How to Rent a Car in Malta

If you want to see everything that Malta has to offer in a short time – rent a car! Maltese traffic has a notorious reputation, but if you’re a confident driver, renting a car is the best option the explore Malta and its sister island, Gozo. Read on to catch the best tips on car rentals in Malta. 

Why You Should Rent a Car in Malta

Malta might be a small country with a total land area of 316 km². But this fantastic archipelago right in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea is home to some of the world’s top-rated holiday destinations. There are just too many bucket-list worthy places to miss in this tiny archipelagic country. If you like more autonomy with your time and location, it would be wise to rent a car.

Some of Malta’s highlights include Ggantija Temples, a neolithic structure older than the Stonehenge. The idyllic hilltop town Mdina deserves your visit as much as the picturesque islands of Gozo and Comino. Many travelers consider Gozo’s capital Victoria as an open-air museum with its countless historical attractions such the fortified old city called Citadel, the Casa Bernard, Wignacourt Museum, and the parish church of Saint Paul.

Where and How to Rent a Car in Malta

It’s quite easy to find a car for rent in Malta. You can find cars available for rent at the airport and major tourist areas. You can reserve a vehicle with either a local or international agency.

There’s also an option to rent an ultra-budget car that doesn’t have an air-conditioning system. Just be sure to use an online booking and rate comparison app to find the best deals.

You can do your booking online, or you can visit the car rental service provider only when you arrive in the country. You also have the option to have the car delivered to your hotel, or you can pick it up when you arrive at the airport. Car hire agents will usually check the car and make sure it doesn’t have any pre-existing damage. Car agencies usually need you to pay the reservation fee just in case of fines or damages.

Seasonal Car Rental Rates

The cost of renting a car in Malta depends on the season. However, if you book ahead of time, you’ll be able to take advantage of huge discounts and other early booking freebies.

Car rental rates are higher during the peak seasons July to September. To give you a quick glance at the rates, here’s a sample estimate of a daily rent for a small economy car for rent:

• January & February – €10
• March – €12
• April, May & June – €15
• July & August – €25 – €30
• September – €20
• October – €16
• November & December – €11

As for the fuel, diesel cost €1 to €2 per liter and unleaded petrol is €1.30-€2 per liter. Before you book online, discuss with the agency about other charges for the car you have rented. This might include the pickup or dropoff location and insurances.

Perks of Renting a Car in Malta

Considering Malta’s small land area, you might be tempted to just take the public transport. Yes, it’s practical to commute if you’re a resident. But if you’re a traveler, it makes perfect sense to rent a car for the following reasons:

● More autonomy with location – Renting a car gives you more freedom to visit wherever you want to visit. You can stay in a place for as long as you want. You can even take your car with you on a ferry going to Gozo.
● Time freedom – With your rental car, you’re free to go anywhere anytime. You can avoid the rush hour and spend your time anywhere you want.
● Savings – If you’re traveling during peak seasons, the cost of public transport can also increase. By opting to rent a car, you can actually stretch your budget.
● Travel with convenience and style – Aside from visiting natural attractions, you’ll enjoy the chance of traveling with style when you visit museums, hotels, cities, and towns in Malta.

Additional Tips Before Renting a Car in Malta

Before signing a deal with a car rental agency, check the state of the car. Read the fine print of your terms and conditions to ensure that there are no hidden charges. Know if you have the option to hire a driver. If you need to drive the car yourself, make sure to do your own research about the traffic rules of Malta.

Maltese Road Law Enforcement Tips

If you choose to drive the car, you hired, be sure to know the Maltese road laws. Doing this will save you from incurring fines. Specifically, the following are the most important ones you need to take note:
● Stick to the acceptable speed limit of 60 to 70 km/h. There are hidden speed cameras installed strategically within the city and the countryside.
● Police frequently patrol urban areas. They also put up checkpoint areas for illegal substances and drunk driving.
● Malta’s Highway Code http://www.transport.gov.mt/roads-infrastructure/the-highway-code is basically patterned after the British Highway Code.
● Parking assistants overlooking parking areas in public areas are usually licensed by the Malta Transport Authority.
● Malta follows the left-hand drive traffic rule, which they got from the British.

Renting a car in Malta might just be the best decision you can make to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable holiday. With your rental car, you can find ways to go out of the ordinary, as well as enjoy more freedom with your location and time while exploring Malta.

This post is written by a guest blogger, Ed Lansink. He is the founder and editor of Malta Uncovered, a travel guide for curious travelers looking to discover Malta. He’s a passionate tourist-turned-expat who wants to put Malta on the map as a top holiday destination for travelers all over the world.