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Hertz car hire in Malta

Malta is one of those destinations where a car can make the stay feel much easier. The island is compact, but the real advantage is not distance. It is being able to move between coastal areas, historic towns, hotel districts, and airport arrivals without having to build the day around fixed bus routes.

Car hire in Malta works well for travellers who want the island to feel simple and flexible if they choose Hertz.

If you are comparing car rental options in Malta, the right rental in Malta usually depends on how you plan to spend your time. A smaller car often makes sense for tighter roads and busier resort areas, while a longer stay with family or extra luggage may call for more space.

Hertz offers pick-up points in Malta, including Malta International Airport, Saint Julian’s, and Qormi. So if you want to rent a car in Malta, it is easy to begin from a location that suits your arrival and onward plans.

 
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Everything you need to know about hiring a car in Malta

How to hire a car in Malta?

Hiring a car in Malta is easiest when the booking schedule is shaped around the way you plan to move around the island.

  • Choose the pick-up point carefully: Airport collection works well for most visitors, but a city or resort-area location may be more convenient if your stay is already settled nearby.
  • Match the car to the trip: Malta’s road layout often makes smaller vehicles easier to handle, especially in busier areas and older parts of town.
  • Book around your timing: A collection slot that fits your arrival plans can make the first day run more smoothly.

If you complete online check-in before collection, the handover can feel more straightforward once you arrive. For travellers looking to hire a car in Malta for a short island stay or a longer break, the main benefit is having more control over daily movement.

What cars can I hire in Malta?

Malta is usually easier to drive when the car fits the island rather than simply offering more size. Here are a few vehicles you can rent in Malta.

  • Compact cars: A practical choice for narrower roads, town driving, and easier parking.
  • Small and mid-size cars: A good fit for couples, smaller families, and travellers who want a little more comfort without moving into a larger category.
  • Larger cars and estates: Better for longer stays and trips with heavier luggage.
  • SUVs and crossovers: Useful when extra room matters more than keeping the footprint small.
  • People carriers and vans: A sensible option for group travel and airport pick-up with more passengers and bags.

Vehicle availability may vary by location and dates.

Are there any restrictions on hiring a car in the country?

To hire a car in Malta with Hertz, drivers generally need to be between 21 and 75 years old and hold a valid national driving licence that has been issued for at least one year. Non-European Union renters may also need an International Driving Permit together with their original licence.

Drivers under 25 may need to pay a young driver surcharge, while drivers over 70 may also be subject to an additional senior driver charge. Some vehicle categories, corporate bookings, or local rental terms may have different requirements, so it is worth checking the conditions for your chosen car before booking.

At collection, have your driving licence, passport or ID, and the payment card required for the booking ready in the main driver’s name. Hertz Malta’s country terms list the minimum rental age as 21, the maximum rental age as 75, and an added charge for drivers under 25 or over 70.

Driving tips for Malta

Driving in Malta feels different from most mainland European destinations for one immediate reason: traffic drives on the left.

  • Drive on the left and overtake on the right.
  • Speed limits are shown in kilometres per hour and vary by area.
  • Malta does not involve long-distance motorway driving in the same way as larger countries, so island driving is more about local traffic flow, junctions, and tighter road conditions.
  • Roundabouts, short urban turns, and parking require more attention than long-route planning.
  • Local signs and road markings matter, especially in busier parts of the island.

Best places to visit in Malta

A self-drive trip in Malta works best when the car helps you move easily between places that feel different from one another.

  • Valletta: A strong choice for history, architecture, and a more compact city experience.
  • Mdina and Rabat: Ideal if you want a quieter inland contrast to the coast.
  • Sliema and Saint Julian’s: Practical for seafront stays, dining, and resort-style movement across the eastern side of the island.
  • Mellieħa and the north: A great fit for beach time, coastal views, and a slower daily pace.
  • Gozo connections: A Malta rental is most useful on the main island, but it also helps structure the northern part of the trip if you are planning onward ferry travel.

Where to hire a car in the country?

Hertz offers several pick-up locations across Malta. Here are some of the most practical starting points:

Airport and Central Pick-Up

Resort and Coastal Access

Airport and Central Pick-Up

  • Luqa: Malta International Airport is the main arrival point for most visitors and the clearest place to begin an island itinerary.
  • Qormi: A useful central-island location if you want to stay away from the airport.

Resort and Coastal Access

  • Saint Julian’s: A convenient choice if your stay is based around hotels, restaurants, and nightlife on the eastern side of the island.

FAQs about car hire

Carry your valid driving licence, a passport or national ID, and the payment card needed for the booking. The licence should usually have been held for at least one year. If you are travelling with a non-European Union licence, it is also worth carrying an International Driving Permit along with the original document.

To rent a car with Hertz in Malta, drivers generally need to be between 21 and 75 years old. Drivers under 25 may need to pay a young driver fee, while drivers over 70 may also be charged an additional senior driver fee. Age rules can vary by vehicle category, so always check the rental terms for your chosen car before booking.

At pickup, the main driver should be ready to present the payment card linked to the booking in their own name. It is always worth checking the payment terms before travel, as requirements can vary by rental type and vehicle group.

Fuel terms can vary depending on the booking. Before collecting the vehicle, check the reservation details carefully so you know the expected return condition and whether any refuelling charges may apply.

Cancellation terms depend on the rate selected at the time of booking. Before travel, review the final booking conditions carefully so you know whether any charges apply for cancellation or for not collecting the vehicle.

EV Car Hire

Rent an electric car in Malta

Looking for a greener way to explore Malta? Hertz offers electric car hire at Malta, making sustainable travel easy and convenient. Choose from the latest EV models and enjoy a smooth, quiet, eco-friendly drive with zero emissions. Experience the future of driving.