Driving in Malta: What You Need to Know about Road Rules and Safety
Malta, the small island country in the Mediterranean, is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes and the interesting blend of Roman, Arab and British culture. Its capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with Baroque architecture, ancient sites and beautiful beaches.
With car rental in Malta, you can discover easily and quickly this astonishing island, go off-the-beaten path and have unique moments driving around this unique destination.
Let’s see further what you need to know when you rent a car in Malta.
What side of the road do they drive in Malta?
In Malta, they drive on the left side of the road, following the British system, as Malta was a British colony until 1964. So, in all cars in Malta the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, similar to the UK cars.
Driving experience in Malta
Is it easy to drive in Malta?
As Malta is a small island, distances are short, so it is easy to drive and navigate in Malta. There are major highways, but there are also narrow, steep roads that may be difficult for inexperienced drivers. Plus, you should be cautious with aggressive driving style, which you may face in rural areas or in urban areas, like Valetta, during peak hours.
The biggest challenge when driving in Malta is to get familiar with driving on the left side of the road, if you come from a country with the opposite system.
Is it safe to drive in Malta?
It is generally safe to drive in Malta, as distances are short and roads are well-maintained. However, in rural areas, it is wiser to avoid driving during night, as the roads are winding with sharp turns. In urban areas, you should be careful with roundabouts and intersections that may be confusing for drivers inexperienced in left-side driving.
How long does it take to drive around Malta?
Malta is a small island and driving around it does not take long. If you want to drive around the entire coastline, it will take about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic in touristic and urban areas.
Although driving on the coastal road is definitely a stunning road trip with impressive seascapes, you can also go from one major spot to another via highways. For example:
- From Valetta to Mdina, you need about 25 minutes
- From Valetta to Mellieħa 40 minutes
- From Valetta to Marsaxlokk 20 minutes.
Which driving license is valid in Malta?
As Malta is an EU-country, all driving licenses from other EU-countries are valid. Otherwise, if you come from a non-EU country, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive and car hire in Malta.
So, if you wonder whether you can drive in Malta with UK license or US license, the answer is no, as you need an IDP.
Also read: Your Ultimate Guide to Driving in Malta as a Tourist
Abbycar is on your side to assist you with your travel in Malta and all the questions you may have. On our platform, you can find the safest and newest cars with great deals and extremely low prices all year-long to rent a car in Malta and enjoy your trip on a budget!
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AbbyCar Travel Experts are the experienced professionals behind AbbyCar, one of Europe’s most trusted and value-for-money car rental brands, operating in over 30 countries. With more than 14 years of hands-on experience in car rentals and road-trip travel, the team has helped more than 1.5 million travellers explore their destinations with comfort and confidence. Drawing on in-depth knowledge of local routes, travel trends, and driving conditions, AbbyCar Travel Experts provide reliable, experience-based advice to help every traveller enjoy a safe, smart, and stress-free journey.
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