Visit Malta

Driving in Malta: a visitor's guide

A car is the easiest way to see Malta and Gozo on your own schedule. Here is what to know before you set off, from a family that has driven these roads since 1945.

Good to know

Driving tips for first-timers

Drive on the left

Malta drives on the left, a legacy of British rule. Roundabouts give way to traffic coming from the right. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns and 80 km/h on open roads.
Valletta & the CVA

The capital has a Controlled Vehicular Access (CVA) zone that charges cars entering the centre. It is easiest to park outside the walls or use the park-and-ride. Our Valletta parking guide explains how the charge works and where to leave the car.
Parking

Most street parking is free (white lines). Avoid double yellow lines and reserved bays. Towns like Sliema and St Julian’s get busy, so allow a little time near the seafront.
Taking the car to Gozo

Drive onto the ferry at Ćirkewwa for the short crossing to Mġarr. You only pay on the way back from Gozo, and your Princess car is welcome on board. See our guide to car hire for Gozo, and the roomy Suzuki Baleno for a little more space.
Fuel & distances

Malta is small, so you will not use much fuel. Many stations are automated at night. Keep some coins or a card handy.
Delivery & collection

We deliver the car to the airport, your hotel or any address, and collect it the same way. No need to find the depot on day one. Tell us your plans when you ask for a quote.

Where to go

Top sights to reach by car

Valletta UNESCO capital, St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barrakka.
Mdina & Rabat The silent walled city and the catacombs.
The Hypogeum & Tarxien Prehistoric temples, a World Heritage site.
Marsaxlokk Fishing village, Sunday market, colourful luzzu boats.
The north & beaches Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa.
Gozo Ġgantija temples, Dwejra and the quiet countryside.

Pick a car

Cars that suit the roads here

See the full fleet and rates →

Driving in Malta guides

Read before you set off

Driving in Malta
Valletta parking and the CVA charge explained

How the Valletta CVA charge actually works, what a Malta-registered hire car pays, and where to park free just outside the walls instead.
Driving in Malta
Taking your hire car to Gozo: the Cirkewwa ferry explained

A local guide to the Cirkewwa to Mgarr car ferry: sailing times, the return-only fare, and boarding your hire car for a Gozo day trip.
Driving in Malta
Driving on the left in Malta: what first-timers need to know

A local guide to driving on the left in Malta: roundabouts, narrow streets, speed limits and what we tell every renter at the key handover.