Car hire in Kota Bharu, Malaysia

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Kota Bharu

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Kota Bharu car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Find the best car rental locations in Kota Bharu

See all car hire locations

The most popular car rental companies in Kota Bharu

Hiring a car in Kota Bharu: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyAvis
Most popular carMini, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceج.م.‏ 3,523
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Kota Bharu

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Kota Bharu car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Kota Bharu

  • Get into the driver's seat with a cheap rental car in Kota Bharu. With prices averaging ج.م.‏ 3,523 a day, you're on the road to better value. From city cars to family movers, we'll help you pick the right rental for less.

  • March is the cheapest month to rent a car in Kota Bharu. With average daily rates of ج.م.‏ 2,140, you're geared up for serious savings.

  • Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. One week in advance gives you the best window to grab a cheap rental car in Kota Bharu.

  • Agtran, Hertz and WAHDAH are popular providers offering car hire deals in Kota Bharu.

  • The coverage Agtran or another supplier includes with your Kota Bharu car hire can differ, so be sure to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.

  • Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to finding a deal. Select 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in Kota Bharu. Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can bag some fantastic one-way prices.

  • Cut down on fuel costs by picking a car hire in Kota Bharu that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.

  • If you're flying into Kota Bharu, you might like to skip the city pickup and grab one of the car rentals in Sultan Ismail Petra Airport instead. Throw your luggage in the back and cruise straight to your first stop.

Compare car hire types in Kota Bharu

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Kota Bharu may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, great on mileage, and perfect for city driving or short trips.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they work well for most trips.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this Kota Bharu car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.

  • Van: If you're looking for a car for rent in Kota Bharu big enough for a small crowd (and their luggage), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group outings, moving or business needs.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Adding excess insurance to your Kota Bharu car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so take the time to shop around.

  • From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Kota Bharu.

Good to know

  • Age requirements often vary by supplier (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some providers in Malaysia may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.

  • If you're bringing the kids along, check if you should add a car seat to your Kota Bharu car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Kota Bharu

  • Don't leave town without exploring some of the city's best attractions, like Istana Negeri Kelantan and Museum Of Islamic Culture. Lock in a car hire deal in Kota Bharu and then start sketching out your sightseeing game plan.

  • When check-in time comes around, Renai Hotel Kota Bharu and OYO 89588 Destiny Riverside Hotel will make you feel right at home in Kota Bharu.

  • Around 40 kilometres south of central Kota Bharu, Tanah Merah belongs on your itinerary. Head to must-see sights like Gunung Stong and Masjid Tok Guru Manal 3.

  • Humaira Hotel and OYO 90321 Hotel Bajet Sri Manal are comfortable accommodation options in Tanah Merah.

  • Or collect your cheap car hire in Kota Bharu and then set off for Pasir Mas. About 16 kilometres south-west of Kota Bharu, Masjid and Masjid Tok Imam are standout attractions that make the extra drive worth it.

  • Pasir Mas has some comfortable places where rest comes easy, such as Wan Guest House and OYO 90404 Hotel Z Dirgahayu 313.

  • Want to stretch this drive a little longer? George Town is a top road trip destination that's about 225 kilometres west of Kota Bharu. Plan to make a few pit stops at George Town, Malaysia UNESCO AREA and Georgetown Heritage site.

  • Hit the hay in George Town at Tune Hotel Georgetown Penang. The Granite Luxury Hotel Penang has a soft bed ready for you too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Kota Bharu will set you back around ج.م.‏ 3,523 per day or ج.م.‏ 20,884 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Kota Bharu is a full-size passenger van. The most popular is Mini, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire company in Kota Bharu is currently Agtran, followed by Hawk.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Kota Bharu is currently March.
On average, around ج.م.‏ 20,884. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Kota Bharu is ج.م.‏ 8,201.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Kota Bharu, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Kota Bharu that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Kota Bharu.
Most places – Kota Bharu included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is ج.م.‏ 1,637 per day. The average price per day is around ج.م.‏ 1,875.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Avis, WAHDAH and Agtran offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Avis as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Kota Bharu.