Hiring a Car in Malta: Tips and What You Need to Know
Are you looking to explore Malta by car? In this article, I’ll share all you need to know about renting and driving a car in Malta. From finding the best car hire deals to navigating the roads and rules as you journey around this beautiful country, I’ve got you covered.
Whether you want to find cheap car rental prices or tips for renting a car in Malta, I’ll help you make the most of your travels. When you rent a car in Malta you can enjoy the flexibility of exploring Malta by car without needing to use public transport. Get ready to explore the beautiful island nation of Malta by car.
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links to products or services I’ve found useful. If you make a purchase through these links I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps keep the travel blog running, so thank you.
I enlisted the support of my family to help with this article, as they have lived and driven on Malta and Gozo, so provided useful details from their experience of driving and car rental in Malta.
If you’re in a hurry and just want to know where to rent a car in Malta, check out Discover Cars. You can compare prices of local and international companies to find the best deal. They also have free cancellation up to 24 hours before your car rental starts.
Hiring a Car in Malta: What You Need
When you’re hiring a car in Malta, you need to know the key items required. In order to rent a car in Malta you will need the following:
- Passport
- Valid driving licence (e.g. UK, US, Canadian, Australian and EU licences are accepted)
- Credit card
- Car insurance (3rd party insurance that’s recognised in Malta, as a minimum)
- You must also be 21 or over to hire a car in Malta and have had your licence for at least two years
- A copy of your online rental agreement
Discover Cars are a highly recommended car rental site that allows you to compare prices and book car rentals in Malta and beyond.
You can read reviews of Discover Cars on Trust Pilot.
What is the Cost of a Rental Car in Malta?
The cost of hiring a car in Malta varies depending on your requirements. Booking in advance gives you the best shot at securing a budget-friendly option. Keep an eye on factors like the rental duration and vehicle type to tailor the cost to your needs.
As an example, a small car rental for 3 days in June 2024 booked in advance costs from £43 for three days, working out a less than £15 per day.
Prices are subject to change, check the latest prices on Discover Cars. Also, keep in mind that additional costs may apply, such as insurance, fuel, and any extras you choose to add.
What Side of the Road do They Drive on in Malta?
In Malta you need to drive on the left, like in the UK (Malta used to be a part of the British Empire before independence in 1974). Overtaking is done on the right.
Driving in Malta: Speed Limits
Malta doesn’t have any motorways and the two main speed limits in Malta are:
- Built-up areas speed limit: 50 km/h
- Outside built-up areas speed limit: 80 km/h
Certain roads may have different speed limits so always check the signs.
What it’s Like Driving in Malta
Malta is a small island, so journeys are typically short. However, cars are a massively popular form of transport on Malta. It has one of the highest number of cars per capita in Europe so morning and evening rush hour are very busy and journey time is longer.
Main roads are usually well maintained but the quality of smaller side roads can be less good.
English is one of the official languages spoken in Malta and road signs are in English.
Petrol stations are serviced during the day so you can ask the attendant to fill up the tank for you. Filling stations are usually open 24 hours a day. Look up their locations on Google Maps and make sure you don’t get too low on petrol at any time.
Challenges of Driving in Malta
Whilst driving in Malta can be a great and quick way to get around, you might encounter some challenges.
Firstly, if you are from a country where you’re not used to driving on the left, you’ll have to get used to that (UK drivers can relax, as the UK also drives on the left).
Next, some drivers on Malta have a reputation for a ‘boisterous’ approach to driving, particularly taxis. The use of indicators when switching lanes is not common. You’ll also hear plenty of use of car horns on Malta.
However, you’re on holiday, so embrace driving at a slower pace and focus on getting to where you’re going safely.
Roundabouts are common on Malta and require you to give way to the car to your right.
The old towns and villages have many narrow roads which can be difficult to manoeuvre.
Malta’s sister island of Gozo is particularly hilly, so you may want to practice your hill starts before you go.
Parking
Parking is typically free at beaches on Malta and Gozo and some key tourist sights. Even at some of the free locations you might want to tip the parking attendant, so keep a few euros to hand.
City parking can be more challenging, as competition for places is high. Never park where there is a yellow line, these are strict no parking zones.
Avoid green and blue parking bays as well, as these are residents only (sometimes with specific time restrictions).
Car Rental in Malta
It’s a good idea to take photos or a video of the inside and outside of the car you hire, both at the start and end of the rental, in case of issues. Take photos of any defects and ask the company rep to do a walk around with you to confirm the state of the vehicle.
A big car isn’t necessary on Malta, go for the smallest vehicle you’re comfortable driving, as journeys are often short, and it’ll make parking and manoeuvring along narrow side roads easier.
Rental cars should come with a fire extinguisher, warning breakdown triangle and first aid kit.
One of the frequently recommended car hire companies amongst travellers is Discover Cars. Their car rental site allows you to compare the price of a rental car per day or longer in Malta, making it a quick way to find and book car rentals.
When searching the site use the filters to get the best option for your trip e.g. you can filter by star rating. You can also opt to get full coverage insurance (rather than just the minimum 3rd party).
Check with the car rental company where you can arrange to pick up and drop off the car, for example consider whether it is more convenient to collect the car from Malta airport (airport code: MLA) or near your hotel.
Benefits of Renting a Car in Malta
Renting a car in Malta is useful if you’re travelling with luggage or like to take a lot of stuff with you when you visit Malta and Gozo’s beautiful beaches. It’s also a convenient and quick way to get to many of the best Malta Instagram places and the most Insta-worthy places on Gozo.
A car can help you avoid the heat of the Maltese sun and is a must if you have an aversion to using buses. It’s also a good way to optimise your time and see more of the best locations in Malta in a day, as you can go at your own pace and don’t have to hang around to wait for public transport schedules.
Fuel Cost
Renting a car on Malta is good value for money compared to many other European countries. Especially as the cost of petrol is much cheaper.
Price per litre for unleaded petrol in early 2024 was £1.15 / $1.46 / €1.34, according to the RAC, making Malta the second cheapest European country for fuel prices (at the time of writing).
Having your own car makes it quicker and easier to get to some key spots and out of the way beaches like St Peter’s Pool on Malta.
Alternatively, you can rent a scooter in Malta instead of a car.
However, if driving sounds like too much hard work but you don’t fancy taking the bus, you can get an Uber in Malta and have the best of both worlds. Check out my article on getting around Malta without a car for more information.
Scenic Drive on Malta and Gozo
Car hire on Gozo is a great option if you’re looking for a scenic drive. Gozo is less traffic-heavy than the main island of Malta and has beautiful countryside. It makes a great place to drive and with it being so small you can easily explore the whole island.
Check that your car rental allows you to take the car on the ferry to Gozo (many do).
A trip to Gozo’s stunning Wied il-Mielah (rock arch formation) at sunset is one place you’ll find it a lot easier to reach by car. From there you can head eastwards to explore the lunar landscape of the Gozo coast.
I also recommend taking a trip over on the ferry to Comino from Gozo to visit the azure waters of the Blue Lagoon. Note that you can’t take a car on the ferry to Comino.
When it comes to driving on the island of Malta itself, don’t bother taking a car into Valletta, it’ll cost you and traffic is heavy. Instead, use a car to go to the more out of the way places on your Malta road trip, like the Blue Grotto and Għajn Tuffieħa Bay.
With traffic so heavy on Malta, a good option would be to rent a car on Gozo (which you should absolutely visit on any Malta itinerary) and use public transport or Uber on Malta, to keep your stress levels down.
Key Details For Driving in Malta
- The number for the emergency services is 112.
- There are no toll roads in Malta.
- Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt (front and back of the car).
- The blood alcohol content limit is the same as in England, at 0.08%, (but if you’re designated driver, it’s better to avoid alcohol all together, punishments in Malta are severe).
- In order to drive in the capital, Valletta, you may have to pay a fee. You can use the park and ride instead. Tariffs and hours of operation of the charge are available on the CVA website.
- A non-resident may keep a foreign registered vehicle in Malta up to 7 months in a 12-month period.
- Use of mobile phones whilst driving is not allowed and there are strict fines in place.
Is it Worth it to Rent a Car in Malta?
Renting a car in Malta can be a convenient option to make the most of limited travel time. It allows you to navigate the scenic landscapes and uncover hidden gems at your own pace.
With affordable options, low fuel costs, and free parking, it can offer good value for money. Public transportation on Malta is generally good, but car hire can make it quicker and easier to get to some of the out of the way sights.
Wrap Up: Hiring a Car in Malta & Gozo All You Need to Know
Driving around Malta is convenient and affordable, with low fuel prices, free parking in most areas, and cheap car rental options. It also gives you the flexibility and freedom to plan your own itinerary, without relying on public transport or tour operators.
Depending on your own travel style, preferences and time available, hopefully this article has helped you decide whether you want to opt for the freedom of hiring a car on Malta or stick to the public transport options for getting around Malta.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information, which should not be construed as professional, legal, financial, tax or medical advice. These are my personal opinions only. By visiting and using this website you agree to be bound by this disclaimer.