Gozo Airport Car Rentals: Best Rates & Zero Hidden Fees

US tourists can legally drive in Malta for up to 90 days with their US license, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended—some rental agencies won't hand over the keys without it. Get your IDP before departure from AAA ($20) or NACE ($20). The IDP is a translation, not a replacement; always carry your original US license alongside it.

Yes, Gozo presents a unique challenge: you sit on the right (left-hand drive car) but drive on the left side of the road British-style. Roads are notoriously narrow—often barely wide enough for one car—with steep hills, sharp blind corners, and stone walls inches away. Take it slow, use the horn liberally to announce your presence on bends, and resist the urge to speed. Budget extra travel time; a 10-minute drive can easily take 25 minutes.

Gozo has just one operating petrol station (in Victoria/Xewkija area), plus a few diesel pumps at scattered kiosks—don't wait until the tank is nearly empty. Electric charging infrastructure is nearly nonexistent on Gozo (as of 2025, fewer than 5 slow public chargers exist), so opt for a petrol or hybrid vehicle. Most rental cars use a 'full-to-full' fuel policy—return it with the same amount you received.

Winter (November–March) brings Malta's only real weather challenges. Rainfall is infrequent but intense—when it pours, expect aquaplaning on the winding coast roads, and some low-lying roads near Mgarr can flood briefly. Stone walls along cliff edges become slick. A standard 2WD rental is fine if you drive cautiously, but avoid the gravel tracks (common in the north) after heavy rain. Summer heat (often 35–40°C/95–104°F) can cause tire blowouts on underinflated tires—check pressure before long drives.

You can absolutely bring your rental car on the Gozo Ferry (the Ċirkewwa–Mgarr crossing takes ~25 minutes). The ferry costs around €4.60 per car each way (paid at the terminal, cash or card), but frequency drops significantly on weekends and holidays—expect 1–2 hour waits in summer peak. If your rental agreement covers both islands (not all do), confirm with your agency before boarding; crossing without approval can void your insurance. Alternatively, rent a car on Malta and use the ferry as a foot passenger, then rent a second car on Gozo.

Many Gozo rental agencies set the minimum age at 21, but expect to pay a 'young driver surcharge' of €15–€25 per day if you're under 25. Some premium/aggressive sporty cars have a minimum age of 25. Before booking, verify the age policy directly with the agency—policies vary widely on this small island, and you'll often get a better rate by contacting local Gozitan agencies directly rather than booking through international platforms.