Malta is a small island with a lot of road on it. Distances are short — you can cross the whole country in under an hour — but the driving asks more of you than the map suggests. Here is what actually matters before you collect the keys at Luqa.
You drive on the left
Malta drives on the left, a hangover from British rule, and roundabouts turn clockwise. If you have come from mainland Europe or the US, give yourself the first ten minutes to recalibrate — the airport exit road is a gentle place to do it, and the car you have just picked up is right-hand drive, which helps more than you would think.
Speed limits and road conditions
The limit is 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h on open roads. In practice you will rarely hold either for long: the main arteries carry real traffic at peak hours, and the older village roads are narrow, walled on both sides and often single-file by local convention rather than signage.
- Village streets can be tighter than they look — fold the mirrors if in doubt.
- Road surfaces vary; take unfamiliar dips slowly in a low-slung car.
- Sat-nav will happily route you down a lane no wide car should attempt.
Valletta and parking
Entering Valletta by car is controlled and charged, and the capital is largely built for people rather than vehicles. Most visitors park outside and walk or take the lift up from the waterfront. Elsewhere, parking is free but scarce in summer — arrive early at the popular bays or plan to walk the last few minutes.
Taking the car to Gozo
The Gozo ferry runs from Çirkewwa at the north of the island and takes about 25 minutes. You can drive on and off, and Gozo’s roads are quieter and more open than Malta’s — it is where a convertible earns its keep. All our cars come with unlimited kilometres, so the crossing costs you nothing but the ferry fare.
What you need to hire
A full driving licence, photo ID or passport, and a credit card in the main driver’s name — the security deposit is pre-authorised on that card at collection and released when the car comes back. Our cars are hired to drivers aged 25 and over.