Kuala Lumpur - Post Report Question and Answers
Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
For the most part. People use grab a lot here and its pretty cheap. - May 2022
Uber is the way to go. There are also metros that are easy to use. - Aug 2018
Local transport is safe, efficient, and inexpensive. People generally do not take taxis around KL as they are very overpriced compared to Grab (Asia's version of Uber). Everyone has the Grab app on their phone, and like Uber you can link a credit card to the app so you don't have to worry about carrying around cash. It is often quicker to take a Grab around the city as opposed to navigating the train system, and it is also very inexpensive. Rides average $1.50 to $4. - May 2018
We mostly use Uber, it is inexpensive and readily available. - Apr 2017
I've taken the train for touristy options and it's been fine. I've found it easy and pleasant to use Uber. They are extremely cheap, reliable and I feel safer in an Uber than a taxi as the app means your drive and driver are known and connected to you, the passenger. I've had many engaging conversations with Uber drivers and feel like I've gotten to know Malaysia from some of the drivers. I can't think of an Uber journey that's cost more than about 12RM (under $4) and I've been all over the city. - Apr 2017
Yes. KL has Uber, and taxis are widely available and as safe here as they are anywhere. Intracity buses are quite crowded but otherwise safe, and intercity buses are a great way to get to Singapore or Penang. Trains have a limited number of stops but are generally clean and reliable where they do run. - May 2016
I always used the blue taxis which were U.S. prices but very nice, clean, safe, reliable. The local red cabs were cheap and made me nervous. - Feb 2015
Public transport is safe and affordable, but like all cities with heavy tourist traffic, care needs to be taken when taking cabs. - Aug 2013
Affordable yes, reliable...for the most part. Safety of private bus companies involved in motor vehicle accidents has been in the news lately. Thus, motor vehicle accidents is the concern. - Aug 2011
Yes and yes. Careful of taxi drivers trying to gouge you though! - Mar 2011
Subway is ok and cheap but hardly goes anywhere. Taxis are plentiful, unless it is raining or you really need one. Some taxi drivers are better than others about using the meter and not trying to rip you off. - May 2009
Safe and affordable. - Mar 2009
Taxis are a gamble, if it is raining forget about them stopping. Also they'll overcharge you if you want to travel somewere too near. They are known to drop you off in the wrong location if they and you aren't familiar with the area. There is a deluxe bus service that is cheap and gice to use to go to Singapore. Trains are safe, take normal precautions against pick pockets. - Jul 2008
Trains are great and very affordable. Taxis are safe and affordable but totally and utterly unreliable. If it rains they will not pick you up. If you live in a place they don't know, they will not take you. They may take you part of the way then drop you off. They are subsidized by the Malaysia Government and so do not feel compelled to need to pick you up if they don't want to. They are a real pain in the ___. - May 2008
