Cheap car hire in Malindi, Kenya

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There are 2 car hire providers in Malindi. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Malindi

Hiring a car in Malindi: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyGreen Motion
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily price68 €
Best time to book3 weeks 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

  • Searching for a cheap rental car in Malindi? You're in just the right place. With prices averaging 68 € a day, we compare the best deals so you can choose fast, spend less, and drive away happy.

  • Daily rental prices in Malindi start from just 47 €.

  • Planning a longer trip and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? 243 € is the best rate for a weekly rental.

  • Consider this your cheat code for when to book. One week in advance gives you the best shot at finding the best price on a Malindi car hire.

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

  • The coverage Auto-Union or another company offers for your Malindi car hire can vary, so remember to check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.

  • Booking one-way could save you cash on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved around. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Malindi.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.

  • Pack more into your journey by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you need without paying more.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average 98 € a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around 146 €, this provider is next in line.

  • The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly 157 € a day with this supplier.

  • If you're still weighing up which ride is right for you, consider something from the Economy rental category. It's the most commonly booked car type in Malindi.

Flying to Malindi? Think about an airport pick-up

  • If you're jetting into Malindi, hit the road sooner by picking up a car hire at Malindi Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 6 kilometres and takes about 15 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Malindi

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Malindi may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, fuel efficient, and just the thing for short trips.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with couples and small families.

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

  • SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Malindi that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group trips, moving or business use.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty 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 GPS unit to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.

Good to know

  • Age requirements often vary by company (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some companies in Kenya may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.

  • If you're travelling with kids, find out if you need to add a car seat to your Malindi car hire reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.

  • You'll need to bring a few things when picking up your rental car: a current driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.

  • Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the left side of the road in Kenya.

  • Local speed limits are often about 45kph in urban areas and around 95kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Kenya is 0.08%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the only way to be certain you're safe to drive is to skip the drinks.

  • Around 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.

  • You'll be using the Kenyan shilling (KES) for day-to-day spending on your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cash and cards to ensure you're covered in all situations.

  • The language most often spoken in this country is Swahili.

Best hotels in Malindi for drivers

  • Pull in and settle straight into your stay at Villa Ameera Malindi. Offering accessible parking as well as express check-in and a lounge, this hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Malindi.

  • Nyumba Ya Mbuyu gets things right with valet parking and features like an outdoor swimming pool and tour services. It's roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Browse the lineup of hotels in Malindi for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.

  • After you've locked in a car hire deal in Malindi and your hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to explore first. Get things started with popular attractions like Blue Water Safari, C'est la Vie Resort and Spa and Golden Beach.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Malindi

  • Kilifi should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit Arabuko sokoke forest and Mnarani ruins. This city is about 56 kilometres southwest of central Malindi.

  • They've got hospitality down to a fine art at Kilifi Bay Beach Resort and Mnarani Beach Club, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Kilifi.

  • Unwind after a big day out in Takaungu at Kilifi Bay Beach Resort or Mnarani Beach Club. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.

  • Ready to go the extra mile? Lamu is a top road trip destination that's about 137 kilometres northeast of Malindi. Plan to make a few pit stops at Lamu Fort and Manda Island.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Malindi will set you back around 68 € per day or 249 € per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Malindi is a compact estate (sometimes known as a station wagon). The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
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 August.
On average, around 249 €. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Malindi is 243 €.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Malindi for a whole month is 1.088 €. 

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 50 € per day. The average price per day is around 68 €.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Green Motion, Unicorn rent a car and Auto-Union offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Green Motion 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.