Malta Toll Roads 2025: No Motorways, Valletta CVA Charge Guide
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Malta Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: No toll roads or motorways - CVA congestion charge in Valletta only
Coverage: 3,096 km road network (2,704 km paved, no motorways)
Currency: Euro (EUR) - CVA charge only
Technology: ANPR cameras for Valletta CVA system
Operators: Infrastructure Malta (roads), Transport Malta (CVA system)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls for Malta? 2025 Update
No, you don't need to pay tolls to drive on Malta roads - there are no toll roads or motorways anywhere on the islands. However, there is one exception: a congestion charge for entering Valletta during business hours.
Key Reality: Malta has no motorways or highways - only main roads with dual carriageways. The only charge is Valletta's CVA (Controlled Vehicular Access) system at €0.82 per hour during weekdays.
2025 Update: CVA rates remain unchanged since 2007. Foreign-registered vehicles continue to be exempt from Valletta charges, but rental cars with Maltese plates are subject to fees.
Malta Road Costs: What You Actually Pay
Malta operates toll-free roads with costs limited to fuel, parking, and the optional Valletta congestion charge for Maltese-registered vehicles.
Current Road Usage Costs (2025)
| Road Type | Maltese Plates | Foreign Plates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Main Roads | €0.00 | €0.00 | Completely free - no motorways exist |
| Valletta CVA Zone | €0.82/hour | €0.00 | Mon-Fri 08:00-18:00 (free after 14:00) |
| Urban Parking | Variable rates | Variable rates | White bays free, others paid |
| Fuel Costs | €1.34/liter unleaded | €1.34/liter unleaded | €1.21/liter diesel (2025 rates) |
Where You Pay Nothing (2025)
Toll-Free Network: Entire 3,096 km road network outside Valletta CVA zone
No Motorways: Malta has no motorways or highways - maximum 80 km/h on main dual carriageways
How to Pay Malta Road Costs
You can use the following methods for Malta road-related costs:
1. Road Usage (Free):
- All main roads: Completely free access for all vehicles
- No vignettes or electronic devices required
- No toll gates or collection points anywhere
2. Valletta CVA (If Applicable):
- Automatic ANPR (license plate recognition) system
- Payment via toll card or mobile app
- First 30 minutes free, then €0.82 per hour
- Foreign plates exempt, motorcycles exempt, electric vehicles exempt
To calculate fuel costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Malta roads, use TollGuru Malta calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
CVA System Status:
- Valletta CVA rates unchanged since 2007 implementation
- Foreign vehicle exemption continues for tourist-friendly policy
- Electric vehicle exemption maintained as environmental incentive
Infrastructure Developments:
- No motorway construction planned - island size limitations
- Road quality improvements continue on main dual carriageways
- Park and Ride system operates free from Floriana to Valletta
Transport Policy:
- Public transport free for residents with Tallinja Card since October 2022
- Government focus on public transport over motorway construction
- Speed limits remain: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h main roads
State/Regional Toll Information
Malta Main Island - Toll-Free Network:
- Northern Region: Mellieħa, St. Paul's Bay, Buġibba - completely free roads
- Central Region: Mosta, Birkirkara, Sliema - heaviest traffic, no tolls
- Southern Region: Valletta (CVA zone), Airport area - only Valletta charges
- Major routes: Coast Road, Regional Road, Bypass roads - all free
Gozo Island - Completely Free:
- Entire Gozo road network: No charges anywhere
- Ferry connection: Ċirkewwa-Mġarr ferry service (separate ferry charges apply)
- Rural roads: Generally narrower, some unpaved sections
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Daily road costs: €0 outside Valletta, €0.82/hour in Valletta for Maltese plates
- Fuel budget: €15-25 sufficient for exploring entire island
- Parking: Look for white bays (free), avoid restricted zones
Driving Considerations:
- Left-hand traffic: Similar to UK, different from most EU countries
- No motorways: Maximum speed 80 km/h, often 50 km/h in built-up areas
- Narrow roads: Especially in villages and rural areas
- Heavy traffic: Avoid peak hours 07:00-09:00, 17:00-18:30
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Malta road costs completely?
Yes for tolls (zero road charges), but fuel costs remain. With foreign plates, you can even enter Valletta free during business hours, unlike most congestion charge cities.
What happens if I don't pay Valletta CVA?
Fines apply for Maltese-registered vehicles, but foreign plates are exempt. Rental cars with Maltese plates may result in charges passed to renters with admin fees.
Do motorcycles pay tolls in Malta?
No, motorcycles are exempt from the Valletta CVA charge and can use all roads free of charge.
Why doesn't Malta have motorways?
Malta's small size (316 km²) makes motorways impractical. The longest distance is about 27 km, and the existing dual carriageway network serves the population efficiently.
Do tourists get different rates?
Yes, tourists with foreign-registered vehicles get better treatment - complete exemption from Valletta CVA charges, unlike residents who pay €0.82/hour.
Malta vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malta | No tolls + CVA congestion | €0.82/hour Valletta only | No motorways |
| Italy/Sicily | Distance-based tolls | ~€7-9 per 100km | Extensive autostrade network |
| Cyprus | No tolls | €0.00 | Full motorway network |
| Libya | Limited infrastructure | Minimal charges | Basic road network |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Italy Toll Roads - Nearest country with extensive toll system
- Cyprus Toll Roads - Similar island nation with toll-free motorways
- Spain Toll Roads - Mediterranean neighbor toll information
- France Toll Roads - European mainland toll system
Government Resources:
- Transport Malta: (356) 2206 4000 - Road transport authority
- Infrastructure Malta: Road maintenance and construction updates
- CVA Information: (356) 2206 4000 - Valletta congestion charge queries
Practical Information:
- Emergency Services: 112 (EU standard)
- Police: 119
- Malta Highway Code: Available from Transport Malta
- Park and Ride: Free service Floriana to Valletta
