Car Rental in Malindi, Kenya

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Choose from 4 pick-up spots

When's the cheapest time to hire a car in Malindi?

Our data shows that September is the cheapest month to rent a car in Malindi. It’s around $50 per day in September, compared to the yearly average of $76 per day.
Cheapest month avgSeptember • $50
Yearly avg price$76

Select your Malindi pick-up location

There are 4 car hire providers in Malindi. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Car hire pick-up spots in Malindi

Compare car hire prices at airports, train stations and in different neighbourhoods across Malindi. You might find a better price, or the perfect pick-up point nearby. Start your journey where it suits you.
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These are estimated prices to help you choose from a large number of options. Each is an average based on the lowest car rental prices found for each destination over the last 15 days.

The most popular car rental companies in Malindi

What's the most popular car to hire in Malindi?

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Volkswagen Polo is the most popular car to hire in Malindi, with prices starting from $80 per day. The Audi Q3 and similar models are also popular drives in Malindi.
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo29% chose this
Audi Q3
Audi Q315% chose this
Peugeot 308
Peugeot 30815% chose this
Skoda Octavia
Skoda Octavia15% chose this
Most popular carVolkswagen Polo
Why?Small, practical, easy to park

Malindi's cheapest car hire providers

Green Motion has the cheapest car hire in Malindi right now, with prices from $80 per day. You'll save an average of $95 per day when you book with them.
Green Motionfrom $80 per day
Auto-Unionfrom $143 per day
Unicorn rent a carfrom $206 per day
Cheapest providerGreen Motion
Book with them to save around$95 per day

Hiring a car in Malindi: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyAuto-Union
Most popular carCompact, People Carrier
Average daily price$354
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Malindi

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Malindi car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Malindi

  • Grab a cheap rental car in Malindi and be on your way for around $354 a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll find the right wheels for whatever you have planned.

  • Daily home prices in Malindi start from just $80.

  • Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the main attractions? $560 is the lowest rate for a weekly home.

  • We've cracked the code on when to book. Around one week in advance gives you the best shot at finding the best price on a Malindi car hire.

  • Explore the offers available from leading providers like Auto-Union.

  • The coverage Auto-Union or another supplier offers for your Malindi car hire can differ, so always read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.

  • Booking a one-way car hire can be the key to finding a deal. Click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can score some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Malindi.

  • Avoid those steep refueling fees by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, paying only for what you use.

  • Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore without limits.

Best value car hire options right now

  • In the number-one spot for value is this company, with prices averaging $156 a day.

  • Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around $259.

  • The third option also stacks up well on price. Cruise away in one of their homes for roughly $260 a day.

  • If you can't decide which ride is right for you, choose something from the Compact home category. It's the most widely booked car type in Malindi.

Flying to Malindi? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Start your Malindi trip sooner by booking a car hire at Malindi Airport. The city centre is about 6 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 15 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Malindi

  • Small: Whether you're weaving through city traffic or simply planning a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and great mileage.

  • Medium: A reliable pick when you want something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg room compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Malindi car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or cruising down long stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.

  • Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Malindi that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or whoever's along for the ride.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different Malindi car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.

  • Make travel easier when you rent a car in Malindi by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.

Good to know

  • Home age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could encounter extra costs or restrictions. Check what applies with each supplier before booking your car rental in Kenya.

  • Bringing the kids with you? Child car seat laws differ from place to place, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Malindi car rental booking.

  • You'll need to bring a few things when picking up your rental car: your physical driver's license, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.

  • For first-time drivers in Kenya, keep in mind that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.

  • Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph through built-up areas and around 95kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Kenya is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.

  • Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • You'll be using the Kenyan shilling (KES) on your trip here. Along with your credit and debit cards, have some cash on hand for minor purchases.

Best hotels in Malindi for drivers

  • Offering parking, Villa Ameera Malindi gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Malindi and also comes with a barbeque and air conditioning.

  • Or make use of the valet parking at Nyumba Ya Mbuyu. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this option, which also features a laundry and shuttle services.

  • Need more ideas? Browse through the full list of hotels in Malindi. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.

  • You're ready to make some memories now you've locked in a car hire deal in Malindi and your hotel. From Golden Beach to Marafa-Hells Kitchen and Marine park, you'll find plenty to fill your days here.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Malindi

  • Around 56 kilometres southwest of central Malindi, Kilifi should be on your itinerary. Head straight for must-see sights like Arabuko sokoke forest and Mnarani ruins.

  • Reliable accommodation options with parking in Kilifi include Kilifi Bay Beach Resort and Creek Gardens Hotel.

  • Relax after a day of exploring Takaungu at Kilifi Bay Beach Resort or Creek Gardens Hotel. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.

  • Why slow down now? Set out for Lamu, around 137 kilometres northeast of Malindi. From Lamu Fort to Lamu Museum, it'll round out your trip nicely.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Malindi will set you back around $354 per day or $1,091 per week. 

The cheapest car to rent in Malindi is a compact estate (sometimes known as a station wagon). The most popular is Compact, People Carrier.

The cheapest car hire company in Malindi is currently Green Motion, followed by Auto-Union.

Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Malindi is currently September.

On average, around $1,091. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Malindi is $560.

Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Malindi for a whole month is $2,059. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!

If you're looking for freedom to explore Malindi, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Malindi that have free cancellation

Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.

Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Malindi.

Most places – Malindi included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 

The cheapest price we found for an economy car is $85 per day. The average price per day is around $132.

Of course. Most major car hire companies like Auto-Union, Green Motion and Unicorn rent a car offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.

Other travellers rated Auto-Union as the best overall in terms of experience.

We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Malindi.