 USD). In comparison, a one way hotel car transfer was quoted as RM350. I decided to use the VIP service and test it out. I bought a return trip VIP Service (RM155 each way) which cost me ~$70 USD. The attendant also took down the hotel and flight details to co-ordinate my trip back.
VIP Service – Fare chart
The attendant that processed my payment explained that I would have access to a ‘free’ porter who would help me with my bags and navigate our way to the train, ride with me to KL Sentral and link me with another agent who would hand me the return-trip vouchers and escort me to the limousine service. Given that I was traveling with just one roll-on bag, a porter seemed excessive. But I wanted to experience the service in its entirety, so went along.
Porter Service, included in VIP package
VIP porters – Purple uniforms and service ID’s
The porter was very friendly and spoke functional English (can be very handy for a first timer in the country). He navigated our way to the train platform and clearly knew the shortest way around, a 5 minute walk brought us to the platform.
KLIA Express train station – Entrance
KLIA express train – Platform
The VIP priority seating area was designated towards the end of the train. The VIP seating was cordoned off and had a 2-2 seating configuration across 3 rows. The porter brought in my bag and placed it just outside the area. He informed me that the trip would take about 25 minutes and stood by the door throughout the journey.
KLIA express VIP Service – Priority Seating
The seats were comfortable and offered plenty of leg room.
VIP Service – Priority Seats
Once at KL Sentral station, the porter led the way towards a designated VIP area – ‘Exit 1’ where we were met by another agent. The agent greeted me with a bottle of water and also offered juice. He informed me that the limousine was ready and that the ride to the hotel would take 20-25 minutes. He also confirmed my hotel and contact details to schedule a pick-up for my return journey. The agent also offered his business card which I could use to change the pick-up time if needed.
KL Sentral station – VIP service desk
Exit-1 was a designated area for VIP Service limousine and hotel shuttle pickup/drop offs.
VIP Service – Limo pickup area
Hotel shuttle pickup area
The limousine I got was somewhere between a SUV and a van. It was very comfortable, spacious and offered plenty of leg room at the back to stretch out. The driver spoke good English and did a great job showing me the major landmarks along the away. I was very impressed by the friendly service and navigation through heavy traffic. I could tell he took great pride in his city and the work he did.
VIP service – Limousine
Exactly 25 minutes later, we pulled into the Grand Hyatt hotel and my door-to-door VIP service had come to a close.
Grand Hyatt Entrance
On the day of return, the hotel desk called to confirm my VIP pickup later in the evening. My evening pickup service was prompt and professional. The return journey was just as smooth and hassle-free, I arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
Take Away
I was very impressed with the service and would definitely recommend it for travellers willing to pay a little extra for the added comfort. This service could be valuable for first timers who may not be as willing to navigate their way to the city hotel. The service is truly a door-to-door airport transfer and offers great value against the fee being charged.
Have you used the VIP service before? Share your experience with a comment below.
2 comments
You can get from KLIA to any hotel in KL (also door-to door service) by ordinary taxi for less than 100 RM. If you use Grab (the South-East Asian version of Uber) it is around 75-80 RM.
I agree, its a heavy premium compared to Uber/local taxi options from KL Sentral. But I wanted to try it out and it seems like a great option for first timers who would like to avoid the hassles and/or may not have data to use..OR business travelers who dont mind the return on the premium.