Driving in Malta
Driving in Malta: what visitors need to know
Left-hand traffic, parking line colours, roundabout habits and fuel stations: the practical facts that make driving in Malta easy for first-timers.
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, kept honest and practical.
Good to know
Driving tips for first-timers
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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.
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Valletta by car
The capital charges cars that enter the centre (the CVA zone), so the relaxed play is to park just outside the walls or use the park-and-ride at Floriana and walk in. The whole city is twenty minutes end to end on foot.
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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.
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Taking the car to Gozo
Drive onto the ferry at Ċirkewwa for the short crossing to Mġarr; you pay the fare only on the way back, and your hire car is welcome on board. Our Gozo car hire page covers the details.
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Fuel & distances
Malta is small, so you will not use much fuel, and unlimited km means distance never costs extra. Many stations switch to automated payment at night; keep a card or some notes handy.
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Delivery & collection
We deliver the car free to the airport, your hotel or any address, and collect it the same way. No depot to find 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
Ready to explore?
Tell us your dates and we will have a car waiting at the airport or your hotel. Free delivery, pay on delivery.