Should You Rent a Car or Hire a Private Driver When Exploring Malta?

Quick answer for most travelers

Choose a rental car if you want maximum flexibility for beaches, heritage sites, and Gozo. It shines for families, photographers, and anyone who likes spontaneous stops.

Choose a private driver if you dislike left side driving, plan wine tasting or late nights, or will focus on Valletta, Sliema, and guided days.

A smart hybrid works well. Book a driver day for Valletta or tastings. Rent a car for countryside loops and a Gozo run.

Renting a car in Malta what to expect

The driving reality

Malta drives on the left. Expect narrow village streets and frequent stop start traffic near the central corridor. Small cars are easiest to thread and park. Automatics exist but are fewer and cost more, especially in summer.

Parking and access

Valletta uses Controlled Vehicle Access fees during core hours. Park just outside the walls or use Park and Ride to avoid charges. Mdina and historic cores are restricted. Plan to park in designated lots and walk a few minutes.

Insurance and deposits

Full cover is sensible due to tight streets and high scuff risk. Expect an excess deposit unless you buy zero excess. Choose reputable firms, and photograph the car at pickup and return, including wheels and bumpers.

Practical tips

Book automatics early if needed. Speed cameras and bus lane enforcement are active, so obey signage. Taking a rental on the Gozo Channel ferry is common and straightforward.

Hiring a private driver what to expect

What you get

Professional drivers know local routes, sightseeing timings, and parking workarounds. You can book point to point airport transfers, hourly touring, or full day custom itineraries.

When it shines

It’s stress free in Valletta and the Three Cities where parking is tight. It also suits winery days, long lunches, mobility needs, multi generational groups, and very late arrivals.

Practical tips

Prebook for early morning or late night pickups. Request child seats in advance and confirm sizes. Clarify waiting time, hourly minimums, and overtime before you go.

Costs and time trade offs in the real world

Rental cars can be very affordable, sometimes with low daily rates when booked early. Automatics cost more and sell out in peak months. Check what insurance is included and the excess amount.

Fuel costs are modest and there are no road tolls. Budget for paid parking and possible Valletta CVA charges during core hours.

Private drivers cost more per hour than self drive. They can shorten your day by skipping parking hunts and navigating drop offs with ease.

Ride hailing and taxis are plentiful on the main island and useful for evenings. Prices vary by time and demand. Buses are cheap and reliable on main routes, but slower for beach hopping and rural detours.

Smart itinerary matches for each option

Best with a rental car

Do the south coast loop with Blue Grotto, Dingli Cliffs, and quiet coves. Run a Gozo day at your own pace with Dwejra, Nadur, Ramla Bay, and Xlendi. Chase Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha, and Popeye Village for sunset.

Best with a private driver

Explore Valletta’s old town and the Three Cities with strategic drop offs. Enjoy a winery or craft beer day without worrying about the legal alcohol limit. Book an evening in Mdina with a night view stop and no parking stress.

Balanced approach

Base in Sliema or St Julian’s. Rent a car for two countryside days. Use drivers or ride hailing for city dinners and late nights.

Airport arrivals and late night logistics

Malta International Airport runs late. After clustered flights, taxi queues can form. Prebooked drivers meet you in the arrivals hall and save time. See Malta International Airport passenger information for current ground transport options.

Late night buses are limited. Check schedules in advance if you plan public transport. For rentals, some desks operate 24 7, others use key safes. Confirm your pickup procedure if you land after midnight.

If your first night is in Valletta, consider a driver to the hotel and collect a car the next morning. You’ll avoid CVA hours and navigating narrow streets while tired.

Why a rental car is the most flexible option for many visitors

For families with gear, multi stop beach days, sunrise photo missions, or spontaneous detours, a rental car fits Malta’s compact geography. You can string together four or five stops without watching bus timetables.

It unlocks remote coves, rural chapels, and countryside viewpoints that are slower by bus or harder with fixed transfers. Just plan sensibly. Avoid driving into Valletta’s core during CVA hours. Expect tight parking near Mdina and in St Julian’s on weekend nights. Build buffer time for central traffic.

If any of those caveats feel stressful, mix in a private driver day for urban wandering, tastings, or late returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I take a rental car on the Gozo ferry?

Yes. Most standard rentals are allowed on the Gozo Channel ferry. You pay on the return leg at the Gozo side. Ferries run frequently. In summer weekends, allow buffer time for queues. Confirm any restrictions with your rental company before boarding.

2. What if my flight lands after midnight?

Prebooking a private driver is simplest, especially with luggage or kids. Taxis are available, but lines can build after multiple late arrivals. Some rental desks support after hours pickup via lockbox. Get written instructions, emergency contacts, and photograph any existing car damage at pickup.

3. Is parking realistic in Valletta and Mdina?

Valletta parking is limited and CVA charges apply during core hours. Many visitors park outside the city or use Park and Ride. In Mdina, you cannot drive inside the Silent City unless authorized. Park in the designated lots outside the walls and walk a few minutes to the gate.

4. What about child seats and traveling with infants?

Child seats are required by law. Request appropriate sizes when booking a rental car or a private driver. For rentals, confirm fees and availability. For drivers, ask for ISOFIX compatible seats and state your child’s age and weight to ensure the right fit.

5. What are the key driving rules and alcohol limits?

Drive on the left and respect posted limits. Speed cameras and bus lane enforcement are active. The legal blood alcohol limit is strictly enforced. Plan car free days for tastings. Check Transport Malta official driving rules and road safety before you travel, as regulations can change.

6. Are ride hailing apps cheaper than taxis?

Both operate widely on the main island. Prices vary by distance, time, and demand. Ride hailing can be competitive for short urban hops. For early mornings, late nights, or airport pickups, prebooking a driver provides certainty and fixed pricing.

Whichever option you choose, plan around Valletta’s CVA, book ahead in peak months, and leave room for Malta’s best detours. That way, your transport works for you, not the other way around.