Light rail, monorail, bus and taxi

Word to the wise: KL is a sprawling city and it frequently grinds to a standstill during peak hours, when commuters move en masse to and from their homes.

The train system in Kuala Lumpur may not be as well-integrated or as convenient as the subways of other major cities, but on balance, it's the best way to get around town. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) connects most of the central hotspots as well as some suburbs, and services are frequent and reliable.

Intersecting the LRT in some spots is the super-efficient monorail, which serves the busiest routes in the Golden Triangle. It offers the best views of downtown KL in air-conditioned comfort.

Other modes of transport can be a bit more challenging. Taxis can be abundant or scarce, depending on the neighbourhood and time of day. The metered fares are cheap, but some drivers try to hoodwink visitors by charging exorbitant flat rates—so make sure the meter is running at the start of your trip.

RapidKL buses are also good value, with tickets costing RM 2-3 depending on your zone of travel. Be prepared to wait around, though—KL buses are notorious for not running to schedule.