Malta Public Transport Guide 2026: Bus Fares, Routes, Tallinja Card & App

Malta’s public transport is cheap, covers almost every town and village in Malta and Gozo, and is the easiest way to get around without a car. But first-time visitors often have questions: How much is the bus? Which bus goes to the airport? What is a tallinja card? This guide explains everything about public transport in Malta in 2026, from fares and routes to the free travel scheme for residents.

Want to compare buses with taxis, ride-hailing apps and car hire? See our general guide to getting around Malta.

Malta public transport at a glance

• Operator: Malta Public Transport, under the brand tallinja
• Coverage: buses across Malta and Gozo, plus the Valletta harbour ferries
• Single ticket: €2 in winter, €2.50 in summer, valid for 2 hours including changes
• Night buses: €3 per trip
• Airport buses: express routes and tallinja Direct routes to the main tourist areas
• Residents: free travel on most routes with a personalised tallinja card
• Live times: the tallinja app

Bus fares in Malta (2026)

Single tickets

• Day routes: €2 in winter (mid-October to mid-June) and €2.50 in summer
• Night routes: €3
• Special services: €3
• tallinja Direct (TD) routes: from €3
• Validity: 2 hours, with free changes between buses during that time
• Children under 4: free

You can buy a ticket from the driver when you board. Have small change ready, as drivers may not have change for large notes. Contactless card payment is also available on board, but it’s wise to carry some cash just in case.

Explore cards for visitors

If you’ll take the bus every day, an Explore card saves money and hassle:

• Explore 7-day card: unlimited travel on day and night routes for 7 days, currently around €25 to €27 (tallinja Direct routes not included)
• Explore Flex: shorter options, such as 4 days, starting at around €21
• Explore Child (ages 4 to 10): 7 days of unlimited travel for €7

You can buy cards at the Malta Airport sales office, at ticket machines, at sales points such as the Valletta terminus, and at selected shops.

The tallinja card and free travel for residents

If you live in Malta or Gozo, you can travel for free on most buses with a personalised tallinja card. The free scheme covers day routes, night routes, selected special services, the Valletta harbour ferries and the Barrakka Lift.

• Who can apply: adults, students, children, Gozo residents and concession card holders living in Malta
• How to apply: online, with your ID and a photo, or at a post office
• Delivery: usually within about two weeks
• Cost: a one-time card fee applies
• Not included: tallinja Direct (TD) routes, which still charge a fare
• Remember: tap your card every time you board, even though the trip is free

Budget 2027 update: the Government announced that from January 2027, free public transport will be limited to Maltese citizens, EU nationals living in Malta and long-term residents. Third-country nationals without long-term residence are expected to pay normal fares. Read what changes for TCNs.

Getting to and from Malta Airport by bus

Buses stop right outside the arrivals hall at Malta International Airport. There are two kinds of airport service:

tallinja Direct (Airport Direct) routes

These faster routes make fewer stops and have extra space for luggage. They cost €3 per trip (paid on board by cash or contactless card), or are included with an unlimited travel card.

• TD1: Airport to Rabat, Buġibba, Mellieħa and Ċirkewwa (Gozo ferry)
• TD2: Airport to St Julian’s and Pembroke
• TD3: Airport to Gżira, Sliema and St Julian’s
• TD4: Airport to Valletta, connecting with the fast ferry to Gozo

Express (X) routes

Routes X1 to X4 are regular express buses linking the airport with major areas around Malta at the normal fare. Check the tallinja app or the timetables at the airport for the stops closest to your hotel.

You can buy tickets and cards at the Public Transport Information and Sales Office in the airport, from 24/7 ticket machines or on the bus.

Useful bus routes for visitors

• 13 and 15: Valletta to Sliema
• 41 and 42: Valletta to Ċirkewwa, for the Gozo ferry and Paradise Bay
• 85: Valletta to Marsaxlokk, for the Sunday fish market (check Sunday times)
• TD and X routes: the fastest options to and from the airport

Most routes on Malta start or pass through the main bus terminus just outside Valletta’s City Gate, so if you’re unsure how to get somewhere, Valletta is usually the place to change.

Night buses

Night routes run mainly at weekends and during summer, especially from the nightlife area around St Julian’s and Paceville to other parts of the island. A night trip costs €3. Check the tallinja app for current night timetables, as they change by season.

Buses in Gozo

Gozo has its own bus network, with most routes starting and ending at the bus terminus in Victoria, the island’s capital. Buses link Victoria with Mġarr harbour (where the ferry arrives) and villages and beaches such as Marsalforn, Xlendi and Ramla Bay. Fares are the same as in Malta. Planning a visit? Read our Gozo day trip guide.

Harbour ferries and the Barrakka Lift

The Valletta harbour ferries are part of the public transport network, and they’re one of the most enjoyable ways to travel:

• Sliema to Valletta: a few minutes across Marsamxett Harbour, much faster than the bus at rush hour
• Valletta to the Three Cities: a short crossing of the Grand Harbour to Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua
• Barrakka Lift: takes you from the Grand Harbour waterfront up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta

How to use the bus in Malta: step by step

• 1. Plan your route in the tallinja app, which shows live bus positions and arrival times.
• 2. Wait at the stop and raise your hand when your bus comes, or it may not stop.
• 3. Pay or tap your card when you board at the front door.
• 4. Keep your ticket: you’ll need it to change buses within 2 hours.
• 5. Press the stop button before your stop to let the driver know you want to get off.

Tips for using public transport in Malta

• Allow extra time: traffic can cause delays, especially at rush hour and in summer.
• Expect full buses in summer: popular routes to beaches and the Gozo ferry fill up fast.
• Use the ferry for Valletta: from Sliema it’s quicker and more scenic than the bus.
• Travel with luggage on TD routes: they have more luggage space than regular buses.
• Accessibility: most buses are low-floor with space for wheelchairs and buggies.
• Late at night: if there’s no night bus, use a ride-hailing app like Bolt, Uber or eCabs.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the bus in Malta?

A single ticket costs €2 in winter and €2.50 in summer, valid for 2 hours including changes. Night buses cost €3, and tallinja Direct airport routes cost from €3.

Is public transport free in Malta?

It’s free for residents with a personalised tallinja card on day routes, night routes, selected special services, the Valletta ferries and the Barrakka Lift. Tourists pay per trip or buy an Explore card. From January 2027, third-country nationals who are not long-term residents are expected to lose free travel under Budget 2027.

Which bus goes from Malta Airport to Sliema and St Julian’s?

The tallinja Direct route TD3 goes to Gżira, Sliema and St Julian’s, and TD2 goes to St Julian’s and Pembroke. Regular express routes also serve these areas.

Can I pay by card on Malta buses?

Yes, contactless card payment is available on board, and you can also pay in cash. Carry small change just in case.

Do Malta buses run at night?

Yes. Night routes run mainly at weekends and in summer, especially from St Julian’s and Paceville. A night trip costs €3.

Is there a bus app for Malta?

Yes. The official tallinja app shows routes, timetables and live bus arrival times for Malta and Gozo.

Plan your trip

Going to a concert, festival or party? Check our Malta events calendar and plan your bus home in advance. For more ideas, see the best things to do in Malta and our Malta itinerary.