Malta Car Hire

Malta Car Hire is a car rental business that works directly from Malta International Airport, so most visitors can collect their keys within minutes of landing. It is a young, dynamic Maltese firm, and the offer is simple: current models, clear pricing, and a booking process that does not insist on a credit card.

For UK visitors that last point matters. Many rental desks expect a large hold on a credit card, whereas here a debit card is accepted at no extra cost and the security deposit is kept low. The business also covers Gozo, since its cars may use the Gozo ferry.

Collecting your car at the airport

The rental centre is next to the terminal, about a two-minute walk from arrivals. You leave the hall, turn right and carry straight on, with no shuttle bus and no trip to an off-site depot. Most customers are on the road within 15 to 30 minutes of landing, and flights are tracked so a delayed arrival does not lose you the booking, although it helps to tell the team about any change at your departure airport.

Handovers at the airport run around the clock, including weekends and public holidays, and late arrivals are fine as long as the booking is confirmed. If you are staying in a resort, delivery is also available: see our guide to car hire in Malta for other local firms to compare.

Vehicles on offer

The fleet is grouped into city cars, estates, luxury cars, and vans and people carriers. City cars range from compact, fuel-efficient models to eco-friendly ones, which suit Malta's narrow village streets and tight parking. Estates and people carriers make sense for families with luggage, and the luxury group is there for anyone who wants a more memorable drive.

Cars are right-hand drive, and Malta drives on the left as in the UK, so most visitors feel at home within minutes. Automatics are available. The model shown online is a guide only unless the booking page marks it as model guaranteed.

What the rate includes

Quoted rates include tax and VAT, collision damage waiver, fully comprehensive insurance, full theft protection, the card fee, unlimited mileage, breakdown assistance and a low deposit. You do not need to buy insurance at the desk. The excess deposit varies by car group, from €250 to €1000, and the figure appears under each vehicle on the booking page.

Fuel is full to full: the car is supplied with a full tank and should come back full, otherwise the missing fuel and a refuelling fee are charged. Young and senior drivers pay a daily surcharge that is not part of the quoted price. The minimum age is 21, with €9 a day for ages 21 to 22 and €5 a day for ages 23 to 24. Drivers over 70 pay €5 a day and those over 75 pay €9 a day.

Debit cards and documents

Most Visa and Mastercard debit cards are accepted, including chip-and-PIN prepaid cards, provided the cardholder's name matches the driving licence. Digital-only cards may need confirming before pick-up. The deposit is refundable, is released within 72 hours of the car being returned and inspected, and the time it takes to reach your account then depends on your bank.

Bring a valid driving licence held for at least a year, the debit card, and a passport or national ID card. UK and EU licences are accepted, and you may be asked for return flight or accommodation details.

Delivery, Gozo and getting started

Delivery and collection cover Sliema, St Julian's, Valletta, Mellieħa and its beaches, Qawra, Buġibba, St Paul's Bay, Airbnb apartments and private addresses, plus Birgu Marina near the Three Cities and the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal. Cars may cross to Gozo on the Gozo ferry and are insured for it, but may not board any other ferry or leave the Maltese islands. Planning the crossing? Our Gozo guide covers what to see.

Booking early is wise in summer, when prices rise and airport cars go first. Check flights from the UK to Malta and the month by month weather guide when you pick your dates. To ask about a vehicle or the debit card option, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to the business.