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The biggest surprise at a Malta car rental desk is not the price, but it is the insurance upsell. The agent will walk you through every possible damage scenario, make you feel responsible for thousands of euros in potential damage, and then offer their own policy at two or three times the market rate.
Buy your insurance online before you go and you can simply say no.
I have lived in Malta since 2011. I use Discover Cars for every rental I do abroad, and this is what I would tell a friend before their trip.
Written by Laura Jasenaite, Malta travel expert with 15+ years living on the islands.
Do you need to rent a car in Malta?
You need a car in Malta if you are staying for more than a few days and want to explore beyond the main towns. If you are based in Sliema, St Julian’s, Valletta or Gzira, you can manage without one. Taxis and buses connect the main sights well from those areas, and parking in all of them is genuinely difficult.
The case for renting changes once you want to go further. Some of the best hiking trails in Malta have no bus connection. The beaches worth the extra effort are rarely the ones you reach by bus. If you are planning to spend time on Gozo, a car makes an enormous difference. The ferry takes vehicles, and Gozo’s buses are limited enough that a car is the practical choice once you are there.
How to book a Malta car rental (and what I use)
I use Discover Cars for every rental I do, not just in Malta. They compare prices across both big-name brands and smaller local companies, which means you almost always get a better rate than booking directly. They also show you customer reviews alongside prices, which makes it easier to avoid the suppliers that look cheap but cause problems.
To book, go to the Discover Cars website, enter your travel dates, and choose the airport as your pick-up location. Malta Airport is consistently cheaper and easier than picking up in town. Rental companies station their vehicles there, and town pick-ups often involve a delivery charge. One practical tip: prioritise reviews over price, and avoid suppliers rated below 7 out of 10. Paying a bit more for a well-reviewed company is almost always worth it.
Malta car rental insurance: skip the desk upsell
The most important thing to know about Malta car rental insurance is to buy it online before you go, not at the desk when you pick up the car.
When you collect the car, the agent will go through every possible damage scenario and offer the rental company’s own coverage. It can cost €40–60 per day and is designed to feel urgent. Most visitors pay it without realising they had a better option already available.
The better approach is Full Coverage booked through Discover Cars when you make your reservation. It typically costs €8–15 per day, depending on the car type and rental duration, and covers damage up to approximately €3,000–€3,300, including scratches, lost keys, and more. When the agent at the desk asks, you tell them you already have your own insurance. I have done this many times and they just move on.
A deposit of €600–€1,500 will still be blocked on your credit card at pick-up. This is standard across rental companies in Malta and is returned when you give the car back undamaged. If something does happen and you have the Discover Cars coverage, you submit a claim through your booking confirmation login and are refunded within 48 hours. Discover Cars is consistently well-rated on major review platforms for handling claims. I have never had to claim, but I always take the coverage.
This is based on my own experience. Every rental is slightly different. If you have specific questions about coverage, Discover Cars has a customer service team you can contact directly before you book.
Malta Car Rental: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to rent a car in Malta?
If you plan to stay in Malta for more than just a long weekend and want to explore remote areas, do some hiking, or visit places off the main tourist circuit, renting a car in Malta is a good idea. Having a car will save you a lot of time and give you the freedom to discover the island at your own pace.
When do you not need to rent a car?
If you are only visiting Malta for a weekend, renting a car might not be necessary. The main attractions are easily accessible by taxis or buses, especially if you’re staying in central locations like Sliema, St Julians, or Valletta. These areas provide easy access to the main sites, and public transportation is convenient for short stays.
Can you explore Malta without a car?
Yes, Malta can be explored without a car. The country offers an affordable public bus system that links major towns, tourist spots, and beaches, but it does take longer. Walking is also a great option for shorter distances, especially in areas like Valletta, Mdina, and the Three Cities. If you skip renting a car and still want to visit places off the main circuit, plan for some taxi rides. Explore my tips for navigating Malta easily.
What’s the best Malta car rental?
There isn’t a single best car rental company in Malta that stands out above all others. In Malta, you’ll find all the big names like Avis, Hertz, and Budget, as well as many smaller local companies. Reading reviews before deciding is essential.
I use Discover Cars. One of the things I value most about them is that they show reviews from recent customers alongside the prices, so you can compare properly before committing.
What is the Malta car rental cost per day?
Malta car rental costs vary by season. During busier periods, expect to pay around €30–40 per day for a standard car. Off-season rates can be half that or less. In deep winter, promotional rates can drop very low, though these are not a reliable baseline to plan around.
If you book through Discover Cars, you may find prices 20–50% cheaper than booking direct. Always read the full terms and reviews before confirming. If a deal looks unusually cheap, check what is and is not included.
Can you hire a car for a day in Malta?
Yes, you can rent a car for a single day in Malta. It is also possible to rent for less than 24 hours, though the cost is the same as a full-day rental.
What driving licence is required to rent a car in Malta?
A licence from an EU country or the UK is accepted. If your licence uses a non-Latin script, such as Arabic or Japanese characters, you will need an International Driving Permit alongside it.
Are there any Malta car rental age restrictions or other requirements?
When renting a car in Malta, you need to be at least 21 years old and have held a driving licence for a minimum of 1–2 years. A young driver surcharge applies to drivers under 25. Always check the specific terms for the supplier you are booking with, as conditions can vary.
Do I need a credit card for a Malta car rental?
Yes, most car rental companies in Malta require a Visa or MasterCard credit card. A deposit ranging from €600 to €1,500 will be blocked on your card at pick-up and returned at the end of the rental period. The credit card must be in the main driver’s name. Companies will not accept a card from another person, even a family member. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and cash are often refused. Many companies also do not accept American Express or Maestro.
Once, I couldn’t pay with my credit card at a rental company, and they told me I’d need to buy extra insurance if I wanted to use my debit card instead. I was about to give in, but I asked them to try a different payment terminal first. It turned out there was no issue with my credit card — just the terminal they were using. The payment went through on the second terminal, saving me a few hundred euros.
Is it better to rent a car at the airport or in Malta’s central towns?
Renting at Malta Airport is almost always the better option. Most rental companies station their vehicles there. Town pick-ups often involve a delivery charge because the car has to be brought from the airport anyway, which makes them more expensive and adds unnecessary waiting.
Is Malta safe to drive?
Yes, it is safe to drive in Malta. Traffic can be chaotic in busier areas, so patience matters more than speed. Avoid rush hours if you can, stay alert, and you will be fine. My complete driving guide covers everything you need to know before you set off.
How are Malta’s roads?
Malta’s main roads are generally in decent condition. Once you venture into the smaller villages, expect roads to be narrower and sometimes bumpy. Take your time and do not rush.
How easy is it to drive in Malta?
We drive on the left. The main challenge is not the side of the road but the driving style — erratic lane changes, unexpected overtaking, and a general tendency to drive fast in heavy traffic. Take it slow. Roads are narrow, and drivers switch lanes unexpectedly. Once you adjust, driving in Malta gives you the freedom to explore the islands properly.
Is it hard to drive on the left side in Malta?
In Malta, we drive on the left side, just like in Britain. For those not used to it, it might feel challenging at first. With time, you adjust. The most useful thing is to follow the flow of traffic. Since you are never alone on the road, watching other drivers will guide you through the transition.
Is it difficult to find parking in Malta?
Parking is free in white bays, but time-restricted zones catch many visitors out. LESA officers patrol frequently. In busy towns like Sliema, St. Julians, Valletta, or Gzira, finding a spot takes patience. Private car parks are available in most central areas and are usually reasonable. Typically, no more than €10 for a full day.
Is parking free in Malta?
Parking is free in Malta in white bays, but spots are scarce in busy areas like Valletta, St. Julians, Sliema, Gzira, or St. Paul’s Bay. Watch for time limits on signs to avoid fines. Avoid blue and green zones in Valletta, which are reserved for residents. Public parking is available in many places and is free, though tipping a few euros to the attendant is customary. Find more parking tips in my driving guide.
Renting a car in Malta is straightforward once you have sorted the insurance. Book it online in advance through Discover Cars, say no at the desk, and you will not have any surprises.
