Malta Car Hire

Malta Car Hire is a young and dynamic Maltese company, and its offer to visitors is simple: collect your car at the airport, pay a modest deposit, and drive away without a large block on a credit card. For many UK travellers who prefer to use a debit card, that combination is the main attraction.

The firm covers the whole archipelago, including Gozo, and plans each rental around the traveller, whether that is a family holiday, a couple touring the coast or a business executive. It appears in our directory of car hire in Malta, where you can also compare local names such as Baron Car Hire and Aquarius Rent A Car.

Collecting your car at Malta airport

The pickup point is the Car Rental Centre, which stands next to the terminal and is a short walk from arrivals. There is no shuttle bus and no transfer to an off-site depot: you walk out of arrivals, turn right and carry straight on for a few minutes. Airport pickup runs 24 hours a day, including weekends and public holidays, and the office stays open for late arrivals with a confirmed booking. Flights into Malta International Airport are tracked, though the team asks you to report any delay at your departure airport because flights are only followed once they are airborne.

If you would rather not collect at the airport, the booking form lets you choose delivery to hotels in Sliema, Mellieħa, Valletta, Qawra, Buġibba, St Paul's Bay and St Julian's, to Airbnb addresses, to private addresses, to the Birgu marina or to the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal. Choose the other location option when booking. Our Valletta guide and Mellieħa guide show what each base offers, and the flights to Malta page helps you plan your arrival.

What the rates include

Quoted rates include tax and VAT, collision damage waiver, fully comprehensive insurance, full theft protection, card fees, unlimited mileage, breakdown assistance and a low deposit. Insurance with a low excess is part of the price, so you are not pushed to buy cover at the counter. The only extra charges come from optional items you choose at pickup, and from young or senior driver surcharges, which are not part of the quoted price.

Fuel works on a full to full basis: the car is supplied with a full tank and must come back full. If it does not, the missing fuel is charged along with a refuelling fee. Cars are right-hand drive, like in the UK, and Malta drives on the left, so most visitors settle in quickly, and automatics make the first drive easier still.

The fleet is grouped into city cars, estates, luxury models, and SUVs, vans and people carriers. Malta's village roads are narrow, so a small economy car is usually easiest for parking, a compact automatic is comfortable on longer drives, and an SUV suits anyone heading for quieter corners. The car pictured on the booking page is for reference unless it is marked Model Guaranteed.

Debit cards, deposits and age rules

Malta Car Hire specialises in rentals without a credit card. Most Visa and Mastercard debit cards are accepted for the deposit and the rental at no extra cost, provided the cardholder's name matches the driving licence, and prepaid cards with chip and PIN are also accepted. Virtual or digital-only cards may need confirmation before pickup. The deposit is refundable and varies by car group from €250 to €1000, shown under each vehicle on the booking page. It is released within 72 hours of the car being returned and inspected, though your bank decides when the money reappears.

You need a driving licence held for at least a year, a debit card in your name, and a passport or national ID card. UK and EU licences are accepted. Visitors may be asked for return flight or accommodation details. The minimum age is 21: drivers aged 21 to 22 pay an extra €9 per day and those aged 23 to 24 pay €5 per day. Over 70s pay €5 extra per day and over 75s €9 per day, but a valid licence is all that is required to hire.

All cars may travel between Malta and Gozo and are insured for the Gozo ferry, but they may not board any other ferry or leave the islands. See the Gozo guide for day trip ideas.

Accidents, extensions and how to enquire

In an accident, check that nobody is hurt and call 112 if anyone is. Otherwise report it to the traffic wardens, then to the Malta Car Hire office, and do not move the car until the warden's report is complete. If the car cannot be driven, a 24 hour roadside assistance service tows it away. Extending a rental is possible subject to availability, with at least 24 hours' notice.

To ask about a vehicle, a deposit or delivery, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to Malta Car Hire, who will reply to you directly. Mention your dates, pickup place, the number of drivers and each driver's age.