In this guide, we provide all the essential information tailored for Italian travelers, enabling you to navigate Malta safely and efficiently. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with everything you need to know for a memorable and hassle-free road trip in Malta.
Yes, Italian travelers can rent and drive cars in Malta with the proper passport, driving licence, and payment card. Age limits and possible young or senior driver surcharges vary by offer but generally apply from the early 20s up to about 70–80 years of age.
Form of ID:
Foreign renters must present a valid passport at pick-up.
Driving licence:
Accepted driving licence include:
• Original Italian or other EU/EEA driving licence
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Visa and Mastercard are accepted; some offers also accept Discover. Debit cards are generally not accepted for deposit.
Age requirements:
Across offers, the general driving age ranges approximately from 21 to 75 years, with some offers allowing up to 80 or requiring a minimum age of 25. Young driver surcharges may apply roughly between 18/21 and 24/25 years (e.g., about US$ 10–35 per day depending on the car group and supplier). In some offers, senior drivers around 70–75+ years may also incur a fee or require confirmation at the counter.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Choose from trusted global chains or innovative local alternatives. Each offers different advantages for Italian travelers in Malta.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands
Hertz
Locations:
15Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Avis
Locations:
13Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking convenience and variety
SIXT
Locations:
10Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking quality and variety
Alamo
Locations:
5Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and budget-conscious customers
Budget
Locations:
15Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Sicily By Car
Locations:
6Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers looking for affordable and convenient car rentals
SURPRICE RENT A CAR
Locations:
6Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local rentals
ADDCAR RENTAL
Locations:
4Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and locals
Autounion
Locations:
9Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget travelers and families
OK Mobility
Locations:
2Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking affordable and convenient car rentalsChoosing the right rental car can make your journey more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Consider your travel group, the destinations in MT, and the type of driving you'll be doing. Compare multiple car options and policies to find the one that best suits your needs.
Consider your travel group size and luggage needs
Economy cars (2-4 people, 1-2 suitcases)
Perfect for city driving and short trips
Compact cars (4-5 people, 2-3 suitcases)
Good balance of space and fuel efficiency
Mid-size cars (5 people, 3-4 suitcases)
Comfortable for longer distances
Full-size/SUV (5-7 people, 4+ suitcases)
Ideal for families and group travel
Choose between automatic and manual transmission
Automatic transmission
Easier for city driving and traffic, more common in MT
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control
Consider your comfort level with left-hand driving and automatic cars
Check what insurance coverage comes with your rental
Basic liability
Covers damage to other vehicles and property, usually included
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Covers damage to your rental car, often optional
Theft protection
Protects against car theft, may be included or additional
Personal insurance
Check if your insurance or travel insurance covers rentals
Understand booking flexibility and fees
Free cancellation
Usually available up to 24-48 hours before pickup
Prepaid vs. Pay-at-counter
Prepaid often cheaper but less flexible
Change fees
Cost to modify dates, locations, or car type
Travel insurance
Consider coverage for trip cancellations or delays
Check distance restrictions and additional charges
Unlimited mileage
Best for long road trips and cross-country travel
Limited mileage
Cheaper daily rate but extra charges for excess miles
Consider your planned route distance and potential detours
Factor in mileage costs when comparing total rental prices
Understand fuel requirements and costs
Full-to-Full
Return with the same fuel level, most economical option
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for a full tank, convenient but often more expensive
Same-to-Same
Return with the same level as pickup, fair pricing
Pre-purchase fuel options
Compare costs with local gas station prices
Quick Decision Guide
Compact/Economy car with automatic transmission, full-to-full fuel policy
Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian'sMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation
Island-wide explorationConvertible/SUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Beach areas, countryside locations
Compare with Confidence on QEEQ
Malta offers a rich blend of historical sites, stunning coastlines, and vibrant cityscapes. Popular destinations include Valletta, Mdina, and Gozo, each providing unique experiences for travelers.
You'll need at least basic insurance to legally drive in Malta, but for peace of mind during your stay, extra coverage is strongly recommended. Insurance rules may vary, and what's included in your rental price might be minimal. Choosing the right protection can save you from high out-of-pocket costs in case of an accident or theft.
Covers damage to the rental car from collision or theft.
Protects against theft of the rental vehicle.
Covers injury or damage to others and their property.
Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
Perfect for travelers who want comprehensive protection without the complexity. One price covers everything, and AXA's trusted network ensures reliable claims processing throughout Malta. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Discover practical tips for Italian travelers renting cars in Malta to enjoy cost-effective and convenient travel experiences.
Important considerations and potential issues to watch for when renting a car in Malta.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent stressful situations. Take time to understand all terms and inspect your rental thoroughly.
Italian and Maltese traffic rules share similarities but also exhibit distinct differences, particularly in traffic signs, road markings, and specific driving customs.
Traffic Light Timings
Shorter yellow light duration
Longer yellow light duration
Driving Side
Drive on the left-hand side
Drive on the right-hand side
Drink-Driving Law
0.08% BAC limit
0.05% BAC limit
Speed Limits
Lower speed limits in urban areas
Higher speed limits in urban areas
Mobile Phone Use
Hands-free devices permitted
Hands-free devices permitted
Seat Belt Usage
Mandatory for all passengers
Mandatory for all passengers
Parking Rules
Parking on the left side of one-way streets
Parking on the right side of one-way streets
