Getting around Malta

Malta is small, 27 km end to end, but dense, so journeys are short in distance and long in time at peak hours. There is no rail or metro; buses, ferries, cars and, increasingly, bicycles and scooters share the roads. Fares and schedules change: the figures here were read from the operators on the date shown and should be confirmed before travelling.

Buses

Malta Public Transport runs the national network from the Valletta terminus with routes to every locality, express tallinja Direct routes, night routes and airport services. Residents who apply for a personalised tallinja card travel free on scheduled routes under the Government scheme. Visitors and others pay a single fare in cash or by contactless card (€2.00 in winter 2025–26, valid for two hours) or buy the 12 Single Day Journeys card (€19), the Explore 7-day card (€25 adult, €7 child) or Explore Flex (4 days €21, 7 days €27). Buses have free Wi-Fi and accessible low floors.

Ferries

Gozo Channel sails Ċirkewwa–Mġarr around the clock in summer and frequently in winter; the crossing takes about 25 minutes and a standard passenger pays €4.65 return, a car and driver €15.70, with subsidised fares for Gozo residents and free travel for resident seniors. The Gozo fast ferry links Mġarr with Valletta for foot passengers. Valletta ferries cross to Sliema and the Three Cities in minutes and accept the tallinja card.

Taxis and ride-hailing

White taxis operate from ranks and the airport at regulated tariffs; app-based ride-hailing (Bolt, eCabs, Uber) is widely used and usually cheaper for short trips.

Driving

Driving is on the left. EU licences are valid; non-EU licence holders may drive for a limited period and then exchange or re-test depending on their country, under Transport Malta rules. Vehicles are registered and licensed annually with Transport Malta; third-party insurance is compulsory. Car ownership is high (571 cars per 1,000 residents), traffic congestion at peak times is the main complaint, and parking in the harbour towns is scarce; park-and-ride sites serve Valletta and Pembroke.

Cycling and walking

Dedicated cycle lanes are limited but growing; the coastal promenades from Sliema to St Julian's and in Buġibba are walkable, and towns are compact. Bike and e-scooter hire schemes operate in the harbour area.

Airport

Malta International Airport at Luqa is about 15 minutes from Valletta. Airport bus routes (X1–X4 and the Airport Direct service) connect it to the main towns; taxis and ride-hailing wait outside arrivals.

Accessibility

Buses are low-floor with ramps; Valletta has lifts from the harbours to the city; historic streets and older buildings often lack step-free access.