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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Lilongwe
Lilongwe
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Lilongwe
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Lilongwe
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Lilongwe
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 Lilongwe?
Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, offers a blend of urban attractions and natural beauty. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City. A rental car allows you to easily access nearby attractions such as the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Kumbali Cultural Village, and the scenic landscapes surrounding the city.
Convenience and Flexibility. With your own car, you can travel comfortably and efficiently, without being restricted by public transport schedules.
Cost-Effective for Groups and Families. Renting a car is often more economical for groups or families compared to the cost of multiple taxi fares or public transport tickets.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Lilongwe
Before renting a car in Lilongwe, it's important to understand the terms and conditions. Here's what you need to know:
Area
Approximately 447 square kilometers
Population
Approximately 1.2 million residents
Time Zone
CAT (UTC+2)
Ideal for
Exploring the city and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic during morning and evening peak hours
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car is typically 23 years old, but this can vary depending on the rental company. Some companies may also charge a young driver surcharge 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.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is typically required, which is refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others having restrictions. Fuel policies also differ; many require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras such as GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car Rental Prices in Lilongwe – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (September to November): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to July): 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 Lilongwe?
Follow these steps to book a car in Lilongwe:
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website to find the best deals.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the number of passengers and luggage.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits and insurance coverage.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car well in advance, especially if you're travelling during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, passport, and credit card when collecting your rental car.
General Information About Lilongwe
Lilongwe offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions. Renting a car allows you to easily explore the city and its surroundings.
Lilongwe is the capital city of Malawi, known for its gardens and wildlife. Driving in Lilongwe requires awareness of local traffic laws and road conditions. It is important to understand parking regulations and fuel access.
Top Attractions to Discover
Lilongwe Wildlife Centre
A sanctuary for rescued animals, offering a chance to see Malawi's wildlife up close.
Kumbali Cultural Village
A cultural village showcasing traditional Malawian life and customs.
Old Town
Explore the historic Old Town with its markets and shops.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Designated parking garages are available in the city centre.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking is available in some areas, but be mindful of parking regulations.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer parking facilities for their guests.
Gas Stations in Lilongwe
Total
A well-known fuel station chain with locations throughout Lilongwe.
Puma Energy
Another major fuel provider with stations across the city.
SP
A common fuel brand in Lilongwe.
Useful Tips for Visiting Lilongwe
Drive on the Left
Remember to drive on the left side of the road.
Watch for Pedestrians
Be aware of pedestrians, especially in busy areas.
Allow Extra Time
Traffic can be unpredictable, so allow extra time for your journeys.
Key Transportation Hubs in Lilongwe
Major Bus Stations
Lilongwe Bus Station
The main bus station for intercity and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Lilongwe Railway Station
While passenger rail services are limited, the station is used for freight transport.
Airports
Kamuzu International Airport (LLW)
The main international airport serving Lilongwe.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Lilongwe?
To rent a car in Lilongwe, you'll need the following:
A valid driver's licence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be needed for non-English licences.
The minimum age for renting a car is typically 23 years old.
A credit or debit card is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
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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 Lilongwe 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.
A last-minute Lilongwe trip proved amazing! Having a car made exploring so convenient and enjoyable. Highly recommend!
David Lee
Reviewed: 23.07.2025
Efficient business trip; Lilongwe's easy to navigate by car.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 17.02.2025
So glad I returned to Lilongwe after all these years! Getting around with a car was a breeze, and I saw so much more than before.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 31.08.2024
Summer in Lilongwe was incredible! Having a car made it so easy to explore the city and surrounding areas. Everything went smoothly, and I saw so much.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 13.03.2025
Heard great things about Lilongwe, and they were right! Exploring by car was a breeze.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 25.07.2025
Lilongwe surprised me! Having a car made everything so accessible, and I explored so much more than I expected.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 25.12.2024
Lilongwe exceeded expectations! Driving around was a breeze, letting me see so much.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 13.03.2025
Lilongwe was fantastic! Exploring with the family was so easy, and we saw so much. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 20.06.2025