Malta Car Rental: Everything You Need to Know [2025]

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 hidden gems, 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.

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.

Yes, Malta can be explored without a car. The country offers an affordable public bus system. It links major towns, tourist spots, and beaches, but it does take longer. Also, for shorter distances, walking can be a great option. This is especially true in areas like Valletta, Mdina, and the Three Cities. If you skip renting a car and still want to visit Malta’s hidden gems, plan for some taxi rides. You will save time. Explore my tips for navigating Malta easily.

There isn’t a single “best” car rental in Malta that stands out above all others. I wish there was one clear winner because it would make my choices easier too! In Malta, you’ll find all the big names like Avis, Hertz, and Budget, as well as many smaller local companies. It’s super helpful to read reviews before deciding.

I like Discover Cars. One of the things I love about them is that they show reviews from recent customers.

Malta car rental costs can change depending on the season. Usually, you might spend around 30-40 euros per day during the busier times and less than half of that during the quieter seasons. Remember, if you want full coverage insurance, that’s an extra charge.

If you’re thinking of using Discover Cars, you might find prices that are 20-50% cheaper. But, if those deals seem too good to be true, sometimes they are. Always read the details and reviews before booking.

In Malta, you can rent a car for a day. It’s also possible to rent it for less than 24 hours. But, the cost remains the same as a full-day rental.

If you have a licence from an EU country or the UK, it’s accepted. But if your licence has special characters from languages like Arabic or Japanese, you’ll need an International Driving Permit.

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 2 years. Additionally, a young driver fee applies to drivers under 30.

Yes, most car rental companies require a Visa or MasterCard credit card. When you rent a car in Malta, a deposit ranging from 600 to 1500 euros will be blocked on your credit card. This deposit is returned at the end of the rental period. It’s essential to check the specific terms before booking a car, as the exact deposit amount can vary based on vehicle type.

The credit card must be in the main driver’s name. Companies won’t take cards from someone else, even if they’re family. Debit, prepaid cards, and cash are often refused. Additionally, many companies do not accept American Express or Maestro Credit Cards.

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 or the payment itself—just the terminal they were using. The payment went through on the second terminal, saving me a few hundred euros.

It’s generally better to rent a car at the airport in Malta. Most rental companies have their vehicles stationed there. While you can rent cars in the central towns, the companies often need to deliver the cars from the airport, which makes it more expensive.

Yes, it’s safe to drive in Malta. However, traffic can sometimes be chaotic, so it’s essential to be patient and not rush. For a smoother driving experience, avoid travelling during rush hours. Stay alert and drive cautiously, and you’ll navigate the roads just fine. Check out this post for more driving tips.

Malta’s main roads are generally in decent condition. However, when you venture into some villages, you might find the roads narrow and bumpy. Take your time and do not rush.

Driving in Malta can be tricky if you’re not used to it. Roads are narrow, and drivers switch lanes unexpectedly. It takes some time to get used to driving on the left side. But, once you’re used to that, driving a car in Malta gives you the freedom to explore the islands.

In Malta, we drive on the left side, just like in Britain. For those not used to it, it might feel challenging at first. However, with time, you’ll adjust. A helpful tip is to always follow the flow of traffic. Since you’re never alone on the road, observing other drivers can guide you and make the transition smoother.

In busy towns like Sliema, St. Julians, Valletta, or Gzira, finding a parking spot can be challenging. However, there are private car parks available, and they’re usually reasonably priced. Typically, they won’t cost you more than 10 euros for a full day.

Parking is free in Malta, but spots are scarce. Especially in busy areas like Valletta, St. Julians, Sliema, Gzira, or St. Paul’s Bay. Look for white bays when street parking. Watch for time limits on signs to avoid fines. Avoid blue and green zones in Valletta (reserved for residents). Public parking is available in many places. It’s free, but tipping a few euros is customary. Discover parking tips in Malta in this post.