




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.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| KLIA/KLIA2 Airports |
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| Downtown KL |
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| Hotels |
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On average, car rentals in Kuala Lumpur cost around 276 MYR per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from 125 MYR per day.
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.
Parking in Kuala Lumpur:
Parking Options Outside KL:
Payment Methods:
Local Driving Rules:
Enforcement:
Get a rental car so you can get to:
Batu Caves
Genting Highlands
Cameron Highlands
Melaka
Ipoh
Penang

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.