Malta Airport car hire: the pickup guide
How collecting a hire car at Malta International Airport actually works — where to go, what to bring, what's held on your card, and how long it takes.
Updated 21 July 2026 · 5 min read
Where you actually go
Malta International Airport is the island's only airport, and it's small enough that nothing is far. Our handover is at the Park East building: clear passport control and baggage reclaim, walk out through arrivals, turn right and carry straight on for a few minutes. We meet you at the car there.
That's worth knowing in advance because the alternative many operators use — a shuttle bus to an off-site depot — costs you 30 to 45 minutes at both ends of the holiday. Park East is at the airport itself, so it's a walk rather than a transfer.
What to bring to the desk
Three things, and all three matter: the physical driving licence for every driver, a passport or national ID card, and the payment card in the main driver's name. Photographs of a licence aren't accepted, and neither is a card in someone else's name — that second one catches out couples surprisingly often.
If your licence isn't in the Latin alphabet, bring an International Driving Permit alongside it.
What gets held on the card
A refundable excess is pre-authorised at pick-up — held, not charged. How much depends on the cover you chose: the standard level holds the most, and the zero-excess option holds nothing at all.
It's worth thinking about before you travel rather than at the counter. A hold on the card you're also using for hotels and restaurants reduces your available balance for the trip.
Timing, and delayed flights
The desk runs from 08:00 to 02:00 every day, which covers all but the earliest arrivals. Give us the flight number when you book and we track it — a delay doesn't cost you the car, and there's nobody to phone.
If your flight lands outside those hours, get in touch before booking rather than after.
Giving the car back
Same place, and the fuel policy is full-to-full: you get a full tank and bring back a full tank. There are filling stations on the approach roads, so top up shortly before you return rather than in Sliema an hour earlier.
Leave a little more time in July and August, when the drop-off lanes at the terminal back up.
Common questions
- Is there a shuttle bus to the car?
- No. Park East is at the airport — out of arrivals, turn right, a few minutes on foot. There's no transfer to an off-site depot.
- What time does the desk open?
- 08:00 to 02:00, every day. Late-evening arrivals are covered; if your flight lands outside those hours, ask us before booking.
- Do I need a credit card?
- You need a card in the main driver's name for the excess hold. On the zero-excess option nothing is held, which is why some drivers choose it.