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Discover how to get around Kuala Lumpur in this post. The capital of Malaysia is very organized and the public transportation is clean and easy to use. So don’t miss these tips on how to move inside the city, as well as how to get from the airport to the city center.

Planning a visit to the city? Don’t miss the best attractions in Kuala Lumpur.

Transportation from the airport to the city:

Airport train to the city:

KLIA has a fast train service, the KLIA Ekspres, which connects the airport to KL Sentral (yes, with S). KL Sentral is Kuala Lumpur’s central station, bringing together train, metro, monorail, and bus services in one place. It’s a big hub that connects the entire city. Also, the station has an area with Malaysia Airlines remote check-in counters, for those who want to check in and drop off their bags even before arriving at the airport.

The trip by KLIA Ekspres takes less than 30 minutes. The service is very comfortable and the ticket costs 55 Ringgit, the equivalent of approximately 12 dollars. Children pay a half ticket. For those arriving at the airport, the Ticket Counter works from 6 AM to 11 PM daily. But the transfer and train run from 5 AM to 12:15 AM.

You can buy tickets in advance online or in the App of KLIA Ekspres. The frequency of the trains you can check below in the picture.

Bus from Airport to City:

At KLIA, the airport bus station is underground, just follow the signs to get there. The bus services available provide travelers with transportation to many places such as Kuala Lumpur areas and other cities, such as Ipoh, Malacca, and Johor.

Uber/ Grab Car from Airport to City:

To take an Uber or Grab Car to the city center, you need to be on the third floor, gate 5. It’s right in front of arrivals and the cars will stop in the second line. Grab Car, for those unfamiliar, is a very popular service in Malaysia and other Asian countries. Includes transportation as well as food delivery.

When we arrived at the airport, the Uber application didn’t work. So we quickly registered and used Grab to go to our Airbnb. The journey cost about 80 Ringgit. Which is a reasonable price as the airport is far from the city.

Transportation within the city:

Car rental:

If you are staying outside the city center, or if you have plans to travel to other cities around Kuala Lumpur, renting a car is recommended. This was the option we chose to travel around Malaysia. The traffic is well organized, nothing compared to other countries around like Thailand and Indonesia.

However, you will need to drive on the right side, so be aware and prudent in traffic. We managed to drive to Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands, and Malacca during our stay in Kuala Lumpur. About one to three hours maximum by car. The daily rental was around 190 Ringgit (40 to 45 USD). The company we choose was Goso Rent a Car, which had really good reviews and we also recommend it.

Public transport (train and metro):

Public transport in Kuala Lumpur is clean, easy to use, and serves all tourist areas of the city. That’s why I recommend using it. We ended up staying further away from the center, in an area without much access to public transport. However, our savings in the price of the apartment didn’t compensate.

If we were in the city center, we would have saved on private transport, despite paying a little more for accommodation. Public transport options in KL include the metro, bus, and monorail.

Metro, train, and monorail

Also very easy to use, these options are connected serving all of Kuala Lumpur’s main attractions. All stations have maps with the metro lines (check the picture below). The price will depend on your destination. This means that the ticket is calculated according to the distance you will travel. A ride between KL Sentral and KLCC will cost around 4.30 Ringgit.

Besides the single ride ticket, you can also purchase a 1, 3, or 30 days pass. The Travel Pass coast RM50 for unlimited rides in 30 days. MyCity 1 is a day pass that coast RM 15 (RM 5 is the card price). The modality of 3 days coast RM 25. They are valid for rides on all Rapid KL rail and BRT networks.

Kuala Lumpur Free Transportation: Go KL Bus

Yes, you didn’t read it wrong! This is an amazing option for any tourist looking to save on transportation. This purple bus serves 7 lines and passes through all touristic areas of the city. Just get on the bus without any cost. In addition, the bus has Wi-fi. However, for some distant destinations, such as Batu Caves, you will need to use a train connection.

Uber/Grab Car:

Using transport apps like Grab in the city can be very affordable if you are traveling in a group. Generally, the trip cost around 10 to 20 Ringgit. So make sure o download it on your phone before your trip. Late at night, this will be the only option available.

Check our list of the best travel Apps you always need on your phone here.

This post is full of tips about transportation in Cairo. The chaotic vibe of the city is very present also in the traffic. So, if you’re traveling to Egypt and still don’t know how to get around the city, don’t miss any of these tips. Especially how to leave and arrive at Cairo’s airport.

How to get to and from the airport in Cairo:

Cairo International Airport is the main international airport of Cairo. As well as the largest airport in Egypt. Most of the flights coming from other countries will arrive at this airport. With the exception of some European and Middle Eastern flights that arrive directly at the seaside in Egypt, such as Sharm El Sheik and Hurghada’s airport.

Located 22 km from the city center, it can take from 30 minutes to more than an hour to reach it by car. This is because the traffic in the city is very intense. That’s why we recommend always leaving early to catch your flight, especially if it’s during the day.

The terminals are all connected but can be quite a walk to move from one to another. So make sure you warn your driver which terminal you will depart from. The best way to get there, as well as to leave the airport, is to get a private car.

Taking a taxi can be quite tricky as they will try to negotiate a fixed price for the trip. And be aware, because Egyptians can negotiate for hours, and most probably you will still pay more than calling a car by an App. In Egypt Uber works well, but there is also Careem. This local App can have cheaper rates most of the time.

Ways of Transport in Cairo:

Buses

Regular line buses are extremely precarious. Poorly signposted, dirty, and without air conditioning. However, they are extremely cheap. I recommend using it only if you speak Arabic or are in the company of an Egyptian. However, more recently some lines called Smart Bus were implemented.

Smart Bus lines cost around 15 EGP a trip and the ticket can be purchased directly from the driver. The buses are new and air-conditioned. Identifying them is quite easy compared to other buses that circulate. In addition, they have a sign indicating the destination. I recommend downloading Google Maps to check the routes in real time.

Check out the best travel apps you need on your phone here!

Subway

Cairo’s metro connects some of the city’s main points. It’s very efficient and easy to use. I recommend it for the low cost, in addition to avoiding traffic. However, some very tourist spots do not have lines nearby. For example, in Giza, the stations are very far from the pyramids complex.

To walk around the center and the historic part of the city, some of the main metro stations are Sadat, which connects two lines and has an exit to Tahrir Square. The Mubarak station is close to Cairo’s train station and the Mar Girgis, which leads to the Coptic area of Cairo, close to several churches.

Microbus

A very common transport on the streets of Cairo is the minibusses. These vans are privately operated by the drivers, but the price is almost standard across all of them. Despite being heavily used by Egyptians, I don’t recommend using them unless you’re accompanied by a local.

A safer option, but also economical, is to use the vans operated by Uber and Swvl. Both companies have applications in which they sell tickets according to the distance to be traveled. In the app, you can follow the route, check the address where the van will pick you up, and the closest stop to your destination. Payment is made directly in the app.

Taxi

Taxis are available in any city in Egypt. However, be careful as many drivers don’t turn on the meter and charge what they want for the ride (especially if you look like a foreigner). In places like the airport, many taxi drivers charge a fixed price as we mentioned.

I recommend using apps like Uber instead of taxis. The price is nearly always lower than the taxi, and you can follow the route. There is also the local version of Uber, the Careem app. Sometimes with cheaper prices than the competitor.

Car rental

Although renting a car is considered useful for those who are going to travel to several distant areas in a city, I do not recommend it in Cairo. That’s because traffic is intense throughout the day and drivers don’t usually respect rules. Most don’t give a signal and dangerously cut the roads.

For pedestrians in Cairo, traffic can also be challenging. Look for crossings with traffic lights and always be on the watch for all sides of the road. Another tip is to always cross the streets with groups. Guards often end up helping tourists stuck on roads.

Got other questions? Check our FAQ below for more information.

FAQ Transportation in Cairo

Car rental in Cairo

There are several companies that rent cars in Cairo. Companies like Sixt and Enterprise are some of the ones that operate there. However, be prepared to face the chaotic traffic of the city. Never rent without insurance.

How to get around Cairo on a budget

Despite the lack of a quality public transport system, Cairo has a metro that covers several points in the city center. Some apps like Swvl offer shared transport in vans. They are a good option while moving to distant locations.

Is there a subway in Cairo?

Yes. Metro lines in Cairo cover most of the older areas of the city. However, some tourist attractions such as the pyramids do not have a metro station nearby.

How to use the metro in Cairo

To use the metro in Cairo, just go to the nearest station. They are signposted and, when you go down to the basement, you will find the ticket office. It’s necessary to inform your destination as the price is calculated according to the number of stations you will ride.

Transport apps in Cairo

Some apps can make getting around Cairo easier. For example Uber and Careem (the Egyptian version of the former). For more economical trips, it’s possible to schedule shared rides through the Swvl and Uber bus applications.

There are three ways to get to Venice. For those traveling from Rome to Venice, or traveling between other cities within Italy or Europe, it’s more common to use a bus, train, and plane. However, Venice is also a stop for several cruise ships. So you can get there by boat.

In this post, we won’t mention the use of rented or private cars. Since it’s not possible to transit around Venice with them and the cost-benefit for your trip wouldn’t compensate. Wondering how to get to Venice? Then check out our transport tips here.

How to get to Venice by Plane:

It’s possible to reach the city of Venice by landing at Marco Polo Airport. For those who want a quick and comfortable way to get around, a plane or train are among the best options. However, it’s necessary to consider that the nearest airport is eight kilometers away from the city center.

To get from the airport to the island of Venice, there are four options:

1. By Bus

This is the cheapest way to get to the center. The journey costs around 8 euros and takes you to Piazzale Roma, the city’s bus station. The bus station it’s around 1 km from the train station, right at the entrance of the island. Two companies make this route, ACTV, and ATVO.

Be aware, because some of the ACTV buses make more stops, which will add more hours to the route. Also, the quality of ATVO buses is better. However, a plus point of ACTV is that you can buy tickets that also work with Vaporettos inside the city. Check out more about day passes on the VeneziaUnica website.

2. By boat

The AliLaguna boat takes you from the docks to the regions of San Marco, Rialto, Fondamenta Nuove, and Le Guglie. The docks are located in the airport departure area (about 5 minutes walking). The cheapest tickets are around 15 euros and the journey can take up to an hour.

I only recommend using the boat if your hotel is close to one of the drop-off points.

3. By Transfer:

For those who don’t give up comfort and don’t mind paying a little more for the service, transfers are a good option. The water taxi starts at €32 and takes you from the docks to the pier at your hotel, or the nearest one.

How to get to Venice by Train:

Santa Lucia Station is the arrival station for those arriving by train in Venice. It’s right at the entrance of the island, in the neighborhood of Cannaregio. Our hotel was only 5 minute walk from the station. So it was easy to move around the city with suitcases.

For those staying in hotels outside this neighborhood, you may need to take a Vaporetto or a water taxi to reach your destination. There is a Vaporetto terminal right in front of the train station. From there, boats depart for all areas in Venice.

The Google Maps application shows all the Vaporetto lines. So it’s easy to know which station will take you to the closest station to your destination. Check out a list of the apps you need to plan your trip here!

Santa Lucia Train Station in Venice. @– Wikimedia Commons

HOW TO REACH VENICE BY BUS:

We chose to travel from Rome to Venice by bus. This was by far the cheapest option. Although it took us about 7 hours to reach the city, we used this to our advantage. We traveled overnight and saved a hotel night stay.

We chose the Flixbus company, as the buses are new and we can track the travel information online. If you want to know a little more about traveling by bus within Italy, check out this post.

Venice’s bus station is Piazzale Roma, which is close to Santa Lucia train station. We arrived in the very early morning and walked to our hotel. Something around 25 minutes to Santa Lucia Train Station, and another 5 minutes to reach the apartment.

It’s also possible to leave the Venezia Tronchetto bus station or the train station by boat. There are several lines of Vaporettos and you can take one of them to the point closest to your accommodation. Next to the bus terminal, there is also a parking lot for those arriving in Venice by car.

Bonus tips on how to get to Venice:

  1. Piazzale Roma and Santa Lucia Station are the last points you can reach Venice by land.
  2. Piazzale Roma, or Venice bus station, is the destination for all buses that come to the city, in addition to cruises and cars.
  3. The monorail in Piazzale Roma takes you to the Cruise Terminal and the Tronchetto parking lots, next to the cruise terminal. But it only works during the day.
  4. On the VeneziaUnica website, you can purchase, in addition to transfers between the airport and the bus station, single tickets for one, two, or three days with unlimited use of Vaporettos. Admission to some museums and other tourist attractions is also included.

Are you planning a trip to Venice? Check out our article with a two-day itinerary in the city.

FAQ How to get to Venice

Can I go to Venice by plane

Yes. Venice airport is 8 kilometers away from the city center. From there you need to take a transfer, bus or boat to your accommodation.

Which is the airport in Venice

Venice’s airport is Marco Polo Airport. It’s located eight kilometers away from the city center. Check out how to get to the center in this post.

Is there a bus station in Venice

Venice’s bus station is Piazzale Roma, which is close to Santa Lucia train station. The bus station is about a 25-minute walk from the train station, which is located at the entrance to the island.

Searching for the best Apps for traveling? Find here the Apps you need to have on your cell phone.

Traveling is getting easier and easier. For this reason, more and more people travel solo, without buying agency packages. Much of this we owe to the internet and other technologies. Since they are making it simpler to search and compare prices, locate and move around, in addition to receiving information from anywhere.

But what are the best apps for traveling?

Getting around Egypt, for those visiting the country without guides or agency, can be a little challenging. However, nothing that technology can’t solve. In this post, you will find application tips that help you to walk around Egypt in the safest and most economical way.

Ways to get around in Egypt

Like most countries, you will find buses, taxis, and planes for longer distances. However, public transport in Egypt is not well signposted and you will rarely find tourists using it. I don’t recommend taking the regular buses or microvans without a local to help you.

In Cairo, the metro covers a good part of the city. The transportation is great and cheap, in addition to being simple to use. But there are specific areas that you will only have access to with private transport or some apps. So, read the entire post to find the best ways to get around in Egypt.

Looking for more Cairo transportation tips? Then check out this post on how to get around the city.

Getting around in Egypt with Buses

For traveling between cities, there are some companies that have a service above the standard. Among them are Go Bus and Blue Bus. Both have a website and an app where you can buy tickets in advance. I went to Hurghada with Go Bus and the ticket costed 225 EGP at that time. Less than 900 EGP round trip for two people.

Check out more about our Hurghada trip here.

You can also buy tickets directly at the bus station. On El-Galaa Street, next to the Ramses Hilton Hotel, Go Bus has a point of sale. Buses also depart from there. There is another ticket office in Nasr City where buses also leave from. The office is on El-Nasr Highway.

Getting around in Egypt with Train

The train journeys from Cairo to Luxor are quite popular among tourists. However, this isn’t the only destination you can make using this transport. Other cities that also have train stations are Aswan, Suez, Port Saide, and Alexandria. Before buying your ticket, be aware of the chosen category, as there are 3 different options that differ in price and comfort.

Types of Train in Egypt:

There are 3 types of train, which differ both in price and comfort. The Ordinary Train (ORD) is the cheapest. Most don’t have air conditioning, in addition to being in poor shape. Also, they are quite crowded and slow, as they make several stops on the way. This train isn’t very touristic and you will find only locals inside.

The Express Train (EXP), or express train, is faster and has air conditioning. You can travel at night or during the day. However, don’t expect quality service. The trips are still long, around 10 hours. And the seats are similar to those on an airplane.

The Sleeping Train (Sleeper) is the most common among tourists. The ticket entitles you to a single or double cabin, with a bed, air conditioning, and two meals included (dinner and breakfast). Each car has two bathrooms and about 10 to 12 cabins. Despite being considered first class, there is nothing too luxurious about the trip.

How to buy a train ticket in Egypt:

You can buy your ticket in two ways: directly at the Ramses train station or online. If you book the tour with an agency, they will purchase the ticket for you. The easy way for foreigners is to make the purchase online on the Egyptian National Railways website.

The website has an English translation. However, be careful when selecting the times and type of train. You will need to register with your name, date of birth, and passport. Select AC 1 or AC 2 (first or second class). Payment is made by card through the website.

Directly on the website of the Watania Sleeping Trains agency, you can also purchase a sleeper ticket. The company also has a ticket office inside the station. It’s on the right side, one of the first doors before reaching the common ticket office of Ramses Train Station. The ticket costs 80 USD for the “sleeper train” (price in 2022).

Microbus

A practical and economical option to travel to other cities is to use the vans operated by the Swvl app. This company operates short-haul trips, with destinations between Cairo, Alexandria, and the Sahel. In addition to several points in the city of Cairo and the region.

In the app, you can follow the route, check the address where the van will pick you up, and the stop closest to your destination. Payment is made directly in the app. A trip between Cairo and Alexandria costs around 120 EGP (price in 2022).

Uber and Careem apps

Yes, short-distance trips can be booked through Uber or the local private ride app, Careem. In the Egyptian version, some destinations even have a fixed price. Some of the destination options are Sahel and Alexandria. In my opinion, it’s only worth it if you’re sharing the trip with other friends.

Planes

All major touristic cities in Egypt have their own airport. This is the fastest way to get around. But the most expensive too. For small distances, it’s not recommended. For example from Cairo to Alexandria. You’ll likely spend more time going to the airport and waiting for your flight than you will be driving into the town.

Now, if you want agility and comfort, I recommend using air transportation. Mainly to Luxor, Aswan, and cities on the Sinai Peninsula such as Sharm El Sheik. These trips can take about 10 hours by car or train.

Car rental

In my post about transportation in the city of Cairo, I commented that I wouldn’t recommend renting a vehicle. However, there are some exceptions. Renting a car in Egypt is great in two situations: if you are traveling to the North Coast or if you are heading to the Sinai Peninsula.

In both cases the roads are good. On North Coast, most of the area is made up of private compounds and resorts. So it’s good to have a car as you’ll need to travel long distances to access restaurants, nightclubs, and other places. Same thing to those who are going to Sharm El Sheik, for example.

Got any questions? Check out our FAQ below for other tips on getting around Egypt.

FAQ How to get around in Egypt

How to travel in Egypt

To travel between cities in Egypt, you can go by bus or plane. Also, there are some train routes. Check out more about each means of transport here in this post.

Rent a car in Egypt

To rent a car in Egypt you need an international driving permit. However, I don’t recommend driving in Cairo. The traffic is intense and several drivers don’t respect the rules.

Best bus companies in Egypt

The Go Bus and Blue Bus companies present a service above the standard. Both have a website and an app where you can buy tickets in advance.

How to travel by train in Egypt

There are 3 types of trains in Egypt that depart to different cities. Among the most popular destinations are Luxor and Alexandria. To buy your ticket, check the timetables and prices on the Egyptian National Railways website. More information here.

Where to buy train tickets in Egypt

You can buy your ticket directly at the Ramses train station or online. You can check timetables and purchase your ticket online on the Egyptian National Railways website.

What is the best train in Egypt?

The best category of the train is the Sleeping Train (Sleeper). The ticket entitles you to a single or double cabin, with a bed, air conditioning, and two meals included (dinner and breakfast).

How much does a ticket from Cairo to Luxor cost?

A ticket costs 80 USD for Sleeping Train (price in 2022). The ticket entitles you to a single or double cabin.

To get around Rome, I can say that there is nothing better than public transport. Especially with the high value of the euro, taking private transport has become almost impossible in Europe. However, this is not a problem in big cities.

There is plenty of buses and trains that take you to all the main tourist attractions in the city. On our four-day trip to Rome, we got around easily with public transport. So, to make your experience easier, we have prepared here some tips on how to use public transport in Rome.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN ROME

In this post, we will talk a little more about transportation between cities in Italy with the best cost benefit.

Italy is full of incredible places to visit. Milan, Naples, Venice, Rome, each city has their own unique attractions. Those who follow the blog already know that we spent the new year in Rome. After, we decided to go on a trip to Venice. We bought the tickets at the last minute, but researching well we could find a good price to go by bus.

Wondering how to get to Venice? Check out this post for tips.

Types of Transportation between cities in Italy:

To move between cities in Italy, tourists find mainly three options: train, bus, and plane. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each one, among other tips:

Picture of a Flixbus bus in green.

Getting around by Bus:

The bus trip, although not very comfortable for far destinations, is a great option for those who will buy tickets at the last minute. Because ticket prices don`t have big variations. Usually, the prices are quite stable between seasons. Also, bus tickets are usually much more affordable than train and plane tickets.

We took the bus from Rome to Venice, leaving at night on the second day of 2020. The ticket cost around 44 euros, traveling with Flixbus company. Yes, there are cheaper options than that, but I always recommend choosing a good company when traveling. A few euros more will guarantee more comfort, good service, and safety.

We bought our ticket on the day of the trip directly at the bus station. However, Flixbus has an application for buying tickets online. You can also follow the bus route and schedule by the App. The trip took about 7 hours with the stops. We chose to travel at night because like this we would be able to save a day on the hotel rate as well.

Getting around by Train:

Getting around by train is one of the fastest ways, and I dare say one of the most beautiful too, to travel around Italy. The same route we took to Venice would take less than 4 hours. Plus, you don’t have to go through airport bureaucracy, which would cost more time. Being at the station half an hour before boarding is enough to check where the train is stopped and get on board.

However, be prepared to pay very expensive fares for the trip. Tickets can cost around 200 euros, depending on the stops and the distance between cities. On the Trenitalia website, you can find all the train itineraries and prices.

Two Trenitalia wagons parked at the station. The train has the colors of the Italian flag, red, green and white.
Trenitalia wagon at the station.

To our surprise, we found tickets from Venice to Bologna, from where our flight to Greece would depart, for only 25 euros. The station is right at the entrance to the city and access is easy. We made a very quick trip on the train to Bologna station, and then a few more minutes by bus to the airport.

Airplane Locomotion:

Getting around by plane is ideal for those who are planning their travel itinerary in advance. There are several low-cost companies operating in Europe, such as Ryanair. It’s possible to find promotional flights for 10 euros! However, these tickets don’t include checked baggage. If you are carrying a lot of bags, the price may be more expensive than other tickets.

If you have time to plan, stay tuned to the prices of air tickets until two to three months before your flight date. This time is when prices use to be at their lowest. Also, be flexible with dates and times. If you must travel by plane, checking the price of the tickets should be the first step before planning the rest of the itinerary. I use the Skyscanner ticket comparator to guarantee the best price for the route.

Best travel apps you need on your phone.

Although flights have a short time until de destination, take into consideration when purchasing the tickets the time it takes you to go through all the bureaucracy at the airport. From baggage check to boarding. In addition, airports are usually far from the city and the time to get to them also needs to be taken into account.

Did you like the tips? Tell us your favorite way to travel.

FAQ Transportation between cities in Italy

How to get around in Italy

Traveling inside Italy is easy. Tourists can use buses, trains, planes, or rental cars. Check this post for more information on transport in Italy.

Means of transport in Italy

Italy has good public transportation, as well as many types of private transport to go from city to city. Traveling by bus would be the cheapest way. But you can also go by train, plane, or rental car. Check this post for more information on transport in Italy.

How to travel cheaply in Italy?

The best way to travel cheaply between cities in Italy is to go by bus. But, if you are planning your trip in advance, is possible to find good promotions on flights, especially on low-cost companies.

How to travel by bus between cities?

To travel by bus, you can purchase your ticket directly at the bus station of every city. Some companies also have apps where you can buy tickets online, follow the bus route, and schedule.

How to travel by train in Italy?

Italy’s train company, Trenitalia, has routes to almost every city in the country. The tickets are not very cheap but the travel is very fast and comfortable.

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