Car Rental in Malta
Explore Malta at your own pace without relying on bus schedules or guided tours. Carenzzo helps you compare offers from local rental companies, choose the right car, and book online with transparent terms and fixed pricing.
Cities: Malta
All cities with built-in car search. Each page has a ready search, prices by class and rental terms.
Rental terms in Malta
The basic rules of most rental providers in the country. Exact terms of a specific offer are shown in the city search before payment.
- Driver age — from 21 years.
- Driving experience — from 1 years.
- Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge.
- Fuel policy: “full-to-full”.
- Basic insurance (CDW/TP) is included in the price.
- A Full CDW package reduces the excess to zero.
- A deposit (~300 EUR) is held on the driver’s card.
- National driving licence.
- Driver’s passport.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — if your licence is not in Latin script.
- A bank card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
Driving rules in Malta
A driver’s guide for the country — common traveler questions: currency, fuel, speed limits, toll roads.
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Speed limits | 50 city · 80 rural (km/h) |
| Blood alcohol limit | up to 0.8 ‰ |
| Daytime headlights | required |
| Vignette (toll roads) | not required |
Traffic rules: Malta
- Left-hand traffic – right-hand drive vehicles, overtaking on the right, as in the United Kingdom.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h outside urban areas. There are no motorways in Malta.
- Low-beam headlights must be switched on at all times.
- The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%; for new drivers (less than 2 years of driving experience), the limit is 0.02%.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
- Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system.
- Children under 3 years old must travel in a rear-facing child seat; children aged 3–10 must use an appropriate child restraint system.
- There are no vignettes. Entry to Valletta’s historic centre may be subject to the CVA congestion charge (applies to Maltese-registered vehicles, including rental cars). Check the conditions with your rental company before travelling.
- Winter tires are not required due to Malta’s mild Mediterranean climate.
- Taking a rental car outside Malta is prohibited. Most rental companies allow ferry travel to Gozo—confirm this when booking.
- Traffic fines are not paid directly to the police officer. They are issued by official notice, and unpaid fines can be tracked using your passport details.
Frequently asked questions about car rental in Malta
License, deposit, border crossing, driver age and toll roads.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Malta?
If your driver’s license is issued in the Latin alphabet (European, American, Australian, etc.), an IDP is usually not required. If your license is issued in Cyrillic, Arabic, or another non-Latin script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory.
What is the minimum age to rent a car?
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old with 1–2 years of driving experience. Drivers under 25 usually pay a young driver surcharge.
Is a security deposit required?
Yes. A security deposit is usually blocked on the driver’s credit card, typically from €300 and higher depending on the vehicle category and insurance. Purchasing extended coverage may reduce or eliminate the deposit.
Where can I pick up and return the car?
The main pickup location is Malta International Airport. Rental offices are also available in Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s. Some local rental companies offer hotel delivery.
Can I drive to Gozo?
Most rental companies allow ferry travel to Gozo, but you should confirm this during booking. Taking the vehicle outside Malta is prohibited by all rental companies.
Do I need to pay attention to the CVA zone in Valletta?
If you rent a car with Maltese registration plates—which is almost always the case—entering Valletta’s historic centre on weekdays is subject to the CVA congestion charge (around €0.82 per hour). Some rental companies pass this charge on together with an administration fee. Parking outside the city gates and walking into the centre is often the easiest option.
Which insurance should I choose?
Basic CDW is included in the rental price but usually leaves an excess of €300–1,000. Extended coverage (Super CDW / Full Cover) removes this liability and is recommended, especially because of Malta’s narrow streets.
When is the best time to book?
Malta is a year-round destination, but demand is highest from June to September. Book early, especially if you need an automatic transmission, as right-hand drive automatic cars are in high demand.
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