Malta Transportation Comparison
| Transport | Cost | Efficiency | Cost Details | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🚌
Public Buses
|
Low | Medium | €2/trip (free with Tallinja Card for residents) | Budget travelers, residents, daily commuters |
|
🚗
Car Rentals
|
Medium | High | €25–60/day (seasonal). Best flexibility for beaches & villages. | Families, small groups, exploring remote areas |
|
📱
Ride-Hailing Apps
|
Medium | High | €9–20 airport → Valletta/Sliema (typical). Surge pricing applies. | Short trips, no-parking hassle, late nights |
|
🚖
Traditional Taxis
|
High | Medium | ~€20+ airport → Valletta; set fares vary by route/time. | Business travelers, hotel pickups, late-night trips |
|
🛵
Scooter Rentals
|
Medium | High | €25–35/day or €0.50 + €0.24/min (shared services). | Solo travelers, couples, urban explorers |
|
⛴️
Fast Ferries
|
Low | Medium | €7.50 one way Valletta ↔ Gozo (Fast Ferry; schedule dependent). | Island hoppers, scenic travel |
|
🚤
Harbour Ferries
|
Low | Low | €2.50 single / €4.50 return Valletta ↔ Sliema/Three Cities. | Short hops, views, culture seekers |
|
🚌
Hop-On Hop-Off Buses
|
Medium | Low | €20–40/day; best for first-timers covering highlights. | Sightseers on fixed routes |
|
🚲
E-Bikes
|
Medium | High | €15–25/day (provider dependent). | Eco-conscious travelers, coastal routes |
Public Buses
€2/trip; free for residents with Tallinja Card.
Best for: budget travelers, residents, daily commuters.
Car Rentals
€25–60/day (seasonal). Best flexibility for beaches & villages.
Best for: families, small groups, exploring remote areas.
Ride-Hailing Apps
€9–20 airport → Valletta/Sliema (typical). Surge pricing applies.
Best for: short trips, no-parking hassle, late nights.
Traditional Taxis
~€20+ airport → Valletta; set fares vary by route/time.
Best for: business travelers, hotel pickups, late-night trips.
Scooter Rentals
€25–35/day or €0.50 + €0.24/min (shared services).
Best for: solo travelers, couples, urban explorers.
Fast Ferries
€7.50 one way Valletta ↔ Gozo (Fast Ferry; schedule dependent).
Best for: island hoppers, scenic travel.
Harbour Ferries
€2.50 single / €4.50 return Valletta ↔ Sliema/Three Cities.
Best for: short hops, views, culture seekers.
Hop-On Hop-Off Buses
€20–40/day; best for first-timers covering highlights.
Best for: sightseers on fixed routes.
E-Bikes
€15–25/day (provider dependent).
Best for: eco-conscious travelers, coastal routes.
Why Car Rentals Are the Best Way to Explore Malta
Public transport and ferries can take you around Malta, but they often come with delays, fixed schedules, or crowded routes. Renting a car gives you complete freedom to explore Malta at your own pace — from hidden beaches and quiet fishing villages to scenic coastal drives and historic landmarks.
With a rental car, you can:
- Drive directly to ferry terminals for Gozo or Comino (Blue Lagoon).
- Stop at remote viewpoints and countryside restaurants that buses don’t reach.
- Enjoy air-conditioned comfort, perfect for Malta’s hot summers.
- Travel on your own schedule — no waiting for buses or surge pricing.
For families, groups, and adventurous travelers, a car rental is the most flexible and efficient way to travel in Malta.
FAQs About Renting a Car in Malta
1. Do I need an international driving permit in Malta?
No, if you have a valid EU, UK, or US driver’s license, you can drive in Malta without an international permit.
2. Is parking easy in Malta?
Parking is available throughout the islands. In busy areas like Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s, it’s best to use designated parking zones or book accommodation with parking included.
3. Which side of the road does Malta drive on?
Malta drives on the left side of the road, the same as the UK.
4. When is the best time to book a car rental in Malta?
For the lowest prices and widest choice of vehicles, it’s best to book at least a few weeks in advance — especially during summer and holiday seasons.