Malta is small, so getting from place to place is relatively easy and cheap. There are no railways, metro or trams — everything moves by road or by sea. This guide walks you through the main options, from buses to ferries, so you feel comfortable from your very first day and can plan your time with peace of mind.
Tallinja buses
The backbone of public transport is the Tallinja network. Routes connect almost every corner of the main island, and even Gozo, at a very low price. The hub of the network is the terminus near Valletta, from which many routes depart in every direction.
- Consider buying a Tallinja card or a day ticket if you plan to use the bus a lot — it works out cheaper per trip.
- Download the Tallinja app to check live times and plan your routes.
- In summer and at weekends some popular routes, such as those to the beaches, can get crowded — go early.
- Tickets are bought from the driver or by card and stay valid for a set time.
No trains — it is all by road
Malta has no railways, metro or trams. This means buses, taxis and cars are the only land options. During rush hours traffic can be heavy, especially around the main towns, so allow a little extra time when you have an appointment or a flight to catch.
Ferries between the islands
Ferries are a scenic, quick and practical way to travel. The most important is the Gozo Channel ferry between Ċirkewwa (in the north of Malta) and Mġarr (in Gozo). The crossing takes around 25 minutes and vehicles can go on board, so you can take your car with you.
- The Valletta–Sliema ferry skips the drive around the harbour and saves a lot of time.
- The Valletta–Three Cities ferry links the capital with Birgu, Bormla and Isla on a short, scenic trip.
- In summer there are also boats to Comino and the Blue Lagoon — compare prices before you board.
Taxis and apps
Traditional taxis are available but often pricier, so agree the fare before you get in. Many travellers prefer apps such as eCabs or Bolt, where the fare is shown in advance and payment is by card. These work well in the tourist areas and around the hotels, and are handy late at night.
Car hire
Renting a car gives you freedom, especially to explore small villages or Gozo, where buses are less frequent. Remember: driving is on the left, roads are narrow and parking in town centres is tricky. Fuel is relatively cheap. Choose a small car, easier on the winding roads, and check the insurance before you set off.
Cycling and walking
Many spots in the tourist centres can be explored on foot — Valletta, for example, is small and lovely to walk. Cycling is becoming more popular, but take care because of the narrow roads and traffic.
Exploring Gozo
Gozo is quieter and more rural. The best way to explore it is by car, but there are also good local buses that reach the main spots such as Victoria (Rabat), Marsalforn and Xlendi. Many people take the ferry with their car and tour the island in a day or two.
Comino and the Blue Lagoon
In summer, boats to Comino and the Blue Lagoon leave from several harbours such as Ċirkewwa, Bugibba and Marfa. Compare prices and times before boarding, and go early because the Blue Lagoon gets very crowded by midday. Bring water and some shade, as there are few facilities on Comino.
Tickets, payment and night buses
Bus tickets can be bought directly from the driver — bring small change — or paid by card or app. A personalised Tallinja card makes every trip cheaper and is worth it if you are staying a week or more. At night, some main routes to nightlife areas like St Julian's run special weekend services, but frequency is lower than by day, so check the times in the app in advance. If you miss the last bus, a taxi app is the safest way back.
From the airport (MLA) to Valletta
From Malta International Airport you can reach Valletta easily by bus, which is the cheapest option and also serves other tourist areas such as Sliema and St Julian's. As an alternative, there are fixed-fare taxis and apps. In a short time you will find yourself in the heart of the island, ready to start your adventure.