The MRT in Kuala Lumpur is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to travel around the city and the wider Klang Valley. With modern trains, air-conditioned stations, clear signage, and connections to many of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular neighbourhoods and attractions, the MRT is particularly useful for visitors who want to explore without relying entirely on taxis or Grab.
Kuala Lumpur currently has two operational MRT lines: the Kajang Line and Putrajaya Line. Together, they connect areas including Bukit Bintang, Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Chinatown, Damansara, Cheras, Kepong, KLCC’s surrounding area, Cyberjaya, and Putrajaya.
The Kajang Line stretches approximately 46 kilometres with 29 stations, while the Putrajaya Line is approximately 57.7 kilometres long with 36 operational stations. Both pass through central Kuala Lumpur and meet at two interchange stations: Kwasa Damansara and TRX.
If you’re new to Kuala Lumpur’s transport network, start with our Public Transport in Kuala Lumpur guide. We also have a broader Getting Around Kuala Lumpur guide covering trains, buses, Grab, taxis, driving, and walking.
This guide focuses specifically on how Kuala Lumpur’s MRT network works and which line you should use.
What Is the MRT in Kuala Lumpur?
MRT stands for Mass Rapid Transit. It is a high-capacity urban rail system designed to connect Kuala Lumpur city centre with major residential, commercial, and suburban areas throughout the Klang Valley.
The MRT is newer than Kuala Lumpur’s original LRT and Monorail networks, with the first section of the Kajang Line beginning operations in 2016. Today, the system has become one of the backbones of public transport across Greater Kuala Lumpur.
There are currently two operational lines:
- MRT Kajang Line
- MRT Putrajaya Line
The Kajang Line travels from Kwasa Damansara through Damansara and central Kuala Lumpur before continuing south-east towards Cheras and Kajang.
The Putrajaya Line also begins at Kwasa Damansara but travels through Kepong, northern Kuala Lumpur and the city centre before continuing south towards Serdang, Cyberjaya, and Putrajaya.
Together, they make many journeys possible without needing to drive through Kuala Lumpur’s notoriously busy road network.
MRT Kajang Line
The MRT Kajang Line was the first MRT line constructed in the Klang Valley. It runs approximately 46 kilometres between Kwasa Damansara and Kajang, with 29 stations, including seven underground stations through central Kuala Lumpur.
For visitors, this is arguably the more useful of Kuala Lumpur’s two MRT lines because it directly serves several major tourism, shopping, and entertainment districts.
Important areas along the route include:
- Kota Damansara
- Mutiara Damansara
- Bandar Utama
- TTDI
- Damansara Heights
- KL Sentral area
- Chinatown
- Bukit Bintang
- TRX
- Cochrane
- Maluri
- Cheras
- Kajang
Useful Kajang Line Stations for Visitors
Muzium Negara
Connected by a pedestrian link to KL Sentral, making it one of the most important gateways between the MRT and Kuala Lumpur’s wider transport network.
Pasar Seni
Ideal for exploring Chinatown, Central Market, Petaling Street, River of Life, and the historic centre of Kuala Lumpur. It also provides an interchange with the LRT Kelana Jaya Line.
Merdeka
Convenient for Stadium Merdeka, Merdeka 118, Jalan Petaling, and the southern side of Chinatown.
Bukit Bintang
Located directly in Kuala Lumpur’s main shopping and entertainment district, close to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Lot 10, Jalan Alor, and Changkat Bukit Bintang.
Tun Razak Exchange (TRX)
An interchange between both MRT lines and the main station for The Exchange TRX and TRX City Park.
Cochrane
Useful for MyTOWN Shopping Centre and the surrounding Cheras area.
Maluri
Provides an interchange with the LRT Ampang Line and serves AEON Mall Taman Maluri and nearby areas.
We will cover the complete route, all 29 stations, attractions, interchanges, and travel tips separately in our dedicated MRT Kajang Line Guide.
MRT Putrajaya Line
The MRT Putrajaya Line is Kuala Lumpur’s second MRT line. It stretches approximately 57.7 kilometres from Kwasa Damansara to Putrajaya Sentral, with 36 operational stations, including nine underground stations.
The line significantly expanded MRT coverage into northern Kuala Lumpur and the southern Klang Valley, connecting areas such as Kepong, Jalan Ipoh, Titiwangsa, KLCC’s eastern side, TRX, Sungai Besi, Serdang, Cyberjaya, and Putrajaya.
Major areas served include:
- Kwasa Damansara
- Sungai Buloh
- Kepong
- Jinjang
- Jalan Ipoh
- Titiwangsa
- Hospital Kuala Lumpur
- Ampang Park
- KLCC area
- TRX
- Chan Sow Lin
- Sungai Besi
- Serdang
- Cyberjaya
- Putrajaya
Useful Putrajaya Line Stations for Visitors
Titiwangsa
A major interchange with the KL Monorail and LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling Lines, making it useful for journeys around northern and central Kuala Lumpur.
Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Serves the Hospital Kuala Lumpur precinct and surrounding areas.
Ampang Park
Provides an interchange with the LRT Kelana Jaya Line and convenient access to the eastern side of central Kuala Lumpur.
Persiaran KLCC
One of the closest Putrajaya Line stations to the KLCC precinct, useful for destinations around the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and surrounding developments.
Conlay
Serves the southern side of the Golden Triangle and areas around Jalan Conlay.
Tun Razak Exchange (TRX)
Connects the Putrajaya Line with the Kajang Line and provides direct access to The Exchange TRX.
Chan Sow Lin
Connects with the LRT Ampang and Sri Petaling Lines.
Putrajaya Sentral
The southern terminus and main public transport gateway into Putrajaya, Malaysia’s federal administrative capital.
Our upcoming MRT Putrajaya Line Guide will explore every station, interchange, attraction, and connection along the route in greater detail.
MRT Kajang Line vs Putrajaya Line
The easiest way to understand Kuala Lumpur’s MRT is to think of the two lines as serving different corridors through the Klang Valley.
| Kajang Line | Putrajaya Line | |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Kwasa Damansara – Kajang | Kwasa Damansara – Putrajaya Sentral |
| Length | Approx. 46 km | Approx. 57.7 km |
| Operational Stations | 29 | 36 |
| Main City Areas | Damansara, Chinatown, Bukit Bintang, TRX | Kepong, Titiwangsa, KLCC area, TRX |
| Outer Areas | Cheras, Kajang | Serdang, Cyberjaya, Putrajaya |
| Most Useful For Tourists | Bukit Bintang, Chinatown, Damansara | KLCC area, TRX, Putrajaya |
| Interchange Between Lines | Kwasa Damansara & TRX | Kwasa Damansara & TRX |
For most first-time visitors staying in central Kuala Lumpur, you’ll probably use the Kajang Line more frequently, particularly when travelling between Chinatown, Bukit Bintang, TRX, and KL Sentral.
However, the Putrajaya Line becomes extremely useful for destinations around Titiwangsa, Ampang Park, the KLCC area, Cyberjaya, and Putrajaya.
Where Can You Go Using the MRT?
One of the biggest advantages of Kuala Lumpur’s MRT is that it serves destinations that are genuinely useful to visitors.
Bukit Bintang
Line: Kajang Line
Bukit Bintang station places you in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s main shopping and entertainment district.
From the station, you can walk to:
- Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
- Lot 10
- Sungei Wang Plaza
- Fahrenheit88
- Jalan Alor
- Changkat Bukit Bintang
The KL Monorail also serves Bukit Bintang, giving travellers another option for journeys towards KL Sentral, Imbi, and Chow Kit.
Chinatown & Petaling Street
Line: Kajang Line
Station: Pasar Seni or Merdeka
Pasar Seni is particularly convenient for Central Market and the northern side of Petaling Street, while Merdeka provides access from the southern side.
Nearby attractions include:
- Petaling Street
- Central Market
- Kwai Chai Hong
- Sri Mahamariamman Temple
- Guan Di Temple
- River of Life
Explore the neighbourhood in greater detail with our complete Petaling Street Guide.
TRX
Lines: Kajang & Putrajaya
Tun Razak Exchange is one of the most important stations in the entire MRT network because both operational MRT lines intersect here.
The station provides direct access to:
- The Exchange TRX
- TRX City Park
- Tun Razak Exchange financial district
Passengers can change between the Kajang and Putrajaya Lines without leaving the paid area.
KLCC
Line: Putrajaya Line
Stations: Persiaran KLCC or Ampang Park
The Putrajaya Line provides another way to reach the wider KLCC district, although the LRT Kelana Jaya Line’s KLCC station remains particularly convenient for the Petronas Twin Towers and Suria KLCC.
Depending on your destination within the district, Persiaran KLCC, Ampang Park, or KLCC LRT station may be the most convenient choice.
KL Sentral
Line: Kajang Line
Station: Muzium Negara
The MRT does not have a station named KL Sentral. Instead, Muzium Negara MRT station is connected to KL Sentral by a covered pedestrian walkway.
From KL Sentral, you can transfer to:
- LRT Kelana Jaya Line
- KL Monorail
- KTM Komuter
- KLIA Express
- KLIA Transit
- Buses and taxis
Our dedicated KL Sentral Guide explains the various connections within Kuala Lumpur’s main transport hub.
Putrajaya
Line: Putrajaya Line
Station: Putrajaya Sentral
The Putrajaya Line makes visiting Malaysia’s administrative capital much easier without a car.
From Putrajaya Sentral, travellers can continue by local bus, taxi, or Grab to attractions such as Putra Mosque, Putrajaya Lake, Perdana Putra, and Putrajaya’s monumental government precinct.
Putrajaya Sentral also connects with KLIA Transit, providing onward rail connections towards KLIA and KL Sentral.
Major MRT Interchange Stations
The MRT network integrates with Kuala Lumpur’s LRT, Monorail, KTM, and airport rail systems at several important stations.
Kwasa Damansara
Interchange between the Kajang and Putrajaya Lines.
Muzium Negara / KL Sentral
Pedestrian connection to KL Sentral for LRT, KTM Komuter, Monorail, KLIA Express, and KLIA Transit.
Pasar Seni
Interchange between the MRT Kajang Line and LRT Kelana Jaya Line.
Merdeka / Plaza Rakyat
Pedestrian connection between the MRT Kajang Line and LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling Lines.
Bukit Bintang
Walking connection to the KL Monorail station of the same name.
Tun Razak Exchange (TRX)
Direct interchange between the Kajang and Putrajaya Lines.
Maluri
Interchange between the Kajang Line and LRT Ampang Line.
Titiwangsa
Connects the Putrajaya Line with the KL Monorail and LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling Lines.
Ampang Park
Interchange between the Putrajaya Line and LRT Kelana Jaya Line.
Chan Sow Lin
Connects the Putrajaya Line with the LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling Lines.
Sungai Besi
Connection between the Putrajaya and Sri Petaling corridors.
These interchanges are what make the MRT particularly useful. You rarely need your entire journey to be located on a single MRT line.
How to Use the MRT in Kuala Lumpur
Using Kuala Lumpur’s MRT is straightforward, even if it is your first time in Malaysia.
1. Find Your Nearest MRT Station
Use Google Maps or a public transport journey planner to determine the nearest station and which line serves it.
Look for signs showing either:
- Kajang Line
- Putrajaya Line
2. Check the Direction of Travel
Instead of simply looking at the station you want, identify the terminus in the direction you’re travelling.
For example, Kajang Line trains travel towards either:
- Kwasa Damansara
- Kajang
Putrajaya Line trains travel towards either:
- Kwasa Damansara
- Putrajaya Sentral
3. Enter Through the Fare Gates
Purchase a single-journey token or tap an accepted travel card at the fare gate.
4. Follow Platform Signs
Stations have English and Bahasa Malaysia signage, making the system relatively easy for international visitors to navigate.
5. Transfer When Necessary
Follow interchange signs when changing lines. Some connections are within the same station, while others involve pedestrian walkways.
How to Pay for the MRT
Kuala Lumpur’s MRT uses Rapid KL’s integrated fare system.
Common payment options include:
- Touch ’n Go card
- Single-journey tokens
- Eligible Rapid KL travel passes
Fares are distance-based, so the amount you pay depends on your origin and destination.
A Touch ’n Go card is particularly useful if you’ll be travelling around Kuala Lumpur regularly because the same card can also be used across much of the LRT, Monorail, and bus network.
For a broader explanation of ticketing and payment, see our Public Transport in Kuala Lumpur Guide.
MRT Operating Hours
Rapid KL rail stations generally begin operating at around 6:00am. Official guidance lists rail station operations until around midnight from Monday to Saturday and around 11:30pm on Sundays and public holidays, although individual station closing and last-train times vary.
Train frequency also varies according to the time of day, with more frequent services during weekday morning and evening commuting periods.
If you’re travelling late at night, check the final train for your specific station rather than assuming trains operate until midnight along the entire route.
MRT Feeder Buses
One limitation of any rail network is the distance between stations and your final destination. To improve first- and last-mile connectivity, feeder buses operate from many MRT stations to surrounding neighbourhoods.
These are particularly useful in suburban areas such as:
- Kota Damansara
- Cheras
- Kajang
- Kepong
- Serdang
- Cyberjaya
Some stations also provide Park & Ride facilities for passengers who prefer to drive to the station before continuing by train. MRT Corp lists 12 Kajang Line stations and 17 Putrajaya Line stations with Park & Ride facilities.
For other bus options around the Klang Valley, see our Kuala Lumpur Bus Guide, which covers Rapid KL Bus, Go KL, and Smart Selangor services.
Is the MRT Good for Tourists?
Yes. The MRT is one of the best ways for visitors to get around Kuala Lumpur.
It is particularly useful because it:
- Serves major tourist districts
- Avoids Kuala Lumpur’s road congestion
- Is fully air-conditioned
- Has English signage
- Connects with other rail networks
- Offers affordable distance-based fares
- Runs frequently throughout most of the day
The Kajang Line is particularly useful for visitors staying around Bukit Bintang and Chinatown, while the Putrajaya Line opens up destinations around the KLCC area, Titiwangsa, Cyberjaya, and Putrajaya.
However, MRT alone will not take you everywhere. The best way to explore Kuala Lumpur is usually to combine the MRT with the LRT, KL Monorail, buses, walking, and occasional Grab rides.
MRT vs LRT: What’s the Difference?
Visitors often wonder about the difference between MRT and LRT in Kuala Lumpur.
In practical terms, you don’t need to worry too much about the technical differences. Both operate as urban rail systems and are integrated into Kuala Lumpur’s wider public transport network.
Generally:
MRT
- Newer infrastructure
- Larger trains
- Higher passenger capacity
- Longer routes into suburban areas
- Extensive underground sections through central KL
LRT
- Older and more established network
- Smaller trains
- Excellent coverage of several established urban corridors
- Includes the Kelana Jaya, Ampang/Sri Petaling, and Shah Alam lines
For travellers, the most important thing is simply identifying which line takes you closest to your destination.
Our broader guide to Using MRT, LRT & Monorail in Kuala Lumpur explains how all three rail systems work together.
Tips for Using the MRT in Kuala Lumpur
- Get a Touch ’n Go card if you’ll be making frequent journeys.
- Use Google Maps to plan routes and identify interchange stations.
- Avoid weekday rush hours when possible.
- Check the destination displayed on the train before boarding.
- Remember that Muzium Negara is the MRT station connected to KL Sentral.
- Use Pasar Seni or Merdeka for Chinatown.
- Use Bukit Bintang for Kuala Lumpur’s main shopping district.
- Change between MRT lines at TRX or Kwasa Damansara.
- Allow extra walking time at large interchange stations.
- Use feeder buses or Grab for destinations farther from stations.
- Check Rapid KL service updates before late-night journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions About MRT Kuala Lumpur
How many MRT lines are there in Kuala Lumpur?
There are currently two operational MRT lines in the Klang Valley: the Kajang Line and Putrajaya Line.
What are the two MRT lines in Kuala Lumpur?
The two operational lines are the MRT Kajang Line, running between Kwasa Damansara and Kajang, and the MRT Putrajaya Line, running between Kwasa Damansara and Putrajaya Sentral.
Is Kuala Lumpur MRT easy to use?
Yes. Stations have clear signage in English and Bahasa Malaysia, while route maps and announcements make the system relatively straightforward for first-time visitors.
Which MRT line goes to Bukit Bintang?
Bukit Bintang is on the MRT Kajang Line.
Which MRT goes to TRX?
Both the Kajang Line and Putrajaya Line serve Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), making it one of the most important MRT interchange stations.
Which MRT station is closest to KL Sentral?
Muzium Negara station on the Kajang Line is connected to KL Sentral by a pedestrian walkway.
Which MRT goes to KLCC?
The Putrajaya Line serves the wider KLCC area through Persiaran KLCC and Ampang Park. The Kelana Jaya LRT Line also has a dedicated KLCC station.
Does MRT go to Putrajaya?
Yes. The Putrajaya Line terminates at Putrajaya Sentral.
Does the MRT go to Kuala Lumpur International Airport?
No MRT line travels directly to KLIA. However, passengers can transfer to KLIA Transit at Putrajaya Sentral or travel via KL Sentral for KLIA Express and KLIA Transit.
Our KLIA Express vs KLIA Transit Guide explains which airport train is more suitable for your journey.
Can I use Touch ’n Go on the MRT?
Yes. Touch ’n Go cards can be used to pay for journeys on Kuala Lumpur’s MRT network.
What time does the MRT start operating?
Rapid KL rail stations generally begin operations at approximately 6:00am, although last-train and station-closing times vary according to station, direction, and day.
The MRT in Kuala Lumpur has transformed the way people move around the Klang Valley. With the Kajang Line connecting Damansara, Chinatown, Bukit Bintang, TRX, Cheras, and Kajang, and the Putrajaya Line serving Kepong, Titiwangsa, the KLCC area, TRX, Cyberjaya, and Putrajaya, the network covers an increasingly large part of Greater Kuala Lumpur.
For most visitors, the Kajang Line will probably be the more frequently used route, particularly for Bukit Bintang, Chinatown, TRX, and connections around KL Sentral. The Putrajaya Line is equally valuable when travelling towards Titiwangsa, the KLCC precinct, Cyberjaya, or Putrajaya.
More importantly, the MRT should not be viewed in isolation. Its interchanges with the LRT Kelana Jaya Line, LRT Ampang and Sri Petaling Lines, KL Monorail, buses, KTM Komuter, and airport trains create a much larger integrated transport network.
Once you understand those connections, exploring Kuala Lumpur without a car becomes considerably easier.
