Renting a Car in Malta: What Tourists NEED to Know About Driving in Malta
Thinking about renting a car in Malta? Before my trip I was pretty worried about what driving in Malta would be like, but it ended up being incredibly easy AND incredibly cheap (a combination I love).
I spent a week exploring this gorgeous Mediterranean island and having a car rental meant I could wake up at my hotel in Mellieha and drive to my Blue Lagoon boat tour, explore Mdina without waiting for a bus, and hop over to the island of Gozo whenever I wanted.
Yes, Malta has a strong public transport system with buses connecting most places, but with rental cars starting at just €50 for an entire week, the freedom and flexibility of having your own car made my trip so much better!
Here’s everything you need to know about renting a car in Malta and driving in Malta.
Here’s exactly what you need to know to find the best place to stay in Malta for your ideal (and trust me, it will be ideal) vacation.
Quick Guide on Renting a Car in Malta
Running short on time? Here’s a quick guide of everything you need to know about Malta
Where to rent a car in Malta
- I used Discovercars to find a deal on our $60, week-long rental
- You drive on the left side of the road, but other than that its incredibly easy!
Where to Stay in Malta
- Radisson Blu Golden Sands for beaches.
- Hotel Valentina for affordable luxury and walkability.
- Westin Dragonara or Radisson Blu Golden Sands for families.
- The Phoenicia for true luxury.
When to Visit Malta
- Late May to Mid-October.
Best Things to Do In Malta
- You must take a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon.
- Do a day trip to Gozo (you can easily take the ferry with or without a car).
- Explore Mdina. It’s worth it to pay to enter the cathedral.
Do You Need To Rent A Car In Malta?
Short answer: it depends where you’re staying and what you want to do.
If you’re staying in Valletta or St. Julians and plan to stick to the main tourist areas, you can probably skip the car rental. The bus system connects these areas well, and you’ll be walking distance to restaurants, bars, and all the major tourist sites.
If you’re staying anywhere outside these central hubs (like I did in the beautiful beaches of Mellieha), want to explore multiple towns in a day, or plan to visit places like Gozo on your own schedule, having a car is really helpful.
Uber and Bolt are available in Malta, but you do have to be patient. There was actually a couple staying at our hotel who wanted to go out to dinner but spent 20 minutes trying to get a Bolt to pick them up because drivers kept declining because the ride wasn’t long enough to be worth it.
Meanwhile, I just hopped in my rental car and drove wherever I wanted. That flexibility is pretty awesome.
The bus system is reliable but runs on its own schedule. Having a rental meant when I finished dinner in Valletta, I could just drive back to my hotel instead of waiting at a stop in the dark.
Rent a car if:
- You’re staying outside Valletta or St. Julians
- You want to explore at your own pace without waiting for buses
- You’re traveling with family or a group
- You’re planning to visit Gozo
- You want to visit multiple beaches or towns in a day
- You don’t want to rely on unpredictable rideshare availability
Skip the car if:
- You’re staying in Valletta or a central city for a few days
- You’re fine with bus schedules and don’t mind waiting
- You’re staying at an all-inclusive resort and not planning to leave much
Looking For The Most Reliable Car Rental in Malta?
I rented my car for the week through DiscoverCars and used Routes Car Rental agency. Everything went super smoothly (and was very affordable!).
I always recommend googling the car rental company to make sure they have good reviews (no matter what DiscoverCars says).
👉 You can find the best rates on Malta rental cars here
Driving In Malta: Which Side Of The Road Do You Drive On?
The biggest question everyone has is about which side of the road you drive on. Malta drives on the left side of the road, just like the UK.
As Americans used to driving on the right, I’ll admit this was my boyfriend’s biggest worry before the trip. But honestly, it took about 15 minutes to adjust, and within an hour it felt totally natural.
The key is staying focused, especially when pulling out of parking lots or turning at roundabouts. And there are SO many roundabouts in Malta. I think I counted 15 in a single 20-minute drive.
My boyfriend handled most of the driving, and my job became pointing at which exit he should take at each roundabout.
Other than that it’s pretty easy driving on the long stretches of road and highway in Malta!
Pro tip: The first few minutes will feel weird, but once you’re in the flow of traffic, you naturally follow the cars in front of you. Just stay alert at intersections and you’ll be fine!
Is Driving In Malta Easy?
Yes, driving in Malta is surprisingly easy, especially if you’re used to driving in cities.
The roads and highways are well-maintained, signage is clear (and usually in English), and while there’s some traffic, it’s nothing compared to major cities. I’ve driven in Los Angeles and New York, so Malta felt pretty manageable.
Google Maps is also incredibly effective, so you won’t get lost, even if you’re a solo traveler without a nav partner.
I’d read on some blogs about “crazy driving” in Malta, but I didn’t experience that at all! Everyone drove pretty normally (again, LA is way crazier!).
I did see some hedgehog signs everywhere we went. While I never actually saw any hedgehogs, but maybe they’re common in Malta??
What to expect when driving in Malta:
Roundabouts everywhere: Seriously, so many roundabouts. Just remember to yield to traffic already in the circle and you’re good. After the first day, they become second nature.
Narrow roads: Some streets in older towns are tight, especially in historic areas like Mdina. If you’re nervous, you can rent a smaller car, but it honestly wasn’t a problem
Traffic: There’s some traffic in Malta, but so long as you avoid rush hour (~8-10am in the morning and ~5-6pm at night) it really wasn’t bad at all. The few traffic jams we sat in moved pretty quickly.
Speed limit enforcement: There are cameras and signs everywhere reminding you about speed limits. I’m all about driving safely, so this was fine with me!
Parking: Can be tight in popular areas like Valletta or Sliema, but most hotels have their own lots. Give yourself extra time to find parking in cities, or just pay for a paid lot. It’s still way cheaper than taking taxis or Ubers everywhere. I probably spent €20 total on paid parking for the entire week.
How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Car In Malta?
It is ridiculously affordable to rent a car in Malta
I paid €56.50 (roughly $60 USD) for an entire week. That’s less than $10 per day. Even with the cost of gas, it was still cheaper than taking taxis everywhere. For context, a single taxi from the airport to Mellieha costs €30-40, so the car rental paid for itself immediately.
Average rental car prices in Malta:
- Economy car: €40-60 per week
- Mid-size car: €60-90 per week
- SUV: €90-130 per week
Prices can fluctuate based on season, so booking in advance will get you better rates. I used Discovercars to book through Routes Car Rental about a month before my trip.
Honestly, renting a car in Malta is one of the most affordable things you’ll do on your trip.
Do I Need An International Driver’s License To Rent A Car In Malta?
This depends on where you’re from.
Can a US citizen drive in Malta?
Yes! US citizens can drive in Malta with their regular US driver’s license for up to 12 months. You don’t need an international driving permit. I didn’t have one and had zero issues.
Can I drive in Malta with a UK license? Yep. UK licenses are valid in Malta without any additional documentation so a car hire is easy here.
Other countries: If you’re from the EU, your driving licence is valid. For other countries, check if your rental company requires an International Driving Permit.
When picking up your rental, you’ll need:
- Valid driver’s license
- Credit card in the driver’s name
- Passport or ID
- Booking confirmation
That’s it 🙂
Where To Rent A Car In Malta
I booked my car through Discovercars.com since they tend to have great discounts and the car was from Routes Car Rental.
The pickup location for the car rental was near Malta International Airport. The office was small but the staff was friendly and efficient.
When we picked up the car, the rental lady walked us through the temporary hold for the deposit. My boyfriend joked that it was to make sure we didn’t drive off the island, and he still talks about how hard she laughed at his joke 🙄
What I loved about my rental experience:
- Brand new car with Apple CarPlay (this made navigation super easy, especially since we’d never visited Malta before)
- No hidden fees or surprise charges (unlike driving in Costa Rica)
- Super easy drop-off process
Other reputable car rental companies in Malta:
- Sixt
- Europcar
- Budget
- Avis
- Hertz
Booking tips:
- Compare prices on aggregator sites like Discovercars
- Read reviews of the rental company before booking (I recommend googling them separately from Discovercars site, just in case Google has more info).
- Take a video of the car before leaving the lot
- Understand your insurance coverage (see the section later in this article on what your card might cover!)
- Book in advance for summer travel (June-September)
Most rental companies have pickup locations at the airport or will deliver to your hotel for a small fee.
Travel Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance
We know I love a deal on points!
If you’re looking to save on car insurance, some premium travel credit cards offer primary rental car insurance as a benefit at no extra cost.
This is one of my favorite travel credit card perks that I’ve used everywhere from Iceland to Italy.
Primary vs Secondary Car Rental Insurance
First, let me explain the difference between primary and secondary insurance because it matters a lot.
Primary insurance means your credit card coverage kicks in first if something happens to the rental car. You can decline the rental company’s insurance entirely and rely solely on your card’s coverage. No deductible, no dealing with your personal auto insurance.
Secondary insurance means your credit card coverage only applies after your personal auto insurance pays out first. This means you’d have to file a claim with your own insurance, deal with potential rate increases, and the credit card only covers what your insurance doesn’t. Not ideal when you’re traveling abroad.
Cards with PRIMARY rental car insurance coverage:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred (this is what I used)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Capital One Venture X
Cards with SECONDARY rental car insurance (less useful):
- American Express Platinum Card (unfortunately only secondary, despite the high annual fee)
- Most other travel cards
The primary coverage can save you €10-15 per day on rental car insurance. That’s €70-105 saved over a week, which basically pays for several dinners in Malta.
The Chase Reserve, Capital One, and Amex cards also come with priority pass lounge access that gets you into the lounge in Malta as well.
Important notes:
- Coverage must be primary (not secondary) to skip the rental company’s insurance
- You must pay for the rental with that specific card (put the entire rental on the card)
- Coverage typically excludes certain vehicle types (luxury cars, vans, trucks)
- Read your card benefits guide before declining rental insurance
- Most coverage is valid for rentals up to 31 consecutive days
I used my Chase Sapphire Preferred, declined the extra insurance at the rental counter, and saved about €100 on my week-long rental.
Just make sure you understand your card’s coverage before you decline the rental company’s insurance. Take photos of the car before you leave the lot (front, back, sides, interior) to document its condition. This protects you if there are any disputes later.
How Long Does It Take To Drive Around Malta?
Malta is tiny. Like, really tiny.
You can drive from the northernmost point to the southernmost point in about an hour without traffic. East to west? Maybe 30 minutes.
Renting a car in Malta makes so much sense because you can explore the entire island without spending hours on the road. I’d wake up in Mellieha, do a boat tour of the Blue Lagoon in the morning, explore Mdina in the afternoon, and be back at my hotel for sunset drinks. All in one day.
For Gozo, you’ll take a 25-minute ferry (cars are allowed!), and then you can explore that island just as easily. Gozo is even smaller than the main island of Malta and very easy to drive.
The short drive times meant I never felt like I was wasting my vacation sitting in a car (or waiting for a bus!).
And the drives were pretty lovely. The Maltese countryside is gorgeous thanks to rolling hills, honey-colored stone buildings, and stunning coastal views. I actually looked forward to driving around Malta just to see the scenery.
Recommended Places To Visit If You’re Driving In Malta
Having a car opens up so much of Malta! Here are my favorite spots that are way easier to reach with your own rental:
Valletta: The capital city is stunning, though parking can be tricky. There are paid lots near the city gates (€2-3 per hour), and it’s worth paying rather than circling for street parking.
Mdina: This medieval walled city is magical, especially at sunset. There’s a large parking lot just outside the gates. Drive here late afternoon and watch the sunset from the walls.
Gozo: Take the ferry from Cirkewwa (your car comes with you right onto the ferry and is super easy). Gozo has stunning beaches and is less touristy than the main island.
Golden Bay & Mellieha Bay: Beautiful sandy beaches that are easy to reach by car.
Dingli Cliffs: Dramatic coastal cliffs perfect for sunset. There’s limited bus access, so a car is ideal.
Marsaxlokk: A picturesque fishing village with a Sunday market. Great for lunch and photos.
Driving In Malta Vs Malta Buses
Malta’s bus system is actually pretty solid. Buses run frequently between major towns, fares are affordable (€2-3 per ride), and they reach most tourist areas.
Malta buses are great for:
- Short stays in central areas
- Budget travelers
Renting a car is better for:
- Families or groups (splitting the cost makes it cheaper than multiple bus tickets)
- Visiting remote beaches or countryside
- Flexible schedules
- Carrying beach gear or luggage
- Hot weather (air-conditioned comfort vs. waiting at bus stops)
Is there Uber In Malta?
Malta has Bolt and Uber, but it’s not as widespread as in larger cities. Taxis are available but significantly more expensive than renting a car for a week.
I want to be clear that getting around using Uber or Bolt is definitely doable! You certainly don’t have to rent a car. But from a financial perspective, it’s not really cheaper.
A taxi or Uber from the airport to Mellieha costs around €20-40. Do that twice and you’ve already spent more than a weekly car rental.
As I mentioned earlier, that couple at our hotel couldn’t get a Bolt to pick them up for dinner because the ride wasn’t long enough to be worth it for drivers. This is apparently a common problem in Malta. Short rides get declined frequently, but fortunately nothing is too far of a walk.
FAQ: Renting A Car In Malta
Yes, especially if you’re staying outside Valletta or St. Julians, want to visit Gozo, or prefer exploring at your own pace. At around €50-60 per week, it’s incredibly affordable and gives you much more flexibility than relying on buses or rideshares.
US and UK citizens can drive in Malta with their regular licenses. I didn’t have one and had zero issues.
Malta drives on the left side of the road, like the UK. If you’re from a country that drives on the right, it takes about 15 minutes to adjust. By day two, it felt completely natural.
No, driving in Malta is super easy. Roads are well-maintained, signage is clear, and while there are many roundabouts, you quickly get used to them. The biggest adjustment is left-hand driving, but it’s much easier than you think.
It’s incredibly affordable to rent a car in Malta! You can expect to pay €40-60 per week for an economy car, €60-90 for a mid-size car, and €90-130 for an SUV. I paid €56.50 for an entire week. Even with gas costs, it’s cheaper than taxis.
Yes, you take a 25-minute ferry from Cirkewwa to Gozo, and your rental car comes with you! It’s easy and affordable, making Gozo a perfect day trip.
Parking in popular areas like Valletta can be tight, but paying for a parking lot (€2-3 per hour) is worth it. Most hotels have their own parking lots, and tourist sites typically have designated parking areas.
Uber and Bolt are available in Malta, but you’ll see more Bolts than anything else. The app is super simple to use.
Renting A Car In Malta: Why It’s A Good Choice For Tourists
After spending a week driving in Malta, I can confidently say renting a car in Malta was one of the best decisions I made for my trip.
The freedom to explore on my own schedule, the affordability (seriously, under €60 for a week!), and the ease of driving made my Malta experience so much richer. I got to explore every part of the island I wanted to, but at my own pace.
Honestly, I spent way too much time before my trip stressing about driving in Malta. The roads were good and it was easy. Don’t overthink it!
Yes, you can absolutely do Malta without a car. The bus system works extremely well. But if you want flexibility, comfort, and the ability to explore beyond the main tourist hubs, spending less than $10 a day on a car rental is worth every cent.
Plus, driving around the Maltese countryside with the windows down, passing through tiny villages and seeing the honey-colored stone buildings against the blue sky? That’s the kind of travel moment you remember forever…
Cheers to your next adventure! 🇲🇹
