Penang car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Penang
The best car rental companies in Penang are Hertz, Avis, Sixt. Prices start from €22/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 10%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Penang
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Hertz
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €260Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€24/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#2
Avis
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€23/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#3
Sixt
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €270Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€25/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#4
Europcar
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €230Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€22/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#5
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €210Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€20/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#6
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €260Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€27/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#7
Thrifty
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €190Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€19/day
base rate
View Thrifty deal
#8
Mayflower Car Rental
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €160Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€18/day
base rate
View Mayflower Car Rental deal
#9
Hawk Rent A Car
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €150Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€17/day
base rate
View Hawk Rent A Car deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-21 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Penang
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €22 | Perodua Bezza | 5 |
| Compact | €28 | Honda City | 5 |
| SUV | €42 | Honda CR-V | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €56 | Toyota Innova | 7 |
| Luxury | €85 | BMW 3 Series | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Penang
Airport — Penang International Airport (PEN)
PEN sits in Bayan Lepas, about 18km south of George Town, roughly a 30-minute drive, with rental desks in the arrivals hall. Malaysia drives on the left.
Downtown — George Town
Desks near George Town suit travelers who want a car mainly for exploring beyond the heritage core — the hill, beaches, and mainland day trips.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~10% of base rate | PEN airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | €6–12/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | €4–8/day | Per extra driver |
| Bridge/toll charges (Penang Bridge) | €2–5 per crossing | Driving to/from mainland Malaysia |
| Damage excess / CDW upgrade | €8–14/day | Reducing the standard deposit liability |
| Refundable deposit | €150–270 | Standard hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Penang
- Penang International Airport (PEN) sits in Bayan Lepas, about 18km south of George Town, roughly a 30-minute drive, with rental desks in the arrivals hall.
- Malaysia drives on the left-hand side of the road, the same rule as neighboring Thailand and Singapore.
- George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow one-way streets — many visitors park on the edge and walk the heritage core rather than drive through it.
- Prices are displayed in EUR for easy comparison, though Penang's local currency is the Malaysian ringgit (MYR).
- The Penang Bridge and the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge connect the island to mainland Malaysia, both toll roads.
- Penang Hill, reached by funicular rather than car, offers cooler air and skyline views above George Town.
- Electronic toll collection (Touch 'n Go) is standard on Malaysian highways and bridges — most rental cars come pre-equipped.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Penang
Do you need a car in Penang?
George Town's heritage core is walkable, but a car is useful for reaching the beaches, Penang Hill, and mainland day trips.
How far is Penang Airport from George Town?
About 18km, roughly a 30-minute drive, with rental desks in the arrivals hall at PEN.
Which side of the road does Malaysia drive on?
Malaysia drives on the left, the same as Thailand and Singapore.
Can I drive through George Town's heritage core?
You can, but narrow one-way streets make parking on the edge and walking in a more practical option.
What currency are prices shown in for Penang?
Prices are displayed in EUR for easy comparison, though Penang's local currency is the Malaysian ringgit (MYR).
Do I need cash for tolls in Penang?
Most rental cars come pre-equipped with Touch 'n Go electronic toll, so cash usually isn't needed for bridges and highways.
What is the cheapest car type in Penang?
Economy cars like a Perodua Bezza start around €22/day. An SUV starts around €42/day.
Nearby trips
