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Car rental in Malta is the smartest way to see a small but extraordinarily dense island. From one end of Malta to the other is just 27 kilometres, yet those 27 km hold more sights and quirks than many European capitals. A car turns the standard Valletta–Sliema–Mdina loop into a proper trip: Gozo, the southern bays of Marsaxlokk, megalithic temples, sunsets on the Dingli cliffs.
Prices here are among the lowest in Europe. From November to March an economy car starts at 7 euros a day. In July–August the same class costs 25–40 euros. Competition between rental companies is fierce, and the island's rental ecosystem has been fine-tuned over decades.
A couple from Manchester landed on a Tuesday in May, picked up the keys at MLA in five minutes and were on the ferry to Mgarr by lunchtime — global chains were still queuing for a shuttle.
Worth knowing in advance: Malta drives on the left, the streets are narrow, there isn't a single motorway, and local drivers are impulsive. It takes one or two days to adapt, and we'll be straight about it below.
This guide covers what really shapes the trip: seasonal prices, the Gozo ferry, the Valletta congestion charge, kerb-colour parking, insurance, deposits and how payment works.
Driving on the left
The main difference from continental Europe is left-hand traffic — a legacy of British rule. The wheel sits on the right, indicators and wipers swap sides, and roundabouts turn clockwise. Most drivers adapt within a day or two, especially if the first day is spent on quieter rural roads rather than rush hour in St Julian's.
There are no motorways on the island at all. The top speed is 80 km/h on rural roads, 50 in towns and 35 in some village centres. Long crossings always pass through built-up areas, and a trip across the country usually takes 40–60 minutes.
You get used to driving on the left faster than you'd think. The tricky part isn't the side — it's that the indicators are under the right hand. The first few times you'll switch on the wipers when you mean to turn. Normal.
Local drivers are impulsive: they rarely indicate, don't yield and squeeze into tight gaps. It isn't aggression in the harsh sense, just a local style you adapt to. Best tactic: defensive driving, keep more distance and don't take sudden manoeuvres personally.
The tightest spots are Sliema, St Julian's and the old streets of Mdina. Cars pass within centimetres, and even experienced drivers scrape a rim on the kerb. Which is why Super CDW gets taken more often here than anywhere else.
Knowing this in advance saves a couple of rookie mistakes — and one or two stones on the windscreen.
Citroen C3 in Malta
I rented a car through your website. It’s been a long time. We had two problems. First was with add payments. I didn’t have 25 years so I had to pay 10€ per day for it. It wasn’t write in conditional. Second trouble was less serious. We got car peugeots brand. With deposit wasn’t trouble so I can recommend this rental.
Hyundai i10 in Malta
Everything was fine
Peugeot Partner in Malta
Everything was fine.
Fiat Grande Punto in Malta
It was really comfortable that our car was waiting us near airport and it didn’t take a lot of time to search it , also it was that easy to leave car. The worker who was explain everything was really polite and explained everything. It was a good experience.
Hyundai i10 in Malta
It was frustrating that we spent a lot of time on paperwork. Usually when we rented a car, it didn't take more than 15 minutes and it was convenient to give the deposit in cash. Right now I am still waiting for the deposit to be returned. It was nice that you upgraded the car from a Hyundai to a Nissan. Thank you for that. And took the car back quickly. The car was comfortable to use, but for the future, it would still be nice if you explain how to refuel it at the station without a person. Thanks for now, but because of the long time to get the deposit back on my card, I can't rate perfectly yet
Hyundai i10 in Malta
First time use this service and liked it so much. Car was delivered directly to the hotel and took 5 minutes to sign all paper formalities, drop off as well at the convenient for me place and time. Definitely recommend! Moreover very low security deposit
Toyota Aygo in Malta
Great car rental service! At first I was pleasantly surprised by the minimum deposit of 300 euros, which can be reduced to 100 euros by taking out additional hull insurance for only 10 euros per day. The booking process was incredibly fast - received confirmation less than an hour after checkout. The car was a little shabby, but it didn't affect our experience. It is important to note that the deposit was refunded within a week of handing in the car. Overall, I was very pleased with the quality of service and the promptness of the company. I recommend to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable car rental service!
Citroen C3 in Malta
everything was very good
Citroen C3 in Malta
The company we rented the car was great. The car was new practically, in perfect condition and with a very low mileage. It fitted us perfectly as described and the pricing was within reason. I would recommend it for sure! We faced i little problem upon arrival because it wasn't described with detail the exact location that we would meet the person that would take us to the car but soon we did and afterwards everything was easy. Do not think about it go on and book them!
Citroen C1 in Malta
All went smooth and nice. Thank you
Nissan Micra in Malta
My companions and me were very satisfied with your service. Your employee that waited for us at the airport was very friendly and professional. Overall opinion about the experience and the car is absolutely great, I would recommend your service to any of my friends.
Citroen C3 in Malta
all went great - car was new, very smooth collection and return :)
Citroen C1 in Malta
It was good
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CDW is included by Maltese law
Every rental on the island has to include third-party liability and basic CDW (collision damage waiver), and that cost is already built into the price you see when you book.
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Low or zero deposit, with several ways to pay
We offer rates with deposits between 0 and 250 euros, accept debit cards as well as credit, and cover most of the balance on the spot in cash where the supplier allows it.
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Real reviews on every car, not just on the company
After each rental we ask for feedback, so what you see is the experience on the specific car you're considering, not generic marketing for the supplier.
Gozo and the ferry
Gozo is the second island of the archipelago and, for most clients, the main reason to rent a car. The Gozo Channel ferry runs between Cirkewwa and Mgarr: 25 minutes, 24/7, every 30 minutes during the day.
Price and schedule
A "car plus driver" return ticket is 15.70 euros. Passengers don't pay extra. Foot passenger — 4.65 euros adult, 1.15 for children aged 3–12. Tickets are sold ONLY on Gozo, in Mgarr, on the way back. At Cirkewwa you board without a ticket.
People look for a booth in Cirkewwa and ask where to pay. The answer is nowhere — you follow the signs and drive straight onto the ferry. Payment happens on the way back, on Gozo.
Queues in summer
In July, August and on long weekends the car queue at Cirkewwa can run 3–4 hours both ways. Three tactics work: early sailings (07:00 or before), late ones (after 20:00), or Gozo on a weekday. Motorbikes skip most of the queue; foot passengers board separately.
A couple leaving the hotel at 6:30 was on Ramla l-Hamra beach by 9. They met the queue back in the evening — by 18:00 it was already thinning out.
Insurance on Gozo
CDW and Super CDW from your Maltese rental are valid on Gozo without exception. Keep the rental agreement in the car: the ferry doesn't check it, but Gozo patrols can.
One guest left the rental contract at the hotel and only realised it on the ferry. Keep it in the glove box. The cover is identical on both islands.
If anything happens on Gozo, the claim process runs exactly as it would in Mellieha or Sliema — same supplier, same paperwork.
Insurance and deposit
CDW, Super CDW and excess
Maltese law requires every rental to include third-party liability and basic CDW — a rule unusual within the EU. The basic excess sits at 500–1,500 euros, and it doesn't cover windscreen, wheel rims, tyres or undercarriage — the parts that suffer most on Malta's narrow streets.
Super CDW on Malta isn't a luxury — it's common sense. 8–15 euros a day at the desk, or 20–40% cheaper booked online. Excess drops to zero, windscreen and rims included.
Driving licences and the IDP
EU, UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand licences are accepted directly, no IDP needed. Drivers from outside those regions should bring an International Driving Permit — police can ask at a stop, and some suppliers won't hand over the keys without one.
Every season the same scene plays out: a guest lands without an IDP, the licence is in non-Latin script, and the supplier asks for a paper that takes a week to get from home. Sort it before the trip.
Deposit and payment
Local suppliers hold 100–400 euros as a deposit; international chains 500–1,500. We have rates with zero deposit and the option to settle most of the balance in cash. Chains require a credit card in the main driver's name; most local suppliers and our partners accept debit cards too.
Simplest path: small online prepayment by card, then cash for the balance and the deposit at the desk. Local suppliers refund the deposit on the spot if there's no damage.
For drivers who prefer everything settled by card, the no-deposit rates remove the question entirely — what you book is what you pay.
Rates in Malta vary throughout the year depending on the season and the rental length in days.
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How expensive is renting a car in Malta: average daily rates for a one-week car rental, across all car classes. Delivery across Malta not included.
Frequently asked questions
A return ticket for a car up to 5.3 metres long, including the driver, costs €15.70. Other passengers in the car travel free. You pay only on the return journey from Mġarr in Gozo. At Ċirkewwa in Malta, you board without buying a ticket or making a payment.
Yes, although an insurance surcharge of €5–15 per day often applies. For drivers over 75, some suppliers refuse the rental or request a doctor's letter confirming fitness to drive. Provide your age when booking so you can see suitable suppliers and avoid unexpected requirements at the desk. Some of our partners accept drivers over 70 without additional paperwork.
If you have Super CDW or Full CDW, photograph the damage and notify the supplier within 24 hours; the repair should then be covered, subject to the policy terms. Basic CDW normally excludes wheel rims, so a repair or replacement costing €60–120 may be deducted from your deposit.
No. EU, UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand licences are accepted on their own. The IDP is only required for licences from countries outside that list, or those issued in non-Latin script. A photo on the licence is mandatory; paper-only licences were phased out years ago.
Yes — most local Maltese suppliers and our partners accept debit cards or cash for the deposit. International chains still insist on a credit card in the main driver's name. When booking, choose cars marked "no credit card needed" — not every car on the lot allows it.
Airport rentals are usually 2–5 euros a day more because of the airport surcharge. If you're staying in Sliema or St Julian's and don't need a car for the first day or two, picking it up in town is cheaper. For a road trip from day one, the airport is normally worth the small premium.
Local suppliers in Malta return cash deposits immediately when you drop off the car, provided there is no damage. Credit-card holds usually take 7–30 working days to clear, depending on your bank. Keep the return inspection sheet in case you need evidence for a later query.
Basic Collision Damage Waiver generally excludes the windscreen, wheel rims, tyres and underbody, so repair costs may be deducted from your deposit. Super CDW or Full CDW usually covers these parts. The additional cover can be useful in Malta because many streets are narrow and kerbs are easy to clip.
Yes. A police report is normally required for any Collision Damage Waiver claim, even when the damage is only a small scratch. Without a report, the repair cost may be deducted from your deposit. Call 112, do not move the car, take photos and wait for the police to arrive.
No. Suppliers in Malta do not normally offer one-way rentals, so you must return the car to the agreed collection point. Because the island is small, this is rarely inconvenient. If you need a different return arrangement, ask about it before booking.
You do not pay a separate fine; you pay the CVA charge of €0.82 per hour, up to €6 per day, plus an administration fee of €15–30 from the rental company. You can avoid the charge by entering after 14:00, visiting at the weekend, or parking in Floriana and walking about 10 minutes into Valletta.
3–7 euros a day, or 20–40 euros for the whole rental, depending on the supplier and seat class. Children under 10 or below 135 cm must travel in a seat or booster. Stock runs out in July and August — book the seat with the car, not at the desk.
Malta has very few unsealed roads, as the island is heavily developed and the main attractions are accessible on tarmac. The remaining dirt tracks, including those near Fomm ir-Riħ and some bays in Gozo, are usually excluded from basic Collision Damage Waiver. Park on a paved road and walk the final section instead.
Most rental cars use 95-octane unleaded petrol, which costs around €1.45 per litre in 2026. Diesel cars are less common, and diesel costs about €1.35 per litre. The required fuel type is shown in the rental agreement and on the fuel cap. Many stations close by 20:00, so fill up during the day, particularly before visiting Gozo.
No. Every Maltese rental company forbids taking the car off the island, including the Valletta–Pozzallo ferry to Sicily. Insurance is voided the moment the car leaves Malta or Gozo. If you want to combine the islands, rent separately in Sicily on arrival.