How to find a cheap car hire deal in Penang (PEN)
Just arrived in town? Pick up a cheap Penang rental car and hit the road for around RM192 a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll match you with a rental that works for you.
The cheapest daily price for a rental at Penang is RM97.
Staying a little longer in George Town and want to go further than the usual stops? RM440 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap PEN car hire. Book about four weeks before your departure date to score the best price.
ASIA CAR, Paradise and Hawk are the most popular providers at Penang.
Whether you book with ASIA CAR or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Penang car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.
Booking one-way could land you a discount on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in PEN.
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a car hire in Penang that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your vehicle with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you travel without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average RM318 a day.
Offering daily rates of around RM300, this provider follows close behind.
The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly RM342 a day for one of their rentals.
The Economy rental category is a solid choice if you can't decide which wheels are right for you. It's also the most commonly booked car type at PEN.
Compare car hire types from Penang (PEN)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Penang rental car puts you on the road for less. These compact, fuel-efficient cars are excellent for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all effortlessly. Ideal for longer drives, this PEN 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 backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Penang that can handle a small crowd (and their luggage), a van is the roomy solution. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group travel, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your PEN car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so take the time to shop around.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. They can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Penang.
Good to know
Rental age requirements generally aren't a one-size-fits-all. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you might run into extra costs or rules. Check the rules for the supplier you choose before booking your rental in Malaysia.
Add a car seat to your PEN car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Regulations change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest approach.
You'll have to provide some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
If you've never driven in Malaysia, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 100kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Malaysia is 0.05%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
You'll be using the Malaysian ringgit (MYR) on your trip here. Along with your bank cards, have some cash handy for minor purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
With a PEN car hire, you're in control when it comes to where you go. If central George Town is the first place you're exploring, it's around 16 kilometres northeast of the airport and a trip of about 25 minutes.
At peak travel times, expect the drive from Penang to the centre to take as long as 40 minutes.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother trip. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
Don't need a set of wheels right after landing? Consider grabbing a car hire in George Town instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Penang (PEN)
Begin with some of the top attractions in George Town, such as Georgetown UNESCO Historic Site and Street Art by Ernest Zacharevic - "Boy on Motorbike". Whether you drive your rental or get there another way, you'll want to tour these highlights before moving on.
Sungai Petani should be on your itinerary if you want to see Masjid Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah and ANCIENT KEDAH ARCHAEOLOGY. This city is about 48 kilometres northeast of PEN.
Alternatively, get behind the wheel of your Penang car hire and head roughly 72 kilometres southeast to Taiping. Featuring Taiping Mariamman Temple and Taman Tasik Taiping, there's no shortage of attractions that demand a visit.
