What’s the best way to get around Malta?

For most travellers, the best combo is:

• Public buses for daytime sightseeing and beach routes.
• Ride-hailing (Uber/Bolt/eCabs) for late nights, direct trips, and airport runs.
• Ferries to skip city traffic (especially around Valletta) and to reach Gozo.

If you want maximum freedom for remote beaches, add a car rental for 1–3 days, not necessarily for the whole trip.

The Public Bus System (Malta Public Transport): the budget-friendly backbone

Malta Public Transport runs an island-wide network of modern buses connecting the airport, Valletta, major towns, and key beach areas. It’s the cheapest way to move around, but it requires patience during peak hours and summer heat.

How it works: routes, terminals & planning

• Main terminals: Valletta, Buġibba (St Paul’s Bay), and Victoria (Rabat) in Gozo.
• Planning: Use the official route/timetable tools and real-time updates, plus Google Maps for quick routing.

Official routes & timetables: Malta Public Transport – Routes & Timetables

Tickets, Tallinja cards & fares (what you should actually buy)

Paying per ride is simple, but visitors usually get better value with a travel card—especially if you’re moving daily. Malta bus tickets are typically valid for 2 hours (free transfers within that window). According to Malta Public Transport’s published fares, single fares and card prices vary by route type and season, so always check the latest details before you arrive.

Best travel cards for tourists (2026-ready)

• Explore Adult (7 days unlimited): €25 (individual use, not shareable).
• Explore Child (7 days unlimited): €7 (ages 4–10).
• 12 Single Day Journeys: €19 (shareable, 12 journeys, great for couples/groups).
• Explore Flex: a top-up card that can be used for bundles (bus + Gozo fast ferry / harbour cruise) and can also be used to pay for certain services via the tallinja ecosystem.

Single fares: what to expect

Malta Public Transport publishes different fares for day routes by season (winter vs summer), plus higher fares for night routes and certain special/direct services. Use this page as your single source of truth:

Malta Public Transport – Fares & Tickets

Practical tip: If you’ll ride frequently for a week, the Explore 7-day card is usually the easiest decision. If you’re mixing buses with lots of walking + ride-hailing, the 12-journey card is often the sweet spot.

Uber, Bolt, eCabs & taxis: the smartest option for nightlife and direct trips

For late-night travel (Paceville, Gianpula, beach clubs) and door-to-door routes, ride-hailing is the most convenient choice. Prices are upfront in the app, and you avoid the negotiation hassle of traditional taxis.

Top apps to install

• Bolt (widely used across Malta).
• Uber (available in Malta—keep it installed for price comparisons).
• eCabs (local platform with strong coverage and scheduled rides).

When to use ride-hailing

• Airport transfers (especially late arrivals).
• Nightlife: after clubs/events, it’s the easiest and safest way back.
• Hard-to-reach spots when buses require multiple changes.

Nightlife planning shortcut: Browse MaltaPartyVibes events

Tip: Keep two apps (e.g., Bolt + Uber). On busy nights, one may have faster pickup or better pricing.

Ferries & water routes: faster than traffic (and better views)

Malta is an archipelago—boats aren’t just scenic, they’re strategic. Ferries can save time, cut stress, and deliver the best views of Valletta and the harbour.

Gozo Channel Ferry (Ċirkewwa ⇄ Mġarr): vehicles + foot passengers

• Runs 24 hours, all year round (weather/operations permitting).
• Crossing time: approximately 25 minutes.
• Best choice if you have a rental car or want maximum schedule flexibility.

Gozo High Speed (Valletta ⇄ Gozo): foot passengers only

• A fast option from Valletta to Gozo for day trips without a car.
• Typically under 45 minutes (service and conditions may vary).
• More sensitive to weather than the main car ferry—build a buffer if you have tight plans.

Valletta Harbour Ferry (Valletta ⇄ Sliema / Three Cities)

• A high-impact local hack: skip traffic and cross the harbour by sea.
• Regulated fares and year-round scheduling (times vary by season).
• Ideal for Valletta days, Sliema stays, and sunset harbour views.

Pro move: If you’re staying in Sliema/St Julian’s and visiting Valletta, ferry beats the bus for comfort and reliability.

Renting a car in Malta: maximum freedom, real trade-offs

Car rental is unbeatable for remote beaches and flexible day trips, but it’s not always the “best” option in busy areas. Expect tight streets, aggressive parking, and heavy traffic during peak season.

Essential driving tips (read this first)

• Drive on the left (steering wheel on the right).
• Parking is the bottleneck in Valletta, Sliema, and St Julian’s—plan paid car parks.
• Village roads can be narrow and uneven—drive defensively.
• Navigation: Google Maps/Waze help, but can route you through ultra-tight streets—use judgement.

Smart strategy: If you’re based in a nightlife hub (St Julian’s/Sliema), stay car-free most days and rent a car only for the specific “exploration days” (Gozo, west coast beaches, sunrise spots).

Bikes & walking: great for short hops (and cooler hours)

For short distances—especially early morning or late afternoon—walking and bike options can be effective. Malta also offers an electric bike-sharing option via tallinja Bike in certain areas.

Tip: In summer, plan walking-heavy routes before noon or after 5pm. Heat + uphill streets can drain your day fast.

Our top transport recommendations (by travel style)

1) Budget explorer (best value)

• Use buses as your default.
• Choose either the Explore 7-day card or the 12-journey card depending on intensity.
• Add ferry crossings for Valletta/Sliema.

2) Nightlife-first (most practical)

• Daytime: bus + ferry.
• Night: Uber/Bolt/eCabs for direct, safe returns from Paceville/Gianpula.
• Keep two apps installed to reduce pickup delays.

3) Families / multi-stop sightseeing days

• Rent a car for part of the trip (2–4 days) to chain multiple beaches/attractions efficiently.
• Use ferries + buses on “city days” to avoid parking headaches.

4) City-hopper (Valletta + Sliema + Three Cities)

• Use the harbour ferry as your primary tool.
• Walk city cores; save ride-hailing for late returns.

Planning events while you’re here? See what’s on this week

FAQ: Getting around Malta (2026)

Is Malta easy to get around without a car?

Yes—most travellers can cover Malta using buses, ride-hailing, and ferries. A car mainly helps with remote beaches and flexible multi-stop days.

What’s the best option after a night out?

Ride-hailing (Uber/Bolt/eCabs). It’s direct, trackable, and safer than trying to piece together late-night routes.

Which bus card is best for tourists?

If you’re riding daily, the 7-day unlimited card is simplest. If you’re mixing walking + taxis, a multi-journey card can be better value.

How do I get to Gozo?

You have two main options: the main Gozo Channel car ferry (best for vehicles and reliability) or the passenger fast ferry from Valletta (best for day trips without a car).

Should I rent a car for my whole trip?

Not always. If you’re staying in Sliema/St Julian’s or doing nightlife, renting for 1–3 “exploration days” is often the optimal balance.

Do ferries help avoid traffic?

Yes—especially around Valletta. Harbour ferry crossings can be faster and far more comfortable than road routes during peak hours.

Conclusion: Malta is easier to navigate than you think

Once you combine the right tools—buses for value, ferries for speed, and ride-hailing for nights—you’ll move around Malta smoothly and keep your trip focused on experiences, not logistics.

Explore MaltaPartyVibes events & tickets