Should You Rent a Car in Malta? Pros, Cons & My Honest Perspective
Planning a trip to Malta is a lot like planning a trip anywhere – there are decisions to be made about where you’ll stay, what you’ll do, and how long you’ll visit. But alongside these decisions, another important consideration is: should you rent a car in Malta? You don’t need a car in Malta – there’s a public bus system, ride-sharing, and even ferry services in some locations. Having a car – especially if you’re visiting for less than a week and want to visit a variety of places on Malta (and maybe even Gozo) – can be very helpful. Keep reading for my honest perspective on whether you should rent a car in Malta.
Do You Need a Rental Car in Malta?
One of the biggest questions people ask when planning a trip to Malta is whether they need to rent a car.
The short answer? No, you don’t need to rent a car.
Malta has an extensive public bus system, affordable ride-sharing services like Bolt, and ferries connecting some of the island’s most popular areas, including Valletta, Sliema, and the Three Cities. Plenty of visitors spend an entire vacation here without ever getting behind the wheel.
The truth is that Malta is small. You can drive from one end of the main island to the other in about an hour (depending on traffic), and the public bus network reaches most of the major towns and tourist attractions. If you’re patient and don’t mind a slower pace, you can absolutely explore Malta without renting a car.
That said, if you’re the kind of traveler who loves pulling over at an unexpected viewpoint, discovering a quiet swimming spot, or wandering through towns that aren’t on every standard itinerary, renting a car in Malta can completely change your experience.
So… Should You Rent a Car in Malta?
As we all know, wants and needs are not the same. And while you don’t need a car to have an enjoyable visit to Malta, there are many situations where you might want to rent a car. Honestly, the answer to the “Do I rent a car?” question really depends on the kind of trip you’re looking for.
If you’re staying in Valletta or Sliema, are planning to book a few guided tours, and mostly want to enjoy the historic sites, restaurants, and maybe a bit of the sea, I don’t think a rental car is necessary. Driving and parking can be frustrating in the busiest areas (more on that below), and Malta’s buses, ferries, and ride-share services make it easy to get around without so much stress.
I also think public transportation is the way to go if you’re visiting Malta for more than one week. Malta is pretty small, and with more time on the island, you’ve got more time to move at a slower pace. Maybe you opt for one excursion per day. Plus, rental car fees add up over time, making public transportation a more attractive option, especially with multi-day passes.
On the other hand, if your dream trip to Malta involves swimming in hidden coves, visiting dramatic coastlines, exploring nearby Gozo, or just having the freedom to change your plans whenever something catches your eye, I think renting a car is absolutely worth it.
Some of my most famous moments in Malta haven’t been planned at all. Pulling over for a swim at a stunning turquoise bay. Stopping for lunch off the tourist path at a local spot known for Maltese ftira. Driving along the water for over an hour, just because we could.
Can you do these things without your own car? Sure you can – but it’ll take more time (with bus transfers) or money (with ride-shares).
Why I Like Having a Car in Malta
I’m not the type of person who spends an entire day at one beach. Maybe every once in a while, but most days, especially when I’m traveling, I like to move around and explore.
One thing I love about Malta is how much there is to explore in such a small area. Having a car makes that incredibly easy.
Instead of planning every stop around bus schedules, or budgeting for multiple ride-shares in an afternoon, with a car you can go wherever sounds interesting in the moment.
For me, this looks like visiting all the best places to swim in Malta. Or exploring Malta’s rugged southwest coast. Or spontaneously deciding one morning to drive north and hop a ferry to Gozo. Or doing something totally ordinary, like driving to the grocery store (and not worrying about how much I can carry back).
Could you do all of this without your own car? Absolutely. Again, it’s about convenience, budget, and preferred travel pace.
Tips for Renting a Car in Malta
I’ve rented cars all over Europe. Driving in Malta is similar and different in several ways. Here are some of my best tips if you’re thinking about renting a car during your visit:
- Book early (especially for automatics): Automatic cars are in shorter supply and typically more expensive. Booking ahead gives you the best selection and price. Most rental agencies allow free cancellation up until a few days before your trip, so it’s worth locking something in early.
- Choose a small car: Malta’s roads – especially in villages and coastal areas – can be narrow and tight. And street parking spaces can be small as well. A compact car is easier to maneuver and much less stressful to park. Choose the smallest car you’re comfortable driving, ideally one that fits your group and luggage just for the airport transfer. After that, you’ll likely be traveling light day to day.
- Opt for full insurance: Especially if you’re driving in rural areas or parking near rocky coves, it’s worth it. We always choose the full coverage with a $0 deductible. Yes, many credit cards offer some insurance, but we prefer the no-hassle peace of mind that comes with full coverage from the rental company.
- Parking at your accommodation: If you’re not yet committed to a certain accommodation, consider booking a hotel or apartment that has parking included. Street parking is in high demand in many parts of Malta, and having a dedicated parking space can make arriving back to your accommodation stress-free.
- Avoid driving during peak commuting hours: Malta is densely populated – the island may be small, but there are a lot of cars on the road. Traffic – especially in the center of the island – can get very heavy during commuting hours. My solution? Avoid driving during morning/evening work commute hours, if you can.
- Parking rules: Pay attention to painted curbs and local signage. If you’re unsure, double-check with your rental agency – they’ll often have a quick cheat sheet or be happy to clarify how parking works in the areas you’ll be driving. Here’s a quick guide:
- White: Public parking (may be free or paid, and often has a time limit)
- Blue: Resident-only parking at night (check signs)
- Green: Resident-only parking 24 hours a day
- Yellow: No parking at any time
When Renting a Car in Malta Might Not Be for You
I genuinely love having a car in Malta – it allows me to beach hop, explore less visited corners of the island, and move around on my own timeline. But renting a car isn’t for everyone. If you’re not sure, here are a few situations where skipping the rental might make more sense:
- You’re staying in Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s: These areas are walkable and well-connected by public transport and ferries. Driving and parking here can be more hassle than it’s worth.
- You’re nervous about driving on the left: As a former British colony, Malta drives on the left side of the road. Depending on where in the world you’re visiting from, this may be entirely familiar, or quite foreign. If the latter, ask yourself if you think the stress of driving on the left is something you want to take on during your trip. If not, opt for public transportation and ride-shares. Or, base yourself in a quieter area outside the most densely populated parts of the island (the southwest, such as Zurrieq, is a good option, especially given its proximity to the airport). That way, you can ease into driving (and those tricky roundabouts) before tackling more crowded roads.
- You’re traveling slowly or during the off-season: Malta’s buses are more than enough if you’re not in a rush and are happy with a slower-paced trip. Indeed, this is what I choose for long stays.
- You’re booking guided excursions or only visiting for a few days: If you already have tours planned (giving you a set schedule) or are just popping over for a long weekend, renting a car might not be worth the hassle.
Booking & Picking Up Your Rental Car
If you’ve decided a rental car is the way to go for your trip to Malta, it doesn’t get much easier when it comes to booking and pickup.
You’ll most likely arrive to Malta via plane, and most rental car agencies are conveniently located right on site at the Malta International Airport. During peak travel season, rental car pickup lines can get long, but this is true all over the world. If you arrive outside of peak season, pickup at the airport should be a breeze.
As for who to book with? I do most of my booking with Booking.com (for simplicity) and tend to shop around car rental companies based on local ratings (they can vary quite a bit from one place to another. At the airport in Malta, Enterprise is most consistently positively reviewed, and this is who I have rented from when visiting. No complaints at all, which is honestly my measurement of a positive rental car experience.
Explore rental car options at Malta International Airport
Final Thoughts: Renting a Car in Malta
If it’s not already clear, in my view, whether or not you should book a car on your Malta visit comes down to personal preference, and has a lot to do with how long your visit is, what travel pace you prefer, and your own comfort. I can’t stress that last part enough – please do not rent a car if you’re worried about driving on the left, concerned about traffic, or just want to be able to relax and not worry about a car on your trip.
If you do rent a car in Malta, choose the smallest car you’re comfortable in, avoid driving during peak hours, and drive with caution. And, most importantly, enjoy all that having your own wheels opens up for you.
