Located within the vast Mediterranean, Malta is a small country with a LOT do to here!
With incredible coastlines, great snorkeling and diving conditions; as well as being home to some of the oldest megalithic temples on earth.
Before we visited and road tripped Malta, we thought of it as a tiny island with little to do.
How wrong we were!
We lived here for over a month and drove all around both Malta and Gozo in rental cars.
We personally think that renting your own car is a great option, given you’ll have total freedom to make your way around as you wish.
You’ll also be able to stop-off in small towns and in remote coastal areas too, which is harder to do when using public transportation.
In this comprehensive article we’ll explore the best car rental companies in Malta and what each one has to offer.
Based on our personal experience of renting cars in Malta, as well as all across Europe as well.
Let’s get into it…
So you’ve decided to rent a car when heading to Malta? Many tend to get stuck on the next step of choosing the right provider or vehicle, however it doesn’t need to be a difficult process.
We highly recommend using DiscoverCars, which is an online car rental comparison site. Listing all major and local providers in any region, it’s a really useful tool for those heading to different areas of Malta. It’s also really easy to compare different models too, which makes it easy to find the best customized rental for your trip.
Here are some of the other advantages of using DiscoverCars:
Kicking off our list of rental companies in Malta we have AutoUnion.
This Greek company has grown exponentially in recent years, and is now a leading provider all over Europe.
Not only do they supply a large range of vehicles to suit all tastes, they also have a really quick and efficient pick-up system which is great for those who hate waiting in long queues.
Their most basic classes include their Mini and Economy vehicles (usual rentals include a Peugeot 108, Ford Ka or similar).
Next we have their Compact, Compact SUVs and Intermediate classes, which are best for those who want a mix of class and good value (you’ll get a Citroen C3, Peugeot 2008, Ford Focus or similar).
Lastly we have their deluxe classes which includes Premium, Full-Size SUVs and Luxury SUVs (usual rentals include a Volvo XC40, Nissan Qashqai, Volvo XC60 or similar).
AutoUnion also does Intermediate van rentals too for those who prefer more space.
SIXT is another large rental provider that operates on this island, and we think it's one of the best car rentals in Malta.
One of the most recognisable names to make our list, they now operate in over 100 countries world-wide (including the United Kingdom and Italy) and are known for their reputable and great-value rentals.
They are also a good choice given they have no hidden extra costs, and are perfect for travelers looking to explore Gozo too.
Those looking to keep costs low can select from their Economy, Compact and Compact SUVs classes (you’ll get a Toyota Aygo X, Skoda Fabia SW, Citroen C3 Aircross or similar).
Next we have their Intermediate SUVs and Intermediate Convertibles (usual rentals include an Opel Mokka Aut, VW T-Roc or similar).
Lastly we have their more luxurious classes, which are best for those who want a solid upgrade. These include their Premium SUVs and Special models (you’ll get a Volvo XC-60 Hybrid Aut, BMW 730 L Aut or similar).
A smaller rental company to make our list, CarQ have 30 years of rental experience and know-how under their belt, and now operate in key locations across Europe and Africa.
As well as having a helpful team who are on hand 24/7, they also give a discount of 10% on prepaid bookings.
This makes them another great option when it comes to hiring a car in Malta!
Firstly we have their basic Mini and Economy options, which are best for solo travelers or those looking to keep costs down (usual rentals include a Fiat Panda, Volkswagen Polo or similar).
Next we have their mid-tier Compact class (you’ll get a Fiat Tipo or similar).
Those who want more luxury can choose CarQ’s Intermediate SUV class (usual rentals include a Renault Captur or similar).
OTOQ is a Greek company that has achieved both domestic and international success, now operating in several countries across Europe.
They are known for their excellent service and support, and are a great choice for those who prioritize quick pick-up as well as an overall smooth experience.
OTOQ also offers some of the cheapest car rentals in Malta!
Although OTOQ have a small fleet in Malta, it’s still worth comparing them with the other larger brands.
Those who are traveling solo or want to keep costs low can select from their Mini and Economy models (you’ll get a Kia Picanto, Peugeot 208 or similar).
Next we have their Compact class vehicles (usual rentals include a Fiat Tipo or similar).
Lastly we have their Intermediate SUV class, which is best for those who want an upgrade on comfort (you’ll get a Renault Captur or similar).
AddCar is a Latvian car rental company that has grown exponentially in the last few decades.
They now operate in several continents, and also have some great value rentals in Malta.
AddCar is also a great option for those who prefer low-cost rentals, whilst still offering various classes from budget to luxury.
Travelers who are on a low budget can choose between Add Cars Mini and Economy classes (you’ll get a Kia Picanto, Suzuki Swift or similar).
Next we have their Compact class (usual rentals include a Citroen C3 or similar).
Lastly we have their Intermediate and Intermediate SUV classes, which cost more, however are perfect for those who love a much smoother ride (you’ll get a Volkswagen Jetta, Jeep Compass or similar).
Green Motion are a more recent company to have arrived into the European car rental market, having opened their doors back in 2007.
As well as offering great value rentals, they are also a world leading provider in eco-friendly cars that give-off low C02 emissions.
So not only will you drive in style, you’ll also be doing our planet a favor too!
When it comes to future trips, keep Green Motion in mind for car rentals in Portugal and Iceland among other destinations.
Green Motion offers quite a nice-sized fleet of vehicles, which is even better since you know you’ll be helping the environment too with whatever model you choose.
Firstly we begin with their Mini and Mini Convertible models (usual rentals include a Hyundai i10, Peugeot 108 Cabrio or similar).
Those who want a nicer vehicle at a great price can choose from their mid-tier Compact and Economy classes (you’ll get a Peugeot 308 STW, Hyundai i20 or similar).
Lastly we have their deluxe Intermediate vehicles (usual rentals include a Peugeot 308 or similar).
Green Motion also does Full-Size van rentals too.
Another rental giant to make our list, Europcar have over 70 years experience and are one of the best rental companies to choose when traveling in Europe.
As well as guaranteeing a high quality service, Europcar also have their own Privilege Loyalty Program which has extra benefits and perks such as a 10% discount on rentals as well as free weekend rentals.
Firstly we have their Mini and Economy models which are best for solo travelers or small groups (you’ll get a Toyota Aygo, Fiat Punto or similar).
Next we have their Compact and Compact Monospace vehicles (usual rentals include a Peugeot 208, Nissan Juke or similar).
Those after a luxurious upgrade can choose between Europcar’s Intermediate, Intermediate Crossover and Full-Size SUVs (you’ll get a Citroen C4, Nissan Qashqai or similar).
Europcar also does Standard and Full-Size van rentals.
Enterprise is one of the best-known and reputable rental companies on the globe.
Having started in the USA over 60 years ago, they now operate in all continents.
Although they have a tiny fleet here in Malta, they’re worth looking into for their loyalty program, where you can earn up to 20% bonus points towards future rentals.
Despite being one of the biggest rental companies (and usually having the fleet size to match), here in Malta they actually have one of the smallest varieties of vehicles available of all companies operating here.
Those who want to save can choose from their Mini vehicles (you’ll get a Toyota Aygo or similar).
If you are in a bigger group or prefer a more comfortable ride, then you can choose their Economy class (usual rentals include a Peugeot 208 or similar).
One of the biggest Greek rental companies, Cargini has over 30 years of experience and now operates all over the Mediterranean.
Although they are one of the more expensive options on this list, they have great benefits such as an additional driver included for free.
You’ll also get more local know-how with Cargini compared to the larger international giants.
Those looking to keep costs low can select their Mini class (usual rentals include a Fiat Panda or similar).
Next we have Cargini’s Compact and Intermediate SUV vehicles (you’ll get a Fiat Tipo, Renault Captur or similar).
Finally we have their Luxury SUVs, which are best for those who want a more comfortable ride (usual rentals include a Jeep Renegade or similar).
Cargini also does Full-Size van rentals too.
One of the largest rental companies on our list, Budget has been around for many decades and now operates in over 120 countries across the globe.
They’re a great choice given their large fleet of vehicles, which can suit all budgets and preferences. Budget are also found all over Malta, and are perfect for those who will spend more time exploring Valletta and other historic cities.
You can also earn rewards when renting with Budget, such as discounts with partner companies.
Firstly we have their Mini and Economy models for those on a budget (you’ll get a Hyundai i10, Ford Fiesta or similar).
Next we have their Compact and Mini Convertible vehicles, which offer a nice upgrade without breaking the bank (rental vehicles usually are a Ford Focus, Peugeot 108 Cabrio or similar).
Those looking for the most luxurious ride will want to choose from their Intermediate Monospace and Luxury models (you’ll get a Peugeot Partner 5+2, BMW 5 Series or similar).
Given there’s a wide variety of rental companies to choose from in Malta (both local and global giants), it means that rental costs can really vary.
We’ve found through DiscoverCars that a rental vehicle can cost anywhere from $6-$360 per day.
It’s important to remember that the price you pay can also vary depending on certain factors, such as the driver's age, the time of year as well as if you choose to add any extra perks to your package.
Whilst the rest of Europe can vary between countries, the legal age for renting a car in Malta is 21 or above (regardless of where in the world you are from).
It’s also important to note that those between the ages of 21-25 might incur an additional fee (which is known as the Young Drivers Surcharge).
Whether this extra charge is added varies between rental companies, so it’s worth doing extra research to find those who don’t add this on for younger drivers.
Road quality in Malta is generally good, although it’s important to remember that they drive on the left side of the road here (similar to the UK).
If you’re from elsewhere, this may take some getting used to so it’s important to go slow and be extra cautious the first couple of days.
Rural roads can be hit or miss here in Malta, so you’ll need to keep an eye out for potholes and other potential hazards.
Overall we think that renting a car in Malta is a great idea.
Not only is there a wide range of affordable rental companies to choose from, they usually offer extra perks too.
You’ll also have full independence to travel as you wish. This means it’s easier to see an incredible variety of destinations in Malta, where you can also stop-off at local villages or remote coasts which would otherwise be hard to reach using public transportation.
Malta is a really unique country to visit. Here you can enjoy the various Mediterranean islands along with their scenic coasts and beaches, as well as visit an incredible array of cathedrals and ancient temples.
Some of Malta's highlights include the Blue Lagoon, Popeye Village, St. Paul's Bay, and the Silent City of Mdina!
You may be wondering whether to rent a car when heading to Malta, and we personally think it’s a great idea. Not only can you find a range of deals on DiscoverCars for all tastes and budgets, you’ll also benefit from having the full freedom to travel around as you wish.
Are you still planning your own trip here? Then we recommend reading this article on how to plan your own Malta Itinerary.
Here are some other car rental guides you may find helpful:
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