Rental Guide
Car Rental Medan: A Complete Guide for International Visitors
Everything international visitors need to know about car rental in Medan: vehicles, prices in rupiah, drivers, documents, payment and the routes most travellers take.
Contents
Medan is where most trips to North Sumatra begin. Lake Toba, Berastagi and the orangutans of Bukit Lawang are all a few hours' drive away, and public transport between them is slow and hard to read for first-time visitors. That is why car rental in Medan is the most common way international travellers get around the region.
How car rental works in Medan
Most visitors rent a car with a driver. You pay a daily rate for the vehicle plus a daily driver fee, and the driver handles traffic, parking, directions and local conversations. Self-drive is possible, but it needs document verification and is less common among visitors.
Rental days are counted in 24-hour blocks from your pick-up time. Pick-up can be at Kualanamu Airport, Medan Railway Station, your hotel or our office on Jl. Panglima Denai.
What it costs
| Vehicle | Seats | Vehicle / day | Driver in town | Driver out of town |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Avanza | 7 | Rp 400,000 | Rp 150,000 | Rp 250,000 |
| Mitsubishi Xpander | 7 | Rp 450,000 | Rp 150,000 | Rp 250,000 |
| Toyota Innova Reborn | 7 | Rp 600,000 | Rp 200,000 | Rp 300,000 |
| Toyota Innova Zenix | 7 | Rp 700,000 | Rp 200,000 | Rp 300,000 |
| Toyota Hiace Premio | 15 | Rp 1,300,000 | Included | Included |
"Out of town" covers trips beyond Medan, Binjai, Deli Serdang and the airport, such as Lake Toba or Berastagi. Fuel, tolls and parking are paid separately unless you choose an All-In arrangement. Always check the live rate on the booking page.
Documents
- With a driver: your passport is enough.
- Self-drive: passport, International Driving Permit with your home licence, and verification before handover.
Payment
You can book online and pay by virtual account, QRIS, e-wallet or card (where available) through our payment gateway, in rupiah. Bring some cash for ferry tickets, entrance fees and small stalls.
Where visitors usually go
- Medan → Lake Toba (about 4–5 hours)
- Medan → Berastagi (about 2–3 hours)
- Medan → Bukit Lawang (about 3–4 hours)
- Kualanamu Airport → any of the above, without entering central Medan if you prefer
For more depth on documents and culture, see our guide for foreign tourists.
Need help choosing?
Check available vehicles on the reservation page, or read the complete Medan car rental guide for a comparison of rates and rental requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a driver to rent a car in Medan?
No, but most international visitors choose one. Self-drive requires an International Driving Permit and verification.
How much does car rental in Medan cost per day?
A 7-seat Avanza costs Rp 400,000 per day plus a driver fee of Rp 150,000 in town or Rp 250,000 out of town. Check the booking page for live rates.
