Author: Sean C.

Summer in Malta is peak travel season. The island fills with cruise passengers, festivalgoers, and holidaymakers — and demand for taxis skyrockets. Many visitors are surprised when rides that seemed affordable in winter suddenly cost double in July or August.

That raises a fair question: is renting a car actually cheaper than relying on taxis during Malta’s busiest months? The short answer is that it often is — especially if you plan to explore beyond Valletta or take more than one trip per day. Let’s look at why.

Taxi Fares in Malta During Peak Season

Malta’s taxi and ride-hailing services (Bolt, Uber, eCabs) offer door-to-door convenience. They’re popular with tourists because they eliminate the stress of parking or navigating unfamiliar roads. But when demand surges in summer, so do the prices.

• A daytime trip from Ċirkewwa ferry terminal to Marsaxlokk can cost around €36–€45.
• A shorter route, like Dingli to Valletta, still comes in around €15.
• Even a quick ride from Attard to Malta International Airport averages €10–€15.

These fares don’t look too bad individually — until you add them up. A couple of daily rides for a week can easily push your transport spend past €200–€300, especially when prices climb at night, during festivals, or when cruise ships dock.

Locals have noticed it too. Over the past few summers, residents have reported higher average fares and longer waiting times due to a shortage of drivers. That means travelers not only pay more but sometimes wait longer than expected.

For single trips or quick hops, taxis remain useful. But for visitors planning multiple excursions — to beaches, historic towns, or Gozo — the costs escalate quickly. That’s where car rentals start to make more sense.

Car Rental Prices in Malta During Peak Season

Unlike taxi fares, car rental prices in Malta stay relatively stable — even in summer. Rates do rise slightly with demand, but they remain affordable compared to other Mediterranean destinations. On average:

• Economy cars: €15–€25 per day, €100–€150 per week
• SUVs and family cars: €30–€45 per day
• Luxury vehicles: €80+ per day

Fuel adds a modest cost (usually €1.40–€1.80 per liter), but with Malta’s short driving distances, a full week’s worth of exploring often uses less than €40 in petrol.

Even if you factor in insurance and parking, a rental usually works out cheaper than taking multiple taxis each day — and you gain complete flexibility.

Real-World Cost Comparisons

To make it clear, let’s compare a few scenarios:

Couple visiting Malta for 3 days in July

• Taxis: 2–3 rides per day, €15–€25 each → €90–€225 total
• Car Rental: €20/day x 3 + fuel (€20) → ~€80 total

Family of four visiting for a week

• Taxis: 3–4 rides per day, €20–€30 each → €420–€840 total
• Car Rental: €150/week + €40 fuel → ~€190 total

In both cases, taxis are only cheaper if you take one or two short rides in central areas. But for families, groups, or anyone who wants to see more than Valletta and Sliema, renting quickly becomes the better deal.

Hidden Costs and Trade-Offs

It’s not just about money — it’s about convenience. Taxis can leave you waiting during high-demand times, while a rental puts you in control. On the flip side, rentals require navigating traffic and finding parking, which can be tricky in Valletta and Mdina.

For most tourists, the real “hidden cost” of relying on taxis isn’t just surge pricing — it’s missed opportunities. Without your own car, reaching hidden beaches, countryside villages, or Gozo’s less-traveled corners becomes difficult or time-consuming.

Local Advice: When Renting Wins

As locals, we’ve seen both sides. Taxis are fine for a single night out or a quick transfer, but during Malta’s busy season, renting is almost always the smarter choice if you:

• Plan to explore more than one destination per day
• Are traveling with family or in a group
• Want to visit Gozo or rural areas without long bus rides
• Value flexibility and time as much as saving money

Final Thoughts

So, is a rental car cheaper than taxis during Malta’s peak season? In most cases, yes. Unless your trip is short and limited to central areas, renting gives you more value, comfort, and freedom — often for less than you’d spend on taxis.

👉 Compare economy, SUV, and luxury car rentals in Malta, or reach out with your questions. As locals, we know the market and can help you choose the right option for your trip.

When planning a trip to Malta, one of the first questions visitors ask is: what’s the best way to get around, and how much will it cost? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Malta is small, but transport costs can add up quickly depending on your choices.

From budget-friendly buses to quick taxis and flexible car rentals, each option has pros, cons, and price points. Let’s break it down with real numbers so you can budget smarter and choose the transport that fits your trip.

Explore Malta’s transportation choices and compare costs in one place.

Bus Travel in Malta: Affordable & Extensive

Malta’s bus network (Tal-Linja) is the cheapest way to get around, and it covers almost every town, village, and beach. A single daytime fare is €2.50 (Summer), valid for up to two hours, while night services cost €3. This makes buses a good option for short hops, especially if you’re based in central areas like Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s.

For longer stays, multi-use cards bring the cost down further:

• 12-Journey Tallinja Card: €19, and the journeys can be shared among travelers.
• 7-Day Explore Flex Card: €25 for unlimited travel within a week.

On paper, buses are unbeatable for price. But there are trade-offs: routes can be slow, packed in summer, and sometimes unreliable.

A trip that looks like 20 minutes on the map can stretch to an hour with multiple stops and heavy traffic. If you only need transport a couple of times per day, buses are fine. But for travelers on a tight schedule, waiting around can eat into your sightseeing time.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Quick but Costly

For door-to-door service, taxis and ride-hailing apps like eCabs and Bolt are widely available. They’re faster than buses, especially at night or when heading to places not well connected by public transport.

But the convenience comes at a price:

• Short city rides typically range €10–€15.
• Trips across the island, such as Valletta to Mellieħa, can cost €30–€40 one way.
• Fares often increase at night or during peak demand.

Taxis make sense if you’re only planning a couple of rides during your stay, or if you’re traveling in a group and can split the fare. For solo travelers or those moving around daily, however, the costs stack up quickly — often more than renting a car for the same period.

Car Rental Costs in Malta: Freedom with Fair Prices

Despite what many travelers assume, Malta is one of the cheapest places in Europe to rent a car. Prices vary depending on the season and vehicle type, but here’s a realistic range:

• Economy cars: €12–€25 per day, or €70–€150 per week
• SUVs & larger vehicles: €30–€45 per day, or €200–€300 per week
• Luxury & premium options: €80–€100+ per day

Rates tend to be lowest in winter and shoulder seasons, while July and August see the highest demand and prices. Booking early is the best way to secure a fair rate.

Keep in mind that insurance and deposits can add to upfront costs. Many travelers choose full coverage (SCDW/FDW) for peace of mind, especially if they’re not used to left-hand driving or Malta’s narrow village streets.

The key advantage of renting? Flexibility. With a car, you can fit multiple stops into a day, reach places buses don’t, and avoid paying taxi fares each time you move.

Real Travel Scenarios: 3-Day & 7-Day Cost Comparisons

To put it all together, here’s how the numbers play out in practice:

3-Day Stay for Two People

• Bus Only: €25 for a 7-day card each → €50 total (but slower, less flexible)
• Taxis/Ride-Hailing: 2–3 rides per day at €15–€20 → €90–€180 total
• Car Rental: €20/day + fuel (~€20) → ~€80 total (shared cost makes it even cheaper per person)

7-Day Stay for Two People

• Bus Only: €25 each for a weekly card → €50 total
• Taxis/Ride-Hailing: 2–3 rides per day at €15–€20 → €210–€350 total
• Car Rental: €150 weekly + fuel (~€50) → ~€200 total

👉 Notice how over a week, a rental often costs the same or less as taxis — but gives you far more freedom.

Which Option Offers the Best Value?

• Bus: Best for budget travelers staying in Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s who don’t mind slower trips.
• Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Convenient for occasional trips, groups who can split fares, or late-night rides.
• Car Rental: The sweet spot for families, couples, or anyone wanting to explore Gozo, beaches, and countryside without time limits.

In most cases, renting a car balances cost and convenience better than relying on buses or taxis — especially for trips longer than a couple of days.

Local Tips to Save on Transport in Malta

• Book rentals early in summer to avoid last-minute price spikes.
• Choose smaller cars — they’re cheaper, easier to park, and perfectly suited for Malta’s roads.
• Use park-and-ride facilities near Valletta and Mdina to skip parking stress.
• Mix and match: some visitors take buses for city days, then rent a car for day trips.

Travel Smarter with Local Advice

So, how much does it really cost to get around Malta? Public transport is cheap, taxis are handy but pricey, and car rentals strike the best balance of value and flexibility.

👉 As locals, we know the roads, the parking spots, and the quirks of the island. If you’re planning a trip, compare economy, SUV, and luxury car rentals in Malta, or contact us directly with your questions. We’ll help you find the right option for your itinerary.