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TRAVEL GUIDES
Best Car Rental at KLIA: What to Look For in 2026
There are many car rental companies at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), and the cheapest price online isn’t always the best deal once you reach the counter. Hidden fees, old cars, big deposits and long waits can spoil the start of your trip. Here are the 8 things to check before you book a rental car at KLIA in 2026, and how SEIYON Rent A Car handles each one.
1. Is the Counter Actually at the Airport?
Some companies are “meet and greet” only, or ask you to take a shuttle to an off-airport office. That can mean waiting after a long flight.
What to look for: a real counter inside the airport, at the terminal you’re landing at.
At SEIYON: we have our own counters at KLIA Terminal 1 (Block D, Short Term Car Park) and klia2 (Level 1, Gateway @ klia2).
2. How New Are the Cars?
Older cars with high mileage are more likely to break down and use more fuel.
What to look for: the model year of the fleet, not just the car name.
At SEIYON: every car is a 2025 or 2026 model.
3. How Much Is the Deposit, and When Do You Get It Back?
Deposits at KLIA range from a few hundred to several thousand ringgit. Some are charged, not held, and take weeks to return.
What to look for: the deposit amount, whether it’s held or charged, and the release time.
At SEIYON: RM1,000 on a credit card, held as an authorisation and released in full when you return the car in good condition.
4. What Does the Insurance Cover?
A low daily rate can come with a very high excess.
What to look for: what’s included, the excess amount, and the option to reduce it.
At SEIYON: Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and 24-hour roadside assistance are included, with extra protection available at the counter to reduce the excess.
5. Is Mileage Unlimited?
Some rentals have a daily km limit and charge for every extra km, which adds up quickly on trips to Penang or Genting.
What to look for: “unlimited mileage” clearly stated.
At SEIYON: unlimited mileage on every rental.
6. What If Your Flight Lands Late?
Many flights land at KLIA after 10pm, and some counters close early.
What to look for: opening hours and an after-hours option.
At SEIYON: counters open 08:30 to 22:00 daily, with after-hours pick-up and return for a flat RM250.
7. Can You Cancel for Free?
Plans change, and some bookings are non-refundable.
What to look for: a clear cancellation policy before you pay.
At SEIYON: free cancellation up to 24 hours before pick-up. Only the 3% to 5% bank and payment processing fee is deducted.
8. Are the Rules Clear for Foreign Drivers?
Licence and IDP rules confuse many tourists, and some arrive only to be refused at the counter.
What to look for: a clear licence and IDP policy published before you book.
At SEIYON: our rules by licence country are published clearly.
Quick Checklist
| What to check | SEIYON |
|---|---|
| Counter at the airport | KLIA T1 and klia2 |
| Car age | 2025 and 2026 models |
| Deposit | RM1,000 credit card hold, released in full |
| Insurance | LDW and 24-hour roadside assistance included |
| Mileage | Unlimited |
| Late flights | After-hours pick-up, flat RM250 |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before pick-up |
| Extras | 5G pocket WiFi RM79 flat, free upgrade on request (subject to availability) |
Licensed and Trusted
SEIYON Rent A Car Sdn Bhd is licensed by MOTAC (L/N/10657), a MATTA member (MA6747), and available on Booking.com, Expedia, Trip.com, Klook and DiscoverCars.
Book Your Car at KLIA
Pick up your car at KLIA Terminal 1 or klia2 and explore Peninsular Malaysia at your own pace.