Malta Car Hire

Guide to Malta

Budget-Friendly Car Hire in Malta

If you’re looking for a low-cost, efficient and convenient way of getting around the island on your own terms, then choose Enjoy Travel and our large fleet of hire cars. We offer budget car hire all year round, even in Malta’s peak tourist seasons of June-August.

Securing the Best Deals

To find the best deals on car hire, ensure that you book your vehicle around 2-3 months in advance. This is especially important if you’re travelling to Malta during peak tourist seasons like June-August which can make demand for hire vehicles significantly increase.

Understanding Malta’s Driving Regulations

• Like in the UK, you drive on the left and overtake on the right in Malta.
• The speed limit for built-up areas is 50 km/h (30mph) and 80km/h (50mph) for motorways or large open roads.
• Road signs/speed limits in Malta are displayed in kilometres.
• You can drive in Malta with a valid full UK driving licence.
• To hire a car, you must be aged 21 or over.

Rules of the Road for Renters

• Ensure you have all relevant documentation with you when driving your rental vehicle, such as a full valid UK driving licence, insurance, ID or registration.
• There are certain times of day/night when it’s not permitted to use your car’s horn, which is between 11pm and 6am.
• All occupants of the vehicle must wear a seatbelt when the car is in motion.
• If you can, avoid driving during rush hour, which is usually between 7am-9am and 4pm-7pm on weekdays.
• There are speed cameras across many large roads in Malta, so stay vigilant.

Parking in Malta: A Guide

Parking in places like Valletta can be hard, especially in inner city areas as the streets are pretty narrow. Valletta is also usually busy, so finding a parking space can also be a task. Certain parking zones are coloured according to the type of parking available in Valetta. White parking zones are free for everyone, green parking zones are for residents only, blue zones are for residents only at certain times of day (usually 7pm to 7am), and yellow parking zones mean parking is prohibited. This is the same for double yellow lines on street roads.

Parking in Malta is generally free, but you can receive fines between €20-€100, depending on the type of parking crime being committed. When parking in a prohibited area, such as in yellow zones or residents-only parking, the fine is usually around €25.

Top Attractions in Malta

Malta may be small, but it is packed with history, culture, nightlife and opulent buildings, as well as religious centres and entertainment venues. There are also some pretty decent beaches and swimming spots if you’re looking to cool off on a hot day. Let’s take a look at some of the best spots to visit in Malta to make your trip as memorable as possible:

Discovering the Country’s Highlights

Some of the best things to do in Malta are:

• Comino Blue Lagoon: One of the island’s most famous swimming spots, the Blue Lagoon on the Comino island of Malta boasts inviting sparkling turquoise waters akin to a tropical paradise. Being the gem of the island, be aware that the Blue Lagoon is likely to be extremely busy during the summer months.
• Ggantija Temples: Malta has a history that dates back thousands of years, and these temples are the perfect symbol of that. It’s said that they’re even older than the pyramids of Egypt, just to put into perspective how extensive Malta’s history really is.

Transport Options in Malta

Malta features local buses that run across the island, but the preferred way of getting around is to hire a car. This is because, while widespread, the public transport system may not reach certain areas of the islands of Gozo, Malta and Comino. Hiring a car can give you the freedom to explore the far corners of the archipelago without worrying about any restrictions or delays that you may get from relying on public transport.

Best Day Trips in Malta

The Maltese archipelago is made up of several islands that are easily accessible from mainland Malta– these include Comino and Gozo. Each island has its own fair share of history, culture and things to do.

• Comino: This island is tiny yet vibrant, with famous attractions like the Blue Lagoon and the Santa Maria Caves to its name. Comino is easily accessible via ferry from Malta, and the journey duration is around 30 minutes.
• Gozo: Another tiny island off the coast of mainland Malta, Gozo has been around for thousands of years and is the home of the Ggantija Temples. Also on this island, you’ll find caves, beaches, churches and a vineyard.
• Valletta: Malta’s vibrant capital is home to the best and most convenient attractions and amenities. Take your pick from religious buildings, parks and gardens, beaches, museums, monuments and opulent palaces.

Planning your Adventure

It’s a good idea to have an itinerary in place and book places in advance, especially if you’re travelling during peak tourist seasons like summer. You’ll likely be able to easily find your way around using road signs, but ensure you use sat navs or Google Maps when required.

Optimal Driving Times in Malta

Malta has certain times of day that are better than others for driving. Rush hour is usually 7am-10am and 4pm-6pm on weekdays. If possible, try to avoid travelling at these times to avoid heavy traffic.

Weighing the Benefits of Car Hire in Malta

Although it can give you more freedom and convenience, car hire is not everyone’s preferred method of getting around.

Advantages of Personal Mobility

Hiring a car can enable you to explore further around Malta, and can help you access or reach areas that may not be accessible or served by public transport. Many roads around Malta are incredibly scenic, and driving can allow you to get around according to your own schedule and timings.

Potential Drawbacks of Hiring a Car

Some roads in Malta can be very narrow, which may be hard for larger vehicles. It may also be more difficult to find a parking space in Malta, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

Variety of Rental Vehicles in Malta

Car hire is available from Malta Airport, and Enjoy Travel works with a range of car hire suppliers to bring you reliable, clean and secure vehicles. The variety of vehicles available for hire from Malta International Airport includes small, medium and large cars, with makes and models including Citroen, Peugeot, Nissan, Ford and Toyota.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Needs

This depends on your personal circumstances and the number of people you’re travelling with. Solo travellers or groups of two may get better use from a small or medium car, whereas families or larger groups would find a large car more convenient.

Partnering with Malta’s Car Hire Providers

Enjoy Travel works closely with some of Malta’s most premium and respected car hire companies, which include Acarent, Ace, Alamo, AutoUnion, Carwiz, Enterprise, Exer Rent-a-Car, Green Motion, National, OK Mobility, Right Cars and Routes.

Selecting a Reputable Company

To ensure that you are completely satisfied with your car hire, ensure that the services, prices and reviews align with your expectations before booking. Research the company before you book to make sure you know their usual rates and services.