Car rental at Malta Airport (MLA)
Malta Airport (MLA), also known as Malta International Airport, is the main gateway to Malta. Renting a car directly at the airport is the most convenient way to start your trip and explore the island at your own pace.
With a rental car from Malta Airport, you can easily reach destinations such as Valletta, St. Julian’s, Mdina, and the island’s coastal areas. Having your own car gives you the flexibility to discover historic sites, beaches, and hidden spots that are not easily accessible by public transport.
MarSoleil offers car rental at Malta Airport without a credit card, including full insurance and zero excess. This means no hidden costs, no large deposit, and a smooth, hassle-free pickup right after arrival.
Picking up your rental car at Malta Airport
About Malta Airport (MLA)
Malta International Airport (IATA: MLA) is located approximately 8 km southwest of Valletta, near the town of Luqa. It is the only international airport serving the Maltese islands and handles a wide range of European routes year-round, with Malta being a popular destination in both summer and winter. The terminal is modern and well-organised. Car rental desks are in the arrivals hall with vehicle collection in the dedicated rental car zone in the adjacent car park. An important note for visitors: Malta drives on the left, as the islands were a British colony until 1964. Roads are generally narrow and in varying condition, so a smaller car is recommended for first-time visitors.
Getting on the road from Malta Airport
From the airport, Valletta is approximately 8 km northeast, around 15 minutes via the main arterial road. Mdina, the ancient walled capital on its hilltop, is about 10 km northwest, around 15 minutes. The resort town of St Julian’s and Sliema are approximately 12 km north, around 20 minutes. The ferry to Gozo departs from Cirkewwa on the northern tip of Malta, approximately 35 km from the airport, reachable in around 35 to 40 minutes. The Blue Grotto on the southern coast is about 10 km southwest of the airport, around 15 minutes. Marsaxlokk, the traditional fishing village famous for its Sunday market, is approximately 12 km southeast.
Why pick up at the airport rather than in the city
Malta has a bus network that connects the main towns and tourist sites, but services can be slow and crowded in summer. A rental car gives you the flexibility to visit Gozo (via the ferry from Cirkewwa), explore the quieter southern coast, and reach the smaller villages and prehistoric temples that are off the main bus routes. Collecting the car at the airport is straightforward and means you can head directly to your hotel without waiting for a bus connection. For more about driving on the islands, see car rental in Malta.
Car rental price at Malta Airport
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car at Malta Airport, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | Estimated weekly price (May 2026) |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | €190 – €290 |
| Mid-size car | €260 – €380 |
| Large car / SUV | €360 – €530 |
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
