Taking the train in Malaysia is one of the smartest moves a traveller can make. The ETS (Electric Train Service) and KTM intercity network connects major cities along the west coast — from Johor Bahru all the way to the Thai border — with fast, air-conditioned carriages and reliable schedules. But trains only take you to the station. Once you step off the platform, a rental car is often the best way to explore at your own pace, especially in cities like Ipoh, Butterworth, and Kota Bharu where public transport options thin out quickly. The good news: MT Car Rentals lets you book a car with direct station pick-up at several key stops along the route.
Ipoh KTM / ETS Station — The Most Car-Friendly Train Stop in Malaysia
Ipoh is a standout destination on the ETS corridor, and its station car rental scene reflects that. The Ipoh KTM / ETS Station is one of the most active pick-up points on the MT Car Rentals platform, with an impressive range of vehicles available right at the station. Whether you're visiting for the weekend or using Ipoh as a base for the Kinta Valley, the Camerons road via Tapah, or a drive up towards Belum rainforest, having a car ready the moment you step off the train makes all the difference.
Budget travellers will find the Perodua Axia starting from RM110/day — with a range of units spanning the 1st and 2nd generation models — alongside the Proton Saga from RM130/day and the Perodua Bezza from RM140/day. Step up a category and you're looking at the Perodua Myvi from RM150/day, the Perodua Alza (1st Gen) from RM200/day, or the Perodua Alza (2nd Generation) from RM250/day for more passenger and luggage room. SUV hunters can grab a Perodua Aruz from RM250/day, a Perodua Ativa from RM220/day, or a Honda HR-V from RM280/day. For those arriving in a group, there's even the Mitsubishi Xpander Plus 2025 at RM380/day, a Hyundai Staria Max at RM700/day, and a Toyota Alphard SC 2.5 at RM900/day. Few train stations in Malaysia offer this breadth of choice directly at the platform.
Penang — Butterworth, Penang Sentral, Bukit Mertajam, and Tasek Gelugor
The Penang region is uniquely well-served by the KTM / ETS network, with four distinct station pick-up points available on the MT Car Rentals platform: Butterworth KTM / ETS Station, Penang Sentral, Bukit Mertajam KTM / ETS Station, and Tasek Gelugor KTM / ETS Station. Because Penang operates as a single area under MT Car Rentals' area-based model, you can pick up at any of these mainland stations and return your car anywhere within the Penang area — including Penang International Airport — giving you maximum flexibility.
Entry-level cars at the Penang stations start at RM100/day for the Perodua Viva and Proton Saga FLX, climbing to around RM110–115/day for the Perodua Axia 1.0 and Proton Iriz. The Perodua Myvi and Bezza range from RM130–RM150/day, and the Proton Persona sits at RM160/day. The Penang station listings also carry a strong MPV and luxury line-up: Toyota Alphard AGH30 models from RM700/day, Toyota Vellfire AGH30 at RM800/day, Hyundai Staria at RM750/day, and Toyota Alphard from RM800–RM1,350/day depending on specification. Arriving at Butterworth or Penang Sentral by ETS and stepping into a luxury MPV for your onward journey to Georgetown or the island is one of the more civilised ways to travel Malaysia.
KL Sentral — The Hub That Does It All
KL Sentral is Malaysia's busiest railway hub, connecting the KTM Intercity, ETS, KL Komuter, LRT, MRT, Monorail, and KLIA Ekspres all under one roof. It's also one of the most popular car rental pick-up points on the MT Car Rentals platform, with a wide selection of operators and vehicles serving the location. Whether you've just arrived from Ipoh, Butterworth, or Johor Bahru, picking up a rental car at KL Sentral lets you start your Klang Valley road trip immediately.
The KL Sentral car rental line-up is among the most comprehensive on the platform. Budget options begin with the Perodua Myvi at RM100/day and the Perodua Axia from RM120/day, alongside the Proton Saga from RM130/day and Perodua Bezza from RM135/day. Mid-range options include the Honda Jazz at RM220/day, Honda City from RM250/day, and Perodua Ativa at RM300/day. For larger groups, the Nissan Serena is available at RM380/day, Hyundai Starex from RM400/day, and Mitsubishi Xpander from RM400–RM450/day. Premium travellers have access to the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV at RM550/day, Toyota Alphard AGH30 at RM600/day, Hyundai Staria Max at RM850/day, and even a Toyota Alphard at RM1,500/day. With this range, KL Sentral caters to everyone from solo backpackers to corporate delegations arriving by train.
Kota Bharu — Wakaf Bharu and Tumpat KTM Stations
Kota Bharu doesn't have a mainline ETS station within the city itself — but it's served by the Jungle Railway (KTM Keretapi Tanah Melayu eastern line), with trains stopping at Wakaf Bharu KTM Station and Tumpat KTM Station. Both are active car rental pick-up points on the MT Car Rentals platform, making them ideal for travellers arriving from the interior or from the southern east coast.
The Wakaf Bharu selection is surprisingly broad. The Perodua Viva starts at RM90/day, with the Proton Saga and Perodua Axia from RM100/day, the Perodua Myvi from RM110/day, and the Perodua Bezza from RM120/day. Stepping up, the Perodua Alza (1st Gen) is available at RM150/day, Proton Exora from RM160/day, Toyota Vios at RM180/day, and the Perodua Alza (2nd Generation) from RM220/day. There's even a Volkswagen Vento at RM250/day for something a little different. At Tumpat, the Proton Exora Turbo 1.6 is available from RM160/day. Once you're in Kota Bharu, a car is practically essential — the city's famous markets, Pantai iRama, and the border crossing at Rantau Panjang are all better reached on four wheels.
Tips for Booking a Station Car Rental in Malaysia
A few things to keep in mind when planning a train-and-drive trip. First, book your car in advance — station pick-up slots are popular, especially during school holidays and long weekends. Second, check the mileage cap on your chosen car: some Ipoh station listings carry caps of 500–550km per rental, which is generous for most trips but worth noting if you're planning a longer drive into Perak's interior or beyond. Third, remember that MT Car Rentals operates on an area-based model, meaning you can return the car to any listed location within the same area as your pick-up — so if you pick up at Bukit Mertajam KTM Station, you can return at Penang International Airport or Penang Sentral without any issue. Finally, check whether the operator requires a security deposit at pick-up — this varies by listing and is stated clearly on each car's page.
Ready to pair your next train journey with a rental car? Browse available cars at your chosen station on mtcarrentals.com and lock in your pick-up before your train departs. It's one of the most seamless ways to travel Malaysia — arrive relaxed by rail, then explore freely on your own terms.
