Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Mombasa
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Mombasa
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Mombasa
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Mombasa
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.
Mombasa, a vibrant coastal city in Kenya, offers a rich blend of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace. Discover hidden gems, pristine beaches, and historical sites without being tied to bus schedules or taxi availability.
Explore Beyond the City. With a rental car, you can easily visit attractions like Fort Jesus, Haller Park, and the stunning beaches along the Kenyan coast, such as Diani Beach and Nyali Beach.
Convenience and Comfort. Ideal for families or groups, a rental car provides ample space for luggage and ensures a comfortable journey, allowing you to avoid the hassle of public transport.
Freedom to Create Your Own Itinerary. Enjoy the flexibility to travel on your own schedule, stop at local markets, dine at beachfront restaurants, and experience the authentic Kenyan culture without constraints.
Cost-Effective for Longer Stays. If you plan to stay in Mombasa for an extended period, renting a car can be more economical than relying on taxis or ride-sharing services.
Before renting a car in Mombasa, familiarise yourself with the rental terms and conditions. Key aspects include age requirements, driver's licence regulations, insurance policies, mileage restrictions, and fuel policies. Understanding these details ensures a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
Approximately 212.5 square kilometres (82 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.2 million residents
Time Zone
EAT (East Africa Time), GMT+3
Ideal for
Coastal exploration and long-distance travel
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Mombasa require drivers to be at least 23 years old. Some providers may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. Visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country licence, especially if the licence is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but you can opt for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is typically required, held on your credit card, and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can be either unlimited or restricted. Fuel policies vary; many require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS navigation and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
SUV:
from £8.50 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (December to February, July to August): Expect a 20-30% increase in prices due to high tourist demand.
Low season (April to June, September to November): Often come with discounts on car rentals.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Mombasa involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth experience. From comparing prices to understanding rental terms, these guidelines will help you secure the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best car rental deals based on your travel dates and car preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it's an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring coastal areas.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises during your rental.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental car.
Mombasa is a vibrant coastal city with a rich history and diverse culture. Known for its beautiful beaches and historical sites, it’s a popular tourist destination. Understanding local driving conditions, traffic rules, and parking regulations can enhance your experience.
As a major port city in Kenya, Mombasa offers a mix of bustling city life and relaxed coastal vibes. Renting a car is ideal for exploring beyond the city centre, visiting attractions like Fort Jesus, and discovering the stunning beaches along the coast. Be aware of traffic conditions, especially during rush hours, and familiarise yourself with local driving customs.
Top Attractions to Discover
Fort Jesus
A 16th-century Portuguese fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering insights into the region's history.
Haller Park
A wildlife sanctuary with diverse animal species and lush greenery.
Diani Beach
A pristine beach south of Mombasa, known for its white sands and clear waters.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Secure parking options are available in various locations throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Available in some areas, but can be limited and may require payment.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer parking facilities for guests.
Gas Stations in Mombasa
Major Brands
Find fuel stations from major brands like Total, Shell, and Engen.
Availability
Gas stations are generally available throughout the city and along major roads.
Payment Options
Most gas stations accept cash and mobile money payments.
Useful Tips for Visiting Mombasa
Plan for Traffic
Avoid driving during rush hours (7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM) to avoid heavy congestion.
Use Local Apps
Utilise navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid traffic.
Respect Local Customs
Be mindful of local driving customs and traffic rules.
Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during hot weather.
Mombasa Railway Station
SGR Terminus
The Mombasa Terminus for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) connects Mombasa to Nairobi and other inland destinations.
Moi International Airport (MBA)
Airport
Located approximately 10 kilometres (6 miles) west of Mombasa city centre, serving domestic and international flights.
Ferry Services
Likoni Ferry
Connects Mombasa Island with the southern mainland, offering passage for vehicles and pedestrians.
Renting a car in Mombasa requires a few essential documents and conditions to ensure a smooth and compliant process. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need
Ensure your driver's licence is valid. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 23 years old. Some may have additional fees for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit and rental payment.
A passport or national ID card is required as proof of identity.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 clients rate such place as Mombasa 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.
Pretty chill, really.
David Lee
Reviewed: 29.04.2025
Mombasa exceeded expectations! So much freedom exploring at our own pace.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 15.02.2025
Mombasa's beauty captivated me! Having a car made getting around so effortless; I explored beaches and markets with ease.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 28.08.2024
Pretty relaxed, really.
James Brown
Reviewed: 19.09.2024
Family vacation in Mombasa was fantastic! Having a car made exploring so much easier, allowing us to discover hidden gems and enjoy the beautiful beaches at our leisure. We'll definitely return!
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 19.08.2024
Pretty chill vibe.
Maria Rodriguez
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
Mombasa was breathtaking! So much freedom exploring the coast at our own pace.
Olivia Wilson
Reviewed: 14.05.2025
Pretty laid-back, yeah.
Kai Peterson
Reviewed: 20.06.2025
Mombasa was fantastic! Meeting friends and exploring freely with a car made the trip perfect.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 07.01.2025
Mombasa's coast was incredibly relaxing. Exploring independently by car was perfect for my much-needed break.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 21.04.2025
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Mombasa was amazing! Exploring with our rental car made it so easy to see everything this weekend. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 01.08.2025