The Truth About Driving on the Left Side of the Road in Malta

I would never have seen as much of Malta and its islands without renting a car. But I was nervous because Steven usually did the driving when we traveled. In Malta, people drive on the left side of the road, thanks to British colonization. That also meant the steering wheel was on the right side of the car. I knew this, but it still took some getting used to. For five days, I kept opening the wrong door and finding an empty passenger seat. Thankfully, the only thing I hit was a tree branch hanging over the road. I was nervous at first, but I am glad I drove. Having a car let me see places I would have missed without it. I also learned a few things that might help you if you plan to drive in Malta too.

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Driving in Malta for the First Time

I had driven in other countries, but Malta was different. This was my first time driving alone on the left side of the road. Steven usually did the driving when we traveled together, so I was nervous. I knew the roads would be different, but I was not prepared for everything.

Years earlier, we spent a week in the UK, where Steven did all the driving. He nearly had an accident after I told him it was safe to turn. I had looked in the wrong direction and missed an approaching car. After that, Steven was not interested in letting me drive. So when I say I was nervous about driving in Malta, I mean terrified.

Even getting into the car took some getting used to. One afternoon, I opened the left door with several people standing nearby. Instead of admitting my mistake, I pretended I meant to open the passenger door. I smiled, placed my phone and camera on the seat, and walked around the car. Everyone started laughing, and I laughed too. Apparently, I was not the first tourist to make that mistake.

Eventually, I got used to sitting on the right side of the car. But driving on the left required my full attention, especially at intersections and roundabouts. I had to think about things I normally did without a second thought. After a few days, I was more comfortable behind the wheel. I still had to remind myself to stay on the correct side of the road.

Renting a Car in Malta

I rented my car from Hertz at Malta International Airport in Luqa. Unfortunately, the first car they gave me was in terrible condition. The rental agreement listed so many scratches and dents that I should have asked for another car. Since my USAA insurance did not cover rentals in Europe, I purchased full insurance coverage.

I had barely left the airport when the car started having problems. It broke down just outside Luqa, and I was worried about getting stranded. I was traveling alone and did not know the area. Thankfully, I managed to drive it back to Hertz and exchange it.

The replacement was a nearly new Opel Corsa with only about 600 miles on it. It was a big improvement over the Opel Astra they originally gave me. However, I really wanted something smaller. Malta has plenty of narrow streets, tight turns, and parking spaces barely large enough for one car. I would have preferred one of those tiny European cars that can squeeze almost anywhere.

The Opel Corsa was considered an economy car, but even that seemed too big sometimes. After five days driving around Malta, I understood why so many people drove small cars. If you plan to rent a car in Malta, I recommend choosing the smallest one you can comfortably drive. It will make navigating village streets and finding parking much easier.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Malta

Renting a car in Malta is pretty simple. Americans can drive with a valid US driver’s license for up to 12 months. You do not normally need an International Driving Permit. You will also need your passport and a credit card in your name.

Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21, although some set the minimum age at 25. Younger drivers may have to pay an extra fee. You can rent a car at Malta International Airport, which is where I picked up mine from Hertz.

Before leaving the rental lot, check the car for scratches and dents. Take pictures of any damage so you are not charged for it later. I also recommend checking the insurance coverage, deductible, and deposit. If you plan to visit Gozo, make sure the rental company allows you to take the car on the ferry.

Malta drives on the left side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the right. Many rental cars have manual transmissions, so book an automatic if you need one. Trust me, getting used to driving on the other side of the road is enough to worry about.

What Roads and Traffic Are Like in Malta

Driving in Malta was an experience. The main roads were generally easy to navigate, but the smaller village streets were another story. Some were so narrow that I wondered how two cars could pass each other. There were also plenty of hills, tight corners, and roads without much room to pull over.

My GPS was helpful, but sometimes it sent me down streets that looked like alleyways. When it warned me about a sharp turn, I learned to believe it. A few turns were so tight that I wondered whether I was even supposed to drive there. And for some reason, I always seemed to get stuck in traffic on a hill. Driving a manual car made those moments even more stressful.

The local drivers were much more comfortable on those roads than I was. They drove faster than I expected, even when there was barely enough room to pass. I got honked at a few times for taking too long to make a turn. I also received a few hand gestures that needed no explanation. When another car approached on a narrow road, I usually pulled over and let it pass.

Some of the country roads were just as challenging. I remember driving beside a steep drop without a guardrail. Sitting on the right side of the car made the edge seem even closer. I slowed down and paid extra attention to the road.

Then there was the tree branch. On my first day, I drove past a large cactus growing into the road. It scraped against the rear passenger window before I could move over. Thankfully, it did not cause any serious damage. But it was another reminder that driving in Malta required my full attention, even when there was hardly any traffic.

Parking and Restricted City Centers

One thing I noticed while driving around Malta was the number of signs restricting access to city centers. Some streets were reserved for residents and authorized vehicles, especially in historic areas. Mdina was one example, where visitors generally have to park outside the city walls. Valletta has different rules, including a vehicle access charge in certain areas.

I found it easier to park outside the historic centers and explore on foot. The streets were narrow, parking was limited, and walking was usually less trouble. Pay attention to the signs because your GPS might send you somewhere you cannot drive. You can check current restrictions on the Transport Malta website.

Taking the Car Ferry from Malta to Gozo

One of the best parts of renting a car was being able to explore Gozo. I drove to Ċirkewwa, on the northern end of Malta, to catch the Gozo Channel ferry. The crossing to Mġarr Harbour takes about 25 minutes, and you can bring your rental car aboard.

I joined the vehicle line and followed the ferry staff onto the lower deck. Once parked, I went upstairs to enjoy the views. As we approached Gozo, I could see the harbor and the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes overlooking the water.

The ferry cost me €15.70 for the round trip, including my car. What surprised me was that I paid on the Gozo side, not before leaving Malta. The ferries run regularly, but I recommend checking the Gozo Channel website for current schedules and fares. Also, make sure your rental company allows you to take the car to Gozo.

Having my car on Gozo was worth it. I could explore the island, stop for photographs, and visit places without depending on bus schedules.

Practical Tips for Driving in Malta

After five days driving around Malta, these are the things I think you should know.

1. Rent a Small Car

Malta has narrow village streets, tight corners, and limited parking. Even my Opel Corsa seemed too big sometimes. I would rent the smallest car I could comfortably drive.

2. Remember to Drive on the Left

Traffic moves on the left, and most rental cars have right-hand steering. Roundabouts move clockwise, and you give way to traffic approaching from the right. Pay extra attention when turning at intersections.

3. Be Prepared for Very Narrow Roads

Some village streets barely have room for two cars. I often pulled over to let oncoming traffic pass. Watch for sharp turns, stone walls, and plants growing into the road.

4. Watch for Restricted City Centers

Some historic areas have streets reserved for residents and authorized vehicles. Mdina restricts most visitor vehicles, while Valletta has a controlled vehicle access system. I found parking outside the centers much easier.

5. Carry Cash for Fuel

Some petrol stations in Malta have unattended pumps, especially after hours and on Sundays. During my visit, I encountered machines that would not accept my foreign credit card. I recommend carrying some euros and checking payment options before filling up.

6. Download Maps Before Driving

My GPS occasionally sent me down streets that looked too narrow for cars. I also ran out of mobile data on my third day. Download offline maps before leaving the airport, and check your route before following unfamiliar roads.

7. Check Your Rental Agreement Before Visiting Gozo

You can take a car on the ferry between Malta and Gozo. However, confirm that your rental company permits the crossing and that your insurance covers both islands. The vehicle ferry leaves from Ċirkewwa and arrives at Mġarr Harbour.

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