How much does it cost to hire a car in Kota Kinabalu?

On average a rental car in Kota Kinabalu costs $61 per day. Search car hire on KAYAK

Which hire car agencies are at Kota Kinabalu airport (BKI)?

The only car hire company onsite at Kota Kinabalu airport is Europcar. Search car hire on KAYAK

Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Kota Kinabalu airport (BKI)?

The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Kota Kinabalu airport to off-airport locations is Europcar. Search car hire on KAYAK

How can I find car hires near me in Kota Kinabalu?

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you. Search car hire on KAYAK

How much does a Compact car hire cost in Kota Kinabalu?

A Compact car hire in Kota Kinabalu costs $50 per day, on average. Search car hire on KAYAK

How much does a Full Size car hire cost in Kota Kinabalu?

A Full Size car hire in Kota Kinabalu costs $55 per day, on average. Search car hire on KAYAK

How much does a Standard car hire cost in Kota Kinabalu?

A Standard car hire in Kota Kinabalu costs $92 per day, on average. Search car hire on KAYAK

What type of car is recommended for driving in Kota Kinabalu?

For car hire in Kota Kinabalu, it often makes sense to choose a smaller rather than larger vehicle, for ease of parking and greater flexibility in traffic. Choosing a car with good fuel economy is also a good idea if you intend to do a lot of driving. Roads are generally good and well-maintained, so you shouldn’t need special terrain vehicles, even when exploring the countryside; but you may consider it if you decide to visit villages or other places off the beaten path. Search car hire on KAYAK

What’s the speed limit in Kota Kinabalu?

The speed limit on federal roads in Kota Kinabalu is 90 km/h. On expressways, the limit is increased to 110 km/h. Breaking the speed limit can result in heavy fines, so be careful to adhere to the rules at all times. Many roads are equipped with speed cameras. Search car hire on KAYAK

Where are the best places to park in Kota Kinabalu?

Parking can be a problem in Kota Kinabalu. There are few on-road parking options, but shopping centre car parks are a good option. These offer hourly and 3h parking rates with top-up costs for each additional hour. There are also several multi-level car parks around the city offering similar rates. Search car hire on KAYAK

What road trips can I take from Kota Kinabalu?

If you are a hiking enthusiast, you can travel for about 4 hours to Mount Kinabalu. This mountain has some of the highest trekkable peaks in the world and makes for a thrilling climb for any adventurer. About 2h 30min from the city, you will find the Kundasang waterfall, which is accessible and captivating. Search car hire on KAYAK

What is the child seat rule in Kota Kinabalu?

In Kota Kinabalu, children younger than 12 years, shorter than 136 cm or weighing under 36 kg, are required to be in an appropriate car seat when travelling in private cars. However, only car seats certified under United Nations Regulation UN R129 and UN R44 are legal. Search car hire on KAYAK

Car Hire in Kota Kinabalu - Search for Rental Cars on KAYAK

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Most popular agency	Most popular car type	Average price	Good deal
Europcar	Compact	$61/day	$60/day

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Kota Kinabalu car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Kota Kinabalu with confidence.

How far in advance should you book a rental car in Kota Kinabalu?

You should book your rental car in Kota Kinabalu around 55 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the best car rental company in Kota Kinabalu?

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Kota Kinabalu are KK Rent A Car (10.0), Europcar (8.0, 3 reviews), and Agtran (8.0).

KK Rent A Car

Rated 10.0/10

Europcar

Rated 8.0/10

Agtran

Rated 8.0/10

Suria Car Rental

Rated 7.3/10

What is the most popular rental car in Kota Kinabalu?

SUV rentals (Class Standard SUV or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in Kota Kinabalue. SUV cars in Kota Kinabalu cost $116/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as $88/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Kota Kinabalu?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Kota Kinabalu is February at an average cost of $51/day. January is the most expensive month to hire a car in Kota Kinabalu when prices are $59/day on average, which tends to be 78% above the yearly average hire price for Kota Kinabalu.

What rental car company in Kota Kinabalu has the most locations?

KK Rent A Car operates 31 locations in Kota Kinabalu, more than any other rental company.

Find deals

Car hire in Kota Kinabalu comes with a lot of advantages. Although the bus system in the city is quite good and many locations are walkable, nothing can give you the same freedom and independence as a car, especially if you intend to take trips out of the city to visit neighbouring areas. There are many things to see and do in Sabah state that will prove a hassle without a car, and hiring a vehicle gives you the freedom to make your own itineraries and timetables.
Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, K K Rent-A-Car, Thrifty, Hawk, Green Matrix and Sixt all offer car hire in Kota Kinabalu from the airport. Kota Kinabalu car hire agencies operate in the arrivals hall of Terminal 2 of Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). It is generally cheaper to book your car online before arrival rather than at the airport, and Hertz, Europcar, Green Matrix, Thrifty and Hawk all operate shuttle services or provide drivers to meet you at the airport and take you to the agency to finalise the details and pick up your car.
Like in Australia and Britain, Malaysia drives on the left-hand side, and driving is mostly straightforward and orderly; although, the roads can often get congested. Traffic rules are strictly enforced, so be sure to obey the rules of the road. Australians and other Commonwealth citizens can drive in Malaysia on their normal driving licence and do not need to get an international driver’s permit.
The main problem involved with driving in Kota Kinabalu is traffic jams. The population of the city has been increasing over the years and private car use has gone up with it. Rush hour can begin as early as 05:00 in some areas and continues until 08:00 or 9:00, while evening rush hour can stretch from 16:00 till 20:00, depending on where you are in the city. There are few real hazards to be concerned with, however. Traffic may sometimes be slow but it is generally orderly. Be aware that road signs are generally only in Malay and not in English. Many of these signs will be self-explanatory, but it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with some of the common Malay terms, such as ‘stop’, ‘speed limit’, ‘closed road’ etc.
With the rolling out of electric cars to promote a green circular economy and fight against adverse climate change, some Kota Kinabalu car hire companies provide electric cars for hire. To support this initiative, Kota Kinabalu has set up EV car charging stations like the BMW Regas Premium Sabah EV charging station. Alternatively, you can book your stay in a hotel that has an onsite EV car charger, like Hilton Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel and Hyatt Regency Kinabalu. Most of these locations have either an AC or DC type 1 charger with charging output ranging from 3.1kW – 22kW, charging your hire car in approximately 4-8 hours.
For you to get a hire car in Kota Kinabalu, you need to be at least 21 years old and not older than 65 years. However, most hire companies only allow drivers 23 years and older to hire a car. To obtain cheap car hire in Kota Kinabalu, you need to have a current and valid driver’s licence. Foreign nationals who hold a valid driving licence and passport in English can drive in Malaysia for a maximum of 3 months. Note that probational licence holders aren’t accepted in Kota Kinabalu. You are required to provide a credit card under the driver’s name, to make the payment and hold a deposit.
Explore all the attractions of Kota Kinabalu conveniently, in the city or further out, using cheap car hire in Kota Kinabalu. Among the attractions, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (only about a 30min drive from Downtown Kota Kinabalu) is a biodiversity hotspot both below and above water. Roughly 18 km northeast of Kota Kinabalu, you can drive your hire car to Mari Mari Cultural Village, to learn about the rich history and culture of the state of Sabah’s many indigenous groups.
25% of our users found rental cars in Kota Kinabalu for $60 or less
Compact rental cars in Kota Kinabalu are around 40% cheaper than other car types, on average

What type of car is recommended for driving in Kota Kinabalu?
For car hire in Kota Kinabalu, it often makes sense to choose a smaller rather than larger vehicle, for ease of parking and greater flexibility in traffic. Choosing a car with good fuel economy is also a good idea if you intend to do a lot of driving. Roads are generally good and well-maintained, so you shouldn’t need special terrain vehicles, even when exploring the countryside; but you may consider it if you decide to visit villages or other places off the beaten path.
What’s the speed limit in Kota Kinabalu?
The speed limit on federal roads in Kota Kinabalu is 90 km/h. On expressways, the limit is increased to 110 km/h. Breaking the speed limit can result in heavy fines, so be careful to adhere to the rules at all times. Many roads are equipped with speed cameras.
Where are the best places to park in Kota Kinabalu?
Parking can be a problem in Kota Kinabalu. There are few on-road parking options, but shopping centre car parks are a good option. These offer hourly and 3h parking rates with top-up costs for each additional hour. There are also several multi-level car parks around the city offering similar rates.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Kota Kinabalu?
On average a rental car in Kota Kinabalu costs $61 per day.
Which hire car agencies are at Kota Kinabalu airport (BKI)?
The only car hire company onsite at Kota Kinabalu airport is Europcar.
Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Kota Kinabalu airport (BKI)?
The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Kota Kinabalu airport to off-airport locations is Europcar.
How can I find car hires near me in Kota Kinabalu?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Compact car hire cost in Kota Kinabalu?
A Compact car hire in Kota Kinabalu costs $50 per day, on average.
How much does a Full Size car hire cost in Kota Kinabalu?
A Full Size car hire in Kota Kinabalu costs $55 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Kota Kinabalu?
A Standard car hire in Kota Kinabalu costs $92 per day, on average.
What road trips can I take from Kota Kinabalu?
If you are a hiking enthusiast, you can travel for about 4 hours to Mount Kinabalu. This mountain has some of the highest trekkable peaks in the world and makes for a thrilling climb for any adventurer. About 2h 30min from the city, you will find the Kundasang waterfall, which is accessible and captivating.
What is the child seat rule in Kota Kinabalu?
In Kota Kinabalu, children younger than 12 years, shorter than 136 cm or weighing under 36 kg, are required to be in an appropriate car seat when travelling in private cars. However, only car seats certified under United Nations Regulation UN R129 and UN R44 are legal.

KK Rent A Car

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

31 locations in Kota Kinabalu

Show locations

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

1 Sutera Harbour

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

1, Lorong Likas Square

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

12, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman

Opening times not available

28 Lorong Bakau, Kota Kinabalu

Opening times not available

36, Jln Hj Saman

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

41, Jalan Gaya

Opening times not available

5 Jln Padang

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

63, Jalan Gaya

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

69, Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Opening times not available

75, Bandaran Berjaya

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

Blk A, Lot 6, Grd Flr

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

Borneo Trails Travel&tours Sdn Bhd L1l14,level1(landside),arv Hall,t1

+60 168 309 136

Opening times not available

Coastal Highway, Wawasan Plaza

Opening times not available

Jln Pantai

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

Jln Tun Fuad

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

Level 7, Blk D

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

Lorong Api-Api 2

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

Lorong Ming Garden

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

Lot 21, 1st Flr

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

Lot 3.3, 3rd Flr, Asia City

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

Lot 3/4, Blk 9

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

Lot 48, Grd Flr, 2nd Flr

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

Lot 6, Block L

Opening times not available

Lot 60-64, Lorong Ikan

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

Lot 7, Blk A, 1st Floor

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

Lot B - 2 & 3, Warisan Square

Opening times not available

No.1, Jln Singgah

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

No2, Jalan Kinabalu, Tanjung Aru Township, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Opening times not available

Resort & Spa

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

Tanjung Aru

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

Unit 25-28 Grd Flr

+60 8823 4607

Opening times not available

Europcar

8.0

Very Good

Read 3 reviews

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

8.6

2 locations in Kota Kinabalu

Show locations

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

Ground Floor Oceanus Waterfront Mal

+60 163 542 178

Opening times not available

No L1l02 C16

+60 16 354 2178

Opening times not available

Agtran

8.0

Very Good

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

8.0

One location in Kota Kinabalu

Show locations

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Beg Berkunci No 134, Aras 5, Bangunan Terminal, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

+60 18 989 0800

Monday	08:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 22:00
Thursday	08:00 - 22:00
Friday	08:00 - 22:00
Saturday	08:00 - 22:00
Sunday	08:00 - 22:00

Suria Car Rental

7.3

Good

Read 1 review

Cleanliness

6.6

Comfort

6.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.6

Value for money

7.3

One location in Kota Kinabalu

Show locations

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

Bangunan Terminal, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

+60 12 569 9758

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2022

After booking and paying, they called and cancelled. Very bad indeed. Had to make late alternative arrangements and missed a trip to Mount Kinabalu

Avis

8.0

Very Good

One location in Kota Kinabalu

Show locations

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

Lot No. L1L02 (C4) Lev 1

+60 88 204 460

Monday	08:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 22:00
Thursday	08:00 - 22:00
Friday	08:00 - 22:00
Saturday	08:00 - 22:00
Sunday	08:00 - 22:00

keddy by Europcar

6.7

Okay

3 locations in Kota Kinabalu

Show locations

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

2nd floor lot 28,29,30, oceanus mall, 31, Jalan Tun Razak, fuan stephen, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malásia

Opening times not available

Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, Oceanus Waterfront Mall

+60 163 542 178

Monday	08:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 22:00
Thursday	08:00 - 22:00
Friday	08:00 - 22:00
Saturday	08:00 - 22:00
Sunday	08:00 - 22:00

Kota Kinabalu Int'L Airport

+60 16 354 2178

Monday	08:00 - 22:0009:00 - 18:0018:30 - 19:00
Tuesday	18:30 - 19:0009:00 - 18:0008:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 22:0009:00 - 18:0018:30 - 19:00
Thursday	18:30 - 19:0009:00 - 18:0008:00 - 22:00
Friday	09:00 - 18:0008:00 - 22:0018:30 - 19:00
Saturday	08:00 - 22:0009:00 - 18:0018:30 - 19:00
Sunday	08:00 - 22:0018:30 - 19:0009:00 - 18:00

Sixt

2.0

Poor

2 locations in Kota Kinabalu

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu International

+60 12 346 1769

Monday	08:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 22:00
Thursday	08:00 - 22:00
Friday	08:00 - 22:00
Saturday	09:00 - 18:00
Sunday	09:00 - 18:00

Lot No L1L02(C2) Level 1

+60 8841 3520

Monday	09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 18:00
Thursday	09:00 - 18:00
Friday	09:00 - 18:00
Saturday	09:00 - 18:00
Sunday	09:00 - 18:00

Filters

No reviews available

GREEN MOTION

4.2

Mediocre

One location in Kota Kinabalu

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

Blok A Ruang Ridgeview 1 Seri Kepayan Commercial Centre

+60 14 663 8283

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Green Matrix

No score available yet

3 locations in Kota Kinabalu

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

Arrival Hall, Terminal 1 L1l01 (c4), Public Concourse

+60 129 214 242

Opening times not available

Kota Kinabalu Terminal 2

+60 129 214 242

Opening times not available

Lot F-G-3, Block G, G. Floor Plaza Tanjong Aru, Jalan Mat Salleh

+60 129 214 242

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Hawk

No score available yet

3 locations in Kota Kinabalu

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

Hawk / Extra Rent A Car, Sabah Oriental Hotel

+60 8821 8160

Opening times not available

Kota Kinabalu

Opening times not available

Zara's Boutique Hotel (Lobby Level), Harbour City

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Mayflower

No score available yet

3 locations in Kota Kinabalu

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

Borneo Trails Travel&tours Sdn Bhd L1l14,level1(landside),arv Hall,t1

+60 8824 2990

Opening times not available

Kota Kinabalu Terminal 2

+60 8824 2990

Opening times not available

Lot A-1-7, 1st Floor, Block A, Plaza Tanjung Aru, Jalan Mat Salleh

+60 8824 2990

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Hertz

No score available yet

One location in Kota Kinabalu

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

T1 New Wing

+60 88 413 326

Monday	08:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 22:00
Thursday	08:00 - 22:00
Friday	08:00 - 22:00
Saturday	08:00 - 22:00
Sunday	09:00 - 18:00

Filters

No reviews available

KK Leisure

No score available yet

One location in Kota Kinabalu

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Lot No. L1L04, Level 1, Arrival Landside (Terminal 1, ETB, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah）

+60 16 830 9136

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Pacific

No score available yet

One location in Kota Kinabalu

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah airport

+60 8870 1899

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Prima Odyssey

No score available yet

One location in Kota Kinabalu

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

Meet & Greet Service

+60 198 228 283

Monday	08:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 22:00
Thursday	08:00 - 22:00
Friday	08:00 - 22:00
Saturday	08:00 - 22:00
Sunday	08:00 - 22:00

Filters

No reviews available

Shouqi

No score available yet

One location in Kota Kinabalu

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

L1l14,level1(landside),arv Hall,t1

+86 10 6064 1387

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Kota Kinabalu

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

No score available yet

One location in Kota Kinabalu

Locations in Kota Kinabalu

T1 New Wing

+60 3 7966 7000

Monday	08:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 22:00
Thursday	08:00 - 22:00
Friday	08:00 - 22:00
Saturday	08:00 - 22:00
Sunday	09:00 - 18:00

Filters

No reviews available

11 travellers who rented a car in Kota Kinabalu gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.2

Everything you need to know for your car rental in Kota Kinabalu

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Pick-up location	Kota Kinabalu
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Hire locations	58
Airport locations	21

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Kota Kinabalu car hire

KAYAK searches hundreds of sites at once for car hire deals in Kota Kinabalu

Cheap car rentals in Kota Kinabalu

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Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Kota Kinabalu car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Kota Kinabalu with confidence.

How far in advance should you book a rental car in Kota Kinabalu?

You should book your rental car in Kota Kinabalu around 55 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the best car rental company in Kota Kinabalu?

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Kota Kinabalu are KK Rent A Car (10.0), Europcar (8.0, 3 reviews), and Agtran (8.0).

What is the most popular rental car in Kota Kinabalu?

SUV rentals (Class Standard SUV or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in Kota Kinabalue. SUV cars in Kota Kinabalu cost $116/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as $88/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Kota Kinabalu?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Kota Kinabalu is February at an average cost of $51/day. January is the most expensive month to hire a car in Kota Kinabalu when prices are $59/day on average, which tends to be 78% above the yearly average hire price for Kota Kinabalu.

What rental car company in Kota Kinabalu has the most locations?

KK Rent A Car operates 31 locations in Kota Kinabalu, more than any other rental company.

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Kota Kinabalu

FAQs about renting a car in Kota Kinabalu

What type of car is recommended for driving in Kota Kinabalu?

What’s the speed limit in Kota Kinabalu?

Where are the best places to park in Kota Kinabalu?

How much does it cost to hire a car in Kota Kinabalu?

Which hire car agencies are at Kota Kinabalu airport (BKI)?

Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Kota Kinabalu airport (BKI)?

How can I find car hires near me in Kota Kinabalu?

How much does a Compact car hire cost in Kota Kinabalu?

How much does a Full Size car hire cost in Kota Kinabalu?

How much does a Standard car hire cost in Kota Kinabalu?

What road trips can I take from Kota Kinabalu?

What is the child seat rule in Kota Kinabalu?

Kota Kinabalu car rental reviews and directory

Car hire locations in or near Kota Kinabalu

Everything you need to know for your car rental in Kota Kinabalu

Car rental at airports serving Kota Kinabalu

Popular hire types in Kota Kinabalu

Complete your trip to Kota Kinabalu

Large capacity rentals in Kota Kinabalu

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Kota Kinabalu car hire information