How To Get To and Around Putrajaya

Photo courtesy of Urbanisma

Putrajaya is spread across 4,931 hectares, most of which were palm plantations before the federal government purchased the land from the neighbouring state of Selangor. The master plan of the city is designed along an axial tangent that runs from northeast to southeast, with gently undulating terrain. About 40% of Putrajaya is natural, but the landscape has been extensively reworked by man: lush greenery and botanical gardens dot the landscape, which is crisscrossed by large bodies of water and wetlands. Five confluences meet in the north to form the main waterway, Putrajaya Lake, which runs through the city.

The project began in 1993, and the federal capital was officially relocated in 1999, though the site is still far from finished. Putrajaya became Malaysia's third self-governing federal territory (Wilayah Persekutuan) in 2001, following Kuala Lumpur and the island of Labuan. 

The name literally translates to "prince' (Putra) success (Jaya)." The site is officially named after Malaysia's first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra.

Joining a Klook tour is the most convenient way to get to Putrajaya. You will enjoy the informative and relaxing half-day trip to Putrajaya, where you will discover Kuala Lumpur's calmer side. To learn more about local farming, take a guided tour of the Agriculture Heritage Park. Learn more about Malaysia's signature fruits, including mango, cocoa, durian, jackfruit, and others... At the Putra Jaya Government Centre and the Putra Mosque, you'll find one-of-a-kind local architecture.

There are several options for getting to Putrajaya. Taking the KLIA Transit train to Putrajaya is the quickest way to get there. KLIA Transit operates a two-way high-speed train service between KL Sentral and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The train runs every 30 minutes and operates from 5.30 a.m. to 1 a.m. the following day. Other than Salak Tinggi Station and Bandar Tasik Selatan Station, Putrajaya Sentral Station is one of the transits.

I’ve listed some of the common ways to get to Putrajaya from Kuala Lumpur below.

Traveling by Car 

Putrajaya is bounded on the west by federal highway 29 and on the east by federal highway 30. The South Klang Valley Expressway E26, which connects Pulau Indah to Kajang, runs through Putrajaya's northern outskirts. Putrajaya and nearby Cyberjaya are served by ELITE E6 exit 607. Highway 29 connects with the Damansara–Puchong Expressway (LDP) E11 in Putrajaya's northwestern corner, connecting the city to Puchong, Subang Jaya, Kelana Jaya, and all the way to Kepong.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the nearest airport. A coupon or metered budget taxi to or from KLIA will take approximately 30 minutes and cost approximately RM60. You can also take the KLIA Transit from the airport to Putrajaya station and then transfer to a taxi.

Photo courtesy of klia2

Traveling by Train

The KLIA Transit, which connects Kuala Lumpur's Sentral train station to the airport and stops halfway in Putrajaya, is the quickest mode of public transportation. Trains run every 30 minutes, take 20 minutes, and cost RM 14 one-way (as of Nov 2016). When you book your ticket on the kiosk with a credit card, you will receive a 10% discount (RM 12.6).  Return tickets for the Putrajaya tour are no longer available. 

It should be noted that KLIA Express is not to be confused with KLIA Transit. KLIA Express, unlike KLIA Transit, travels nonstop from KL Sentral to KLIA and vice versa, which means the train only passes through Putrajaya. Don't take the KLIA Express if you're going to Putrajaya.

Traveling by Taxi

Coupon taxis from Kuala Lumpur's KL Sentral cost a fixed RM45, but otherwise you'll have to bargain – budget RM40-50, and expect to pay more at night.

Traveling by Bus 

Some bus services from popular tourist hubs include the Nadiputra 500 from Kotaraya (next to Mydin mall) and the RapidKL 506 from Bandar Utama. Both Kotaraya and Bandar Utama are popular bus stops that are well connected by other buses and trains. In both cases, however, the frequency is typically one in every hour. 

In addition, from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., buses run to and from Cyberjaya, Putrajaya, Serdang commuter station, Sinar Kota, and Pasar Seni LRT stations in Kuala Lumpur. The one-way bus fare is approximately RM 3.50 and the journey time is approximately 30 minutes to one hour, depending on traffic flow.  On non-working days, the buses usually arrive in Putrajaya much faster, but the frequency of the buses is reduced accordingly. 

Photo courtesy of Rojak Daily

Rapid KL's new Express network connects KL Sentral to Putrajaya for only RM 5 for an unlimited daily pass. 

All public buses from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya depart and arrive at the bus terminal next to the train station (Putrajaya Sentral), which is at least 5 kilometres from the core district. 

Some hotels, such as Shangri-la, provide shuttle buses to and from KL for their guests.

How do I get around Putrajaya?

Putrajaya's public transportation is woefully inadequate, as distances are long and you need wheels to get around. Nadiputra buses run from the train station at random times and in random directions. These buses have a flat fare of 50 sen for adults and 30 sen for children under the age of 12. Your best bet is to inquire about organised tours at KLIA or KL Sentral. There are also public two-hour tours departing from Putrajaya Sentral station at 11.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday only, for a fee of RM 20 per person (as of Nov 2016). 30 minutes before departure, the ticket counter opens. The ticket can be purchased at the counter or on the bus itself.

In a taxi 

Taxis from the Transit station cost between RM8 and RM10 to most points in Putrajaya. Other taxis are limited, so call +60-3-5512-2266 to make a reservation. Other taxi hotlines include Putrajaya Cyberjaya Radio Taxi, which operates 24 hours a day, at +60 03 8888 4000. The metre starts ticking at RM4, but many cab drivers are hesitant to use it. Chartering begins at RM30/hour and is negotiable downwards.

Using the monorail 

The Putrajaya Monorail project has been halted until the occupancy of the Core District increases. 

Using Bikeshare 

The city is planning a bike share system. There is already a well-developed network of bicycle lanes.