Why Different Pickup and Drop-Off Can Make Sense in Malta
Malta might be small, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always want the car glued to your side. A one-way rental can actually make life easier in a few situations.
For example, you could pick up your car right at Malta International Airport and then drop it off in St Julian’s once you’re settled in. That way, you skip taxi costs at the start but don’t have to deal with parking headaches for the rest of your stay.
Or maybe you’re spending a few days exploring Valletta on foot before heading out to the beaches and countryside. In that case, it makes sense to pick up a car later instead of paying for it to sit idle in a garage.
And then there’s Gozo. If you’re finishing your trip on Malta’s quieter sister island, dropping the car there instead of bringing it back across the ferry can save both time and stress.
Can I Pick Up a Car in Malta and Drop It Off on Gozo?
Yes — but with conditions. Some rental companies will let you take a car across on the ferry and return it in Gozo. Others won’t allow cross-island drop-offs at all, or they’ll charge a fee that makes you rethink whether it’s worth it.
The key is to check two things before you book:
- Ferry permission – most companies allow their cars on the Gozo ferry unless you declare it in advance.
- One-way rules – even if the ferry is fine, you’ll often pay an extra fee to leave the car on the other island.
If this flexibility is important to your trip, don’t leave it as a surprise at the counter. Confirm the policy in writing, ideally when you book.
What to Watch Out For in the Fine Print
The devil’s in the details, and rental terms in Malta are no exception. If you’re planning to drop off your car in a different spot — especially in Gozo — double-check:
- One-way rental fees: Some companies tack on a surcharge just for leaving the car anywhere other than where you picked it up (expect fees of €50 to €100).
- Ferry restrictions: Not every rental agreement allows you to take the car on the Gozo ferry. If you don’t flag this upfront, you might end up uninsured.
- Insurance coverage: Even if ferry travel is allowed, check whether damage during the crossing is covered.
- Office hours: Gozo is slower paced, and not every rental desk stays open late. A late-night drop-off may cost extra.
Typical Costs and Fees
Expect to see a few extra charges when arranging a cross-island drop-off:
- A drop-off surcharge, usually higher for Malta ↔ Gozo than for a same-island return.
- The Gozo ferry fee, which covers both the car and the driver (passengers pay separately).
- Usual add-ons like child seats, an additional driver, or airport pick-up charges.
Which Companies Allow It (and How They Differ)
- International brands (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, etc.) – Allow one-way rentals between Malta and Gozo but usually charge extra fees.
- Local Maltese agencies – More flexible with drop-offs on Malta (e.g., airport to St Julian’s) and sometimes allow Gozo returns if arranged in advance.
- Local Gozo agencies – Often enable pickup or drop-off at Mgarr Ferry Terminal and can be more accommodating with custom requests, though fleets are smaller.
How to Plan It Smoothly
A little prep makes things a lot easier:
- Reserve early and tell the rental company upfront if you plan to drop off in Gozo.
- Screenshot your voucher and terms so you know what’s included and where to return the car.
- Confirm opening hours for both pickup and drop-off points.
- Build the ferry schedule into your day — it’s quick, but can be slow at times.
Situations When It Might Not Be Worth It
Sometimes, the numbers just don’t add up. A one-way rental might not make sense if:
- The drop-off fee is sky-high compared to just doing a round-trip.
- You want a wide choice of cars — Gozo offices usually stock fewer vehicles.
- Your trip is short and taxis, rideshares, or buses cover most of what you need.
Quick Tips to Save Hassle and Money
- Compare at least one big international brand and one local Gozo agency.
- Stick with free cancellation options, then recheck prices closer to your trip.
- Book extras like child seats or ferry permission upfront — they’re harder to add later.
- Remember: Malta may be small, but logistics aren’t always as simple as they look.
Wrapping It Up
One-way rentals in Malta — whether it’s airport to St Julian’s, or Malta to Gozo — are possible, but the rules and fees vary. International brands usually allow it with a surcharge, while local agencies can be more flexible. The key is to check the terms, book early, and decide whether you really need the car for your whole trip or just part of it.
At Car Rentals Malta, we make it simple to compare the best agencies, spot the hidden fees, and find the option that fits your trip — whether you’re here for a weekend in Valletta or a longer stay that ends on Gozo.
FAQs People Often Ask
1. Are there extra fees for dropping a car in Gozo?
Usually, yes. Most rental companies add a one-way surcharge, while local Gozo agencies can be cheaper but offer fewer car choices.
2. Why is it more expensive to drop off a rental car at a different location?
One-way rentals usually cost more because the car rental company needs to cover the expenses of getting the car back to its original location. This is known in the industry as the “different location drop-off fee,” and it’s a standard charge applied by all major rental companies.
3. Where can I return a rental car in Gozo?
Most drop-offs are at Mgarr Ferry Terminal or the rental office in Victoria (Rabat). Always confirm the exact location before booking.
4. Do I need the car for the whole trip, or just part of it?
It depends on your plans. Many rent for the whole stay for comfort — handy with luggage, remote stays, or if you want full flexibility.
But on a budget, you don’t need the car the entire time. In Sliema, St Julian’s, Valletta, and the Three Cities, buses and ferries are cheap and frequent. Some travelers only hire a car for touring days — beaches, countryside, or Gozo — and rely on public transport when based in town.
