Malta Transport Guide: Buses, Ferries and Getting Around

Malta has no train or metro. Public transport means buses, supplemented by harbour ferries, all operated by Malta Public Transport. The central hub is Valletta Bus Terminus; a secondary hub serves the airport. It's a comprehensive network that reaches every corner of the island, though services can be infrequent in rural areas and during evenings.

Bus fares

A single ticket is valid for two hours (including transfers in one direction) and costs €2.00 in winter and €2.50 in summer (summer season runs approximately 14 June to 18 October each year). Night services, the Airport Direct and Tallinja Direct routes cost €3.00. Pay the driver in cash — exact change is preferred as drivers may not have change — or by contactless card. Children under 4 travel free.

Visitor travel cards

The Explore card gives unlimited travel over fixed periods and is significantly cheaper per journey than singles for anyone making more than a couple of trips a day. Available for 1, 3, 5 or 7 days. The Explore Flex is a pay-as-you-go option loaded onto a card. Check current prices and periods at publictransport.com.mt before you travel. The Tallinja personalised card gives Malta residents free or discounted travel — it requires residency registration and is not available to short-stay visitors.

Harbour ferries

The harbour ferries are often the best way to move between key points and are frequently quicker than the bus. Sliema ↔ Valletta and Three Cities ↔ Valletta ferries are fast, scenic and cheap. The Barrakka Lift connects Valletta's lower waterfront to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, saving the climb. The Gozo Channel car ferry runs Ċirkewwa (north Malta) ↔ Mġarr (Gozo); a fast passenger ferry also links Valletta and Sliema to Gozo on a separate route.

Other options

Ride-hailing via Bolt and eCabs is widely used, good value for late nights or awkward routes, and available island-wide. White taxis and airport taxis use set or metered fares — confirm the price before you get in. Car hire is cheap and opens up the north and inland areas, but local driving can be assertive and parking in Valletta and Sliema is very difficult.