Driving in Malta as a Tourist: How Hard Is It?
Are you wondering if driving in Malta as a tourist is a good idea?
Driving can be an amazing way to see more of this beautiful island, giving you the freedom to explore tucked-away beaches and scenic villages at your own pace. But let me be honest—Malta’s roads have their quirks, and driving here isn’t exactly a stress-free experience.
After a decade of driving (and surviving some chaotic roads in Italy), I thought I’d be ready for anything. Even so, Malta threw me a few curveballs!
The quirky road rules, the interesting habits of local drivers, it’s safe to say this isn’t the easiest place to navigate for the faint hearted.
That said, with a bit of preparation and the right mindset, driving in Malta can be a brilliant adventure and we don’t regret it one bit.
This post is based on my personal experience, so take it as a friendly guide rather than gospel.
Use your own initiative, and above all, drive safely!
First Things First: Can I Drive in Malta with a UK License?
Yes, you absolutely can!
I used my UK license with no issues at all. Malta is part of the EU, so as long as your license is valid, you won’t need an international driving permit. Just double-check that your license is up to date, and you’re ready to hit the road.
Keep in mind that you must be at least 21 years old to rent a car (though this may vary depending on the car category). Most car hire companies also require you to have held your license for at least two years. If you meet these requirements, you’re good to go!
Is Driving in Malta Similar to Driving in the UK?
For the most part, yes. Malta drives on the left, just like the UK, and the traffic signs will feel familiar. Seatbelt laws apply to everyone, and using a mobile phone while driving is illegal. So far, so straightforward, right?
Here’s where things get a bit different: speed signs are in km/h, but the speedometer on our car had mph as the main reading.
It threw me off at first, so make sure you’re focusing on the km/h markings to avoid accidentally speeding. Speed limits also change quickly in some areas, so keep an eye on the signs—or let your GPS do the hard work and warn you.
Roundabouts are another story. In theory, you give way to the right, but in practice, it’s more of a free-for-all. Locals tend to just go for it, and you’ll need to do the same.
Indicators? Rarely used. Tailgating? Completely normal. We had people beep at us constantly, but I quickly realized they beep at absolutely everything. Instead of getting annoyed, I decided to join in—it’s practically part of the experience.
Another quirk is that nobody really acknowledges when you let them out at a junction. In the UK, we’re used to a quick wave or nod, but in Malta, it just doesn’t happen.
After a couple of days, I gave up on the whole thank-you business. At busier junctions, you’ll sometimes need to (safely) edge your way in—otherwise, you could be stuck waiting all day.
When it came to refuelling, we noticed that many petrol stations require you to prepay at a machine near the shop or directly with the cashier.
It’s not something we’re used to in the UK, so we got a few impatient beeps while figuring it out. Once we knew the drill, it was easy—but knowing this ahead of time might save you a bit of stress.
Where to Avoid Driving in Malta
Valletta is one place where it’s better to leave your car behind. The narrow streets, congestion charges, and lack of parking make driving there more trouble than it’s worth. Instead, park just outside the city at the MCP Floriana Park & Ride.
For €1, you can park all day, and the fee includes a free shuttle bus that drops you right at Valletta’s city gates. At the end of the day, you can take the shuttle back or enjoy a pleasant 20-minute walk to your car.
You can drive to Mdina, but keep in mind that you can’t drive within the city walls unless you’re a resident.
Parking around Mdina is the way to go, and there are a few options to consider. If you’re lucky, you might find a space at the top of the hill near the city walls, but this can be tricky during busy times.
On our second visit, we struggled to park at the top and ended up finding a great free spot by following this location: Parking Spot on Google Maps.
From there, drive down the hill until you find a free space. The parking here is free all day, and it took us about 10 minutes to walk up the hill to Mdina’s gates. It’s an easy walk, and it saves you the stress of circling for a closer spot.
One thing to note is the fun train that you’ll see at the top of the hill. It doesn’t go into Mdina itself, as vehicles aren’t allowed inside. Instead, it loops around Rabat and the area surrounding Mdina. It’s a lovely ride, but it’s best to know what to expect before hopping on.
Parking in Malta (In General)
Following on from this, we found free parking almost everywhere we went, except for Valletta, where parking at the MCP Floriana Park & Ride cost only €1.
Yellow boxes or lines indicate prohibited parking, while white parking spaces are fairly easy to find.
Car parks are generally affordable, but it’s always a good idea to keep your belongings out of sight to avoid potential break-ins.
Pay attention to “tow zone” signage, as some areas restrict parking on certain days. A quick check before leaving your car can save you a lot of hassle later.
Roads and Driving Conditions
Malta’s roads are a mix of decent main routes and narrow streets that twist through villages and coastal areas.
Getting to popular spots like the Blue Lagoon involves navigating tight roads, but it’s manageable as long as you take it steady.
Emergency vehicles and buses always take priority, so be ready to pull over and let them pass whenever needed.
The hills in Malta are no joke—some are so steep you’ll want to stick to low gears and take it slow.
On top of that, potholes in Malta aren’t just small bumps; they’re more like craters.
Make sure to avoid them where you can to save your hire car from unnecessary damage (and avoid awkward conversations with the rental company).
At one point, we accidentally found ourselves caught in the middle of a street race, which was terrifying. We just stayed calm, kept to the left, and let the racers fly past. Not ideal, but we survived to tell the tale!
Where to Rent a Car in Malta
We rented a Toyota Aygo from Malta Car Hire, and it was ideal for navigating Malta’s narrow streets and fitting into tight parking spaces. They are about a 5 minute walk from the airport (clearly signposted), and were really friendly.
The rental cost us €90 for the week, and we only spent €25 on petrol, even though we drove every day.
We paid a €250 deposit on a debit card (most places require a credit card), and it was refunded within a week of returning home.
They also checked the car over and signed our slip on the spot, which saved us from worrying about any surprise charges later.
A quick tip: car hire companies in Malta may charge you extra if the car is returned with excessive sand or dirt, so keep this in mind if you’re heading to beaches. Giving the car a quick clean before returning it could save you an unexpected fee.
If you go into Valletta or accidentally speed, any fines will go directly to the hire company, so take care to avoid those nasty surprises showing up once you’re home.
Is Driving in Malta Easy?
Driving in Malta isn’t as chaotic as places like Italy or France, but it’s definitely more challenging than driving somewhere like Ibiza, Majorca, or Tenerife. The biggest hurdles are the unpredictability of other drivers, constant tailgating, and the narrow roads that can feel a bit tight at times.
When we first left the airport, I’ll admit I was a little overwhelmed. There were horns honking, cars pulling over without any indication, and plenty of sudden stops.
It didn’t take long to figure out that I just needed to be more assertive, especially at roundabouts and junctions. Once I adjusted and started going with the flow, driving became a lot more manageable.
Pedestrians are another thing to keep an eye out for. They tend to step into the road without much warning, so don’t hesitate to give them a quick beep if they don’t seem to notice you.
Driving on Gozo
We drove onto the ferry to Gozo, and it was super easy. You only need to buy a ticket when returning with the car, which you can do at the toll booth. Once on board, the ferry staff will direct you where to park and when to disembark.
Driving in Gozo is very similar to Malta—less chaotic but still with narrow roads. We parked near the bus station for free and walked up to the Citadella, which was a highlight of our trip.
Alternatives to Driving
If you’d rather not drive, Malta offers plenty of other options. We saw Bolt rideshares at nearly every tourist attraction, and hop-on-hop-off buses are also popular for exploring both Malta and Gozo.
Public transport is extensive and affordable, with buses running regularly across the island.
We opted to rent a car because we visited over Christmas and weren’t sure how reliable the buses would be during the holidays. Though we realised our base of Qawra Hotel Resort and Spa was covered extensively by public transport.
Plus, we love the freedom of having our own wheels. We have a whole post on How To Get Around Malta you can read up on!
Weather and Safety Tips
Malta’s weather can be unpredictable. When the heavens open, rain comes down fast, and the combination of wet roads and high winds can make driving tricky.
If you’re caught in a sudden downpour, pull over when it’s safe to do so and wait for the worst to pass.
The winds are also quite strong and fast at times, so take your time on high roads.
Final Thoughts
Renting a car in Malta gave us the freedom to explore on our own terms. Scenic drives to places like Popeye’s Village and the ease of reaching Gozo made having a car incredibly convenient and enjoyable.
That said, driving in Malta isn’t for everyone. Callum and I discussed at length how we would word our advice for driving in Malta, and here’s what we came up with: if you’re a confident or cautious driver, you’ll be fine.You’ll naturally expect the worst to happen and be ready to react when it does.
But if you’re a nervous driver, it’s probably best to stick to Malta’s public transport. The buses are reliable, affordable, and will save you the stress of dealing with the unpredictable driving habits on the island.
Malta is a stunning destination with so much to offer- especially any Game of Thrones fans! If you hire a car, expect the unexpected on the roads. From unindicated turns to surprise potholes, staying alert is key.
And don’t forget to bring a sense of humour for the constant beeping—it’s all part of the experience!
