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Compare car rental prices from top companies in Malta with Road Genius. From small economy cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices. Pick up at Malta International Airport (MLA) or in Valletta and other towns, then explore Mdina, the Blue Grotto and Gozo. In peak summer, cars book out quickly, so reserve early and consider a compact for narrow streets and easier parking.
Malta offers several convenient places to rent a car, each suited to different travel plans.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Malta Airport (MLA) |
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| City/Town Locations |
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At Malta International Airport, the rental car offices are in the Park East facility, a 3-minute walk from the terminal; follow the "Rental Cars" signs. Major brands usually have vehicles on-site, while some budget agencies may operate from off-site depots that require a shuttle.
On average, car rentals in Malta cost around €59 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €17 per day.
Compare airport vs town pickups. Airport is convenient but usually pricier due to surcharges. Check Valletta or other city locations and factor a short taxi or bus from MLA.
Time your booking to the season. For Jun–Aug, book months ahead. For Apr–May and Sep–Oct, weeks ahead is fine. For Nov–Mar, last-minute deals are common.
Pick a smaller, manual car. Cheaper to rent, better on fuel, and easier to park on Malta’s narrow streets. Automatics cost more and sell out.
Check weekly pricing. A 7-day rental often beats the per-day total for shorter spans.
Return the car full. Most rentals are full-to-full. Top up before drop-off to avoid refuelling charges.
Skip Valletta’s CVA charges. Park at Floriana Park & Ride or MCP Floriana and walk in. CVA runs weekdays 8am–6pm and is off on Sundays and public holidays.
Understanding Malta's parking system will save you time and prevent fines. Look for coloured markings on kerbs and spaces:
| Marking | Meaning |
|---|---|
| White lines | Free public parking (may have time limits in urban areas) |
| Yellow lines | No parking zones |
| Blue lines | Time-limited or paid parking (check nearby signs) |
| Green lines | Residents-only parking permit required |
Valletta Parking: Most street parking in Valletta is restricted to residents. Visitors should use the Park & Ride lot in Floriana or MCP Floriana multi-storey car park.
Controlled Vehicular Access (CVA): Valletta has a congestion charge system operating weekdays between 8am and 6pm. If you drive in central Valletta:
Local Driving Rules:
Book a rental to get to:
Mdina – fortifications, cathedral
Marsaxlokk – Sunday market
Blue Grotto & Ħagar Qim – caves, temples
Dingli Cliffs – sunset views
Mellieħa & Marfa Ridge – Mellieħa Bay, Comino views
Gozo – Victoria, Dwejra, Salt Pans, Ġgantija Temples
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Malta? No, you don't need one if your licence is in English or an EU format. If your licence uses letters that are not from the Latin alphabet, you'll need an International Driving Permit or an official translation.
Can I take a rental car from Malta to Sicily? No, the rental company's rules don't let you take cars off the Maltese islands. You can only drive the car between Malta and Gozo.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Malta? You usually need to be 21 years old. If you're under 25, the rental company will add a 'young driver' fee. You also need to have had your licence for at least 2 years.
How does the Valletta CVA system work? On weekdays, cameras record cars as they enter central Valletta (Mon–Fri 8am-6pm and Sat 8am-1pm). The first 30 minutes are free, then the system adds charges every hour. You can pay online on the same day. If you don't, the rental company will charge your card later and add a fee for their service.
Are there any restrictions on driving in historic towns? In Mdina, you cannot drive inside the city walls if you are not a resident. In Valletta, the government has closed many streets to cars or limited who can use them.
What happens if I get a traffic fine? The rental company will charge your card for the cost of the fine. They will also add a service fee of about €30. To avoid these costs, make sure you drive according to the law.
Do I get unlimited mileage on rental cars in Malta? Yes, almost all standard rental cars come with unlimited mileage because the islands are so small.
Should I book a car before I arrive? In summer, it's very important to book your car in advance because all the rental cars in Malta can get booked out. In winter, you can usually find a car to rent at the last minute.
What kind of fuel do rental cars use in Malta? Most rental cars use unleaded petrol, but some use diesel. You can check the fuel cap or the car's dashboard to see what fuel it needs.
Can I rent an electric vehicle in Malta? Yes, but you won't find many options. The government is still building up the charging network, and there are now over 300 public charging stations on the islands.
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