This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car hire in Kota Kinabalu with a pick-up date of 2/4 and drop-off date of 12/4. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of hire. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap car hire in Kota Kinabalu
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Best prices found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Kota Kinabalu
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 a car hire in Kota Kinabalu for £21 or less
Book your car hire in Kota Kinabalu at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Economy hire cars in Kota Kinabalu are around 52% cheaper than other car types, on average
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FAQs about car hire in Kota Kinabalu
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 car hire in Kota Kinabalu costs £28 per day.
How much is the price of fuel in Kota Kinabalu?
The average price of fuel in Kota Kinabalu is £1.32 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between £16 and £21, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Kota Kinabalu?
Standard (Nissan X-Trail or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Kota Kinabalu.
Which car hire agencies are at Kota Kinabalu airport (BKI)?
Which car hire companies 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 Hertz.
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 Standard car hire cost in Kota Kinabalu?
A Standard car hire in Kota Kinabalu costs £43 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 £29 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car hire cost in Kota Kinabalu?
A Compact car hire in Kota Kinabalu costs £63 per day, on average.
What is the most popular car hire location in Kota Kinabalu?
In Kota Kinabalu, cars are most frequently hired at GREEN MOTION Blok A Ruang Ridgeview 1 Seri Kepayan Commercial Centre (3 miles from city centre).
Should I get insurance when hiring a car in Kota Kinabalu?
Most car hire providers in Kota Kinabalu offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car hire in Kota Kinabalu, check out KAYAK's car hire insurance guide.
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.
Some Kota Kinabalu car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend being aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Kota Kinabalu.
Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a non-deductible option to your Kota Kinabalu car hire.
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