Bringing car from Barcelona to Malta, easiest way?

Member since 17 February 2013

MaltaCommandoContributor23 September 2013 08:10:53

156

I am planning to bring my 4x4 from Barcelona to Malta by ferry.

As I have researched, there is no direct communication, and so I thought I could take a ferry to Civitavecchia and from there directly to Malta. But, judging by the clumsy websites of the ferry operators, it seems that this ferry line does not operate at this time of year (I am planning to make this trip October or November).

It seems the only connection Malta has in these months is Pozallo-Valletta. Is this true?

Also I have been searching and it seems there is no way to go from Barcelona to Sicily with ferry, so I will be needing to take 3 ferries, Barcelona-Civitavecchia, Civitavecchia-Catania drive a bit and then Pozallo Valletta. I dont want to know how expensive will this be....

Somebody knows what will be the cheapest way? I am thinking of driving from a italian port to Pozallo to avoid at least taking one ferry, is this recommendable or with petrol and stops it will be better taking the 3 ferries?

I am bit lost in this and the outdated ferry websites don't clarify anything.... any help will be much appreciated.

See also

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Spiridonov Serial expat

Member since 20 February 2013

SpiridonovSerial expat23 September 2013 14:21:04

240

The easiest way is to sell everything and take a plane to Malta. Really, it would be easiest and (most probably) cheapest.

CONNECTOR Member

Member since 21 September 2013

CONNECTORMember23 September 2013 16:52:28

Also, you should consider that Malta has LHD (left-hand-drive) and Rent-A-Cars are relatively cheap, if you go to the local companies.

Toon Cyprus Expert

Member since 04 June 2011

ToonCyprus Expert23 September 2013 16:58:34

10225

have you checked the import registration taxes for the vehicle etc

MaltaCommando Contributor

Member since 17 February 2013

MaltaCommandoContributor24 September 2013 17:58:38

156

It is an old Tata Sumo from 1998. The question is that I want also to bring some personal belongings that although they are not very valuable I don't want to threw them.

I imagine the taxes on a 1998 car are not exceeding the cost of buying another similar car in good condition here in Malta.

I have read that Malta doesn't forbid cars with the steering wheel on the "wrong" side, although maybe is a bit risky.

CONNECTOR Member

Member since 21 September 2013

CONNECTORMember24 September 2013 19:14:12

valuation.vehicleregistration.gov.mt/motorVehicle.aspx have just gone through all these tricky little details and bought myself an older LHD car for just that purpose (1999 Vauxhall Elite, former diplomats car, as LHD cars are a rare species here in Germany). Anyway, the maltese "Online Taxameter" gave my car a value of 800 (haha) and calculated on this basis some 1180 import tax.
You find more information here:

maltainsideout.com/7153/essential-malta-importing-a-car/

and the working page for the online Taxameter is here:

valuation.vehicleregistration.gov.mt/motorVehicle.aspx

tearnet ViP

Member since 19 June 2011

tearnetViP25 September 2013 05:37:40

2179

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=294477

This link will give you a ferry from Solerno to Malta.
Used and recommended !

Terrry

coxf0001 Serial expat

Member since 12 August 2013

coxf0001Serial expat25 September 2013 06:23:51

783

Posting a suitcase or 2 is another option. That's what my mum did from the UK. I don't know the costs but it must have been OK or she would not have bothered.

Fusspot Active member

Member since 20 February 2013

FusspotActive member25 September 2013 08:04:36

we flew from Gerona on Ryanair with two cases each and hand luggage total of 90kgs in weight so depending on size etc of items will be a lot cheaper and quicker doing it this way. Also Vueling fly from Barcelona to Malta again can get quite cheap flights.

matm911 Serial expat

Member since 17 October 2012

matm911Serial expat25 September 2013 13:29:49

#10

656

The registration tax and other administration fees may not be very high for a car like yours (but you'll be surprised anyway ), but it adds to other cost like diesel, highway fees, ferry fees etc. Not to mention the time lost on travelling (in case you do not like to travel )
Then you have a LHD which can be quite annoying here, besides of driving, the access to car parks etc. is on the right side

Pallets dispatch or shipping in wooden boxes is often cheaper and more convenient than travelling with your own car !