Getting Around Malta
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient buses for Valletta and Sliema. Rural: Rent a car for Gozo exploration. Islands: Ferries and boats. For convenience, book airport transfers from Luqa to your destination.
Bus Travel
Malta Public Transport
Efficient bus network connecting all major towns with frequent services across the islands.
Cost: Valletta to Sliema €2, journeys under 30 minutes between most towns.
Tickets: Buy via Tallinja app, website, or onboard machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM for better prices and seats.
Tallinja Cards
Explore Card offers unlimited travel for 12 hours €21 or 7 days €30, ideal for island hopping.
Best For: Multiple town visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Bus terminals, official website, or app with instant activation.
Ferry Connections
Gozo Channel ferries connect Malta to Gozo, with frequent sailings from Valletta and Mgarr.
Booking: Reserve in advance for peak summer, tickets €4.65 one-way for foot passengers.
Main Routes: Cirkewwa to Mgarr (25 min), with car ferries available.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Gozo and rural areas. Compare rental prices from €20-40/day at Malta Airport and major towns.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 80 km/h highways.
Tolls: No tolls on main roads, but congestion in Valletta requires permits.
Priority: Roundabouts give way to right, narrow roads common—drive cautiously.
Parking: Free outside cities, paid zones €1-2/hour in tourist areas like Sliema.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at €1.30-1.50/liter for petrol, €1.20-1.40 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Valletta during rush hours and summer tourist season.
Urban Transport
Walking & Ferries
Compact cities like Valletta are walkable, with harbor ferries €2.50 single, day pass €10.
Validation: Buy tickets at kiosks or app, validations checked randomly.
Apps: Tallinja app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Bikesharing in Sliema and St. Julian's, €5-10/day with stations throughout coastal areas.
Routes: Dedicated paths along promenades, especially in northern Malta.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major towns, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Taxis & Local Services
Bolt and local taxis operate across islands, with fixed rates for airport transfers €20-30.
Tickets: €5-10 per ride, book via app or hail, contactless payment accepted.
Water Taxis: Quick harbor hops in Valletta, €10-15 depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stops in towns for easy access, central Valletta or Sliema for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Carnival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Malta including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Melita, Epic, and Vodafone offer prepaid SIMs from €10-20 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €15, 10GB for €25, unlimited for €30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major bus terminals and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, daylight saving March-October (CEST, UTC+2).
- Airport Transfers: Malta Airport 8km from Valletta, bus to center €2 (30 min), taxi €20, or book private transfer for €25-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus terminals (€3-5/day) and dedicated services in major towns.
- Accessibility: Buses and ferries mostly accessible, many historic sites have limited access due to narrow streets.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses (small free, large €2), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on ferries for €2, folding bikes free on buses.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Malta
Malta International Airport (MLA) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Malta International (MLA): Primary international gateway, 8km south of Valletta with bus connections.
Gozo Heliport: Limited helicopter services, mainly for charters to Gozo.
Malta Heliport: Small facility for domestic and private flights, convenient for island access.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Sicily and taking ferry to Malta for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, EasyJet, and Air Malta serve MLA with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to town center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €2-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.