Renting a car in Malta is often the best way to explore the island properly. Public transport exists, yet it is not always efficient. If you want to see a lot in a short time, having your own car gives you more flexibility when planning your itinerary. At the same time, renting a car in Malta means dealing with different prices, policies and conditions. Pickup points, insurance options and extras can vary widely between providers. This guide, based on my experience, will help you navigate the rental process with confidence and clarity.
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When Renting a Car in Malta Makes Sense
Malta may look small on the map, yet getting around can take longer than expected. Public transport connects most towns, but it can be slow and crowded during peak season. Taxis are available, though relying on them for every journey quickly becomes expensive, making a rental car a more practical option for getting around.
I visited Malta with my son and we explored a wide range of attractions. Rather than focusing only on beaches, we explored aviation and science museums, creating a great mix of discovery, fun and learning. However, destinations such as the Malta Aviation Museum or the Popeye Village are not always easy to reach by public transport.
Based on my experience, renting a car is the best solution when travelling with children. It definitely gives you the freedom to explore beyond the main tourist routes.
How Car Rental Works in Malta: Booking and Pickup Process
Renting a car in Malta, like many other destinations, follows a simple and standard process. You search, compare options, book online, and then collect the car on arrival. Most travellers pick up their vehicle directly at the airport to start the journey immediately.
After landing, the rental process is usually straightforward. You present your driving licence and credit card at the rental office, sign the agreement, and receive the keys. The car is then collected from a multi-storey car park.
To rent a car in Malta, you need a valid driving licence, either European or international depending on your country. Some providers may apply age restrictions or additional fees for younger drivers. In my experience, vehicles are generally modern and well-maintained.
How to Find the Best Car Rental Deals in Malta
Car rental in Malta is very popular, especially if you want to explore beyond the main tourist areas. This creates strong competition between providers, often leading to more competitive prices than in other destinations. For this reason, price comparison platforms become a key tool when searching for the best deals, as they allow you to see what is actually available and competitively priced.
Booking directly with rental companies does not necessarily mean lower prices. In many cases, it simply involves checking several websites and comparing terms manually. Using a platform like EconomyBookings allows you to compare different suppliers, pickup locations and rental conditions in one place.
In my opinion, this makes the selection process faster and more transparent. I usually compare options on booking platforms a few weeks in advance to find a good balance between price and availability.
Child Car Seats in Malta: Rules, Costs and Practical Tips
Malta follows European Union road safety regulations, which means children must use an appropriate car seat based on their height and weight. In practical terms, younger children must use a proper child car seat, while older children can use a booster seat once they meet the required height.
When renting a car, child seats are available as an extra that you can add during booking. They are usually clean and suitable for general use, but the cost can add up quickly. This is why it is important to consider whether renting or bringing your own seat is the better option. For my trip, I chose to bring a booster seat with me.
Most airlines allow you to carry a child seat or booster free of charge. For this reason, it is a convenient and cost-effective alternative to renting one locally. At the airport, you usually need to hand over the seat at check-in or at the gate. It is not always possible to place it inside a protective bag, so it will be tagged and transported separately with checked luggage.
You collect it again after landing, often in a dedicated area. In my experience, car seats are not handled as roughly as standard luggage, even though mine arrived slightly damp due to the rain. If your model has removable covers, it can be useful to travel with a spare or remove the main cover before departure, as this helps maintain hygiene and comfort during your trip.
Most rental cars in Malta are relatively recent and often equipped with ISOFIX anchors. However, it is always worth confirming in advance with the rental company to ensure compatibility with your child seat.
Best Pickup Location for a Rental Car in Malta: Airport vs City
In Malta, you can rent a car either in the main towns or directly at the airport. While both options are available, in most cases collecting your car at the airport is the most practical choice. As soon as you land, you will need a way to reach your accommodation, so picking up the car immediately allows you to start your trip without relying on taxis or public transport.
At Malta International Airport, the rental area is located just outside the terminal. You simply walk across the road to reach the rental offices and the nearby multi-storey car park. This setup makes the process quick and efficient, especially after a flight, and helps you save time and avoid unnecessary transfers.
Renting from the airport for the entire duration of your stay is often more convenient and sometimes even more cost-effective than renting in the city for a shorter period. During my last trip, I considered renting a car only for a few days and visiting the main towns by public transport, but from a cost perspective, this option was not convenient. Splitting the rental meant dealing with additional transfers, limited flexibility and, in the end, higher overall costs compared to a single, continuous rental.
Car Rental Costs in Malta: Insurance, Deposit and Extras
Before renting, always check what is included in the base price and what increases the total cost. The base rental price usually includes the car and basic insurance. Additional options may include full coverage, child seats or extra drivers. Some providers may also apply age limits or additional fees for younger drivers. Fuel policies, timing flexibility and additional services can also affect the final price.
The most important thing to know is that basic insurance often does not cover accidental damage and usually comes with a high excess, which means you could still face significant charges in case of damage.
For this reason, I usually choose full coverage, which includes accidental damage and eliminates the excess. Without it, even small scratches caused by other cars in a car park could result in high costs, so adding it is a safer financial choice.
This extra insurance can be purchased either online in advance or directly at the desk. I usually book it beforehand so I know exactly what I am paying. At the counter, prices are often less transparent and insurance upselling is very common in Malta. It can sometimes feel almost like a scam, as staff may claim that your existing coverage is not sufficient and increase your total cost unnecessarily.
At pickup, a security deposit is blocked on your credit card, and the amount can vary depending on the vehicle and the provider. In Malta, the deposit was held for over a month after returning the car, even though I had written confirmation that the vehicle was in perfect condition. The release depends entirely on the rental company, and following up does not always speed up the process, so I recommend using a credit card with a sufficiently high limit as a guarantee.
Car Rental Pitfalls in Malta and How to Avoid Them
One of the most important things to be careful about when renting a car in Malta is documenting the condition of the vehicle at pickup. You should always take photos or videos of the car, both inside and outside, including any small scratches, marks or existing damage. This simple step provides clear evidence of the vehicle’s initial condition and helps prevent disputes later.
Road conditions in Malta can vary, especially outside the main tourist routes. During my trip, I drove on dusty roads and gravel surfaces, which can easily cause small scratches or minor damage. Even something as simple as a passing car can lift small stones and hit your vehicle, which is why it is essential to protect yourself from being held responsible for pre-existing or accidental damage.
Choosing the Right Rental Car in Malta: Size, Parking and Practical Tips
When you rent a car, the right vehicle depends mostly on your travel style and group size. However, Malta’s narrow streets make smaller cars much easier to drive and park, especially in busy areas. In fact, in many parts of the island, finding parking can be difficult.
During my trip to Malta with my son, we stayed in St. Paul’s Bay. We chose this area for its convenient location near the sea rather than staying in the centre of Valletta. Still, even in low season, finding parking for our Renault Clio was not always easy, and I had to park further away on several occasions.
In cities such as Valletta or Mdina, I always chose to park outside the historic centre and continue on foot to avoid driving through very narrow streets without finding a suitable parking space. If you are travelling as a family and need a larger vehicle for luggage or child seats, I recommend booking accommodation with private parking. This small detail can make a big difference in Malta.
Driving in Malta: Rules, Roads and Parking Tips
In Malta, people drive on the left-hand side of the road. For me, it was not particularly difficult, as I was already used to driving on the left in England and Ireland. Still, this can feel unusual at first, especially for European and US travellers. With some attention, you quickly adapt and manage roundabouts and junctions with more confidence.
The most challenging aspect is the traffic, which can be heavy across the island. Driving culture tends to be quite assertive, with drivers not always paying close attention and frequently using the horn. The high number of cars on the road often leads to queues, even in low season.
Road conditions vary, particularly in rural areas, where you may encounter uneven surfaces or dusty roads. Parking can be difficult in busy areas like Valletta, but there are often larger parking areas outside the city.
Renting a Car in Malta: Final Thoughts
Renting a car in Malta gives you the flexibility to reach places that public transport does not connect efficiently. We chose to rent a car for this reason, especially to visit attractions such as the Playmobil FunPark, which are not particularly well served by buses.
Using a comparison platform helps you find better deals and understand rental conditions more clearly, while paying attention to details allows you to avoid unnecessary costs and reduce potential stress. If you have questions or want to share your experience, you can leave a comment below.
