Navigating Malta: A Small Island Packed with Big Adventures

Rich in history and nestled in the Mediterranean, Malta is a breeze to explore, offering an abundance of attractions and activities. The main islands, Malta and Gozo, boast efficient public transport, while the tiny Comino is best discovered on foot.

Make the most of a reliable bus and ferry network, embark on exciting adventures in an affordable rental car, or glide along the stunning waterfront promenades of St Julian’s and Sliema on an e-bike or electric scooter. Here's our guide to the top ways to explore Malta.

Take the bus to explore most of Malta and Gozo

Both Malta and its companion island, Gozo, are small, and the bus services provided by Malta Public Transport make for an easy way to discover them. In Malta, bus routes start at the station in Valletta, located just south of the City Gate, while on Gozo, the town of Victoria serves as the main hub. Tiny Comino is typically visited on organized ferry day trips from either Gozo or Malta and is small enough to explore on foot. 

Buses run frequently, with intervals from every ten minutes to hourly on less traveled routes. However, keep in mind that punctuality can be an issue, with afternoon and evening buses often delayed. Buses are ideal for day trips to sites like Mdina and Marsaxlokk.

Since most bus routes start in the central areas of Valletta and Victoria, visiting multiple destinations in one day can be tricky. Use Malta Public Transport's online journey planner or the Tallinja App to check bus schedules and timings. 

Another way to travel by bus in Malta is to hop on a vintage bus from the Valletta Bus Station to popular spots like Rabat and Mdina, as well as the bustling Sunday morning seafood market in Marsaxlokk. Many of these lovingly restored buses date back to the 1950s and 1960s – visit Vintage Bus Tours for details on departure times.

Public transport tickets in Malta

Single tickets, which include a two-hour transfer window, are priced at €2.50 and can be purchased on buses. Additionally, a 12-journey card is available for €21 and can be shared between couples or families. The Explore Card offers unlimited travel on buses for seven days at a cost of €25, while the ExploreFlex rechargeable stored-value cards come in various options and provide discounted fares for bus rides and travel to Gozo on the passenger ferry.

Another option is the ExplorePlus card for €72, which covers seven days of bus travel, a one-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour, a harbor cruise, and a round trip on the ferry between Valletta and Gozo. If you plan to stay in Malta for an extended period, consider getting a stored-value Tallinja Card. It requires a registration fee but offers the best discounts on bus fares and Valletta ferry services, and it integrates with the Tallinja App. 

You can find a helpful Malta Public Transport booth in the Arrivals terminal of the airport. They can guide you on the best transport card to purchase for your stay.

Impressive passenger ferries link Valletta with nearby towns

Valletta Ferry Services operates several convenient passenger ferries. From the southern tip of Valletta's fortified area, ferries make the journey across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua). Another route connects Marsamxett Harbour, located on the northern side of Valletta, to the bustling district of Sliema. Ferries run frequently from 7am to 7pm daily from October to May, with additional services available until around midnight from June to September. Bicycles can be carried on board for free.

An alternative way to travel from Valletta to the Three Cities is by dgħajsa – these traditional hand-rowed water taxis date back to the 17th century, with boatmen charging €2 for a one-way trip. This charming method of transport allows you to glide under the golden, honey-hued walls of Fort St Angelo, making it a delightful way to navigate the Grand Harbour.

Discover hidden gems with a rental car

Numerous secluded beaches and quaint towns across Malta and Gozo lack bus service, making it advisable to have your own vehicle. However, be aware that traffic can become quite congested, particularly around Valletta, Sliema, and St Julian's, and finding parking can be a challenge.

It's not advisable to drive and search for parking within the narrow historic streets of Valletta. Instead, park your vehicle before wandering through the city on foot; a Park & Ride option is available just south of Floriana, with free shuttle buses running to Valletta's City Gate.

Car rental prices in Malta are among the lowest in Europe, particularly if you choose local companies like Billy's Car Hire in Malta and Mayjo Car Rentals in Gozo. It's wise to book in advance during the busy months of July and August, and opt for a compact car to navigate roads that may be narrower than you're accustomed to. Drive with patience and courtesy, yielding (giving way) to oncoming traffic on tight roads and in smaller villages.

Travel by ferry between Malta, Gozo, and Comino

Connecting the northern Maltese port of Ċirkewwa with Mġarr Harbour on Gozo, Gozo Channel's vehicle and passenger ferry takes approximately 30 minutes for the journey between the islands. Ferries depart every 45 minutes from 6am to 6pm and roughly every hour overnight, although services may be temporarily halted in winter due to storms and rough waters. If you depart from Ċirkewwa with a vehicle, payment is only required for the return trip from Gozo.

While renting a car on Gozo can often be cheaper, the overall savings may be negated by ferry costs, so it's important to calculate the total expenses for both car rental and ferry if you plan to visit both islands. Try to avoid public holidays and summer weekends, as local travelers heading to Gozo can lead to lengthy and slow-moving queues.

Gozo Highspeed offers a hassle-free passenger-only ferry service connecting Mġarr Harbour on Gozo to Valletta. The journey lasts 45 minutes, and bicycles are welcome on board; just make sure to reserve one of the limited bicycle spaces in advance, either in person or via their website. This option is ideal if you plan to pick up a rental car at Mġarr Harbour or explore Gozo by bike, e-bike, or scooter. 

Throughout the summer, Comino Ferries operates passenger-only ferries from Malta to Comino. There are departures every half hour from Marfa and Ċirkewwa to the Blue Lagoon, with a travel time of 20 minutes. Ferries from Gozo's Mġarr Harbour are also managed by Comino Ferries and Ebsons Comino Ferries.

Bike-sharing programs and electric scooters offer eco-friendly travel options.

A great choice for exploring the waterfront around St Julian's and Sliema is the Tallinja Bike bike-sharing program, featuring 11 docking stations on Malta and three on Gozo. Key locations include the ferry terminals and the Valletta Bus Station. Each ride costs €3, with a discount available for Tallinja Card holders. For quick rides on an electric scooter, download the Whizascoot app and start riding. Keep in mind that bikes and e-scooters are prohibited on the pedestrian-only oceanfront promenade from Sliema to St Julian's.

Renting a bike or scooter for an extended period is ideal for more adventurous explorations, especially on Gozo's serene roads. In addition to jeeps, quad bikes, and 4WD buggies, scooters, bicycles, and e-bikes can be rented from Mġarr Tourist Services, conveniently located at Gozo's Mġarr Harbour. Please note that there have been serious quad-bike accidents on Gozo recently, so exercise caution when navigating elevated areas and coastal paths. 

Situated at the northern Maltese beach resort of Bugibba, EcoSports offers bike and e-bike rentals and conducts guided bike tours. For a fee, they can deliver bikes to your accommodation in Malta. In Marsalforn on Gozo, On 2 Wheels rents bikes and e-bikes, perfect for a short ride to view the coastal salt pans at Xwejni Bay. 

Start walking to uncover Malta's historic cities.

Malta is a fantastic place to explore on foot, particularly the charming streets of Valletta, the fortified hill city of Mdina, and the impressive Il-Kastell citadel in the Gozitan capital of Victoria. For longer excursions, many scenic walking trails traverse the stunning coastlines of both Malta and Gozo. 

Taxis and rideshare services are great for exploring the city.

Cabs are beneficial for navigating the city. Traditional taxis can be booked through eCabs via their website, by phone, or through their app, while rideshare options are available from Bolt and Uber. Most rideshare drivers tend to operate in areas with high traffic and population density, such as Sliema and St Julian's.

Travel accessibility in Malta.

All buses in Malta feature a low floor design to ensure wheelchair accessibility, complete with a wheelchair ramp and step-free entry. The ferries on the two routes operated by Valletta Ferry Services and Gozo Highspeed also provide access for wheelchair users.

Be aware that the steep and often stair-filled streets of Valletta can pose challenges for those with limited mobility. However, important galleries and attractions like the National War Museum at Fort St Elmo and the National Museum of Archaeology provide ramps and are wheelchair accessible. You can find a list of accessible sites on the Heritage Malta website.

Why I adore the ferry rides across Valletta’s harbor

Taking a ferry across Grand Harbour is one of the most remarkable urban journeys, departing from Valletta's surprisingly compact fortified peninsula to approach the majestic ramparts of Fort St Angelo and the Three Cities. Tiny dgħajsa water taxis are docked alongside grand super yachts, while narrow alleys lead away from the calm of Dockyard Creek to unveil the tranquil residential streets of Birgu.