Everyone has their own idea of what makes a great vacation. Based on an amazing one-week trip to Malta, I’d love to share why it might be worth considering not renting a car while you’re there.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with choosing to drive. I’ve rented cars many times myself—my detailed article about car rentals in Tenerife, for example, is a favorite among travelers. That said, it’s worth taking a closer look at the downsides of renting a car in Malta. It’s not a given that it’s the better choice compared to other options.
Buses Go Everywhere—and They’re Super Affordable
I wouldn’t say Malta has world-class public transportation, but the bus system does get you just about anywhere—and the buses run fairly often. The network is well-organized, there are night buses, and since most routes connect at the main station in Valletta, you can reach almost any destination with just one transfer.
Whether or not you need a car also depends on what kind of vacation you’re planning. If it’s a beach holiday, I honestly think a car is unnecessary. You can get from the airport to anywhere quickly by bus, and there’s likely a beach near your accommodation. Even the popular sandy beaches are well served by public transit. But even if you’re planning to explore the island and see the main attractions, the bus is still a really great and practical choice—that’s how we spent an amazing week.
Money means different things to different people, but one thing’s for sure: buses in Malta are incredibly cheap. A one-week pass costs €25 and gives you unlimited rides on all routes. So for €25 per person, you can travel all over Malta for an entire week. Compare that with the cost of a rental car—good luck finding one even for a single day at that price.
Yes, the main downside of taking the bus is sharing the ride with other people—and sometimes having to stand. That’s something only a rental car can solve.
There’s Always Traffic—Everywhere
Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but it honestly feels that way. Even if you rent a car, you won’t necessarily get to your destination much faster than by bus.
Even if something looks close on the map—Malta is a small island, after all—keep in mind there are no highways, and traffic jams are common, both in cities and between them.
And since this is about as Mediterranean as it gets—right in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea—the driving style definitely has that southern vibe. When traffic picks up, expect a little more “aggressive negotiation” on the roads.
Parking Is Tough
This probably won’t come as a surprise. Just like in most places around the world, parking in Malta is tough—especially near tourist hot spots during the high season.
By the time you factor in the time and fuel spent looking for parking, the convenience of having a rental car starts to feel a bit less, well, convenient.
Driving on the Left Side
Depending on how adventurous you are, and of course which country you’re from, this could be a fun challenge. But just so you know—Malta was a British colony for over 150 years, so they drive on the left. That means the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, you drive on the left-hand side of the road, and you follow left-side traffic rules.
It’s definitely something you can learn, and it’s not a huge deal, but if you’ve never driven a right-hand drive car before, it does make things a little trickier.
The Biggest Advantage of Renting a Car: Comfort
As I mentioned earlier, this is the one thing no other mode of transportation can match.
Having a car is convenient. It takes you straight from point A to point B, you don’t have to wait for anything, and most importantly, you don’t have to share the ride with strangers. You’ll never have to stand, either. Plus, if you’re bringing along bigger items, you can toss them in the trunk without a second thought.
The bottom line: you should choose whatever feels best for your trip to Malta. We decided to spend the money we saved on car rental eating great food at restaurants instead—but there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy the island even with a rental car in tow!