First time using Kuala Lumpur’s trains? Here are some tips (including how to pay, tap in and out)

If you want to buy a Touch ‘n Go NFC card (which can be reloaded through your smartphones), you can try buying it at Rapid KL customer service counters at train stations.

For tourists, there is also the Rapid Kembara all-in-one travel pass for unlimited rides on Rapid KL’s trains, BRT, and buses for one day (RM25) or three days (RM55), but you will need to have a Touch ‘n Go card for this.

Check out the Rapid Kembara’s Frequently Asked Questions and Terms and Conditions here: https://myrapid.com.my/our-products/rapidkembarapass/

Tourists are seen here buying tokens at a ticket machine at an LRT station in Kuala Lumpur. — Picture by Choo Choy May

Did you know that you actually pay slightly more if you use a token, instead of a Touch ‘n Go card? 

Prasarana explained that it is because of extra costs and to encourage passengers to choose the cashless option instead.

“Token fares are typically up to 10 per cent higher due to additional operational costs, including token production, maintenance, and cash handling.

“It’s important to note that overall fare structures are regulated and based on distance travelled, in accordance with guidelines set by the relevant authorities. The pricing difference is therefore not arbitrary but reflects the higher cost of servicing cash-based transactions,” it told Malay Mail in a written response.

“At the same time, the pricing structure is designed to encourage a shift towards cashless travel, which is more efficient and sustainable for the system,” it added.

While there are future plans to enable alternative tap-in and tap-out methods such as credit cards and mobile wallets, using a Touch ‘n Go card is the more convenient option now. — Picture by Choo Choy May

So is a Touch ‘n Go card the best option now for tourists using Rapid KL’s train services? 

“Yes, using a Touch ‘n Go card is currently the most convenient and cost-effective option for tourists,” Prasarana told Malay Mail.

It listed three reasons:

> “It eliminates the need to queue for single-journey tokens.”

> “It offers slightly lower fares.”

> “It enables seamless transfers across multiple services.”

“For frequent or even moderate usage, it is effectively a ‘no-brainer’ compared to buying tokens for each trip,” it said.

Can you get refunds on your Touch ‘n Go cards at the end of your visit to Kuala Lumpur?

When asked if there is an option for tourists to return their Touch ‘n Go cards at Rapid KL train stations to get a refund on the unused balance and the card, Prasarana explained that “Touch ‘n Go cards and their refund processes are managed by Touch ‘n Go, not Rapid KL”.

“Tourists seeking refunds on card balance or deposits would need to refer to Touch ‘n Go’s official channels and policies for the latest procedures,” it said.

Touch ‘n Go’s website has a section called “eRefund” with information on how you can get refunds on inactive or expired Touch ‘n Go cards. 

Prasarana is working to make public transport in Kuala Lumpur more user-friendly for tourists  

Prasarana confirmed that “improving accessibility and convenience for tourists is a key priority for Rapid KL”.

Prasarana said its planned and ongoing initiatives include:

> “Implementation of open payment systems — this is a major milestone that will enable international visitors to use their own credit and debit cards, as well as EMV-enabled mobile wallets, directly at fare gates, thereby eliminating the need to purchase or reload a separate transit card.”

> “While the transition is underway, we continue to promote the Touch ‘n Go Enhanced (NFC) card. This is currently the only Touch ‘n Go card that allows users to reload and activate stored value directly via their smartphones, enabling both tourists and locals to bypass physical reload counters and avoid queuing.”

> “Expanding the availability and integration of QR-based payments to enable more flexible ticketing, in line with the shift toward cashless and digital payment options.”

> “Continuous improvements to wayfinding, multilingual passenger information, and digital platforms to ensure the network is more seamless, intuitive and globally-aligned.”

“These initiatives are strategically aimed at aligning Rapid KL with global transit standards, ensuring a seamless and ‘frictionless’ travel experience for both daily commuters and international visitors,” it said.

Rapid KL bus fares can range from RM1 to RM5, depending on the ride zones you are travelling to. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon

Bonus: What about Rapid KL’s buses?  

Based on information available on Prasarana’s MyRapid website, all Rapid KL bus services no longer accept cash payment for bus fares since May 27, 2019.

This includes feeder buses to MRT and LRT rail stations.

The only way you can pay the bus fares now is by using a Touch ‘n Go card. (Make sure you have at least RM3 balance in the card before you hop on the bus.)

In the future, Prasarana will also introduce an open payment system (such as QR code payment and credit cards) for its buses in Kuala Lumpur, and this is also at the stage of finalisation for the awarding of the project.