Free cancellationBest price guaranteeNo hidden fees24/7 multilingual supportCar rental in Penang - Search, Compare, and Save
Free cancellationNo hidden feesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Penang
Penang
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Penang
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Penang
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Penang
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Why Rent a Car in Penang?
Penang, a vibrant island state in Malaysia, offers a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. While public transport is available, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom to explore at your own pace. Discover hidden gems and maximize your Penang adventure with the convenience of your own vehicle.
Unrestricted Exploration. A rental car allows you to effortlessly visit Penang's diverse attractions, from the bustling streets of Georgetown to the serene beaches of Batu Ferringhi, without waiting for buses or taxis.
Time Efficiency. Maximize your travel time by driving directly to your destinations, bypassing the often-slower public transport routes. This is especially beneficial for those with limited time.
Comfort and Convenience. Enjoy the comfort of traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, especially crucial in Penang's tropical climate. Store luggage, shopping finds, and beach gear with ease.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Penang
Before renting a car in Penang, it's essential to understand the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Familiarize yourself with age requirements, licensing rules, insurance coverage, and other important policies.
Area
1,048 square kilometers (405 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.8 million residents
Time Zone
Malaysia Time (MYT) - GMT+8
Ideal for
Exploring the island at your own pace
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic from 7 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Penang is typically 21 years old. Some companies may have a higher minimum age or charge a young driver surcharge for those under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or Malay.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you may want to consider additional coverage like collision damage waiver (CDW). A security deposit is required and will be refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy – some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have a limited daily or weekly allowance. Fuel policies vary, so clarify whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, late returns, optional add-ons like GPS or child seats, and out-of-hours pickup or drop-off.
Car Rental Prices in Penang – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9.50 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 / €10.50 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to February): Sees higher demand due to holidays, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (September to November): Often come with discounts as it's the monsoon season
*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 Penang?
Booking a car in Penang is easy with these simple steps. Ensure a seamless rental experience by comparing prices, selecting the right vehicle, and understanding the rental terms.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various car rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully read the rental agreement, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and availability by booking your car well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card to the rental counter when picking up your vehicle.
General Information About Penang
Penang is a captivating island with a blend of cultural heritage and modern attractions. Renting a car can greatly enhance your ability to explore every corner of this fascinating destination.
As a vibrant island off the coast of Malaysia, Penang offers a unique mix of history, cuisine, and natural beauty. Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases stunning colonial architecture, while the island's beaches and hills provide breathtaking scenery. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to discover hidden gems and enjoy the island at your own pace. However, navigating Penang's roads requires awareness of local traffic conditions and regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Georgetown
Explore the historic streets, street art, and cultural landmarks.
Batu Ferringhi
Relax on the beach and enjoy water sports.
Penang Hill
Take the funicular up for panoramic views of the island.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Look for parking garages in Georgetown and other popular areas.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking meters and time limits when parking on the street.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer parking for guests.
Gas Stations in Penang
Petronas
A widespread chain with numerous stations across the island.
Shell
Another popular brand with easily accessible locations.
BHPetrol
Offers reliable fuel and services.
Useful Tips for Visiting Penang
Drive on the Left
Remember that Malaysia drives on the left side of the road.
Be Aware of Motorbikes
Motorbikes are prevalent, so be cautious when driving.
Use GPS Navigation
A GPS device or smartphone app can help you navigate unfamiliar roads.
Allow Extra Time
Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour, so plan accordingly.
Key Transportation Hubs in Penang
Major Bus Stations
Komtar Bus Terminal
Located in the heart of Georgetown, this is a major hub for local and interstate buses.
Railway Stations
Butterworth Railway Station
Located on the mainland, this station provides connections to other parts of Malaysia.
Airports
Penang International Airport (PEN)
Located in Bayan Lepas, this airport serves both domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Penang?
Renting a car in Penang requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria. Here's what you typically need.
A valid driver’s license from your home country is essential. If your license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may charge extra for drivers under 25.
You’ll need a credit or debit card in your name for the security deposit. Check with the rental company to see if they accept debit cards for deposits.
A passport is required for identification, especially if you are a foreign tourist.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fast-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, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Penang as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Penang was fantastic; family vacation made easy by our car!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 06.06.2025
Penang was delightful! Saw friends, explored easily by car.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 16.10.2024
Quick business trip to Penang, renting a car made things surprisingly easy. The food was great, although the hotel pool was a bit small.
David Wilson
Reviewed: 10.09.2024
Pretty chill vibe.
Kai Nguyen
Reviewed: 26.09.2024
Pretty laid-back, really.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 03.05.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 05.10.2024
Penang was efficient! Getting around was a breeze with a rental, making my short business trip surprisingly smooth.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 23.08.2024
Penang was lovely; having a car made exploring so easy. The beaches were perfect for relaxing, although the street food was a bit hit-or-miss.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 09.01.2025
Penang was amazing! Exploring the island by car was so convenient, and relaxing by the coast was pure bliss.
Sarah Lee
Reviewed: 03.03.2025