Malta isn’t exactly the kind of place where you hop on a bus and forget about it. Sure, public transport exists, and it’s fine for straight-line trips, but the island is full of winding lanes, hidden beaches, and tiny villages where timetables won’t get you very far. That’s why most visitors end up renting a car.
The only real question is: do you go for an automatic or a manual?
It might sound like a small detail, but trust me, when you’re navigating roundabouts the size of a dinner plate or inching through Valletta traffic on a Friday morning, the gearbox in your rental can make all the difference between “smooth sailing” and “why did I do this to myself?”
The Quick Answer
If you normally drive an automatic and this is your first time driving on the left, go for an automatic. It will take the edge off and let you focus on traffic, road signs, and not clipping a mirror on a stone wall. They’re also easier if you’re traveling with kids, luggage, or arriving late and tired.
If you’re comfortable with manuals, especially with shifting on the left, and you’re watching your budget, a manual will do the job. They’re more common in Malta, usually cheaper, and plentiful even if you book last-minute in peak season.
What It’s Really Like to Drive Here
Let’s be honest: Maltese roads are not the wide boulevards of Los Angeles. Streets in villages can feel like alleyways, and parking in Valletta or Mdina is an exercise in patience.
Roundabouts are everywhere, and while speeds are low, usually 35–50 km/h in towns and up to 80 km/h on open roads, the flow of traffic is busy and sometimes unpredictable.
Morning traffic into Valletta and evening traffic around Sliema and St Julian’s are the biggest bottlenecks. Outside those zones, driving is calmer, though you’ll still need to keep an eye out for scooters and buses that take their time.
The Feel of Each Option
Automatics take the mental load off. No juggling gears on hills, no second-guessing when traffic stops suddenly, no fighting with a clutch in roundabouts. That calmness can be worth the higher daily rate, especially if you’re new to left-side driving.
Manuals, on the other hand, are everywhere. If you like the control of shifting yourself—or you just don’t mind it—they work perfectly fine here.
Many locals drive manual every day, and the cars are usually small and easy to handle. For a confident driver, the extra savings can cover an extra nice dinner or a ferry trip to Gozo.
What About Costs?
Typical rental prices range between €18 and €40 per day depending on the season and the size of the car.
Automatics often cost a little more—sometimes a lot more in July and August when demand peaks. Booking early really matters if you want an automatic, because fleets are smaller and they sell out first.
Insurance is usually included at a basic level (Collision Damage Waiver), but expect an excess held on your credit card. Parking is tight in a lot of places, so if the idea of scratches stresses you out, you can pay extra to reduce that excess.
Fuel policies are typically “full to full,” and most petrol stations are self-service, though not all accept cards, so keep some cash handy.
Filter car rentals by automatic or manual to see exact price differences in Malta>>
When Automatics Really Shine
Think about the moments that feel hardest: getting off a late-night flight and facing roundabouts in the dark, crawling through traffic in Sliema, or navigating Mellieħa’s steep streets with beach bags, umbrellas, and tired kids in the back. In those situations, having an automatic is simply easier.
When Manuals Fit Better
If your trip is more about long runs across the island, away from peak-hour chaos, and you’re used to driving stick, a manual makes perfect sense.
You’ll save some money, have more car models to choose from, and avoid the stress of “did I book early enough to get an automatic?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it hard to drive on the left in Malta if I usually drive on the right?
It takes a little adjustment, but it’s manageable. An automatic helps you focus on traffic flow and positioning instead of juggling gears. If you’re unsure, start driving in daylight and stick to main roads until you feel comfortable.
2. Can I pick up a rental late at night at Malta International Airport?
Yes. Most rental desks stay open to cover incoming flights, but not all of them. Add your flight number when booking, and double-check the pickup instructions. If you’re landing in the middle of the night, it may be easier to grab a transfer and collect your car the next morning.
3. What should families know about child seats and luggage?
Reserve seats in advance—don’t assume they’ll be available at the desk. Small hatchbacks fill up quickly once you add strollers and beach bags, so if you’re a family of four, consider a slightly larger hatch or compact SUV. Automatics can be helpful when you’re managing naps, snacks, and directions all at once.
4. Can I take my rental car on the Gozo ferry?
Usually yes. Most companies allow it, but always check your rental agreement. The ferry is straightforward: drive on, park where staff direct you, set the handbrake, and enjoy the short crossing. You pay when coming back from Gozo, not on the way over.
5. How do CVA fees and parking rules work in Valletta and Mdina?
Valletta charges vehicles for time spent in the central zone during business hours. The stress-free option is to use park-and-ride or one of the big car parks just outside the walls. Mdina is almost traffic-free, so you’ll need to park outside and walk in.
Why Renting a Car Often Makes Sense in Malta
Buses here are reliable and cheap, and taxis or ride-hailing apps work fine for evenings out. But if you want to see more than one or two spots in a day—say Blue Grotto in the morning, Hagar Qim in the afternoon, and Golden Bay for sunset—you’ll quickly appreciate having your own wheels.
A rental car also unlocks the smaller beaches, cliff walks, and countryside restaurants that aren’t on main bus routes. Day trips to Gozo feel more relaxed too, because you set your own pace instead of waiting for connections.
That said, mix and match if it helps. Use your car for day trips and park outside busy zones. Switch to taxis or buses for nightlife in Valletta or St Julian’s. It’s not about choosing one mode of transport for everything—it’s about using the right one at the right time.
Ready to explore Malta your way? Whether you prefer automatic or manual, we’ve got you covered. Book your car today and start your trip stress-free.
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