Getting Around Malta: Buses, Taxis & Car Hire Guide

# Getting Around Malta: Buses, Taxis & Car Hire Guide

Transporting yourself around Malta is straightforward and affordable, with multiple options to suit every traveler's needs. Whether you're exploring Valletta's historic streets, visiting Gozo's dramatic cliffs, or reaching Comino's pristine waters, Malta offers reliable and budget-friendly ways to navigate the islands.

Public Buses in Malta

Public buses are the most economical way to travel around Malta. The bus network connects virtually every town and village across Malta, Gozo, and links to Comino ferry services.

Malta Bus Fares and Passes

• Single journey tickets: €1.50 within Malta
• 7-day travel card: €21 for unlimited travel across Malta
• 12-journey carnet: €15 for discounted multi-journey travel
• Gozo routes: Same €1.50 fare applies on Gozo buses
• Children under 12: Free travel on all Malta buses

Buses in Malta run frequently throughout the day, with major routes operating until late evening. Peak season (June-September) sees extended hours on popular routes serving beaches like Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, and Ghajn Tuffieha.

Popular Malta Bus Routes

The main bus terminus in Valletta serves as the hub for Malta's transport network. From Valletta, buses depart to:

• Route 2: Direct service to Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay
• Route 3: Services to Armier Bay in the north
• Route 6: Connects Valletta to Comino ferry at Cirkewwa
• Route 13: Beach access to Ghajn Tuffieha and surrounding areas
• Route 12: Interior Malta villages and towns

Gozo buses operate their own efficient network. Buses in Gozo connect Ramla Bay, Xlendi, and all major towns, with fares identical to Malta at €1.50 per journey.

Tips for Using Malta Buses

Buses in Malta can get crowded during peak hours (8-9am and 4-5pm). Arriving at Valletta's main bus station early is recommended during summer when beaches like Mellieha Bay attract thousands of visitors daily. Most buses in Malta are air-conditioned, though older vehicles may lack climate control.

Taxis in Malta

Taxis offer flexibility and door-to-door service throughout Malta, Gozo, and Comino connections. Malta's taxi services are regulated and relatively affordable compared to other Mediterranean destinations.

Malta Taxi Fares

• Airport to Valletta: €15-20
• Airport to Golden Bay: €25-30
• In-town journeys: €5-10 typically
• Gozo taxis: Similar pricing to Malta's system
• Minimum fare: €2.50 in Malta

Malta taxis operate from ranks at Valletta's main square, outside The Phoenicia hotel, and near major attractions. Apps like eCabs and Bolt operate throughout Malta, offering transparent pricing before booking.

Choosing Between Taxis and Malta Buses

For budget-conscious travelers exploring Malta, buses at €1.50 per journey remain unbeatable. However, taxis in Malta provide convenience when traveling in groups or with luggage after visiting restaurants like Rubino or Noni in Valletta. Taxis in Malta are particularly useful late at night when buses in Malta run reduced schedules.

Car Hire in Malta

Renting a car gives maximum freedom to explore Malta's hidden gems, from remote beaches to charming villages inaccessible by buses in Malta.

Malta Car Hire Costs

• Economy cars: €25-40 per day
• Mid-range vehicles: €35-50 per day
• SUVs: €45-70 per day
• Weekly rental discounts: 15-25% reductions available
• Insurance: Additional €8-15 daily for comprehensive coverage

Major car hire companies operate at Malta International Airport. Pre-booking online typically saves 20-30% compared to airport pickup rates.

Driving in Malta

Driving in Malta requires an International Driving Permit alongside your home license. Malta drives on the left side of the road. Speed limits in Malta are 50km/h in towns and 80km/h on open roads. Parking in Valletta can be challenging; designated paid zones operate throughout Valletta's streets.

Renting a car in Malta suits travelers planning extended stays or visiting multiple islands. The 35-minute ferry from Valletta to Gozo accommodates vehicles, allowing car exploration of Gozo's coastal roads toward Ramla Bay and Xlendi. However, Comino is car-free; only pedestrian and boat access is available to Comino.

Driving Advantages in Malta

Car hire in Malta enables visits to:

• Remote beaches like St Peters Pool and Armier Bay
• Village restaurants such as Ta Frenc and Ta Rikardu in Gozo
• Historic sites throughout Malta at your own pace
• Wine estates and rural attractions across Malta
• Flexibility to explore beyond main bus routes in Malta

Getting to Gozo and Comino

Both Gozo and Comino require ferry services from Malta.

Malta to Gozo Ferry

The Valletta-Gozo ferry departs from Cirkewwa (accessible by Route 6 bus) and takes 25 minutes. Car ferries run hourly during peak season. Foot passengers pay €4.65 return; vehicles cost €12-15 depending on size. Buses in Malta serve Cirkewwa regularly.

Malta to Comino Ferry

Comino is reachable by boats from Valletta, Gozo, and Cirkewwa. Private boat operators offer daily services. No buses in Malta serve Comino directly; ferries provide exclusive access to Comino.

Combining Transport Options in Malta

Most travelers combine buses in Malta with occasional taxis. A typical Malta itinerary might involve:

• Bus from your hotel to Valletta (€1.50)
• Taxi to Cafe Cordina or Rubino for lunch
• Bus to Golden Bay or Mellieha Bay beaches
• Ferry to Gozo from Cirkewwa
• Car rental in Gozo to reach remote Ramla Bay
• Return ferry to Malta

This flexible approach maximizes budget while maintaining comfort throughout Malta exploration.

Final Transport Tips for Malta

Planning transport in Malta becomes easier with these insights:

• Download the eCabs or Bolt apps before arriving in Malta
• Purchase a 7-day bus card if staying multiple days in Malta
• Book car hire at least one week ahead for better Malta rates
• Allow extra travel time during summer peak season in Malta
• Keep €1.50 coins for Malta buses if paying cash
• Confirm ferry schedules to Gozo and Comino before planning

Whether using buses in Malta, taxis throughout Malta, or hiring cars to explore Gozo, Malta's transport options ensure you experience all three islands affordably and conveniently.