Getting around Malta is simple, budget-friendly, and often quite scenic. Buses run frequently, ferries offer beautiful views, and taxis—especially compared to most of Europe—are relatively affordable. Thanks to the island’s small size, most journeys take no longer than 45 minutes.
That said, traffic can be an issue on weekdays during morning (7–10 a.m.) and evening (4–6 p.m.) rush hours. In summer, weekday traffic tends to ease up, but weekends can get congested—particularly in the North, as both locals and tourists head to the beaches.
Malta's Bus System
Malta has a well-connected and budget-friendly public bus network operated by Malta Public Transport. Buses run frequently between major towns, tourist spots, and beaches on both Malta and Gozo.
- Fares are €2.50 in summer and €2.00 in winter, valid for two hours with unlimited transfers.
- If you don’t have a Tallinja Card, you can still pay on board using cash, contactless cards, or your smartphone.
- For longer stays, the Tallinja Card is worth considering—it offers lower fares and greater convenience.
- Buses run from early morning until about 11 p.m., though service is reduced on Sundays and public holidays.
⚠️ Important: There’s a €50 fine for passengers who fail to present a valid ticket or forget to validate their card or ticket when boarding.
Tip: Download the Tallinja app to plan your journeys, check live bus times, and manage your travel card with ease.
Ferries in Malta
Ferries are a scenic and efficient way to travel between key points—especially across harbours, to Gozo or Comino.
- The Valletta Ferry Service connects Valletta to Sliema and Valletta to the Three Cities. The trip takes just 5–10 minutes and a single fare costs €2
- To reach Gozo, take the Gozo Channel Ferry from Cirkewwa (in Northern Malta) to Mgarr Harbour. The journey takes about 25 minutes, with round-trip tickets for foot passengers costing around €4.65. If you’re bringing a car, the standard fare for a vehicle and driver is €15.70 round-trip.
- Alternatively, the Gozo Fast Ferry connects Valletta to Gozo in just 45 minutes, offering a quick and scenic alternative to the traditional ferry. Note: this service is for passengers only, with no vehicle transport available.
- To reach Comino, you can take a Co-Op Ferry from Marfa (near Ċirkewwa) to Comino for €15 return, but be aware that in Summer (May - September), Comino gets very crowded, the beaches are small, and I highly recommend booking a boat tour instead—check out this blog post for my tried-and-tested suggestions.
- Ferry tickets are available online, but it's not necessary—you can easily buy them on-site, with both cash and card accepted.
Taxis & Ride hailing apps in Malta
Taxis in Malta are easy to use, but ride-hailing apps are by far the most convenient and cost-effective option. The most popular apps are Bolt, Uber, and eCabs, with Bolt generally offering the best prices and fastest service.
All apps allow you to book rides instantly or in advance, and you can track your driver in real-time. Payments can be made via app or card, making it a smooth experience for visitors.
Renting a Car in Malta
Renting a car can give you flexibility, especially if you want to explore less accessible areas. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours (7–10 a.m. and 4–6 p.m.) and on summer weekends near the beaches.
- Parking at popular spots and tourist attractions is often limited and can be frustrating.
- In Malta, we drive on the left-hand side of the road, which may take some adjustment if you're used to driving on the right.
If you're comfortable with the driving conditions, car rental can be useful—but for most visitors, buses, ferries, and ride-hailing apps are more practical.
Happy Travels! x
Have questions or want a personalised recommendation? Drop a comment or reach out on Instagram @journeywithme.mt - I'm always happy to help fellow travellers discover the best of my islands.
Disclaimer: All content and photos in this blog post are my own unless otherwise stated. Please do not copy, reproduce, or use any images or text without written permission.