Driving in Malta: all my tips (+ photos)

No need to worry. Here is my complete guide to driving in Malta, including:

• Safety and driving challenges
• Driving rules
• Road conditions

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Driving in Malta: The essentials you need to know

If you don’t want to read the entire article, at least read this short summary of the key points:

• Driving is on the left side of the road, a legacy from the British period.
• The minimum age to drive is 18, but most rental agencies require you to be over 21.
• Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
• The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%.
• Speed limits are 50km/h in urban areas and 80km/h outside built-up areas.
• Mandatory equipment: warning triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher (for rental cars).
• Roads are narrow in villages, sometimes barely wide enough for a single vehicle.
• There are no tolls in Malta.
• You can take the ferry to Gozo with your rental car (check with your rental company).
• In case of an accident – emergency number: 112

Here are the driving times in the region, to give you an idea for planning your trips:

1. Renting the right car in Malta

To make driving easier, it’s best to choose a car suited to the road types and conditions. In the case of Malta, I recommend:

• Not too wide, as the streets in old villages or leading to coves are often very narrow, sometimes barely wide enough for a single vehicle. Mini, economy or compact categories are perfectly suitable. See the photo below.
• Malta is relatively flat overall, so you don’t need a powerful engine.
• Agencies offer automatic cars, but they are often more expensive and less available. Book early if this is important to you.

Malta is a small archipelago: distances are short, so you don’t need a large vehicle for your luggage either.

Find out more in my article: how to rent a car in Malta.

>> See car rental deals on my favourite platform

Plan your unforgettable trip to Malta!

• maps to help you plan
• handpicked beautiful spots
• Practical information, including GPS coordinates
• photos to help you choose

COMING SOON

2. Knowing the driving rules

Driving licence requirements

To drive in Malta, you can use your home country’s driving licence as long as it includes:

• a licence number
• a photograph
• an expiry date
• text written in Latin characters

European, American, Canadian and Australian licences are accepted. Malta is part of the European Union: if you hold a European driving licence, no additional formalities are required.
For other countries whose licence is not written in Latin characters, an international driving permit is needed.

Age

The official driving age in Malta is 18.
However, most rental companies require you to be at least 21 and to have held your licence for at least one year. Additional fees apply if you are under 25.

General rules

• In Malta, you drive on the left side of the road. The steering wheel is on the right.
• Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers
• No using your phone while driving
• Headlights must be switched on in poor visibility
• At roundabouts, priority goes to vehicles already on the roundabout

Alcohol and driving

The legal blood alcohol limit in Malta is 0.08%. This is higher than in most European countries, but I always recommend not drinking at all if you are driving.

Mandatory equipment in the car

In Malta, the following equipment must be available in the car:

• Warning triangle (mandatory)
• First aid kit (mandatory)
• Fire extinguisher (mandatory for rental cars, not for private vehicles)
• Reflective vest (recommended)

Mandatory insurance

Third-party liability insurance is mandatory in Malta.
It is automatically included in the price of all car rentals.

I also recommend taking out additional cover. The narrow lanes and sometimes aggressive local driving increase the risk of minor scrapes. Three options are available to you:

• Your personal insurance (car or home) which sometimes covers rental cars – read the fine print carefully.
• The rental platform’s insurance: better price than the rental company’s, but you will need to leave a security deposit and pay upfront in case of damage. I have used DiscoverCars‘ insurance several times: reimbursements were processed without any issues within 7 days.
• The rental company’s additional cover: more expensive, but you won’t have to pay anything upfront or deal with any paperwork in case of damage.

Where to Stay in Malta – My Favorite Spots:

• Valletta – See best-rated accommodations
• St. Julian’s – See best-rated accommodations
• Victoria (Gozo Island) – See best-rated accommodations

My Top Picks:

• Cugo Gran Macina (5 stars) – see photos and availability
• The Gomerino Hotel (4 stars) – see photos and availability

See my article on the best places to stay in Malta (coming soon)

3. Preparing for the different types of road

Driving in Malta requires a certain level of attention, but it is not particularly difficult once you get used to it. The main change for many travellers: you drive on the left. Malta kept this rule from the British period. The first few minutes may feel disorienting, but you adapt quickly.

Main roads

Malta’s main roads are generally in good condition. They connect the island’s most important towns and have a good road surface. Traffic can however be heavy around Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s during rush hours.

Secondary roads and villages

This is where driving in Malta gets a bit more challenging. The streets in old Maltese villages are often very narrow, sometimes barely wide enough for a single vehicle. The condition of some secondary roads can also be poor in places.

I recommend not choosing a car that is too wide. In the villages, the best approach is to park at the entrance and continue on foot. Some roads also feature quite steep climbs and descents, particularly around the Dingli Cliffs area and in the valleys.

Getting to Gozo

You will most likely want to visit the island of Gozo during your stay. The good news is that you can take the ferry from Cirkewwa to Mġarr with your rental car. The crossing takes about 25 minutes.

Before heading there, make sure to check with your rental company that the ferry crossing is allowed. Most agencies permit it, but some insurance conditions may vary.

Book your ferry.

4. Understanding road signs and tolls

Speed limits

• Speed limits are shown on circular signs with a red border and a number
• Speed limits are expressed in kilometres per hour
• In urban areas: 50km/h
• Outside built-up areas: 80km/h

Road signs

Road signs in Malta are written in Maltese and English. Since English is one of the country’s two official languages, you will have no difficulty understanding them. The signage follows European standards, nothing particular to note.

Tolls

There are no tolls in Malta. All roads are free. You don’t need to worry about vignettes or electronic toll devices.

My favorite activities in Malta:

• Boat trip to Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon – see options
• Kayaking excursions – see options
• Culinary tours – see options
• ATV tours – see options

5. Safety: understanding potential hazards

Is driving in Malta dangerous?

No, not particularly. Driving in Malta is not dangerous as such, but it does require vigilance. The main roads are in good condition and distances are very short. You will never drive for very long to reach your destination.

Remember that only those who had a scare tend to talk about it online, unlike the hundreds of thousands of tourists who had no problems at all. Personally, I have always driven without any issues in Malta, as long as I paid attention to the local particularities.

Potential hazards

• Driving on the left –
  This is the biggest change for those who are not used to it. The first turns and roundabouts require extra concentration. I recommend practising on the main roads first before venturing into the villages.
• Narrow roads in the villages –
  Some streets are barely wide enough for two vehicles. Take it slowly and don’t hesitate to stop to let an oncoming vehicle pass.
• The condition of some secondary roads –
  The road surface can be damaged in places. Stay alert, especially after periods of rain.
• Local driving style –
  Maltese drivers can be fast and sometimes unpredictable. Always check your mirrors.
• Traffic jams –
  Traffic is heavy around Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s during rush hours. If possible, avoid these areas during the busiest periods.

Specific driving tips

First of all, there is no shame in driving slowly on Malta’s narrow roads. If you feel a bit stressed, take your time. Distances are short, there is no rush.

For roundabouts: priority goes to vehicles already on the roundabout. Since you drive on the left, you enter from the left and go clockwise – the opposite of what you may be used to at home.

I also recommend picking up your car at Malta International Airport (MLA) in Luqa. It is easier to get used to a vehicle on the main roads than in the narrow streets of Valletta.

What to do in case of an accident

If anyone is injured or there is a dispute, the emergency number in Malta is 112.
The best course of action is:

• Contact the emergency services
• Contact the police
• Contact your rental company

6. And the rest: parking, fuel…

Fuel and petrol stations

In Malta, petrol stations are spread across the entire island. You will have no difficulty finding one. Since English is widely spoken, the labels on the pumps are easy to understand.

• Unleaded petrol is called “unleaded” or “petrol”
• Diesel is called “diesel” or “gasoil”
• Card payment is generally accepted

Parking in town

Parking is one of the major challenges in Malta, especially in tourist areas and large towns. In Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s, finding a space can be a real struggle.

I recommend using paid underground car parks in the towns. If your hotel is in the city centre, check the parking options in advance.

Parking at beaches and attractions

Around the main attractions and beaches, car parks can fill up quickly, especially in high season. I recommend arriving early to find a space without difficulty.

At prehistoric temples and historical sites, free car parks are often available nearby, but their capacity is limited.

The most beautiful roads in Malta

Malta is a small archipelago, but its roads hold some lovely surprises. Among the routes I particularly enjoyed:

• The coastal road to Dingli Cliffs, the highest point on the island, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean
• The road to the south of the island, between fortified villages and secluded coves
• The tour of Gozo, more rural and quieter than Malta, which can easily be done in a day
• The road approaching the Basilica of Ta’ Pinu.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a car in Malta?

I recommend it if you want to explore the island beyond Valletta and the main tourist areas. Malta has a bus network, but frequencies are sometimes limited and journeys can be long. A car gives you the freedom to discover the prehistoric temples, the Dingli Cliffs, the southern villages and the secluded coves at your own pace.

On the other hand, if you are only staying in Valletta or Sliema, a car is not essential.

Is it necessary to rent a 4×4 in Malta?

No, a 4×4 is not necessary in Malta. The roads are paved and a standard vehicle is more than enough. A small car will actually be more practical in the narrow village streets.

What to do if you get a fine?

You are responsible for any fines incurred during the rental period. It can take up to 3 months for a fine to be reported to the rental company. In that case, they will send you proof, charge you for the amount and will likely add administrative fees.

What budget do you need?

Prices range from 15 to 70 EUR per day depending on the season, vehicle type and insurance chosen. In summer, prices are at their highest.

Malta is a very popular destination and the vehicle fleet is limited. I recommend booking as soon as you have your travel dates!

Plan your unforgettable trip to Malta!

• maps to help you plan
• handpicked beautiful spots
• Practical information, including GPS coordinates
• photos to help you choose

COMING SOON