Guide to the Sleep Pods at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

Airport lounges can make the time between flights go much faster. Rather than waiting in the crowded airport terminal, you can enjoy a meal and some drinks in the lounge.

Some lounges even offer amenities such as showers and napping areas. But barely any traditional airport lounges have actual beds, with proper bedding, where you can comfortably sleep for a few hours.

This is where sleep pod facilities such as CapsuleTransit and Kepler Club at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) can be useful. These provide comfortable beds and a quiet environment to catch real sleep — at a lower price than you might expect.

While airport sleep pods are becoming more popular worldwide, Kuala Lumpur International Airport offers a particularly large number of options across both terminals. This guide explains what to expect and compares the various sleeping capsule options at Malaysia's main international gateway.

Long-haul and overnight flights can be especially tiring because it's hard to get a full night of restful sleep on board planes. This is where airport sleep pods shine.

At Kuala Lumpur International Airport, hourly-charged sleep pods are available 24/7 in both the airside and landside sections of both terminals. This means they are available to:

• Departing passengers who want to get a few hours of sleep before checking in for a late-night or early-morning flight

• International transit passengers with a long layover in Kuala Lumpur, who want to sleep in between flights

• Arriving passengers, who can take a nap in a landside sleep pod before leaving the airport — especially useful when arriving very early in the morning and your hotel room isn't ready yet

• Passengers with canceled flights who want somewhere to sleep while waiting for the next departure

When you book a sleep pod at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, you'll get access to a private capsule with a bed in a gender-segregated dorm, for a specific amount of time (e.g., 3 hours).

Each sleep capsule comes with a privacy blind (which also blocks out external light) and proper bedding, including clean sheets, a blanket, and a pillow.

Many capsules also provide:

• A fold-out table

• A TV

• Charging outlets

• Adjustable lighting

• A fan for temperature control

• Spaces to store small items

In addition, you will typically have access to the following amenities outside of your capsule during the entire period of your booked stay:

• Restrooms

• Showers (subject to availability), with towels, shampoo, and shower gel provided

• A secure locker to store larger bags and suitcases (big suitcases are generally not permitted inside the capsules)

• High-speed Wi-Fi

• Tea, coffee, water, and/or very light snacks (but don't expect a substantial food buffet)

Although you can't stand up inside the sleep capsule, there's enough space to comfortably lie down or sit on top of the bed.

In our experience, the beds in the sleep pods at Kuala Lumpur International Airport have beds with plush mattresses and quality bedding, which many guests find comfortable for sleep.

Unfortunately, the sleep capsules are not entirely soundproof. You might be able to hear people walking past, or even snoring in nearby capsules. For this reason, you might want to use the provided earplugs (or bring your own).

Although most airport sleep capsules have a strict "no phone calls" policy in the sleeping areas, they do allow you to set an alarm so you don't miss your flight.

CapsuleTransit and Kepler Club are the two main sleep capsule operators at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, each with multiple locations.

We've tried out both and found the experience relatively similar at each. They both offer comfortable beds and the same basic inclusions. So, it would make the most sense just to book whichever location is the most convenient for you.

If you're landside in Terminal 1, you do have the choice between CapsuleTransit and Kepler Club. In this case, you may prefer to book CapsuleTransit for the following reasons:

• The cost is a bit lower

• You can buy passes for different durations or stack multiple passes, which is more convenient if you want to stay for more than 3 hours

• Capsules come with a digital lock, and there are dedicated shoe lockers in the sleeping area

• A complimentary amenity kit provided with an eye mask, toothbrush, and bottle of water (both providers offer earplugs)

• The entire sleeping area has better air conditioning

• Children under 6 are free with an adult (whereas children under 7 are not permitted at Kepler Club)

Alternatively, here are some reasons you might prefer Kepler Club:

• The sleep capsules are slightly larger

• Slippers are provided free of charge

• A personal fan is provided inside the capsule

The Malaysian state of Selangor imposes a "sustainability tax" on accommodation, which amounts to 5 MYR (~US$1) per person at all Kuala Lumpur International Airport sleep capsules. Regardless of your access method, you will need to pay this additional tax in cash or by card directly at reception when checking in.

CapsuleTransit offers 3 sleep capsule facilities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport:

The CapsuleTransit at Terminal 1 is located landside on Level 5, just behind the domestic check-in counters and next to Costa Coffee.

Like all CapsuleTransit locations at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, it offers separate sleeping rooms with capsules for men and women.

Guests also have access to shared but fully private bathrooms with toilets and showers. These are located just behind reception, between the sleeping areas.

There is a coffee station near the entrance as well, and full-size luggage storage lockers are located across the hallway (outside of the sleeping area).

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • You can reserve your stay via the official CapsuleTransit website. You'll need to reserve a specific date & check-in time, and can book in blocks of 3 hours, up to 24 hours. The price is 122 MYR (US$30) for 3 hours, with lower hourly rates available if you book for longer.

  • Some online travel agents, such as Booking.com, sell capsules at this venue for stays of either 6 hours or overnight. Prices may vary.

  • Dragonpass Go offers 3 hours of access for US$55 (223 MYR).

• Memberships & Cardholders:

  • Dragonpass and Priority Pass members can get up to 3 hours of access to sleep pods.

  • Cardholders with LoungeKey through certain Mastercard credit cards, American Express Platinum, or Diners Club can also get 3 hours of access.

  • A limit of one check-in using any of these individual membership programs applies per 24 hours.

• Walk-Up Access:

  • Subject to availability, CapsuleTransit accepts walk-in guests. Walk-up prices are displayed at the reception.

Children under 6 years old are free with an adult.

Note that all prices quoted above exclude the 5 MYR "sustainability tax" payable when accessing any sleep pod at this airport.

The landside CapsuleTransit at Terminal 2 is in the public area of the Gateway@klia2 Mall, near the arrival hall.

In addition to sleep pods and showers, this Capsule Transit lounge features a unique in-house library.

Nearby, you'll also find CapsuleTransit MAX, a separate lounge facility with premium amenities including a gym, spa services, and a restaurant.

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • You can reserve your stay via the official CapsuleTransit website. You'll need to reserve a specific date & check-in time, and can book in blocks of 3 hours, up to 24 hours. The price is 125 MYR (US$31) for 3 hours, with lower hourly rates available if you book for longer.

  • Some online travel agents, such as Booking.com, sell capsules at this venue for stays of either 6 hours or overnight. Prices may vary.

  • Dragonpass Go offers 3 hours of access for US$55 (223 MYR).

• Memberships & Cardholders:

  • Dragonpass and Priority Pass members can get up to 3 hours of access to sleep pods.

  • Cardholders with LoungeKey through certain Mastercard products, American Express Platinum, or Diners Club also get access for up to 3 hours.

  • When accessing the lounge through these programs, there may be a limit of 1 check-in every 24 hours.

• Walk-Up Access:

  • Subject to availability, CapsuleTransit accepts walk-in guests. Walk-up prices are displayed at the reception.

Children under 6 years old are free with an adult.

The airside CapsuleTransit lounge at KLIA2 is located after immigration, just before Pier Q, so you will need a boarding pass for a departing international flight to access it. This location is ideal for passengers who want to sleep during a long transit at this terminal.

This sleep pod facility offers the same key amenities as the landside locations, including restrooms and showers.

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • You can reserve your stay via the official CapsuleTransit website. You'll need to reserve a specific date & check-in time, and can book in blocks of 3 hours, up to 24 hours. The price is 122 MYR (US$30) for 3 hours, with lower hourly rates available if you book for longer.

  • Some online travel agents, such as Booking.com, sell capsules at this venue for stays of either 6 hours or overnight. Prices may vary.

  • Dragonpass Go sells 3 hours of access for US$55 (223 MYR).

• Memberships & Cardholders:

  • Dragonpass and Priority Pass members can get up to 3 hours of access to sleep pods.

  • Cardholders with LoungeKey through certain Mastercard products, American Express Platinum, or Diners Club also get 3 hours of access.

  • When accessing the lounge through these programs, there may be a limit of 1 check-in every 24 hours.

• Walk-Up Access:

  • Subject to availability, CapsuleTransit accepts walk-in guests. Walk-up prices are displayed at the reception counter.

Children under 6 years old are free with an adult.

Kepler Club has both landside and airside sleep pods at KLIA Terminal 1.

The landside facility is located on Level 2, near the food court and the entrance to the Terminal 1 KLIA Express train station. If you're coming from the terminal, follow the signs to Sama Sama Hotel, and you'll see Kepler Club on your right.

This is a relatively quiet part of the airport, which is helpful if you want to get some sleep.

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Book via the Kepler Club Website. The cost for a single sleeping pod is 40 MYR (US$10) per hour, up to 10 hours. Stays of 11 to 24 hours cost the same as a 10-hour stay (i.e., 400 MYR or US$100). You must book for at least 2 hours, and the maximum stay is 24 hours.

  • Some online travel agents, such as Booking.com, sell capsules at this venue for stays of 12 or 24 hours within specific time windows. Prices vary.

  • Dragonpass Go will sell you 3 hours of access to a sleep pod for US$55 (223 MYR).

• Memberships & Cardholders:

  • Dragonpass and DreamFolks members can get up to 3 hours of access to the sleep pod at this location.

  • Diners Club, LoungeKey, and Priority Pass members, including American Express Platinum cardholders, receive up to 2 hours of access.

  • When accessing the lounge using these membership programs, there is a limit of one check-in per 24 hours.

• Walk-Up Access:

  • Subject to availability, Kepler Club accepts walk-in guests. Walk-up prices are displayed at the reception.

Kepler Club does not allow children under 7 years old.

Kepler Club's airside sleep pods are in the Terminal 1 Satellite building, upstairs from Gate C33. The satellite is mainly used for long-haul flights but is accessible to anyone departing Terminal 1 on an international flight, including transit passengers. The satellite is connected to the main building of Terminal 1 by train.

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Book via the Kepler Club Website. The cost for a single sleeping pod is 70 MYR (US$17) per hour, up to 10 hours. Stays of 11 to 24 hours cost the same as a 10-hour stay (i.e., 700 MYR or US$170). You must book for at least 2 hours, and the maximum stay is 24 hours.

  • Some online travel agents, such as Booking.com, sell capsules at this venue for stays of 12 or 24 hours within specific time windows. Prices vary.

  • Dragonpass Go offers 3-hour passes for US$55 (223 MYR).

• Memberships & Cardholders:

  • Dragonpass, DreamFolks, Diners Club, LoungeKey, and Priority Pass members, including American Express Platinum cardholders, can get up to 3 hours of access to this lounge.

  • When accessing the lounge using any of these programs, there is a limit of one check-in per 24 hours.

• Walk-Up Access:

  • Subject to availability, Kepler Club accepts walk-in guests. Walk-up prices are displayed at the reception.

Kepler Club does not allow children under 7 years old.

If you'd prefer to enjoy a nice meal and drinks in a social atmosphere or catch up on some work, a traditional airport lounge may be a better option for you. Most regular lounges offer a buffet, bar service, and comfortable chairs. Some also have showers and aircraft views. Just don't expect a real bed in a traditional airport lounge.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport has a wide variety of landside and airside lounges. If you don't already have access through your airline or a membership, many of these lounges offer paid one-time entry. Passes are available for purchase from LoungePair.

Our complete guide to Kuala Lumpur Airport lounges includes plenty of details on the available options.

Of course, if you have a long layover in Kuala Lumpur — say, six hours or more — you might find it worthwhile to visit a lounge and get a few hours of sleep in a capsule. Why not do both?

While Kuala Lumpur International Airport has an unusually large number of sleep capsules, these are now becoming a more common sight at many airports around the world.

Other major airports with sleep pods available include:

• Bahrain (BAH)

• Chengdu (CTU)

• Doha (DOH)

• Dubai (DXB)

• Istanbul (both IST and SAW)

• Riga (RIX)

• Xi'an (XIY)

• Wuhan (WUH)

If you have a long layover, a late-night departure, or an early morning arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the many available sleep pods offer a cost-effective and comfortable way to catch up on a few hours of restful sleep.

While many travelers look to traditional airport lounges to make their journeys more comfortable, CapsuleTransit and Kepler Club offer something different.