Is a Rental Car Cheaper Than Taxis During Malta’s Peak Season?

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.