Do You Need a Rental Car in Malta?
Malta is a small island - just 27km long and 14km wide - so you might wonder whether renting a car is worthwhile. The answer depends on your travel style and itinerary.
Rent a car if you want to:
- Explore hidden beaches and secluded coves at your own pace
- Visit multiple villages and attractions in a single day
- Take day trips to Gozo without relying on tour schedules
- Access areas not well-served by public transport
- Travel with young children or mobility issues
Skip the car if you're:
- Staying only in Valletta, Sliema, or St Julian's
- Comfortable with buses and ferries
- Planning to use organised tours
- Nervous about driving on the left
For a complete overview of all transport options, check our Getting Around Malta guide which covers buses, ferries, taxis, and more.
Driving in Malta: Left Side Rules
Malta drives on the left side of the road - a legacy of British colonial rule that lasted until 1964. If you're from continental Europe, North America, or most other countries, this takes some adjustment.
⬅️ Left-Side Driving Basics
The steering wheel is on the right side of the car. Gear stick and indicators are on your left. Overtake on the right. Enter roundabouts clockwise.
Key Driving Rules in Malta
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on main roads (no motorways)
- Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers
- Mobile phones: Hands-free only whilst driving
- Drink driving: Blood alcohol limit is 0.08% (lower for new drivers)
- Minimum age: 18 to drive, but most rentals require 21-25+
⚠️ Road Conditions
Maltese roads are generally well-maintained but can be narrow and winding, especially in villages. Potholes exist, road markings may be faded, and signage isn't always clear. GPS navigation is essential.
Best Rental Companies Compared
Malta has both international chains and local rental companies. Local firms often offer better prices and more flexible terms, while international brands provide standardised service and easier booking.
| Company | Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europcar | International | EUR 35-70/day | Airport pickup, reliability |
| Hertz | International | EUR 40-80/day | Premium vehicles, loyalty points |
| Avis | International | EUR 35-75/day | Wide selection, multiple locations |
| First Car Rental | Local | EUR 20-45/day | Budget-friendly, flexible |
| Mayjo Rent a Car | Local | EUR 18-40/day | Best prices, personal service |
| Goldcar | International | EUR 25-55/day | Online booking, clear pricing |
Booking Tips
- Book in advance: Especially for summer (June-September) when prices double
- Compare aggregators: Sites like Rentalcars.com and Discovercars.com show all options
- Read reviews: Local companies vary in quality - check recent feedback
- Airport vs hotel pickup: Airport locations are convenient but may cost more
- Check for hidden fees: Additional driver, young driver surcharge, fuel policy
💡 Our Recommendation
For most visitors, we recommend booking through a comparison site but choosing a local company with good reviews. You'll save 30-50% compared to international chains, and local firms often include benefits like free additional drivers.
Insurance Options Explained
Car rental insurance in Malta can be confusing. Here's what you need to know to make the right choice and avoid overpaying.
🛡️ Basic Coverage (Included)
All rentals include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection (TP). However, these come with an excess/deductible - typically EUR 800-1,500 that you're liable for if something happens.
Additional Insurance Options
- Super CDW / Excess Reduction: Reduces your excess to EUR 0-200. Costs EUR 10-20/day at the counter.
- Third-party excess insurance: Buy online from companies like iCarhireinsurance or Rentalcover for EUR 3-7/day - much cheaper than rental company options.
- Credit card coverage: Some premium cards include rental car insurance. Check your card benefits before paying extra.
📋 What's Typically NOT Covered
- Tyres, wheels, undercarriage, and roof damage
- Interior damage and lost keys
- Driving on unpaved roads (check your contract)
- Personal belongings stolen from the car
Parking in Malta
Finding parking can be the biggest challenge of driving in Malta, particularly in Valletta, Sliema, and tourist areas. Here's how to navigate the system.
Parking Zones Explained
- White lines: Free parking, no time limit
- Blue lines: Paid parking - use the ControlledParking.mt app or pay machines
- Green lines: Resident permit holders only
- Yellow lines: No parking at any time
📱 Parking Apps
Download the ControlledParking Malta app before you arrive. It lets you pay for blue zone parking, extend your time remotely, and receive expiry reminders. Much easier than finding coins!
Parking by Location
- Valletta: Use the MCP car park at the entrance (EUR 0.70/hour) or park in Floriana and walk
- Sliema: Very difficult - try the Tigne Point underground car park or side streets away from the seafront
- Mdina: Free car parks outside the walls - no vehicles allowed inside
- Beaches: Arrive early in summer. Popular spots like Golden Bay and Mellieha fill up by 10am
Taking Your Car to Gozo
Most rental companies allow you to take your car to Gozo on the ferry at no additional charge - but always confirm when booking. The Gozo Channel ferry operates between Cirkewwa (Malta) and Mgarr (Gozo).
⛴️ Ferry Information
Ferries run every 45 minutes (more frequently in summer). The crossing takes 25 minutes. You don't need to book in advance for cars - just join the queue.
Should You Rent a Separate Car in Gozo?
Some visitors prefer to rent a separate car in Gozo rather than taking the ferry with their Malta rental. This makes sense if:
- You're doing a day trip to Gozo and want to minimise ferry waiting time
- Your Malta rental doesn't permit Gozo travel
- You prefer a smaller car for Gozo's narrow village streets
Gozo car rental is easy to arrange at Mgarr harbour. Several companies have desks right at the ferry terminal.
🚗 Driving in Gozo
Gozo is smaller (14km x 7km) and more rural than Malta. Roads are quieter but can be very narrow, especially in villages like Victoria and Xlendi. A compact car is ideal.
Essential Driving Tips
After years of experience driving around Malta, these are our top recommendations for a stress-free trip.
✅ Do's and Don'ts
- DO use Google Maps or Waze - offline maps are essential for rural areas
- DO fill up before returning - fuel stations close early on Sundays
- DO carry your licence, rental contract, and ID at all times
- DO take photos of the car before and after rental
- DON'T leave valuables visible in the car
- DON'T park blocking driveways - towing is swift and expensive
- DON'T drive in Valletta unless necessary - it's a pedestrian-friendly zone
- DON'T rush - Maltese roads reward patient, defensive driving
Best Times to Drive
- Avoid rush hours: 7-9am and 4-7pm, especially around Valletta, Sliema, and Mriehel
- Best time for beaches: Arrive before 9am or after 4pm in summer
- Sunday drives: Roads are quieter, but some petrol stations close
- Festa weekends: Village festivals mean road closures - check local schedules
⛽ Fuel Information
Petrol (gasoline) and diesel are widely available. Prices are government-regulated and similar across all stations - currently around EUR 1.40-1.60 per litre. Most stations accept cards, but carry some cash for older pumps.
🍽️ Refuel Yourself: Explore Maltese Food
Driving around Malta builds up an appetite! Discover the best restaurants and local cuisine across the island.
Need Restaurant Recommendations?
Ask AI Assistant 🤖📥 Download: Malta Driving Tips PDF
Get our complete guide with road signs, parking zones, emergency numbers, and a pre-trip checklist!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side of the road do you drive on in Malta?
Malta drives on the left side of the road, a legacy of British rule. The steering wheel is on the right side of the car. If you're used to driving on the right, take extra care at roundabouts and when turning.
Do I need an international driving licence to rent a car in Malta?
EU driving licences are valid in Malta. Visitors from the UK, USA, Australia, and most other countries can use their national licence for up to 12 months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for licences not in English or Latin script.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Malta?
Car rental in Malta typically costs between EUR 20-40 per day for a small car in low season, and EUR 40-80 per day in high season (June-September). Prices include basic insurance but exclude fuel and additional coverage.
Can I take a rental car from Malta to Gozo?
Yes, most rental companies allow you to take your car to Gozo on the ferry at no extra charge. The ferry crossing takes about 25 minutes and cars can be driven on and off. Some visitors prefer to rent a separate car in Gozo for convenience.
Is it worth renting a car in Malta?
Renting a car is worthwhile if you want to explore beaches, villages, and attractions at your own pace. However, for staying in Valletta, Sliema, or St Julian's, public transport and walking may be sufficient. Traffic can be heavy, and parking challenging in tourist areas.