There are buses, there are water taxis and there are ferries… But which public transport option in Malta should you choose?
With over 2,000 strategically-located bus stops around both Malta and Gozo, ‘bussing it’ to the beach or your historical landmark of choice is fairly easy and cheap. Harbour-side localities, such as Valletta and Sliema, also have a ferry service that will not only save you time but also give you a commute with a view.
Of course, as in any other country, knowing how the system works will work to your advantage, so here’s all you need to know about Malta’s public transport.
Buses in Malta and Gozo
A recent reform in Malta’s public transport has resulted in the islands having one of Europe’s youngest fleets, which is comprised of over 380 buses that service the numerous routes around both Malta and Gozo.
A single (day) journey on a bus on both islands costs €1.50 in summer and €2 in winter; while the night service costs €3. Many visitors choose to invest in an Explore tallinja Card (€21 for adults and €15 for children aged up to 10 years), which gives you the flexibility to go on any route at any time on either of the islands for seven whole days.
As a rule of thumb, the bus terminus in Valletta services all routes to any locality in Malta, but there are a number of hubs that can also make your commute shorter. Meanwhile, you’ll find Gozo’s main terminus in Victoria.
Downloading the tallinja Smartphone App (available on the App Store or Google Play Store) can help you on your commute. Alternatively, you can also get the same service through the Journey Planner on www.publictransport.com.mt.
Ferries in Malta and Gozo
If you’re looking to get to Malta’s sister islands, Gozo and Comino, then you’ll have to catch a ferry. From Malta, the ferries to both islands run from Cirkewwa in the north, while in Gozo, they run from Mgarr.
For a Gozo Ferry timetable you can click here. From Comino, several companies offer ferry services to both islands.
Water Taxis in Malta
Water taxis are also available between Valletta and Vittoriosa (Birgu), Valletta and Senglea (Isla) and Valletta and Sliema.
On top of providing an unrivalled scenic commute between three of Malta’s most historic cities, as well as Malta’s shopping capital, taking a water taxi will also slash the time you spend on your journey by more than half.
For water taxis, an adult (day) single ticket costs €1.50, while a return ticket costs €2.80; for children the rates are €0.50 for a single and €0.90 for a return. At night (from 7.30pm onwards), the fare for adults goes up to €1.75 for a single and €3.30 for a return. A weekly pass with unrestricted use is available for €10.
For more information about fares and routes, you can click here.
Now that you know how to get around, check out our Places section for ideas on where to go! Whether you’re looking for Malta’s Best Shopping Streets, our list of 5 Unmissable Historical Sites or you want to discover some of Malta’s Hidden Beaches, we’ve got you covered!
