Getting Around Malta: Buses, Ferries, Bolt, Taxis & Car Hire

Malta is small, but getting around can still be confusing for first-time visitors. Should you take the bus, book a Bolt, hire a car or hop on a ferry? This guide explains every option for getting around Malta and Gozo, with prices, pros and cons, and local tips to save time and money.

Getting around Malta at a glance

• Cheapest: public buses, €2 per ticket in winter and €2.50 in summer
• Fastest and easiest: ride-hailing apps such as Bolt, Uber and eCabs
• Most scenic: harbour ferries between Valletta, Sliema and the Three Cities
• Most flexible: hiring a car (but traffic and parking can be hard)
• To Gozo: the Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa or the fast ferry from Valletta
• Driving side: left, like the UK

Buses in Malta

Malta Public Transport runs buses across the whole of Malta and Gozo. For full details on fares, routes, airport buses and the tallinja card, see our Malta public transport guide. Most routes on Malta pass through Valletta, so it’s easy to get anywhere from the capital, though cross-island trips can take a while.

Bus fares

• Single ticket: €2 in winter (mid-October to mid-June) and €2.50 in summer, valid for two hours including changes
• Night routes: €3
• Explore card: a 7-day card with unlimited travel, around €25 to €27, good value if you use buses daily
• Children under 4: travel free

You can buy a single ticket from the driver, but have small change ready. The tallinja app shows live bus times and routes, which helps a lot, as buses can run late in busy traffic.

Bus tips

• Wave at the driver to stop the bus, and press the button before your stop.
• Expect delays at rush hour and in summer, when buses can be full.
• For the airport, Gozo ferry and beaches, look for the express routes, which make fewer stops.
• Night buses run on some routes from Paceville at weekends.

Ride-hailing apps and taxis

Ride-hailing apps are the most popular way to get around Malta, especially for short trips and nights out. Bolt, Uber and eCabs all operate, and prices are usually reasonable. You see the price before you book and pay in the app.

Traditional white taxis are also available at the airport, the cruise terminal, Valletta and Paceville. At the airport, there’s a taxi booth with fixed fares to each area. If you take a white taxi elsewhere, agree the price before you set off.

Local tips for getting home at night

• On Friday and Saturday nights, demand in Paceville is very high around closing time, so prices can rise and waits get longer.
• Walk a few minutes away from the busiest streets before booking to get picked up faster.
• Check your driver’s name and number plate in the app before getting in.
• Book your ride a little before an event ends to beat the rush.

Ferries

Harbour ferries

Short, cheap ferries cross Marsamxett Harbour between Valletta and Sliema, and the Grand Harbour between Valletta and the Three Cities. They’re quicker than driving around the harbour and give you great views of Valletta.

Ferries to Gozo and Comino

The Gozo Channel ferry runs from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr in about 25 minutes, and the fast ferry runs from Valletta in about 45 minutes. Boats to the Blue Lagoon on Comino leave from Ċirkewwa, Mġarr and the Sliema area. Read our Gozo day trip guide for details.

Hiring a car

A hire car gives you the most freedom, especially for Gozo and remote beaches. But Malta’s roads are busy, parking in Sliema, St Julian’s and Valletta is hard, and you’ll drive on the left. If you’re mainly staying around the cities, you probably don’t need a car.

• Good for: Gozo, beaches in the north and south, families and day trips
• Not ideal for: Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s (use the bus, ferries or apps instead)
• Tip: Valletta’s centre has restricted access for cars, so park outside and walk in

Getting from Malta Airport

Malta International Airport is in Luqa, about 20 minutes from Valletta by car. Your options:

• Bus: several routes, including express routes, link the airport with Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s, Buġibba and the Gozo ferry.
• Ride-hailing apps: usually the easiest door-to-door option.
• Airport taxi: fixed fares from the taxi booth in the arrivals hall.
• Car hire: rental desks are in the arrivals area.

Other ways to get around

• Hop-on hop-off buses: easy sightseeing routes in Malta and Gozo
• Walking: Valletta, Mdina and the Sliema promenade are best on foot
• E-scooters and bikes: rules and availability change often, so check before you rely on them
• Water taxis: traditional dgħajsa boats cross the Grand Harbour

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get around Malta?

For most visitors, a mix of buses and ride-hailing apps works best. Use ferries for Valletta, Sliema, the Three Cities and Gozo, and hire a car only if you want to explore Gozo or remote beaches.

How much is the bus in Malta?

A single ticket is €2 in winter and €2.50 in summer, valid for two hours. Night routes cost €3, and a 7-day Explore card gives unlimited travel.

Is Bolt available in Malta?

Yes. Bolt, Uber and eCabs all operate in Malta and Gozo, and they’re the most popular way to get around.

Do I need a car in Malta?

Not if you’re staying around Valletta, Sliema or St Julian’s. A car is useful for Gozo, the north and south coasts, and day trips.

Which side of the road does Malta drive on?

Malta drives on the left, like the UK and Ireland.

Plan the rest of your trip

Now that you know how to get around, see the best things to do in Malta, the best beaches and our Malta itinerary. Going to a concert or party? Check the Malta events calendar.