How to find a cheap car rental deal in Malta
Looking for a cheap rental car in Malta? You're exactly where you need to be. With prices starting at P363 a day, we compare all the best deals so you can choose fast, spend less, and drive away happy.
P2,540 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental if your travel plans run a little longer.
Browse the range of car rentals in Malta. This is where you'll find the cheapest wheels in Malta.
Overall, the most popular city to rent a car in is Valletta.
If you're unsure which company to go with, check out Sun Car Rentals. It ranks first for booking in Malta.
You won't need to travel far after touching down to pick up your ride. Car rentals are available at major airports such as Luqa Malta International Airport.
Valletta, Qormi, San Pawl il-Baħar, Sliema and Naxxar are some of the most convenient cities to organise a set of wheels.
A one-way rental could work in your favor. Providers often lower prices when they need to move cars between sites. When searching for a car for rent in Malta, select 'Return car to a different location' to unlock those deals.
Need wheels for a few weeks? Sometimes you'll get a discount when you book a full month, so try tweaking your dates to find the lowest rates.
Skip the extra costs by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and return it full, meaning you only pay for fuel you've used.
Unlimited mileage lets you focus on the journey, not the odometer. Find this feature under the 'Policies' filter and go big on distance, not on fees.
Best time to book a car rental in Malta
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a car rental in Malta. Try booking around three weeks before you go.
Think about heading over in November to score average daily rates of P1,533. This is the most affordable month to rent a car.
September tends to be the priciest time of year.
Compare car rental types in Malta
Economy: If you want affordable and reliable, economy is a smart match. With lower daily rates and strong fuel efficiency, this option helps keep both upfront and ongoing costs down.
Small: Covering mini and economy classes, small cars work well for everyday travel. If you're looking for a cheap rental car in Malta, this is where some of the best deals live. They're perfect for city streets and quick getaways, with low fuel use, easy handling, and enough space for the essentials.
Medium: Medium rentals are the happy middle ground. Neatly bridging the gap between small and large, they offer a little more comfort and space without going all out on size. Compact and intermediate models are part of this lineup.
Large: More people, more bags, more on the agenda. Large cars offer extra passenger space and increased luggage capacity, making them an ideal match for families and longer drives. Go for one of these full-size rides when squeezing in isn't an option.
SUV: These sport utility vehicles are ready for whatever your itinerary throws at you. Their stability across mixed terrain makes them a good match for road trip plans that take shape as you go. A higher seating position gives you a clearer view ahead, helping you stay confident behind the wheel.
Van: For business use or large group travel, this category of car for rent in Malta delivers the carrying capabilities you need. These commercial vans and trucks prioritize volume and practicality, helping you transport more in fewer trips.
Luxury: Want the ultimate experience? This goes beyond getting from A to B — it's about showing up in style. Luxury vehicles combine premium design, cutting-edge tech, and refined performance in one exceptional package.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your rental car lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so check how each one stacks up.
From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Malta.
Driving in Malta: What you need to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your car rental in Malta. Rules can vary, and added costs or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your car rental reservation in Malta if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest approach.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: an official driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the left side of the road in Malta.
Stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 70kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Malta is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and activities. Pay with a card where you can, and keep some cash handy when electronic payments aren't available.
Where to road trip in Malta?
Malta is easy to explore by car, with major rental hubs in Valletta, Sliema and Marsaxlokk, plus airport pickup points at Malta International Airport. If you're planning car rental in Malta, these routes show how pickup points, trip lengths and vehicle types vary depending on whether you're tracing ancient fortifications, working your way around hidden coves or following the island's food trail.
Ancient Citadels: Valletta to the Heart of Malta
Pick up your car in Valletta and drive inland through the centre of the island to reach some of Malta's most significant prehistoric and medieval sites. It's a strong choice if you want a culture-rich drive without covering long distances each day.
Recommended car: Compact car.
Suggested pickup point: Valletta city centre.
Good for: History enthusiasts, couples and solo travellers.
Road conditions: Narrow urban streets, paved rural roads, town-centre lanes.
Best time to go: October to April for cooler temperatures.
Trip length: Two to three days.
Key stops: Mdina, Tarxien.
Coastal Coves: The Southern and Western Shoreline
Starting from Malta International Airport, this drive takes you along the island's quieter southern and western edges, where rocky bays and small fishing villages sit close together. You'll cover short daily distances, making it easy to stop frequently without falling behind.
Recommended car: Small hatchback.
Suggested pickup point: Malta International Airport.
Good for: Couples, photographers and beach seekers.
Road conditions: Paved coastal roads, winding village streets, occasional gravel track.
Best time to go: May to June or September for warm weather and fewer visitors.
Trip length: Two to three days.
Key stops: Marsaxlokk, Dingli.
Food and Markets: Valletta to the Village Cores
Pick up your car in Sliema and follow the network of market towns and working villages spread across the island's interior and northern coast. The drive suits curious eaters who want a relaxed pace with plenty of stops at local markets, bakeries and harborside restaurants.
Recommended car: Compact car.
Suggested pickup point: Sliema city centre.
Good for: Foodies, couples and cultural travellers.
Road conditions: Paved main roads, tight village streets, busy town-centre routes.
Best time to go: October to May for active markets and mild evenings.
Trip length: Two to four days.
Key stops: Mosta, Marsalforn.
Weather and driving conditions in Malta
Weather
Malta follows a Mediterranean pattern with two broad seasons: a hot, dry stretch from May through October and a mild, wetter period from November through April.
Summer heat builds quickly in Malta, and the sun's glare can reduce your visibility on exposed coastal roads, so keep sunglasses within easy reach. Short but intense rain showers — most common in autumn and winter — can make road surfaces slippery fast, especially after a dry spell, so ease off the gas and increase your following distance. Driving in Malta means being ready to adapt quickly, since both conditions can shift within the same day.
Driving conditions
Main roads between towns are well-maintained and easy to follow, making a road trip in Malta straightforward. Smaller rural roads, especially in the countryside and on Gozo, can be narrow and uneven, so take them at a slower pace.
Valletta and the surrounding towns see heavy congestion, especially around the harbour area. One-way systems are common, street parking is limited, and roads in older neighbourhoods are often narrow enough to challenge wider vehicles. {NS} Outside the main towns, rural roads in Malta are short by most standards given the island's size. Signage can be sparse on smaller lanes, and gas stations thin out quickly once you leave built-up areas, so filling up before heading out is wise.
Malta's small size and dense settlement mean wildlife and livestock encounters on the road are genuinely uncommon, so this is one less thing you'll need to factor into your drive.
Complete your road trip with a hotel
Wherever your drive takes you, the right stay can change everything after a full day of driving. Once you've booked your car rental in Malta, explore hotels in Valletta if you're passing by this major stop. You can also search Birkirkara accommodation options or check out more places to stay in Qormi while mapping out the rest of your trip.
