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Home/Destinations/Malta
From €9/day
Explore Malta on your own schedule

Car rental in Malta

Great deals, flexible rental terms, and quick online booking.

★★★★★★ 4.5 / 8,764 reviews
Rent a car in Malta
✓ No hidden fees · ✓ Free cancellation

Popular cities in Malta

Mellieha
Mellieha
Triq Ganni Vassallo
Triq Ganni Vassallo
Gozo
Gozo
Saint Julians
Saint Julians

Why drive in Malta

Malta is small, but driving lets you join Valletta, Mdina and the Three Cities in one relaxed circuit. You can wind through villages, coastal viewpoints and prehistoric temples without waiting for buses in the heat.

With a hire car it is simple to reach Golden Bay, Mellieha and the ferry to Gozo, then keep exploring at your own rhythm. Rural lanes hide coves, chapels and countryside walks that are easier to discover when you are not tied to fixed routes.

At a glance
Drives onLeft
Motorway tollCheck locally
CurrencyEuro (€)
Min. rental age21 years

Good to know before you drive

The essentials for a smooth, ticket-free trip.

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Speed limits

Town50 km/h
Open road90 km/h
Motorway130 km/h
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Parking

Paid short-stay zones in city centres — buy a ticket and display it.

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Alcohol limit

Typically 0.05% blood-alcohol limit; lower for new drivers.

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Vignette / tolls

Check whether a motorway vignette or tolls apply — many rentals include one.

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Why book with us

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Save up to 80%
Exclusive negotiated rates from 1,000+ rental companies.
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No hidden fees
No card or admin charges — every cost shown up front.
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Free cancellation
Change or cancel free up to 24 hours before pick-up.
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24/7 support
Real people, every day of the year, in your language.

Practical Information for Drivers

Fines for violations of driving regulations

Fines for violations of the driving regulations in Malta are paid on the spot, so you should always have enough money with you. Common offences and fines for them:

  • a fine for speeding is 20-120 EUR
  • driving in a reserved lane can be fined 100 EUR
  • violation of overtaking rules can be punished with 10-60 EUR
  • passing through a red traffic light – 250 EUR
  • a fine for parking on the pavement is about 25 EUR
  • driving on the left-hand side of the road is fined with 10-60 EUR

To issue a fine, police officers do not need to come to the driver in person. A fine, for example for illegal parking, can be fixed to the windscreen. It must be paid within a week; otherwise, the offender can be summoned to court.

We recommend that you learn the driving regulations of Malta in advance to make your trip around the country by rental car truly enjoyable.

Speed limitation

It is necessary to observe the speed limit. Violations are strictly controlled and punished with fines. On some sections of the roads the general rules do not apply; there are special restrictions to be observed.

If there is nothing indicated on traffic signs, this means that the general speed limits apply on this section of road:

  • within built-up areas – 50 km/h
  • outside built-up areas – 80 km/h

Blood alcohol content allowed

The legal blood alcohol concentration allowed is 0.8 ‰. Remember that even a minimal exceedance of this level is penalised with a € 1,200 fine. Additionally, drivers can be taken into police custody for up to 3 months. The driver's licence is likely to be confiscated for more than 6 months. To avoid such consequences, pay attention to the amount of alcohol consumed or, better still, do not drink alcohol before driving.

Driving regulations in Malta

Note some driving regulations that must be observed while travelling in Malta by rental car. For example, you must switch on dipped headlights while driving through tunnels. Children up to 10 years old must travel in child safety seats or be secured by a special device. All passengers must wear seat belts. It is prohibited to use a mobile phone while driving.

What drivers say about Malta

★★★★★★4.5
★★★★★ 4

"As a couple visiting Malta, we found booking car really handy at the airport, quick paperwork and a clean little hatchback. Only downside was waiting 20 minutes past pick-up time, but staff were polite and the drop-off by the ferry terminal was effortless."

L
Luca
Malta
★★★★★★ 3.5

"We were a group of friends on a long weekend, and the car was ideal for driving around Gozo and the south. Smooth collection, clear fuel policy and no nasty surprises on the bill."

A
Annalise
Malta
★★★★★ 5

"I had a seamless rental, friendly service and a spotless car."

J
Joseph Camilleri
Malta
More reviews →

Renting in Malta — FAQ

In Malta, it is wise to book a hire car at least 3–4 weeks in advance for spring and autumn, and 6–8 weeks ahead for the busy summer months and holiday periods. Last-minute bookings are possible but choice and prices may be worse, especially for automatics, family vehicles and cars with extra equipment such as child seats.
Most Maltese car hire companies place a pre-authorisation on your card at pick-up, rather than taking a payment. This hold is usually released within 3–10 working days after you return the car without new damage or unpaid charges. With certain no deposit, no credit card offers, the blocked amount may be much smaller or not required at all.
The excess is the maximum amount you must pay towards damage or theft before the insurer covers the rest. In Malta, typical excess levels range from about EUR 700 to EUR 1,500, depending on vehicle type and supplier. You can often reduce this to a much lower figure, or to zero, by purchasing additional excess-waiver or full-cover insurance when booking or at the counter.
Some Maltese rental companies do accept major debit cards, especially for tourists, but you must check conditions carefully. They may require higher deposits, extra insurance or proof of return travel. A few offers provide reduced-deposit or no deposit, no credit card options where payment is taken by debit card and the financial risk is covered through enhanced insurance instead of a large pre-authorisation.
Outside peak season, small cars in Malta typically cost around EUR 20–35 per day, rising to about EUR 40–70 per day in July and August. Automatics, SUVs and people carriers are usually more expensive. Prices vary with location, demand and insurance options, so it is worth comparing several offers and checking what is included, such as mileage and basic cover.
Bookingcar lets you compare prices from many Maltese and international car hire firms in one search, helping you quickly spot the most competitive deals. You can filter by car size, transmission and insurance, then see clear, upfront pricing. By viewing multiple offers side by side, you are more likely to find a car in Malta that fits your budget without overpaying.
If you return your hire car late in Malta, even by an hour, most companies may charge an extra day at the current rate, plus any applicable fees. Extended delays without notice can be treated as an unauthorised extension and may invalidate insurance. Always contact the rental office as soon as possible if you expect to be late; they may adjust the contract at a lower cost than surprise charges.
Speed limits in Malta are generally low due to the island’s size and dense traffic. Typical limits are:
  • Urban and village areas: 50 km/h
  • Main roads and arterial routes: 60–80 km/h, as signposted
  • Residential or narrow streets: often less than 50 km/h where indicated
Always follow local signs, as temporary works and school zones may impose lower limits.
Traffic fines in Malta vary with the offence. Minor parking or speeding offences may cost around EUR 20–70, while higher speeds, mobile phone use while driving, or ignoring traffic lights can attract larger fines and penalty points. Very serious breaches, such as dangerous driving or driving under the influence, can lead to heavy fines, licence suspension or even court proceedings.
In Malta, the legal blood alcohol limit for most drivers is 0.08% (80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood). Professional and novice drivers may be subject to lower limits under specific rules. Police carry out roadside breath tests, and penalties for exceeding the limit can include substantial fines, penalty points, licence disqualification and potential criminal charges after serious or repeated offences.
Fuel prices in Malta are regulated and relatively stable compared with many countries. As a recent guideline, unleaded petrol is often around EUR 1.30–1.40 per litre, with diesel usually slightly cheaper, though rates can change over time. Check current prices displayed at local service stations before filling up, and remember that most pumps show prices clearly in euros per litre.
There are no toll motorways, vignettes or pay-per-use road tolls in Malta, and you can drive freely on the island’s road network without special passes. The main exception is parking and controlled entry zones in some busy areas, such as central Valletta, where you may need to pay for timed parking or controlled access. These charges are separate from your car rental and are paid locally.

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