This guide is designed to provide you with all the crucial details to make your car hire in Malta worry-free. By the end, you'll be equipped with practical tips and essential information for a delightful driving experience.
Yes, Polish travelers can legally drive in Malta with the proper documentation. Age restrictions and additional document requirements may apply.
Form of ID:
A valid passport.
Driving licence:
Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
or
• EU/EEA Driving License.
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Accepted cards include Visa and Master. XpCard is supported.
Age requirements:
Drivers must be aged between 21 and 75. Young drivers aged 21-25 may incur a fee of US$ 10.06 per day.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Discover trusted car rental options for your trip to Malta, whether you prefer global chains or local providers with unique offerings.
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:
4Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local rentals
ADDCAR RENTAL
Locations:
4Prices:
$$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 trip more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Think about your travel group, the destinations on your route, and the type of driving you'll be doing. With QEEQ, you can compare multiple car types and policies to find the one that best suits your journey.
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 Europe
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control
Most Polish drivers prefer automatic for international road trips
Consider your comfort level with different transmission types
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 Polish 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 same fuel level, most economical option
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for full tank, convenient but often more expensive
Same-to-Same
Return with 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, SliemaMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation
exploring Malta's countrysideConvertible/SUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Gozo, Comino
Compare with Confidence on QEEQ
Malta offers travelers a mix of historical sites, scenic coastal drives, and urban exploration opportunities. Popular cities include Valletta, Mdina, and Sliema, providing a blend of culture, relaxation, and adventure.
You'll need at least basic insurance to legally drive in Malta, but for peace of mind on a long road trip, extra coverage is strongly recommended. Insurance rules vary by rental company, and what's included in your rental agreement may 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
Booking smart can save travelers from Poland hundreds of złoty, especially when planning ahead for a trip to Malta. Rental car prices vary based on season, location, and demand, so strategic planning is essential.
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.
Traffic rules in Poland and Malta exhibit notable differences in areas such as speed limits, road signage, and alcohol consumption laws. Other aspects like mobile phone use and seatbelt regulations are largely similar.
Speed Limits
Typically lower in urban areas and adjusted due to narrow roads
Higher limits, especially on highways
Road Signage
Signs are in English with unique Maltese symbols
Signs are in Polish with EU-standard symbols
Alcohol Consumption
0.05% BAC limit for drivers
0.02% BAC limit for drivers
Driving Side
Drive on the left-hand side
Drive on the right-hand side
Mobile Phone Use
Hands-free devices only
Hands-free devices only
Seatbelt Laws
Mandatory for all occupants
Mandatory for all occupants
Parking Rules
Parking areas often require pre-paid tickets
Parking zones with metering systems
