Car Rental in Kuala Lumpur

Why rent a car in Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to experience by car. The city’s visitors are mainly attracted by its futuristic architecture like the Petronas Twin Towers and Menara KL, but there’s also plenty of history to find in its old colonial neighborhoods and Chinatown. With your own car, it’s easy to travel from Kuala Lumpur to other star attractions of Malaysia like the country’s beautiful beach resorts and the jungle. 

Top ways to enter Kuala Lumpur

• Kuala Lumpur Airport: By far the busiest in Malaysia and among the 25-busiest on the planet, Kuala Lumpur Airport served nearly 60 million travelers in 2018. A hub for a number of airlines, including Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, the airport is served by more than 30 different carriers. Kuala Lumpur Airport has three passenger terminals. The airport is located 54km (34 miles) south of the city center and can be reached in about 40 minutes.
• Senai Airport: Also known as Sultan Ismail Airport, it handles around 3.5 million travelers every year. The airport is served by seven different airlines offering both domestic and international flights. Located near the city of Johor Bahru, Senai Airport is 315km (195 miles) southeast of Kuala Lumpur and can be reached in about three hours.
• Penang Airport: The oldest airport in the country is located on the island of the same name in the far north of the country. Served by a number of airlines, it offers flights to and from many destinations in Southeast Asia, as well as some in the Middle East. Located 350km (217 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur, Penang Airport can be reached by car in about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Langkawi Airport: Located near the border with Thailand, Langkawi Airport serves the city of the same name. Although quite small compared to Kuala Lumpur and Penang airports, it hosts flights to and from such destinations as China, Thailand, Singapore, and Qatar. The airport is located 450km (279 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur.
• Singapore Airport: One of the busiest airports in the world, Singapore Airport saw more than 65 million passengers in 2018. A great regional hub, it has flights to and from all continents. Singapore Airport is located 365km (226 miles) south of Kuala Lumpur and the distance between the two can be traveled in two hours. Since you’d have to cross an international border, ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it; many won’t, and a good alternative can be to travel from Singapore to Malaysia by public transportation and then pick up a rental car in Kuala Lumpur. Also, see if you need a visa  since the requirements for Singapore can differ from those for Malaysia depending on your citizenship.

City facts

• Kuala Lumpur has a tropical rainforest climate with very little temperature changes throughout the year - the average temperature is 29°C  (84°F) in May, the hottest month, and 28°C  (82°F). The monsoon season typically lasts from October to March, but Kuala Lumpur sees quite a lot of rain even in the relatively dry months. Flooding is quite common, and while it’s usually quickly taken under control in the capital city itself, it can be a large issue in more rural areas. So if you plan to drive outside the capital, it’s a good idea to keep up with the latest weather reports.
• The population of Kuala Lumpur proper is around 1.8 million, but another 5.4 million live in the city’s larger metropolitan area. This makes it one of the most populous cities in Southeast Asia. It’s also frequently named as one of the safest and most livable cities in Asia.
• Kuala Lumpur is a multicultural and multireligious city. It has countless places of worship for followers of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Chinese folk religion, many of them architecturally impressive. Most of the city’s inhabitants are native speakers of Bahasa Malaysia or Malay language, but there are also large communities that speak Chinese dialects such as Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hakka; Indian languages like Tamil and Punjab;, and Indonesian languages like Javanese. Knowledge of English is generally high, especially with people working in the tourism and service industries.

Top sights and activities

• Petronas Twin Towers. Formerly the tallest buildings in the world (and still the tallest twin towers), the giants of Petronas are the number one symbol of Kuala Lumpur. Visitors can visit the Skybridge, one of the highest suspended bridges in the world, and then go even higher to the observation deck near the top of the towers. It’s a good idea to look up the opening hours and purchase tickets in advance. You can do that on the Towers’ official website.
• Jamek Mosque. Also known as Masjid Jamek, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful places of worship in Kuala Lumpur. Built to resemble the lavish Mogul mosques of Northern India, Jamek was completed in 1909 and prayers are still held here. The mosque can accommodate 1,000 people and is open to visitors of all beliefs and denominations.
• Botanical Garden. Not just a single area, the Botanical Garden of Kuala Lumpur can be seen as a separate city district. It includes many green spaces, like the Orchid Garden, Hibiscus Garden, and Deer Garden where you can observe the animals, but also landmarks like the National Museum, Islamic Arts Museum, and National Planetarium. Located right next to the old city center, exploring the Botanical Garden area is one of the highlights of any visit to Kuala Lumpur.
• Old Center. Encompassing the old colonial center of Kuala Lumpur, as well as the former commercial district, this is arguably the most historical part of the Malaysian Capital. Home to the aforementioned Jamek Mosque, it is also home to several markets and other landmarks connected to trading, Hindu and Chinese temples, and the iconic Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.
• Aquaria KLCC. One of the largest aquariums in Asia, this is the best place to see Malaysia’s aquatic wildlife which includes a frankly baffling diversity of fish, as well as various species of mammals and reptiles. Highly interactive, the KLCC is also involved in multiple conservation initiatives and ecological education.
• National Mosque. Malaysia is primarily a Muslim country, so the construction of the National Mosque in the capital, which was finished in 1965, was an important piece of modern nation-building. Nowadays, the immense structure, which fits up to 15,000 visitors, is a notable landmark and one that is open to visitors of all faiths outside of prayer times.

Traffic and parking

• Malaysia drives on the left hand side of the road. 
• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limit is 110km/h (68 mph) on expressways, 90km/h (56 mph) on federal roads and state roads, and 60km/h (37.2 mph) in urban and built-up areas. During the rush hour, the applicable speed limit is 35km/h (21.7 mph) near schools. The speed limits are generally reduced in mountainous areas. Speed limits also get reduced during the national celebrations. 
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.08%. Exceeding the limit can lead to fines, a licence ban, or even deportation or imprisonment. 
• Many road signs in Kuala Lumpur, especially outside the central areas, are only written in Malay. Because of this, and also because the street network in the city is quite complicated, it’s a good idea to get a rental car with a GPS system.
• Proof of insurance and the documentation of the car need to be in it whenever you’re driving.
• When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The nation-wide emergency phone number is 112. You can also call 999 for police and ambulance, 994 for fire and rescue department, and 03 2149 6590 for tourist police hotline.

Toll roads

• Every expressway in Malaysia, including many around Kuala Lumpur, is a toll road.
• Some toll roads use an open toll system while others use a closed toll system. In the open system, the driver pays a fixed toll fee upon entering each new toll segment. In the closed system, upon entering the toll road the driver receives a printed ticket that states the point and time of the entry; upon exiting the toll road, the fee will be calculated, depending on the length of the trip. It is important not to lose the ticket, otherwise the highest possible amount will be charged.
• For most toll roads, payment can be made either in cash in the local currency, the Malaysian ringgit (MYR), or via one of the two electronic toll collection systems, Touch n’ Go or Smart TAG. Touch n’ Go is an electronic card while Smart TAG is an on-board transponder. The lanes for drivers who pay via Touch n’ Go or Smart TAG are specifically designated on the highways, and it’s important not to use them if you plan to pay in cash. It’s also important to remember that some toll roads will only accept an electronic payment.
• Most rental cars come equipped with at least one of the electronic payment systems. The car rental provider might charge an additional fee for this service. Ask your rental car provided in advance about this service and about the best toll road payment method for your planned route. If your rental car is not equipped with either of the electronic payment systems, you can also purchase Touch n’ Go card and put some credit on it yourself.

Ideas for day trips

• Fraser’s Hill. A green oasis near the capital city, Fraser’s Hill is the favorite getaway of many inhabitants of KL. Made up of forest-covered hills that are criss-crossed by hiking paths, it offers something for every visitor including a large and modern golf course and opportunities for birdwatching. Located about 100km (62 miles) north of the capital city, Fraser’s Hill can be reached in less than two hours.
• Ipoh. Historically famous for its colonial architecture and divided into the Old Town and New Town, Ipoh is an up-and-coming destination. More relaxed than Kuala Lumpur, it has been gaining attention for its impressive street art, the beautiful Sam Poh Tong Temple that can only be accessed via cave, and opportunities for adventure sports. Ipoh is also something of a foodie destination, famous for Malay, Chinese, and Tamil delicacies like Sar Hor Fun noodle soup, Dai Shu Geok, vegetables stuffed with fish paste, and salt-baked chicken. Located 205km (127 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh can be reached by car in a bit more than 2 hours.
• Malacca. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Malacca is a beautiful and historic city. Located on the strait of the same name, it has been ruled by Malays, Chinese, British, Dutch, and Portuguese, and these diverse influences can be appreciated in the city’s architecture and traditions. Located 145km (90 miles) south of the capital, Malacca can be reached in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
• Kuala Selangor. Located at the mouth of the Selangor River, this coastal town is best known for its 19th-century fortress, as well as local firefly species that are known to synchronize their flashing (the latter can be found in the appropriately named Firefly Park). Kuala Selangor is also known for having the best seafood in this part of the country. The drive from the capital takes just over an hour.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car types in the capital of Malaysia are economy, mini, and standard. The most popular rental car in Kuala Lumpur is the Perodua Myvi, followed by the Proton Saga and Perodua Viva.

Further destinations

• Cameron Highlands. Long famous as one of the most beautiful areas of Malaysia, the Cameron Highlands are made up of orchards, tea plantations, waterfalls, and cloud forests. The area is especially popular during the warmest months of the year when mountains offer an escape from the tropical heat. Rent a hill station, go on a jungle trek, or simply enjoy the natural beauty all around you. The Cameron Highlands are 205km (127 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur and can be reached in three hours.
• Langkawi. With lush rainforest to explore, as well as amazing beaches where you can surf, snorkel, and scuba dive, Langkawi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia. An archipelago made up of 99 islands, Langkawi can be reached by a ferry. It might be possible to bring your rental car on it, but you should first ask your rental car provider if they permit it. If not, you can go by public transportation and pick up another rental car in Langkawi. Kuala Perlis, from where the ferries run, is located near the border with Thailand, about 500km (310 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur, and takes about five hours to reach.
• George Town. Malaysia’s second city is a majestic place to visit. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is made up of old Chinese clan houses, stunning temples, and interesting museums. It is the capital of Penang, a province and island famous for its pristine beaches and impressive pagodas. Located 360km (223 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur, George Town can be reached in less than for hours.
• Singapore. Located right between Malaysia and Indonesia, just a four-hour drive south of Kuala Lumpur, the city-state of Singapore is undoubtedly one of the most exciting destinations in the region. Famous for its very high quality of living, it is also known for its cultural tolerance (it has four official languages), spectacular architecture, and delicious cuisine. You might find a rental car company that permits crossing this international border, but a more common option is to drop off one rental car in Malaysia, travel by public transportation, and pick up a new one in Singapore. As Malaysia and Singapore are two different, sovereign nations, make sure to also check the entry requirements of the latter in advance to find out whether you need a visa to enter.

Car rental prices in Kuala Lumpur

• Premium cars - from $130 per day
• Small cars - from $16 per day
• SUVs - from $35 per day
• Vans - from $38 per day
• Large cars - from $28 per day
• Medium cars - from $22 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Try these simple tips and tricks to get a good rental car in Kuala Lumpur:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Kuala Lumpur is the cheapest in February when renting a car is 13% cheaper than the yearly average and 30% cheaper than renting a car in August.