Flying from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur: what you need to know
There are two main airports to choose from in Dubai. Explore your options leaving from Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) when planning your flight from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) are Kuala Lumpur's major entry points.
Hop on a direct Dubai to Kuala Lumpur flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 7 hours 15 minutes.
Kuala Lumpur's timezone is UTC+8, making Kuala Lumpur four hours ahead of Dubai.
With 24 flights a week between the two airports, Dubai Airport (DXB) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is the most popular route. Hop on the first flight from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur with Emirates at 03:10. If you'd like to get more out of your day before taking off, the last flight from DXB to KUL is with Emirates at 21:35.
To ensure you get on your Dubai to Kuala Lumpur flight, leave plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
During popular months such as January, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur
Get cheap Dubai to Kuala Lumpur flights by booking seven months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for picking up a bargain.
October is the best month for picking up an amazing deal on a plane ticket from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur. If you need to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Dubai to Kuala Lumpur flights.
Flying from Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Take off from Dubai Airport (DXB) on a nonstop flight from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur. From DXB, you can fly directly to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL).
Be on the lookout for promotions with Emirates. This airline offers direct Dubai to Kuala Lumpur plane tickets from DXB.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a travel break — and maybe even visit a new city. When searching for Dubai to Kuala Lumpur flights departing from Dubai Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Penang International Airport (PEN)
Muscat International Airport (MCT)
Phuket International Airport (HKT)
DXB is about 10 kilometres from central Dubai. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 50 minutes.
After a hassle-free start to your travels? Stay near Dubai Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Dubai Airport, data shows 74.31% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
On public transport, you can travel from central Dubai to DWC in around 2 hours 5 minutes. The airport is roughly 40 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 45 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur? Unwind in a hotel near Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport before your trip officially begins. Check out these accommodation options:
56.64% of flights leaving Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport stick to their scheduled arrival time.
Arriving in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is approximately 48 kilometres from the centre of Kuala Lumpur. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 1 hour 5 minutes.
Getting there by public transport takes roughly 1 hour.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur. Reserve one of these accommodation options near KUL instead:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Kuala Lumpur International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from ASIA CAR, Paradise or GoSoCar and explore beyond Kuala Lumpur's main sights.
Lock in the best deal by reserving your ride from Kuala Lumpur International Airport about four weeks before your travel date.
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)
Once your flight from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur has touched down, you can get to the city centre in around 25 minutes by car. Central Kuala Lumpur is approximately 16 kilometres from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB).
The journey will take about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near SZB. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur:
Forget about public transport schedules or long cab queues. Grab a Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Check out the rates and availability from Sixt, WAHDAH and Agtran.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Reserving your ride from SZB one week ahead of time often means more savings and a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Kuala Lumpur
August is the busiest month for flights from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur. To skip the crowds, head to Kuala Lumpur in February.
Lock in a Dubai to Kuala Lumpur ticket departing in March if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Kuala Lumpur to range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 21ºC (70ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF) on average.
More about Kuala Lumpur
After booking your flight from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Kuala Lumpur:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower Mini Zoo and KLCC Park are popular attractions which should be on any good Kuala Lumpur itinerary.
Explore more of Malaysia
Kota Bharu is just one of the many places in Malaysia waiting to be explored after you've experienced Kuala Lumpur. Around 338 kilometres to the north, check out popular attractions including Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Siti Khadijah Market and Handicraft Village and Craft Museum, Kelantan.
Another favourite destination in Malaysia, Kampung Baru Subang is roughly 18 kilometres west of Kuala Lumpur. Make room in your schedule for highlights including Simflightkl.