Car hire in Malta

Driving is the best way to explore the small and easy to navigate island of Malta. There are many car hire companies in Malta offering deals, so use the search form to find the best prices. Summer is the peak visitor season and since self-driving is a popular form of transportation, tourists should compare car hire rates in advance to ensure availability.

Car hire driving tips in Malta

Whether it’s the beaches or the green interior that interests you, self-driving is a great way to explore Malta. Car rental gives you the flexibility to set your own schedule and see the island in your own time. Malta is small, so it is easy to undertake an around-the-island drive and enjoy the vistas from Ghain Abdul and Filfla, the highest points on Malta. Self-driving in Malta is simple as the road and motorway networks are good.

Need to know essentials

Driving licences: when hiring a car in Malta, visitors from the EU are required to hold a valid EU driving license. Non-EU visitors should obtain an International Driving License prior to arrival in Malta.

Which side does Malta drive on: the left.

Speed limits:

Highways and dual carriageways (outside urban areas): 80kph

National or provincial roads: 80kph

Local roads: 50kph

Urban roads: 50kph

Speed limits in Malta are strictly enforced with radar traps.

Alcohol limits: are low in Malta and drivers are best advised to not drink at all if they are driving. The 0.03 per cent or 35mg/100ml limit is much lower than the 0.05 level in the UK. Strict enforcement of drink driving laws is in place, and police have the authority to confiscate driving licences on the spot.

Driving age: 18 (23 if you wish to hire a car). The maximum car rental age is 70.

Compulsory items: in Malta, it is compulsory to have a warning triangle in the car.

Seatbelts: must be worn in the front and back seats. Children up to three years of age must use a child seat or a booster seat and seatbelt. Most hire companies offer the option of renting a car seat for children.

Mobile phones and GPS: it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving – both for voice calls and text messaging. Hands-free devices are not allowed. If caught violating these laws, you will be subject to an on-the-spot fine. The use of GPS while driving is prohibited, so make sure you pull over when programming your device. GPS maps are inaccurate in Malta, so it is best to go old school and have a traditional paper map on hand.

Cost of fuel in Malta: fuel costs are similar to those in the rest of Europe.

Car hire and fuel payment: car hire agencies require hirers to hold a valid credit card and passport (the names on both must match). Most petrol stations accept credit cards; however, it is also a good idea to carry some cash. Off hours, petrol stations become automated and payment can be made at the pump in euros or by credit card.

Insurance: basic insurance should suffice if you are a careful driver. The road network outside the cities is limited and traffic sparse, making collision a low risk.

Traffic and parking: traffic congestion is not a major problem in Malta. Rush hour traffic in the cities can get heavy, but is surmountable. Street parking is readily available and rules are easy to understand. Parking on double yellow lines is prohibited. Some street parking is regulated by time parking, which limits parking to one hour. Cars parked in violation of parking rules may be towed or clamped. There is plenty of off-street parking in parking garages and lots.

Our travel editor’s recommended drives

Dingli Cliffs – for a breathtaking drive, head to the Dingli Cliffs, located on the west coast of the island. Take care when driving along the narrow roads from Dingli village to the coast.

Medina – the central part of Malta is beautiful and the historic city of Medina is the jewel in the crown here. This former capital is full of beautiful historic buildings and sites. It can be easily reached from Valletta via the Mriehel Bypass.

Southeastern loop – start the southeastern loop by going south from Malta International Airport. The first stop should be Playmobil Park, where children and adults alike can enjoy the figurine factory and amusement park. Then head east along the coast to Birzenbbuga and XrobbI-Ghagin Nature Park.

Malta travel tips

Malta is a popular Mediterranean holiday destination among Britons, having once been a British colony. As an EU member, Malta is easily visited by EU citizens. Generally safe, Malta guarantees a relaxing holiday when visitors follow a few travel tips and common sense.

Malta weather and tourist seasons

Malta’s climate is basically Mediterranean, with dry and hot summers, wet autumns and cool winters. The average annual temperature is 18°C, with highs of around 31°C. Summer (June to August) is the peak visitor season, with many tourists seeking out the coastal areas and beaches. 

Malta contact numbers (+356)

Emergency services – 112

Traffic accident emergency – 356 2 132 0202

British High Commission – 356 2 323 0000

US Embassy – 356 2 561 4147

Irish Embassy – 356 2 133 4744

Canadian Consulate – 356 2 552 3233

Australian Consulate – 356 2 133 8201

Holidays and festivals

Malta celebrates the usual holidays, such as New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, Labour Day and Good Friday. Malta-specific national holidays include: the Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck (10 February), Sette Giugno (7 June), Assumption Day (15 August), Our Lady of Victories (8 September), Independence Day (21 September), Immaculate Conception (8 December) and Republic Day (13 December).

Money matters

Malta joined the Eurozone in 2008, which means that the euro is the currency used here. This makes travel easy for those living in other Eurozone countries. Visitors who need to buy euros can easily find exchange options at the airport, banks and hotels. ATMs are readily available, offering Cirrus, Maestro and MAC network connections.

Health and safety

No specific vaccinations are recommended for travel to Malta. The island nation has a good health-care system and travellers from the EU can access free or subsidised healthcare with a European Health Insurance Card. Non-EU travellers should have their own travel health insurance or pay for services out-of-pocket. Although tap water is safe to drink in Malta, bottled water is recommended.

Fitting in…

Life in Malta is relaxed and laid back. Visitors will find a truly Mediterranean atmosphere here. Maltese culture has been primarily influenced by French, Italian and English cultures. Simple, common sense such as dressing conservatively when visiting churches will go a long way towards helping you fit in.

Visas for Malta

Malta is part of the European Schengen system, which means that EU travellers whose home country is part of the pact do not require visas or passports to enter Malta; an EU ID card can be used. Non-EU travellers are required to have a valid passport (with at least 90 days’ validity and two blank pages). Visa requirements can be accessed from the Malta Foreign Ministry website. Travellers from the UK, Australia, Canada and the US do not require visas and will receive a 90-day stay stamp upon arrival.

Electricity

The voltage in Malta is 240 Volts, 50 Hertz. The plug prongs are the same as in the UK, with two flat parallel prongs on the bottom and one vertical prong on the top. It is easy to obtain an adaptor plug for non-conforming appliances.

Business hours
Malta is a Mediterranean country and therefore business hours tend to be flexible. Business hours are normally from 08:30 to 17:30. Following the Mediterranean custom of siesta, most shops are closed from 13:00 to 16:00 daily. Most businesses are also closed on Sundays.

Helpful phrases

L-ghodwa t-tajba – Good morning

Wara nofs inhar it-tajjeb – Good evening

Grazzi – Thank-you
Skuzi - sorry

Iva/ie – Yes/no

Mhux nifhem – I don't understand

Titkellem bl-ingliz? - Do you speak English?

Kemm jiswa dan? – How much is this?

Fejn…? – Where is… ?

Resources online

www.visitmalta.com

www.wikitravel.org/en/Malta