Enjoy Effortless Adventures: Getting Around Malta

Malta is one of the smallest countries in Europe. You can drive from one end to the other in under an hour. But small does not mean simple. The roads are narrow, the buses run on their own schedule, and first-time visitors often arrive with questions they did not think to Google before landing. Understanding the options for getting around Malta can make your experience much smoother. The importance of getting around Malta effectively cannot be overstated, as it enhances your travel experience.

Getting Around Malta: Your Comprehensive Guide

For those keen on getting around Malta efficiently, this guide will provide all the essential information you need.

When getting around Malta, consider the various transport options available to make your journey smoother.

This guide covers everything: airport transfers, public buses, taxis, the harbour ferry, car hire, and getting to Gozo. Whether you are staying in Sliema, Valletta, or anywhere in between, you will leave with a clear picture of how to move around the island.

Getting around Malta is essential for first-time visitors who want to see the best the island has to offer.

Getting Around Malta: Essential Information

When getting around Malta, using the bus service is a highly recommended option for budget-conscious travellers.

For more comfort while getting around Malta, consider using taxis or ride-hailing services like eCabs and Bolt.

Whether you are exploring the bustling cities or the tranquil countryside, getting around Malta is key to enjoying all it has to offer.

If you enjoy driving, renting a car is a fantastic way of getting around Malta at your own pace.

For a unique perspective, try getting around Malta via the ferry service, which offers beautiful views.

Malta International Airport is in Luqa, roughly in the centre of the island. From there, you have four options.

Public bus: The X2 express route connects the airport directly to Valletta. From Valletta, onward buses cover the rest of the island. A single journey costs €1.50 with a Tallinja card or €2.00 in cash. Check routes and timetables on the Malta Public Transport website.

Taxi (white cab): Official white taxis operate from a fixed-rate desk inside the arrivals hall. Rates are set and displayed at the desk. No negotiation needed. Expect to pay around €15 to €25 depending on your destination.

Ride-hailing: eCabs and Bolt both operate in Malta and are generally cheaper than white taxis. Book through the app before you land and your driver will meet you at arrivals.

Car hire: All major rental companies have desks at the airport. If you plan to explore beyond the main tourist areas, picking up a car at the airport saves time. More on driving in Malta below.

Public Buses: The Tallinja Network

Malta’s public bus network, operated under the Tallinja brand, covers the entire island. It is cheap, air-conditioned in summer, and surprisingly comprehensive, but it does get crowded during peak season, and timetables are not always adhered to.

The Tallinja card is a prepaid contactless card that gives you discounted fares (€1.50 per journey vs €2.00 cash). You can buy one at the airport, at Valletta’s main bus terminus, or at selected newsagents. Top it up as you go.

Key routes for ST Hotels guests:

• Route 13 and 14 connect Sliema and St Julian’s to Valletta frequently throughout the day.
• Routes 70 and 71 run along the north of the island toward St Paul’s Bay and Mellieha.
• Route X1 connects Valletta to the Gozo ferry terminal at Cirkewwa.

Download the Tallinja app for live tracking and journey planning. It is more reliable than printed timetables.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

For convenience and speed, taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to move between specific points.

eCabs is the dominant local ride-hailing platform and the most widely used. Drivers are vetted, prices are shown upfront, and the app works reliably. Book via ecabs.com.mt or the eCabs app.

Bolt is also active in Malta and often slightly cheaper for shorter distances. bolt.eu/en-mt/

Utilising the ferry is another great method of getting around Malta, especially between Valletta and Sliema.

Getting around Malta is made easier with this ferry option, saving time and providing scenic experiences.

White taxis (the official metered cabs) are available at stands throughout Valletta, Sliema, and the airport. They are reliable but more expensive than the apps.

One thing to know: Uber does not operate in Malta.

Your experience of getting around Malta will be vastly improved by choosing the right transport method.

When planning your trip, consider how you will be getting around Malta, as it affects your itinerary.

The Harbour Ferry: The Locals’ Shortcut

If you are staying in Sliema, including at Novotel Malta Sliema, the harbour ferry is one of the most useful things you can know about.

A short ferry crossing connects Sliema directly to Valletta in around 8 minutes. It runs frequently during the day and costs around €1.50 each way. It is faster than any bus and far more pleasant than sitting in traffic on the main road.

There is also a separate ferry connecting Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Bormla, Isla) on the opposite side of the Grand Harbour. Worth doing if you want to explore that side of the island without a car.

Full timetables and routes are available on the Malta Ferry Services website.

Renting a Car in Malta

A hire car gives you the most freedom, particularly for reaching quieter beaches, the south of the island, and Gozo. But Malta has a few quirks worth knowing before you drive.

Drive on the left. Malta drives on the left, a legacy of British rule. If you are coming from a right-hand-drive country, this is familiar. If not, allow yourself a day to adjust.

The roads are narrow. Village streets in particular are extremely tight. A smaller car makes life significantly easier.

For a stress-free experience, think about your transport options for getting around Malta before you arrive.

Lastly, be sure to explore local insights on getting around Malta to enrich your travel experience.

Parking in Valletta requires a permit. The city centre is largely restricted. Use the park-and-ride at Floriana or the Msida marina car park and walk or take the ferry in.

Getting around Malta effectively enhances your ability to explore the island’s hidden gems.

Fuel: Petrol stations are plentiful. Most close overnight and on Sundays, so fill up in advance if you are planning a Sunday excursion.

Most major international car hire companies operate from the airport. Booking in advance, especially in summer, is strongly recommended.

Getting to Gozo

Gozo is Malta’s quieter sister island and well worth a day trip or overnight stay. The only way across (without a helicopter) is the Gozo Channel ferry from Cirkewwa, in the north of Malta.

From public transport to taxis, there are many ways of getting around Malta during your visit.

The crossing takes about 25 minutes and runs around the clock, roughly every 45 to 75 minutes depending on the time of day. The ferry is free to board going to Gozo. You pay on the return. A standard return ticket for a passenger on foot is around €4.65.

Full timetables and fares on the Gozo Channel website.

Understanding the options for getting around Malta will ensure that your trip is both enjoyable and efficient.

To reach Cirkewwa by bus, take route X1 from Valletta. By car, it is a straightforward drive north on the main road.

Quick Tips Before You Go

• Google Maps works well in Malta for both public transport and driving directions. Use it freely.
• Traffic in July and August is significant, particularly around Sliema, St Julian’s, and the road to Mellieha. Leave extra time.
• Valletta is mostly pedestrianised. Arrive on foot, by ferry, or park outside the city gates.
• Sunday transport is reduced. Bus frequency drops considerably. Plan ahead if you are relying on public buses on a Sunday.
• Water is expensive to buy in small bottles. A refillable bottle and a litre from the supermarket saves money and plastic.

Where to Stay

Our hotels and apartments sit at the centre of everything. Novotel Malta Sliema puts you minutes from the harbour ferry and walking distance from the main bus routes into Valletta. Valletta View Apartments position you inside the capital itself.

Explore all our properties and find your base for the island at sthotelsmalta.com.

Planning a trip to Malta? Browse our hotels and apartments across the island and book directly for the best rate.

Book direct at sthotelsmalta.com