How to find a cheap car hire deal in Kota Bharu
Whether you need a compact for zipping around town or an SUV for a road trip, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Kota Bharu. Choose from options averaging RM316 a day and get going for less.
Daily rental prices in Kota Bharu start from just RM150.
Staying a little longer? Grab a weekly rental from RM1,022 and squeeze in a few road trips.
Here's the secret to booking at the right time. One week in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a Kota Bharu car hire.
Rent your wheels from Agtran, Hertz or WAHDAH. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.
Whether you go with Agtran or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Kota Bharu car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and only pay for what you actually use.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average RM311 a day.
Offering daily rates of around RM341, this provider comes in next.
The third option also performs well on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly RM377 a day.
After a car that's a safe bet for most journeys? The Compact rental category is the number one choice for travellers visiting Kota Bharu.
Flying to Kota Bharu? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Kota Bharu, get on the road sooner by picking up a car hire at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 11 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Kota Bharu
Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or taking a short trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to good fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: A solid choice when you want something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Kota Bharu car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra legroom and comfort make them a popular choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Kota Bharu handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're tough, versatile, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Kota Bharu car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These add-ons can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Kota Bharu.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same across the board. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could encounter extra costs or restrictions. Check the specific rules for each supplier before booking your car hire in Malaysia.
Bringing the kids with you? Child car seat laws vary from one place to another, and the best setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Make sure you add the right one to your Kota Bharu car hire booking.
You'll need to bring a few things when collecting your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
If you're new to driving in Malaysia, keep in mind that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 45kph in urban areas and 100kph or so on highways. Always obey the road signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Malaysia. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
The Malaysian ringgit (MYR) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and excursions. Use cards where you can, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't accepted.
Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) is the language that most people speak in this country.
Best hotels in Kota Bharu for drivers
Pull in and settle straight into your stay at Hotel O Innap Kota Bharu. Offering parking as well as express check-out and air conditioning, this hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Kota Bharu.
Or make use of the parking at Assalam Hotel. The city centre is roughly 3 kilometres from this option, which also features air conditioning and a 24-hour front desk.
Explore the full range of hotels in Kota Bharu and pick the stay that matches your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've found a car hire deal in Kota Bharu and the right hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Istana Negeri Kelantan, Museum Of Islamic Culture and Masjid Al Karomah are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Kota Bharu
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Kota Bharu and then head for Tanah Merah. Around 40 kilometres south of Kota Bharu, Gunung Stong and Masjid Tok Guru Manal 3 are highlights that are well worth the trip.
Tanah Merah has some good accommodation options including OYO 90321 Hotel Bajet Sri Manal and Qadira Hotel. Both are convenient choices for guests with cars.
Why slow down now? Motor on to George Town, about 225 kilometres west of Kota Bharu. From George Town, Malaysia UNESCO AREA to Georgetown Heritage site, it'll bring your trip to a memorable close.
Get some shut-eye in George Town at either Tune Hotel Georgetown Penang or The Granite Luxury Hotel Penang. They have a room waiting for you and a spot for your wheels too.
