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Compare car rental prices from top brands in Kuala Lumpur with Road Genius. From compact cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles in multiple locations. Pick up at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA/KLIA2) or in the city center, with highway access and 24/7 airport returns. Compare international and local suppliers, check insurance excess, deposits and one-way fees, then pick a car for trips to Penang, the Cameron Highlands or Melaka.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 686804
Location Pros Cons
KLIA/KLIA2 Airports
  • Immediate access on arrival
  • Wide choice of rental companies
  • Easy highway access
  • Longer opening hours
  • Airport surcharges
  • Possible queues after busy flights
  • Far from the city center (about 50 km (31 miles))
Downtown KL
  • Rates can be lower
  • Convenient if already staying in the city
  • Multiple rental companies
  • No airport fees
  • Requires travel from the airport first
  • Driving in city traffic immediately
  • May have limited opening hours
  • Finding the rental office can be difficult
Hotels
  • Some companies offer hotel delivery
  • Convenient start to your rental
  • No need for a taxi to the rental office
  • Fewer cars to choose from
  • Delivery fees may apply
  • Requires advance booking
  • Not available at all hotels

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Kuala Lumpur?

On average, car rentals in Kuala Lumpur cost around 276 MYR per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from 125 MYR per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • Compare airport vs city pickup: KLIA/KLIA2 often adds an airport surcharge (about RM 10 per day). If you’re staying in KL first, a downtown pickup can be cheaper.

  • Compare provider types: Local companies in KL can be cheaper than international ones. Use our filters to compare total price, deposit and location, not just the daily rate.

  • Time it smartly: Book early for peak periods like Chinese New Year or Hari Raya. Off-peak, keep checking prices and be flexible with dates and pickup times. Weekly deals are common (7 days for the price of 5-6).

  • Pick only what you need: Choose the smallest car that fits your group. Limit extra drivers to avoid RM 10-15 per day. Skip hotel delivery if there’s a fee.

  • Avoid one-way fees: Returning to the same location usually saves RM 250-300 versus a one-way rental.

  • Budget for tolls and parking: Tolls add up (KL–Melaka RM 15-20, KL–Penang RM 45-50). Make sure the car has a Touch ’n Go card and top it up. For parking, malls cap daily rates around RM 20-30; pay street parking via the DBKL app to avoid fines.

Local Parking and Driving

Parking in Kuala Lumpur:

  • Shopping malls: Secure covered parking
  • Street parking: Managed by city council (DBKL) using mobile app payment
  • Rates: Vary by zone
  • Time limits: Often 2-hour maximum in core areas

Parking Options Outside KL:

  • Smaller cities: Often use local council apps or pay-and-display machines, usually at lower rates
  • Tourist areas: Designated car parks with attendants
  • Rural areas: Informal parking may be available at minimal or no cost

Payment Methods:

  • Mobile apps: EZ Smart Park, Touch 'n Go eWallet
  • Scratch coupons: In some areas, available at convenience stores (scratch off date/time)
  • Attendants: Some areas have attendants collecting fees directly

Local Driving Rules:

  • Drive on the left-hand side of the road
  • Speed limits: 110 km/h (68 mph) on expressways, 90 km/h (56 mph) on federal roads, 50-60 km/h (31-37 mph) in urban areas
  • Seatbelts mandatory for all passengers
  • No mobile phone use while driving without hands-free device
  • Left turn on red not allowed unless specifically signed
  • Alcohol limit: 0.05% BAC (blood alcohol content)

Enforcement:

  • Speed cameras common on highways (especially on downhill stretches)
  • Police conduct occasional roadblocks, particularly around holidays
  • Traffic police may issue on-the-spot tickets for violations
  • Fines vary by offense
Why rent a car in Kuala Lumpur

Get a rental car so you can get to:

  • Batu Caves

  • Genting Highlands

  • Cameron Highlands

  • Melaka

  • Ipoh

  • Penang

Driving Distances from Kuala Lumpur

FAQs

Do I need a special permit to drive in Malaysia? If your license is in English, you can drive with just your home country license. If it isn't in English, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) with your original license.

How do I handle toll payments in Malaysia? To pay for tolls on Malaysian highways, you'll need a Touch 'n Go (TnG) card. Some rental cars come equipped with a TnG card or an RFID/SmartTAG device. You should ask about this and check the card's balance when you pick up the car. You can top up the card at highway rest stops, gas stations or convenience stores.

What should I do if I get caught in a flash flood? When it rains heavily, low-lying areas can flood for a short time. If you can, you should avoid driving through flooded roads. If you get caught in rising water, move to higher ground and wait for the water to go down. The flooding in KL usually clears up an hour or two after the rain stops.

Is it safe to drive at night in Kuala Lumpur? Driving at night in KL and on major highways is usually safe. In the city, they light the roads well and highways have reflective markers. However, you should be careful on country roads, as there might not be many lights and animals could suddenly cross in front of you.

How strictly are traffic laws enforced? The police in Malaysia enforce traffic laws quite strictly. You'll see a lot of speed cameras on highways and police sometimes set up roadblocks. Speeding fines usually start at RM 150, and more serious offenses like drunk driving have very heavy penalties. You should always follow the traffic rules and keep your documents with you.