Car Rental in Malta: Age Rules, Left-Hand Traffic and What to Expect

Malta drives on the left — a legacy of British rule that catches many European visitors off guard. Beyond that, it’s a very small island (27 km end to end) with no toll roads, no motorways worth naming, and a driving culture that’s best described as assertive. A rental car is genuinely useful here, but you don’t need it for every itinerary. This guide explains when it makes sense and what to watch out for.

Do you need a rental car in Malta?

Malta is small enough that taxis and buses cover the main tourist circuit — Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, the Blue Grotto. The public bus network is affordable but slow and can get crowded in summer.

A rental car makes sense if:

• You’re visiting Gozo (the ferry takes cars, and the island needs one)
• You want to explore the south of Malta (Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk, Dingli Cliffs) at your own pace
• You’re staying somewhere not well served by buses
• You have more than 4–5 days on the island

For a short city-based stay in Valletta or Sliema, you probably don’t need one.

Left-hand traffic: what to know

Malta drives on the left, same as the UK, Ireland, Cyprus and a handful of other countries. The steering wheel is on the right side of the car. If you’re from continental Europe or North America, this takes a day to feel natural — particularly at roundabouts and when turning.

Key points:

• Overtake on the right
• At roundabouts, traffic already on the roundabout has priority (same as UK)
• Keep left on dual carriageways

Most rental cars in Malta are right-hand drive. If you’ve never driven on the left before, take it slow for the first few hours.

Valletta no-entry zones

Valletta’s historic centre has restricted access zones that catch tourists. Private vehicles cannot enter most of the old city during the day. Parking outside the walls and walking in is the standard approach — use the Park and Ride at Ta’ Qali, or the car parks on the Floriana side near the city gates.

Don’t try to drive into Valletta’s narrow streets. The roads are designed for pedestrians and the occasional delivery van.

Average car rental prices in Malta (2026)

Malta is one of the more affordable rental markets in southern Europe. Year-round demand keeps prices relatively stable.

Category	Low season	High season
Economy	€16–24/day	€30–48/day
Compact	€22–32/day	€38–58/day
Midsize SUV	€40–58/day	€65–90/day

Compare rental prices in Malta →

The Gozo ferry: can you take a rental car?

Yes. Unlike Formentera from Ibiza, the Gozo Channel ferry from Cirkewwa (north Malta) to Mġarr (Gozo) accepts rental cars. The crossing takes around 25 minutes.

Important details:

• No advance booking — it’s a queue system. You drive up and wait.
• In summer, queues can run 45–90 minutes on weekends and public holidays.
• The ferry runs frequently throughout the day and into the night.
• Most rental companies permit the Gozo crossing without special documentation — confirm at pickup.

Gozo is smaller and quieter than Malta, with narrow roads and limited infrastructure. A car is almost essential there; buses barely exist outside the main town of Victoria.

Driving culture in Malta

Maltese driving has a reputation. Locals drive close, change lanes without signalling and treat amber lights as a suggestion. Road markings are sometimes faded or missing. Signage can be inconsistent.

This doesn’t mean driving is dangerous — it’s more chaotic than aggressive — but it’s worth knowing before you arrive. Defensive driving, patience at junctions, and avoiding eye contact with impatient locals will serve you well.

Roundabouts

Malta has an unusually high density of roundabouts for such a small island. The priority rule is the same as in the UK: traffic on the roundabout has right of way over traffic entering. Not everyone follows this in practice. Approach with caution and yield generously.

Fuel stations on Gozo

Fuel stations on Gozo are limited and some close early in the evening. Fill up before leaving Victoria or before boarding the return ferry. Running low on Gozo is a fixable problem, but an inconvenient one.

Practical tips

Minimum age. Most companies in Malta require drivers to be at least 21. Some require 25 for larger categories or without a young driver surcharge.

Insurance. Standard CDW applies. The excess in Malta typically runs €800–1,500. No local insurance quirks beyond the usual — check your credit card cover before upgrading at the counter.

No toll roads. Malta has no toll roads. The entire island is free to drive.

Parking. Outside Valletta, parking is generally easy. Most towns have street parking available. In Sliema and St. Julian’s, expect to pay for street bays in the centre.

When is the best time to rent a car in Malta

• October to April: ideal. Mild weather, lower prices, no crowds. January and February are quiet but pleasant.
• May and June: good balance of weather and price before summer rates kick in.
• July and August: peak demand, higher prices, hot (35+ degrees). Book early.
• September: excellent — still warm, crowds thin after mid-month.

---

Malta rewards drivers who go beyond Valletta. Explore Gozo, the south coast and the inland villages on your own schedule.

Rent a car in Malta →

View car rental prices in Malta →