Car Rental in Malta

Why rent a car in Malta?

Malta is a fascinating place to explore. The Mediterranean island nation is home to some of the loveliest beaches in Europe but also ancient sites that date back millennia. The distances between them are small, but each town and village has its own special atmosphere. Most of the attractions are on the main island, but the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino, which are just a short ferry ride away, promise off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Top ways to enter Malta

• Malta-Luqa Airport. Located near the center of the main island and easily accessible from anywhere on it, the Malta–Luqa International Airport is by far the most popular port of entry for foreign visitors. Serving close to eight million travelers every year, it is a notable base for a number of low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air who provide convenient connections with destinations from across Europe.
• By sea. There is a rather frequent ferry service between Malta and the Italian island of Sicily that is especially active during the summer months, with the ride taking just under two hours. While such a trip is indeed possible and potentially exciting, it is worth keeping in mind that not every ferry permits bringing a vehicle on board, and even if they do, you should ask your rental provider in advance if they permit you crossing international borders. Another option is to drop off one rental car in one country, travel by ferry without one, and then pick up a new one once you’ve arrived at your next destination.

Top cities and places to visit

• Valletta. While its permanent population of just 5,800 people makes it comfortably the smallest capital city in the European Union, Valletta is one of Malta’s most interesting attractions (the numbers can be slightly misleading, too — the population of the city’s metropolitan area, which includes most of the island, is close to 480,000). Highlights of Valletta include the 16th-century St. John’s Co-Cathedral and accompanying museum, the Grandmaster's Palace (only partially accessible, but nonetheless worth it), Sant'Anton Palace (the residence of the Maltese president),the Parliament House, and the forts of Valletta.

• Mellieħa. Located in the northwest of the main island, Mellieħa is one of Malta’s most diverse destinations. In addition to its stunning sandy coastline, the little town is home to a number of historical attractions (not least of which is a Second World War shelter), Ghadira Nature Reserve, and even the Tuna Museum. The drive from Valletta takes about 40 minutes.

• Megalithic temples. Scattered throughout both islands of Malta, the prehistoric megalithic temples are among the most awe-inspiring landmarks in all of the Mediterranean region. The early civilizations that created them 5,000-6,000 years ago remain largely unknown to us, but some visitors would say that the mystery only adds to the experience.

• Gozo Island. The second largest island of the Maltese archipelago harbors some of the most dramatic sea cliffs in Malta. Take the Gozo Channel Line car ferry to Gozo Island and visit the Ta’ Cenc Cliffs and the Sanap Cliffs. The best way to see the Sanap Cliffs is to drive to Xlendi Bay and follow the coastal trail to the Sanap Cliffs viewpoint.

Most popular rental car

The most popular rental car in Malta is the Fiat Panda, but the Peugeot 108 and the Ford Fiesta are also popular.

Driver's license requirements

• Malta recognizes foreign driver’s licenses if they are written in a Latin alphabet and if you’re visiting on a trip that’s shorter than 12 months. If you’re visiting on a longer trip or if you’re a permanent resident of the country, you need to acquire a local driver’s license.
• If your driver’s license is in another alphabet (e.g., Cyrillic or Arabic), you need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Even if you have an IDP, you still need to also provide your valid driver’s license from your country
• You must carry your driver’s license, not a copy, with you at all times. 
• You need to have had your driver’s license for at least two years.
• Some rental car suppliers charge a young driver fee for drivers between the ages of 22 and 25 and a senior driver fee for drivers over the age of 65.
• There may be additional requirements depending on the car supplier and category, so make sure to check the rental conditions before booking.

Most popular types of rental car

The most popular rental car type in Malta is a Mini, followed by Economy and Compact. 

Car rental prices in Malta

• SUVs - from $11 per day
• Small cars - from $4 per day
• Medium cars - from $6 per day
• Large cars - from $9 per day
• Station wagons - from $12 per day
• Convertibles - from $13 per day
• Vans - from $21 per day
• Premium cars - from $68 per day

Money-saving and other tips

You can do a number of things to get a good car rental deal in Malta:

• Compare rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Malta is the cheapest in February when renting a car is about 50% cheaper than the yearly average and about 80% cheaper than renting a car in July.