Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in George Town - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in George Town
George Town
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
George Town
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
George Town
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
George Town
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in George Town?
George Town is a vibrant city with a unique blend of culture, history, and modern attractions. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides unparalleled flexibility, especially if you plan to explore beyond the city limits.
Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites: George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and driving allows you to easily access and explore the historic streets, colonial architecture, and cultural landmarks at your own pace.
Discover Penang Island's Beaches: With a rental car, you can effortlessly visit various beaches around Penang Island, such as Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, and Teluk Bahang, each offering unique scenery and activities.
Visit Local Markets and Food Stalls: A car enables you to reach local markets and food stalls that may be less accessible by public transport, giving you a chance to savour authentic Penang cuisine.
Rental Terms and Conditions in George Town
Before booking a rental car in George Town, be aware of the following terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
305.77 square kilometres (118.06 square miles)
Population
Approximately 708,127 residents
Time Zone
Malaysia Time (MYT) - GMT+8
Ideal for
Island exploration
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in George Town require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English. A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, so check if you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in George Town – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to February): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (September to November): Often come with discounts
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in George Town?
To book a car in George Town, follow these simple steps for a seamless experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the island.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About George Town
George Town is a bustling city with a blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. Understanding local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel access is crucial for a smooth driving experience.
George Town, the capital of Penang, Malaysia, is a city rich in history, culture, and culinary delights. Renting a car is a practical option for exploring the island's diverse attractions. However, driving in George Town requires awareness due to narrow streets and occasional traffic congestion. Familiarising yourself with local traffic laws and parking regulations ensures a stress-free visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Kek Lok Si Temple
One of Southeast Asia's largest and most beautiful Buddhist temples.
Penang Hill
Offers panoramic views of George Town and the surrounding area.
Street Art
Explore the vibrant street art scene throughout the city.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like local parking garages for secure, citywide parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but they can be costly and time-limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city centre and using public transport to access central George Town.
Gas Stations in George Town
Availability
Fuel stations are readily available throughout George Town and Penang Island.
Major Brands
Look for Petronas, Shell, and Caltex along major roads and highways.
Navigation Apps
Use Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting George Town
Use Touch 'n Go
Use Touch 'n Go cards for toll payments on highways.
Watch for Motorbikes
Stay alert! George Town has dense motorbike traffic, especially in the city centre.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 / 17:00–19:00) when roads are often heavily congested.
Key Transportation Hubs in George Town
Major Bus Stations
Komtar Bus Terminal
A central hub for local and intercity bus services.
Ferry Terminals
Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal
Handles international cruise ships and ferries.
Penang Ferry Terminal
Connects George Town to Butterworth on the mainland.
Airports
Penang International Airport (PEN)
Located approximately 16 kilometres (10 miles) south of George Town, serving numerous international and domestic flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in George Town?
Renting a car in Malaysia is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from Malaysia, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as George Town as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Fantastic weekend getaway! Getting around was a breeze, and George Town itself was charming.
David Lee
Reviewed: 26.02.2025
Busy trip, but George Town was efficient to navigate. Having a car was key for my schedule. The local food court was surprisingly underwhelming, though.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 08.01.2025
So glad I returned to George Town after all these years! Having a car made exploring so much easier. Wonderful trip!
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 12.11.2024
Pretty chill, overall
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 05.12.2024
George Town was delightful! Meeting friends there made it even better, and having a car made exploring so easy.
Oliver Smith
Reviewed: 07.04.2025
Quick stop in George Town, but glad we had a car. The historical sites were interesting, though the local museum felt a bit underwhelming.
Evelyn Carter
Reviewed: 26.10.2024
Wonderful spontaneous trip! George Town was amazing, and having a car made exploring so easy.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 22.12.2024
Pretty relaxed vibe
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 16.09.2024
Efficient business trip; George Town was easy to navigate.
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 12.07.2025
George Town was a dream! First time there, and having a car let me explore so much. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 06.07.2025