Car rental at Malta Airport

Car Rental at Malta Airport (MLA)

Compare deals from 44 rental companies right at the airport. Start your trip the moment you land.

LocationAirport
Providers44
Price tipBook 2–4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
✅ Check 44 companies ⚡ Live prices 🧾 All terms shown upfront ⭐ Cancel for free

Quick answer: At Malta Airport you can compare rental cars from 44 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely — not just cheaply.

Best priceBook 2–4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready — that's where most people get caught out.

About Renting a Car at Malta Airport

Malta International Airport (MLA) is the island's only airport and with 44 rental companies on site, you'll always find a good car price upon arrival. The airport is located in Luqa, just 8 km south of Valletta and 5 km from Marsaxlokk. The car rental desks at MLA are in the arrivals hall on the ground floor, and most car parks are within 500 meters of the terminal with free shuttle service.

The airport is served by Air Malta, Ryanair, and over 50 other airlines with direct flights from across Europe. Book a rental car in advance during summer (June–September) – availability decreases quickly and prices can rise by up to 40% if booked late. Check whether your home insurance covers CDW on Malta to avoid unnecessary additional insurance.

Drive on the left – Malta has left-hand traffic like the British colony it was. Does Malta have left-hand traffic and does it affect the rental car? Yes, Malta has left-hand traffic.

Rental cars are set up for left-hand driving, but remember to adjust your driving, especially in roundabouts. How long does it take to pick up a rental car at Malta airport? Allow 20–45 minutes depending on the queue at the desk.

During peak season it can take longer – try to pick up the car outside rush hours. Can I return the rental car outside opening hours at Malta airport? Yes, most major providers have key boxes for late returns.

Verify the procedure with your provider when picking up.

We compare prices from all major providers at Malta Airport so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

What to Know Before Picking Up at Malta Airport

🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms

  • Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
  • Extra driver: can cost extra — check before booking.
  • Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.

🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents

  • Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
  • Passport or national ID
  • Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of Malta. Check if an IDP is needed.

📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup

  • Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
  • Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
  • Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.

Rental Companies at Malta Airport

Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).

ABBYCAR
ACARENT
AddCar
Europcar
BEHR Rental
Avis
Budget
Cargini
EXER
Carwiz
Ace Rent a car
Alamo
BEE Malta
CB Rentals
GreenMotion
Goldcar
MEX RENT A CAR
Aquarius Rent A Car
Autounion
CarQ
Enterprise
Idea Mobility
Hertz
OTOQ
CityGo Rentals
National
NUCarrentals
Surprice
SIXT
Firefly
WheeGo
Ok Mobility
Sicily By Car
MOVIS Car Rental
Zezgo
Routes Car Rental
United Rent A Car
U-Save
drive365
Malta First Car Hire
Yours Car Rental
Thrifty

Essential Info for Renting at Malta Airport

Practical answers and tips before you book.

✅ Quick Answers

At Malta Airport you can compare rentals from 44 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.

  • Book 2–4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
  • Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
  • Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in Malta

In Malta you drive on the Left side.

  • Urban speed limit: 50 km/h
  • Rural roads: 80 km/h
  • Motorway: 120 km/h
  • Alcohol limit: 0,0 ‰
🅿️ Parking & Tolls

Parking is available in cities, but can be limited.

Road tolls: Ingen fee to tänka på.

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Rental at Malta Airport

Which rental companies are available at Malta Airport?
You can compare 44 rental companies at Malta Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in Malta?
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at Malta Airport?
The minimum age to rent in Malta is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in Malta?
In Malta you drive on the Left side. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?
When collecting your car at Malta Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?
Most providers at Malta Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at Malta Airport?
Generally, booking 2–4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide

15-Day Weather Forecast for Luqa

Other Rental Locations Near Malta Airport

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Check prices from 44 providers at Malta Airport — pick your dates and see what's available.

Find your car at the best price