Is Renting a Car in Malta Worth It? Our Honest Take

Renting a car in Malta unlocks hidden beaches, Gozo day trips, and spontaneous swims

When planning a trip to Malta, one question travelers often ask is: Do I need to rent a car? The short answer is no – you don’t need a car. But if you want to explore this little island country’s wilder, less-touristed side, renting a car in Malta can completely transform your experience – for the better.

We chose to rent a car during our trip, and it opened up so much more of the island. We chased down little-known swim spots on a whim, cruised the dramatic southwestern coastline, took a leisurely day trip to Gozo, and lingered wherever the scenery took us.

If you’re even a little tempted to rent a car in Malta, go for it.

Keep reading for our best advice – plus when it might not make sense to rent one.

Getting Around Malta

Most of what I share in this post is geared toward travelers who are considering or planning to rent a car in Malta. But let’s be clear: it is possible to get around the island without one.

Public buses connect many towns and beaches, especially popular spots like Golden Bay and Mellieħa. Taxis and ride-shares are also available, though they’re not always easy to find in more remote areas.

That said, public transportation in Malta can be slow, and most lines run through the central bus terminal just outside Valletta’s city walls. Depending on where you’re staying, that means even short trips often require connections.

If you’re basing yourself in Valletta, planning to stay put at a resort, and simply relax, not renting a car in Malta can absolutely make sense. It’s also a smart choice if you’re planning an extended stay and want to take things slower by relying on public transportation.

But if you’re craving flexibility, spontaneity, or variety in your days, having a car makes a huge difference.

Why We Renting a Car in Malta Makes Sense

We’re the kind of travelers who love spontaneous stops and slow detours. And when it comes to swimming, we don’t just head to a single beach and park it – we like to explore.

Having a car let us:

• Pull over on a whim when we saw a gorgeous stretch of sea
• Beach hop with zero stress or wait time
• Explore the wild southwest coast (one of our favorite areas!)
• Take our car on the ferry for a full Gozo day trip
• See more in less time, without rushing or checking bus schedules

We rented a car through Hertz using a third-party platform, which let us compare options before booking. If you’re thinking of renting a car in Malta, I recommend doing the same. Click below to explore options through Rentalcars.com and find what works best for your trip.

Tips for Renting a Car in Malta

We’ve rented cars all over Europe, and these are the tips we’ve found helpful in Malta:

• Book early (especially for automatics): Automatic cars are in shorter supply and typically more expensive. Booking ahead gives you the best selection and price. Most rental agencies allow free cancellation up until a few days before your trip, so it’s worth locking something in early.
• Carry an International Driving Permit (IDP): There’s a lot of debate about whether you need an IDP to drive abroad. But we’ve heard of some rental companies refusing to hand over the keys without one – and of others having issues when they had a run-in with police. It’s inexpensive, easy to get, and adds peace of mind. If you’re USA-based, you can get an IDP from your local AAA.
• Choose a small car: Malta’s roads – especially in villages and coastal areas – can be narrow and tight. A compact car is easier to maneuver and much less stressful to park.
• Opt for full insurance: Especially if you’re driving in rural areas or parking near rocky coves, it’s worth it. We always choose the full coverage with a $0 deductible. Yes, many credit cards offer some insurance, but we prefer the no-hassle peace of mind that comes with full coverage from the rental company.

Where Having a Car in Malta Really Pays Off

1. The Wild Southwest

This part of Malta – around places like Għar Lapsi and Dingli Cliffs – feels rugged and untamed. Public buses run out here, but it’s much easier to access via car, especially if you plan to hop around a bit.

The scenery here is spectacular – a can’t-miss when visiting Malta. Even just driving here felt like an adventure.

2. Gozo Day Trip with the Car

A visit to Gozo island from Malta is a must, in our opinion. And the logistics are made simple when you have your own wheels. Sure, you can take the ferry without a car, but having a car gave us total freedom to walk the stunning Ta Cenc Cliffs, visit beaches, small towns, and tucked-away spots. Plus, parking in Gozo’s main town of Victoria isn’t very difficult – allowing you to explore this beautiful town and its Citadel. 

3. Spontaneous Swimming + Beach Hopping

Some of our best swimming in Malta wasn’t planned. We’d be driving, spot a bay with turquoise water and a few locals in the sea, and just pull over. Sometimes it was a full swim stop, sometimes just a peek. But it made the island feel open and accessible in a way that bus stops never could.

4. Staying Outside Valletta and Sliema

If you choose to stay outside the main hubs like Valletta or Sliema – whether in more rural parts of Malta or historic areas like the Three Cities – a car becomes even more valuable.

Public transport options can be less frequent or less direct in these areas, making a car essential for easy access to beaches, markets, and cultural sites. We stayed in the Three Cities ourselves and found that having a car gave us the freedom to explore not just the cities, but also nearby villages and coastline without hassle.

When Renting a Car in Malta Might Not Be for You

We genuinely loved having a car in Malta – it let us beach hop, explore hidden coves, and see more in less time. But we also know that renting a car isn’t for everyone. If you’re not totally sure, here are a few situations where skipping the rental might make more sense:

• You’re staying in Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s: These areas are walkable and well-connected by public transport and ferries. Driving and parking here can be more hassle than it’s worth.
• You’re nervous about driving on the left: Malta drives on the left side of the road, which thankfully, we (or, Steve) were familiar with. If I’d been traveling solo, I probably would’ve hesitated – and maybe tried to get by on public transportation.
  If you’re nervous, consider basing yourself in a quieter area outside the city centers. That way, you can ease into driving before tackling more crowded roads.
• You’re traveling slowly or during the off-season: Malta’s buses are more than enough if you’re not in a rush and are happy with a slower-paced trip.
• You’re booking guided excursions or only visiting for a few days: If you already have tours planned or are just popping over for a long weekend, renting a car might not be worth it.

But if you’re curious, adventurous, and like the idea of discovering that perfect swimming spot just around the bend, we think you’ll be glad you rented one.

Is Driving in Malta Difficult?

Driving in Malta is very doable, but there are a few things to be aware of before you get behind the wheel.

Driving on the Left

As a former British colony, Malta drives on the left side of the road. If you’re from a right-side-driving country, there’s definitely a learning curve. I’ll be honest – I’ve never driven on the left myself. Steve takes on that role for us when we travel.

Roundabouts, in particular, can feel a little funky at first, but you get used to them quickly the more you drive.

Roads Can Be Narrow

Roads in Malta – especially in older towns and rural areas – can be quite narrow, and often lack much of a shoulder.

We recommend renting the smallest car you’re comfortable driving, ideally one that fits your group and luggage just for the airport transfer. After that, you’ll mostly be traveling light day to day.

Parking Can Be Tricky

Parking is generally available, especially near beaches and scenic spots, but it can take some circling – especially in high season or near busy areas.

Pay attention to painted curbs and local signage. Here’s a quick guide:

• White: Public parking (may be free or paid, and often has a time limit)
• Blue: Resident-only parking at night (check signs)
• Green: Resident-only parking 24 hours a day
• Yellow: No parking at any time

If you’re unsure, double-check with your rental agency – they’ll often have a quick cheat sheet or be happy to clarify how parking works in the areas you’ll be driving.

Traffic in Urban Areas

Malta may be small, but it’s densely populated, particularly around Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s. Traffic in these areas can get heavy, especially during commuting hours.

That said, once you’re out of the core (which is exactly where you should be heading with a rental car!), driving becomes much more relaxed, open, and scenic.

Wrapping Up: Renting a Car in Malta

For us, renting a car in Malta wasn’t just convenient – it completely shaped our trip. We got to see more, swim more, and enjoy the kind of laid-back exploration that just isn’t possible on a bus schedule. It gave us freedom, spontaneity, and access to places we might never have found otherwise.

If you’re asking yourself, “Do I need a car in Malta?”, we say this: you might not need it, but if you’re hoping to explore the island freely, you’ll probably be really glad you have one.

👉 Click here to compare rental car options in Malta and start planning your adventure.