Europe > 🇲🇹 Malta
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Malta can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Malta; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Malta?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Malta?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Malta
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Gozo | LMMG | |
| Valletta | MLA |
🚗 Should You Rent a Car in Malta?
Malta is small, well-connected, and remarkably easy to explore without a car. With an area of just 316 km² (including Gozo and Comino), the Maltese Islands are ideal for exploring by bus, ferry, and on foot. The road network is compact, the bus services are frequent, and the ferry routes are scenic and reliable. So — should you rent a car in Malta?
🚌 Why You Probably Don’t Need a Car in Malta
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Extensive and cheap bus network: Buses link all the major hubs, historical sites, beaches, and even remote corners of both Malta and Gozo. A full-day ticket is excellent value.
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Small size, big convenience: You can travel from Valletta to almost anywhere else on the main island in less than an hour.
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Avoid traffic and parking headaches: Towns like Mdina, Marsaxlokk, and the capital Valletta are designed for walking, not driving. Parking can be very limited or costly.
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Eco-friendly and stress-free: Public transport helps reduce congestion and pollution — a growing concern in this densely populated nation.
⛴️ Ferries Make It Easy
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Fast ferries connect Sliema, Valletta, and the Three Cities.
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The Cirkewwa–Mgarr ferry to Gozo is frequent and easy to access without a car.
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Comino and its spectacular Blue Lagoon are only reachable by boat — no cars allowed.
⛴️ Can You Visit Sicily from Malta — And Should You Bring a Car?
Yes, you can easily combine Malta with Sicily. The fast ferry from Valletta to Pozzallo takes just 1 hour 45 minutes and is the most straightforward link between the islands.
Once in Sicily, you can:
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Head north to Catania, ideal for exploring the historic city centre and visiting Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe.
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Continue by rail or bus to other eastern Sicilian gems like Syracuse or Taormina.
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Consider flying home from Comiso Airport, which offers a limited but growing number of flights to major European hubs.
If you’re heading further afield, Palermo on Sicily’s northern coast is much further away, but the scenic inland railway route between Catania and Palermo is well worth the journey. Direct coaches also connect the two cities if you’re in a hurry.
As for rental cars, it’s rarely worth the expense of bringing one on the ferry. Travel as a foot passenger, use public transport or rent a car in Sicily. This keeps your costs down and gives you flexibility without cross-border complications.
🛥️ Where Are the Three Cities?
The Three Cities are historic fortified towns across the Grand Harbour from Valletta:
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Birgu (Vittoriosa)
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Senglea (Isla)
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Cospicua (Bormla)
While they look close on the map, it may be hard to spot ferry routes unless you’re zoomed in. A small passenger ferry connects Valletta to the Three Cities in just 7 minutes. It operates from the Lascaris Wharf (near the Upper Barrakka Lift) in Valletta to the Cospicua waterfront, making it ideal for a quick, scenic trip. It runs every 30 minutes (weather permitting), and you can pay onboard.
🚲 Can You Rent Bicycles on Comino?
Comino is a tiny, largely car-free island known for the Blue Lagoon — and that’s part of its charm. There are no dedicated bike rental services on the island, and bicycles are not typically available for hire at its docks. Most visitors explore Comino on foot, using marked trails that wind between rocky coves, towers, and isolated swimming spots. The island’s compact size means you can comfortably walk from the ferry landing to Saint Mary’s Tower or the Crystal Lagoon in under an hour.
That said, you can bring a folding bike with you from Malta or Gozo if you prefer to pedal — just be prepared for rough terrain and no on-site repair facilities.
🚘 When Car Hire Might Make Sense
While renting a car is generally unnecessary, you could consider a 1-day hire from your resort in areas like St Julian’s or Bugibba if:
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You want to tour both Malta and Gozo at your own pace in a single day.
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You’re visiting with someone who has reduced mobility and prefers frequent stops.
But even then — buses, tours, or private drivers often offer a more relaxed way to explore.
🛣️ Driving in Malta — Practical Notes
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Narrow roads, frequent roundabouts, and heavy traffic can make driving stressful.
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Malta drives on the left — but the dense layout requires focus and tight manoeuvres.
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Hiring at the airport is unnecessary — if needed, use local resort rentals for a day trip.
🧭 Conclusion
So — should you rent a car in Malta?
🚫 No, in most cases.
✅ Maybe, if you want to tick off lots of quiet or rural spots in one short window.
Car or No Car Rating: 🚌🌊 Mostly No — Malta is made for buses and ferries. Keep the car keys at home and enjoy the open deck views instead.