Hertz and Thrifty Malta

Few car hire names have deeper roots in Malta than Hertz. The franchise has been in the hands of United Group for over six decades, making it the longest-standing Hertz partnership anywhere in Europe, and the group also runs Thrifty from the same operation. Our listing puts the Hertz and Thrifty counter at Malta International Airport in Luqa, the arrival point for almost every visitor flying in from Britain.

Whether you want a small car for a week of beaches or a vehicle for a longer stay, this is one of the operators in our directory of car hire companies in Malta.

Hertz and Thrifty under one local operator

United Group has been at the forefront of island mobility for decades and manages one of the biggest fleets in Malta. Its rental and leasing division covers Hertz and Thrifty together with Dollar and Firefly, giving customers a choice of brands and price levels drawn from a broad, flexible pool of vehicles.

Photographs from the operator show bright, modern rental offices, a covered garage holding the fleet, including a Hertz-liveried electric SUV, and staff preparing cars by hand before they go out. The group itself dates back almost a century and is run from Qormi, in the centre of Malta, with branches placed at key points around the island.

For the customer, that long relationship with Hertz means dealing with an operator that has been renting cars in Malta for generations and puts quality and dependability at the centre of its service. Reserving in advance through the online platforms is the simplest way to line up the car you want for your dates, whether you prefer the Hertz name or the Thrifty alternative offered by the same local team.

Rental and leasing options

The service is built to suit very different needs. Holidaymakers can take a short-term hire for a few days or a fortnight, while businesses can arrange long-term corporate leases, which is useful for companies placing staff on the island or for people relocating who want a car without buying one straight away.

Bookings are available through a network of online platforms, so you can compare dates and vehicles from home. Exact rates, vehicle groups and branch hours are not listed on United Group's Malta page; ask about insurance, deposits and fuel terms when you reserve.

Using your car around the islands

With a car from the airport you can be in the capital within minutes; our Valletta guide suggests what to see, and the fortified harbour towns in our Three Cities guide are close by on the other side of Grand Harbour. Many drivers also take the ferry across to the greener sister island, covered in our Gozo guide, or catch a boat to the Blue Lagoon on Comino.

Traffic keeps to the left in Malta, just as at home, so UK drivers usually settle in quickly. For more inspiration, browse our round-up of things to do in Malta.

Business travel and moving to Malta

Corporate leasing makes Hertz and Thrifty relevant beyond holidays. If you are setting up a company here, our featured partner CLA Malta for company and tax services can help with the formalities, and our UK guide to relocating to Malta covers the wider move, from residence to everyday life.

Frequent travellers can find route details in our pages on Gatwick to Malta flights and Heathrow to Malta flights, and our overview of hotels in Malta helps you choose where to base yourself.

Getting in touch

Have a question about a Hertz or Thrifty car, a long rental or a lease for your business? Write to us using the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page, giving your dates, the type of vehicle and any special requirements, and we will pass it to the United Group rental team.