If this is your first time renting a car in Malta, welcome — and buckle up. Driving here is both a little chaotic and a lot of fun. You’ll get to explore quiet chapels, remote coves, and hilltop villages that buses just don’t reach.
Below is a practical checklist from a local’s perspective, with the essentials you’ll want to know before picking up your rental keys.
Quick Fit Guide: Do You Even Need a Car?
Rent a car if:
- You’ve got kids, strollers, beach umbrellas, and more gear than two arms can carry.
- You’re planning to squeeze Mdina, Blue Grotto, and Golden Bay into a single day.
- You want golden-hour photos at Dingli Cliffs or a midnight swim at Għajn Tuffieħa.
Skip the car if:
- You’re sticking to Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s where buses and ferries are plenty.
- You’re nervous about left-side driving and hair-thin village lanes.
- It’s a wine-tasting day or long Sunday lunch — better to let someone else do the driving.
👉 Truth is, in most cases a car makes life easier. But for short city stays, you can manage fine without.
Documents You’ll Need at the Counter
- Driver’s license: Full, physical license. EU is fine. Non-EU visitors: bring your original plus an International Driving Permit if your license isn’t in Roman letters.
- Age & experience: Most companies rent to 21–75 with 1–2 years’ driving experience. Under-25s and over-65s often pay extra or can’t rent higher-class cars.
- Passport & booking voucher (print or digital).
- Credit card in the lead driver’s name: Needed for the deposit. Debit cards are tricky — many companies refuse them.
- Extra drivers: They need to be there with their licenses.
Insurance & Deposit — Don’t Skip This
- CDW & Theft Cover: Lowers your liability but still leaves an “excess” (usually €1,200–1,500, more for SUVs).
- Exclusions: Tires, glass, roof, and underbody often not included unless you buy extra cover.
- Deposit: expect a pre-auth for the excess + fuel. Use a credit card with enough limit.
- Options:
- Stick with the standard excess.
- Pay for the rental company’s full protection.
- Use third-party excess insurance (cheaper, but you’ll need to claim later).
Top tip: Photograph the car inside and out before driving away — timestamped. Saves you headaches later.
What Your Rental Will Really Cost
Beyond the daily rate:
- VAT
- Young/senior driver surcharge
- Extra driver fees
- Child seats or GPS units
- Airport or out-of-hours pickup fees
- Ferry surcharge if taking the car to Gozo (always double-check policy)
Fuel in Malta rentals usually runs on a full-to-full policy. That means you collect the car with a full tank and you’re expected to bring it back the same way. It’s a simple system, but don’t skip the refill before drop-off — otherwise the rental company will happily top it up for you at premium rates.
Another thing visitors often miss is Valletta’s CVA zone (Controlled Vehicle Access). If you drive into the city during restricted hours, you’ll automatically get charged. On top of that, your rental company will add an administration fee for processing the fine. The easy fix is to park outside the walls — Floriana or the Park & Ride are convenient and much cheaper than paying CVA charges.
Pickup & Return at Malta International Airport
- Pickup: Most desks are in Arrivals; some use a shuttle. Allow 15–40 minutes in summer evenings. Take photos of everything (yes, even the wheels and roof).
- Return: Refuel at the last station before the airport (there’s one at Luqa close by). Clear trash, snap photos again, and get written sign-off on fuel & condition. Build in 20 minutes buffer for queues.
Driving in Malta — Staying Calm & Legal
- Left-side driving — the first turn out of the airport always feels weird, then you get used to it.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h open roads. Speed cameras are unforgiving.
- Seatbelts: required for all.
- Kids: proper child restraints by age/size.
- Phones: no handhelds.
- Traffic: avoid Msida, St. Julian’s, and Sliema rush hours if you value your sanity.
Driving in Malta comes with its quirks. Some village lanes get so narrow you’ll wonder if they’re even meant for cars. The best approach is to keep calm, hold a steady line, and let others pass when the space allows. Locals are used to it, so there’s no need to panic — just take your time.
As for alcohol, the rules are strict and police do carry out roadside checks, especially on weekends. It’s safest to stay well under the limit. If you’ve planned a long, wine-fuelled lunch or a late night out, leave the car behind and enjoy without worry.
Parking in Historic Towns
- Valletta: Don’t drive inside during CVA hours. Park in Floriana or use Park & Ride. Cheaper, less stress.
- Mdina & Rabat: Residents-only inside Mdina. Park outside and enjoy the 5-minute walk in.
- Beaches: Golden Bay, Mellieħa, etc. fill by 9 a.m. on weekends. Either go early or late. Never block farm tracks or private drives — locals hate it.
Gozo and Comino by Car
Most people want to hop over to Gozo at least once, and taking your rental is usually allowed — but always check your agreement first. The ferry leaves from Ċirkewwa, no booking needed, you just roll up in line with everyone else. You actually pay on the way back, which always surprises first-timers.
Summer mornings can mean long queues, so either head out early or wait until later in the afternoon when things thin out. Once in Gozo, expect narrower roads and plenty of farm vehicles. It’s not a race — just take it slow, enjoy the views, and remember patience is part of the island rhythm.
Comino, by the way, is boat-only — you’ll leave your rental behind and hop a ferry.
When a Taxi or Driver Makes More Sense
Sometimes it’s smarter to skip the car. If you’re planning a long winery lunch, a night out in Paceville, or moving a large group from one side of the island to the other, a driver saves a lot of hassle.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps work fine, but surge pricing after concerts or late flights is real. And don’t expect car seats unless you book ahead. For hopping between main towns, Malta’s bus network is cheap and reliable, though slow for beach days.
Late-Night Arrivals
Flights landing after 10 p.m. can be tricky. Some rental desks close, some charge an “out of hours” fee, and a few run shuttles with lockboxes for keys. Always get the after-hours plan in writing.
If you’re arriving at midnight with kids and luggage, it might be kinder to yourselves to grab a hotel near the airport and pick the car up the next morning. Taxis run late, but queues can stretch if three flights land at once.
Wrapping It Up
Renting a car in Malta isn’t complicated once you know what to expect. The roads may be narrow, the parking a bit creative, but the freedom to explore hidden bays, sleepy villages, and late-night sunsets on your own schedule makes it worth it.
At Car Rentals Malta, we’re locals who know the quirks of driving here — from which car parks fill first to which ferry lanes move fastest. Our job is to make the rental process smooth so you can focus on your holiday, not the paperwork.
👉 Ready to see what’s available? Check our cars here and start planning your trip with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What age do I need to be to rent a car in Malta?
Most rental companies set the minimum at 21 with at least one year of driving experience. Drivers under 25 or over 70 may face extra fees or restrictions.
2. Do I need an International Driving Permit in Malta?
If your license is in Roman letters (English, German, French, etc.), your standard license is fine. If not, carry an IDP alongside your original license.
3. How much deposit should I expect to leave?
Usually between €1,200–€1,500, depending on the car type. Higher for SUVs and automatics. This is held on your credit card.
4. Can I take my rental car to Gozo or Comino?
Yes, cars are usually allowed on the Gozo ferry. Comino is boat-only, so you’ll leave your rental behind. Always confirm with your rental company first.
5. What happens if my flight is delayed or I arrive late at night?
Check your booking for “out of hours” rules. Some companies use key lockboxes or charge a late fee. Worst case, take a taxi to your hotel and collect the car the next morning.
6. What kind of car should I book for Malta’s roads?
Compact cars are easiest for tight village lanes and parking. Families or groups often go for small SUVs for luggage and beach gear. Avoid oversized vehicles — parking is limited.
7. Where can I park in Valletta or Mdina without stress?
For Valletta, use Floriana car parks or Park & Ride instead of driving into the CVA zone. For Mdina, park outside the gates or in Rabat and walk in.
8. Are child seats available with rentals?
Yes, but always reserve in advance. Confirm ISOFIX availability if you need it.
9. Is fuel included in the rental price?
No — most rentals in Malta operate on a full-to-full policy. Pick up full, return full. Refill at Luqa before dropping off at the airport to avoid charges.
10. Is it hard to drive in Malta as a tourist?
It takes a day to adjust to left-side driving and narrow roads, but most visitors manage fine. Just avoid peak rush hours around Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Msida.
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