The main island has a dense bus network, ferries cross Grand Harbour, and inter-island travel is served by regular ferries and direct high-speed boats. The airport shuttle takes just 25 minutes to reach Valletta—no car rental needed to efficiently explore all three islands.
Airport Transfers
Malta International Airport (MLA) is located in the southern part of the main island, about 8 km from Valletta. X-series express buses (X1, X2, X3) connect to Valletta, Sliema, and the northern ferry terminal, with single rides costing around €2 and taking 25–40 minutes. For nighttime travel or when carrying luggage, use ride-hailing apps like Bolt or eCabs, with fares around €15–20.
Main Island Public Transport
- Buses: Operated by Malta Public Transport, the island-wide network radiates from Valletta’s City Gate. A Tallinja card (registerable ID card or temporary prepaid card) cuts costs to around €0.75–2 per ride—far cheaper than buying cash tickets.
- Valletta–Sliema Ferry: Crosses Grand Harbour in about 10 minutes, linking two major accommodation areas while offering scenic views.
- Ride-Hailing & Taxis: Bolt and eCabs cover the entire island with transparent pricing, ideal for nighttime travel or when you’re in a hurry.
- Sightseeing Buses: Open-top hop-on-hop-off buses operate on one route each for the main island and Gozo, perfect for first-time visitors with tight schedules.
Inter-Island Travel
| Route | Transport | Time/Fare |
|---|
| Cirkewwa ↔ Mgarr (Gozo) | Regular ferry | ~25 minutes, round trip ~€4.65 |
| Valletta ↔ Gozo | Direct high-speed boat | ~45 minutes, saving half the time compared to the northern route |
| Main Island ↔ Comino | Seasonal ferries & island-hopping cruises | Frequent departures from June to October |
| Island Cruise | Blue Lagoon + caves half-day boat tour | ~€15–25, includes snorkeling stops |
Driving Tips
Malta drives on the left, with narrow roads, frequent roundabouts, and limited parking. Historic city centers are mostly pedestrianized. Unless you plan extensive island-hopping, buses and ferries cover most attractions.
Tips
- Download the Tallinja app for real-time bus updates—more accurate than general map apps.
- Schedules are significantly reduced on Sundays and public holidays, so allow extra time for inter-island trips.
- Ferries and high-speed boats accept credit cards, but rural bus stops don’t sell tickets—have your card or balance ready in advance.