Category: Malta Travel Guide

Malta is a compact island nation, but don’t let its size fool you. Deciding whether to rent a car or rely on buses, taxis, and tours can shape your entire trip.

Some visitors love the freedom of exploring hidden bays and historic villages on their own schedule. Others find driving on the left side of the road and battling Valletta’s parking enough to skip the rental counter altogether.

So, do you really need a car in Malta? The answer is: it depends on your plans, pace, and priorities. Let’s break down the key points.

Getting Around Malta Without a Car

It’s technically possible to explore Malta without driving, but it does come with trade-offs. The island’s bus network connects most towns, villages, and beaches, and weekly passes are inexpensive. Ferries between Valletta, Sliema, and the Three Cities offer a scenic option for short trips, and ride-hailing apps like eCabs and Bolt can help fill the gaps when buses run late or less frequently.

That said, these alternatives aren’t always practical. Buses can be slow, crowded, and unpredictable in peak season, often zig-zagging through multiple towns before reaching your stop. Taxis and ride-hailing are convenient, but costs add up quickly if you’re taking several trips per day. And while Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s are walkable hubs, limiting yourself to these areas means missing Malta’s best beaches, historic villages, and hidden coves.

For many visitors, skipping a rental works only if you’re content with a narrower itinerary. If your goal is to see the island at your own pace, a car is the smarter choice.

Why Renting a Car in Malta Can Be Worth It

For travelers who want to see more than the main tourist trail, renting a car is a game-changer. With a car, you set your own pace and avoid waiting in the heat for connections.

A rental opens up access to places like:

• Dingli Cliffs for dramatic coastal views.
• Marsaxlokk fishing village and surroundings.
• Mellieħa Bay and Golden Bay for beach days.
• Mdina and Rabat for history without the bus crowds.

Families, groups, and anyone on a tight itinerary often find a car the most efficient way to explore. And if you’re planning a trip to Gozo, a rental makes the ferry crossing smoother and lets you see more of the island in less time.

Challenges of Driving in Malta

Of course, renting isn’t without drawbacks. Malta drives on the left-hand side, which can be stressful for visitors used to the opposite. Narrow village streets and frequent roundabouts take getting used to, and summer traffic can be heavy near popular resorts.

Parking is another factor. Valletta and Mdina restrict vehicle access, and public car parks fill up quickly. In busy towns, finding a spot often requires patience. If you’re only staying in one of the main hubs and plan to visit a handful of attractions, relying on buses and taxis may be easier than navigating traffic yourself.

When a Car Rental in Malta Makes the Most Sense

Whether you need a car really depends on your trip style:

• Exploring Gozo – Bus service on Malta’s sister island is limited, so a rental is the easiest way to see multiple villages, beaches, and viewpoints in one day.
• Family Travel – Parents with kids often prefer the flexibility of driving, especially for carrying beach gear or moving between attractions without long waits.
• Short Stays – If you only have a few days and want to cover more than Valletta and Mdina, a rental helps you maximize sightseeing.
• Rural Adventures – For hidden coves, countryside drives, and remote temples, buses don’t always get you there. A car does.

What Other Tourists Say

Not sure who to believe? Here’s what real visitors share on travel forums:

• “If you’re in Gozo, renting a car is worth it. But in Malta’s main towns, parking can be a nightmare.”
• “The buses work, but they can be slow and packed in summer. With a car, we saw twice as much in a day.”
• “Driving on the left was strange at first, but after a couple of hours we got used to it. Definitely glad we rented.”

These mixed experiences highlight the truth: your comfort level with driving, and where you plan to stay, should guide your choice.

Tips for Renting a Car in Malta

If you decide to book, keep these tips in mind:

• Automatic vs Manual – Manual cars are cheaper, but automatics are easier if you’re not used to left-hand driving.
• Parking Hacks – Use park-and-ride lots near Valletta and Mdina, then explore on foot.
• Book Early in Summer – July and August rentals sell out fast; prices rise the closer you get.
• Check Insurance Carefully – Look beyond CDW and consider full coverage for peace of mind.
• Size Matters – Smaller cars are best for Malta’s narrow streets and tight parking.

Do You Need a Car in Malta?

For most tourists, renting a car in Malta is worth it if you want freedom, flexibility, and access to Gozo or rural spots. If you’re only planning to stay in Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s and don’t mind slower travel, buses and ferries will work.

In the end, it depends on your style: explorers, families, and road trip lovers will get more out of a rental. City hoppers and tour-goers may not need one.

For most tourists, renting a car in Malta is worth it if you want freedom, flexibility, and access to Gozo or rural spots. If you’re only planning to stay in Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s and don’t mind slower travel, buses and ferries will work.

👉 Ready to explore Malta on your own schedule? As locals who know the market, the roads, and the travel quirks inside out, we can help you choose the right vehicle for your trip. Compare our economy, SUV, and luxury car rentals in Malta, or simply reach out with any questions — we’re here to guide you.

Is it easy to drive in Malta? The short answer is yes—if you know what to expect and plan a little before you set off. Malta is one of the easiest countries in Europe to explore by car.

The island is small enough that you can cross it in about an hour, the roads are safe, and signs are in English. Still, like any new destination, there are quirks you should understand so your experience is stress-free from the moment you pick up your rental.

Driving in Malta – The Basics

The first thing visitors need to know is that cars in Malta drive on the left-hand side of the road, a legacy from the country’s years under British rule. Most rental cars are right-hand drive to suit this system, which feels natural if you are used to driving in the UK or Australia. Left-hand drive cars are legal too, but they’re less common and can feel awkward if you’re not used to Malta’s narrow streets.

Despite its compact size, Malta offers a variety of driving experiences. Busy urban centers like Valletta and Sliema are full of traffic and tight parking spots, while coastal roads reward you with incredible views.

If it’s your first time driving abroad, it can help to have a passenger beside you to assist with directions, lane checks, and navigating roundabouts. But overall, getting around by car is straightforward, especially compared with larger European cities.

Road Conditions in Malta

Malta’s main roads are well maintained, connecting the airport, major towns, and popular beaches. These routes are smooth and easy to navigate, with clear signage and consistent speed limits.

Once you venture beyond these main arteries, however, conditions change. Rural roads can be narrow and uneven, and in some areas you may come across potholes that demand slower driving.

If you plan to explore Gozo, Malta’s sister island, be prepared for less consistent road quality. The main routes are fine, but smaller roads in the countryside often require extra care.

Driving slowly and keeping an eye out for sharp edges or uneven patches is the safest approach, especially since a careless bump into a pothole could lead to a puncture.

That said, most visitors find driving in Malta safe and manageable. As long as you pay attention on rural stretches and stay patient in busy towns, you’ll have no trouble covering the island comfortably.

Traffic in Malta – What to Expect

Traffic in Malta is usually manageable, but timing matters. During rush hour—between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. and again from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.— roads can become congested, especially around Valletta, Sliema, and St Julian’s. Outside of these windows, driving is far smoother and even relaxing.

Because Malta is a compact island, you won’t be stuck for hours like in larger cities, but you may find yourself creeping along for an extra 20–30 minutes if you travel during peak times.

Locals can also be a little impatient behind the wheel. Road rage is rare, but you may notice drivers leaning on the horn or squeezing past in narrow streets. Staying calm and letting faster drivers pass is the best approach.

Safety and Rules of the Road

Overall, Malta is a very safe place to drive. The speed limits are moderate—50-60 km/h in towns and villages, 80 km/h on open roads—and most drivers respect them. Road signs are clear and written in English, so visitors don’t face the language barrier that can make driving difficult elsewhere.

Roundabouts are common, and the rule is simple: give way to the traffic already inside. Parking can be a challenge in busy towns, but there are plenty of car parks and paid parking zones available if you plan ahead.

Scooters and pedestrians also share the road in tourist areas, so keep a watchful eye when driving through city centers.

Tips for Driving in Malta as a Visitor

If you’re not used to driving on the left-hand side, the adjustment may feel strange at first, but most visitors adapt quickly. Here are a few small tips that make a big difference:

• Have a passenger help with navigation or spotting turns if it’s your first time abroad.
• Use Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates and directions.
• Choose a smaller economy car if you’ll be staying in Valletta, Sliema, or other areas with tight roads and limited parking.
• If exploring Gozo or the countryside, drive slowly and be mindful of potholes.
• Avoid rush hour if you can, and plan your sightseeing for early mornings or late afternoons.

These small considerations help make driving in Malta smooth, safe, and even enjoyable.

Final Verdict – Is It Easy to Drive in Malta?

Yes—driving in Malta is easy once you know what to expect. The island’s compact size, English signage, and relatively safe roads mean that getting around by car is far more convenient than relying on buses or taxis.

While traffic can be heavy during peak hours and rural roads sometimes need extra care, these challenges are minor compared to the flexibility a car gives you.

If you’re on holiday or want to explore beyond the main tourist areas, renting a car is one of the best decisions you can make in Malta. It allows you to set your own schedule, discover hidden beaches, visit historic towns, and see more of the island at your own pace.

Feel free to contact us if you’re unsure about anything related to renting a car for your trip—we’re always happy to help.