Is it worth renting a car in Malta?

For Gozo: yes, absolutely. For Malta's main island: depends. A car is useful for rural south (Hagar Qim, Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk) and the north (Mellieha, Cirkewwa). For Valletta and Sliema, a car creates more problems than it solves. Parking is expensive and limited in the main tourist areas.

Driving in Malta 2026: left side, road rules, parking and rental guide

Left-hand traffic in Malta: the British legacy

Malta drives on the left-hand side of the road, with right-hand drive vehicles — the same as the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and a number of other former British territories. If you are from the UK, driving in Malta is immediately familiar. If you are from continental Europe, North America or Australia, you will need to adapt.

The adjustment to left-hand driving is not technically difficult for most people — it becomes instinctive within a couple of hours. The more challenging aspects of driving in Malta are the road conditions and the other drivers, not the side of the road.

The honest truth about Maltese roads

Malta has a reputation for difficult driving, and it is partly earned. The honest picture:

The roads are old and narrow. Many streets in village centres, on Gozo, and in older parts of Malta were laid out for horse carts. In practice, this means two cars passing in opposite directions requires one to pull to the side and let the other through. This is normal Maltese practice — it happens constantly, and drivers handle it without drama.

Signposting is inconsistent. Major roads have reasonable signage; smaller village roads may have very few signs or signs that refer to landmarks that do not appear on your map. Use Google Maps or Waze navigation on your phone — this mitigates the signage problem significantly.

Maltese driving style. The reputation is for aggressive driving — tailgating, overtaking on blind corners, not signalling. The reality in 2026 is that driving has improved since the early 2000s, but it remains more dynamic than northern European standards. Give space, do not tailgate, and treat amber traffic lights as yellow rather than green.

Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on the main roads outside towns. These are enforced with speed cameras, particularly on the main arterial roads.

When to rent a car in Malta

Strong case for renting

Gozo: A car on Gozo is transformative. The island’s best sites (Dwejra, the salt pans at Marsalforn, the western cliffs, the Citadel from different angles) are spread across the island and bus frequency is low. With a car, you can visit all of them in a day. Without a car, you are choosing 2–3 sites with gaps waiting for buses. Renting a small car for your Gozo days (take it over on the ferry) is almost always worth it.

Southern Malta circuit (Hagar Qim, Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk): These three sites form a logical loop that is awkward by bus (multiple changes, unpredictable timing) but easy by car (30–40 minutes between each site). If you want to do all three in one day without stress, a car is the practical option.

Mellieha and the north: The area around Mellieha, Marfa, Cirkewwa and the Mellieha Bay beach is technically served by buses but with limited frequency. For exploring the Popeye Village area and the coastline around Mellieha, a car is more efficient.

Families with young children: Bus plus child in the heat of summer is difficult. A car with air conditioning makes the island manageable for families.

Not worth renting

Valletta: Valletta’s historic centre is pedestrianised. You cannot drive most streets. Parking near Valletta is available (the Park and Ride systems and the Valletta waterfront car parks) but costs €3–5 per hour in peak season. There is no reason to have a car in Valletta — walk, take the bus or use Bolt.

Sliema and St Julian’s: These are dense urban areas with expensive parking, traffic congestion and no advantage over buses for getting around. A car creates a daily parking burden without solving any mobility problem.

Bugibba / Mellieha resort bases: For visitors who stay in a resort hotel and primarily want beach time, a car adds cost without meaningful benefit.

Car rental in Malta: what you need to know

Where to rent

At the airport: All major international companies have desks in the Malta Airport arrivals hall (Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, Enterprise). Convenient but typically the most expensive option.

In Sliema and St Julian’s: Several local Maltese rental companies offer slightly lower prices than the airport brands, with pickup in the tourist areas.

Online pre-booking: Almost always cheaper than walk-up rates. Compare on Kayak, Rentalcars.com or directly with companies. Book at least 2 weeks ahead for summer (vehicles run out, especially small automatics).

What to rent

Manual or automatic: Most European rental fleets are manual. In left-hand traffic, manual is manageable — but if you are not comfortable with manual-left-hand driving, request an automatic explicitly and pay the premium.

Small car: Most of Malta’s village streets are narrow. A compact car (VW Polo, Fiat 500 size) is significantly easier to park and manoeuvre than a medium SUV. Resist the temptation to go bigger.

Insurance: Always purchase at least CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and TP (Theft Protection). Check whether your credit card includes rental car insurance — some premium cards do. Malta’s roads involve a higher-than-average frequency of minor scrapes and parking dings; having comprehensive coverage avoids disputes on return.

Driving licence requirements

Any valid EU driving licence is accepted.
UK licences are accepted (post-Brexit: the Maltese authorities accept UK licences for rental purposes as of 2026).
US, Canadian, Australian and other non-EU licences are accepted if you have held the licence for at least 1 year. Some rental companies request an International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU licences — check with your specific rental company.
Minimum age for car rental: 21 with most companies; some require 25 for certain vehicle categories. Under-25 surcharges apply.

Cost

Compact car: approximately €30–60/day in shoulder season; €50–90/day in July–August
Full coverage insurance: add €10–20/day
Child seat: add €5–10/day (book in advance; sizes are limited)
Ferry (Malta–Gozo with car): approximately €15.70 return (paid at Mġarr)

Practical driving tips for Malta

Stay left at roundabouts. Malta has many roundabouts. The rule is consistent with left-hand traffic: give way to traffic already on the roundabout (coming from your right). This is the same as the UK.

Narrow village roads. When two cars meet on a road too narrow for both, the car closest to a passing place pulls in. Flash your headlights once to indicate you are giving way; the oncoming driver flashes back in acknowledgement. This courtesy system works smoothly.

Parking in village centres. Look for designated parking areas (marked with lines) rather than parking on pavements. In Mdina and some historic areas, the village square is the only parking. Arrive early on weekends.

Fuel. Petrol stations are available throughout Malta and Gozo. Do not let your tank go below a quarter on Gozo — stations are less numerous. Fuel prices in 2026: approximately €1.60–1.75 per litre for petrol (regular and premium).

Speed cameras. Multiple fixed speed cameras are on the main arteries. Follow posted limits.

Pedestrian crossings. Maltese drivers vary in their respect for zebra crossings. As a pedestrian, do not assume a car will stop. As a driver, stop for pedestrians at marked crossings — it is legally required and increasingly enforced.

Driving in Gozo vs Malta

Gozo is universally easier to drive than Malta. The roads are wider relative to traffic, the interior routes through the farming villages are quiet, and finding parking near sites like Ggantija, Dwejra and the Citadel is generally straightforward (small car parks at most sites).

The only caution is the road from Mġarr up to Victoria — it has a few blind hairpin bends — and the tracks around Dwejra Bay, which can be muddy after rain.

Frequently asked questions about driving in Malta

Is it easy to drive in Malta?

Manageable with preparation. Left-hand traffic is the main adjustment; most people adapt within an hour. The challenging part is the narrow village roads and the dynamic local driving style. Taking it slowly and defensively works fine.

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

EU licence holders: no. UK, US, Canadian and Australian holders: some rental companies request one, some do not. Check with your specific rental company when booking. The IDP is cheap and easy to obtain in your home country before travel.

Where can I park in Valletta?

The City Gate car parks and the Valletta Waterfront multi-storey are the main options near Valletta. Expect to pay €3–5/hour in summer. The Park and Ride at Floriana (outside Valletta walls) is cheaper. Honestly: if you are staying in Valletta, you do not need a car.

Is it safe to drive in Malta at night?

Generally yes, though some rural roads on Gozo have no streetlighting and poorly marked bends. Keep speed down at night in unfamiliar areas. Village streets in Malta can be confusingly lit — rely on navigation apps.

Can I take a rental car on the Gozo ferry?

Yes. This is normal practice. Book a car that allows ferry crossings (most do; check your rental agreement for any restriction on ferry travel). You board at Cirkewwa, cross to Mġarr, and pay the ferry car fare on return at Mġarr.

What side of the road is Malta?

Left, like the UK. Steering wheel is on the right-hand side of the car.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20