explore travel card malta

• Malta Island
• Gozo Island
• Valletta Malta
• Village Feasts 2024
• Things To Do
• Beaches In Malta & Gozo
• Tours In Malta
• Events On The Island
• Malta UNESCO Sites
• Getting To Malta
• Getting Around Malta
• Where To Stay
• Weather In Malta
• Photos Of Malta
• What's New!

Malta Transport Tallinja Card

Join Us in Reaching 1,000 Subscribers on YouTube 🔔 It’s Free!

Get Around The Island Cheap And Easy

The Malta Public Transport Tallinja card is a very efficient well organised system of transportation visit any location on the island. We provide you with basic information to help you get started and understand the system.

As from Saturday 1st October 2022, the Malta Public Transport will be free for all people residing in Malta, with the exception of having a Tallinja card. The Tallinja card will be used to scan on the bus once boarding. No card top up will be needed.

Disclaimer: On our website, you will find affiliate links from which we receive a small commission.

Learn About Malta With The Video Below

Click to listen to the video below and learn why you should visit Malta. With beautiful images as well as commentary. Watch till the end to make sure you do not miss anything.

Whilst here, subscribe to our YouTube Channel !

All the buses on the island are low floor types. They have easy access for people with mobility impairments. Seats designed for persons with impairments, pregnant women and easy for the elderly, also for your children.

See all the routes and times to all villages and to every interchange.

table of contents - tallinja cards malta

• Tallinja Top Up
• Tallinja Card Balance Check
• Tallinja App Download
• Cards For Tourists
• Bus Ticket Information
• Personalised Tallinja Card

Adult Tallinja Card

Child tallinja card, student tallinja card, gozo resident tallinja card.

• Concession Tallinja Card

how to top up your tallinja card

There are several ways how to top up your Tallinja card.

• Using the  Malta Public Transport official website . After entering their website, first you must enter you card number (found on the back of your card) and select what your method to top up. The last thing is to enter your card details.
• Using the Tallinja App.
• Going to a representative office anywhere on the island.

how to check your tallinja card balance

There are several ways how to check your Tallinja card balance.

• Using the  Malta Public Transport official website.  All you have to do is enter you card number (found on the back of your card) and your balance will appear on screen.

how to download the tallinja app

Using you mobile phone click one of the following links.

• Use this link if you are using an Android phone .
• Use this link if you are using an Apple (IOS) phone .

You can download the public transport in Malta tallinja app (Android / Apple) which gives you the following features:

• You can see which of the buses are on each bus stop so you can determine at what time a particular bus will arrive on a bus stop from where you which to catch it. This will help you plan your journey and do not stay too much on the bus stop.
• Places of interest are marked on the map.
• You can save your favourite bus stops for quick reference.
• You can top up your balance of the card directly from this application.
• Check your remaining balance.
• Service updates with latest changes to routes etc.
• Log into your tallinja account to see your transaction history.
• You can go into the journey planner and check how long it will take you to arrive from one location to another.

how to get the tallinja cards

• From Malta Public Transport website. One can order them and can be delivered to their country in order to use them immediately when you arrive in Malta. Shipping fees apply.
• Malta International Airport from arrivals lounge.
• Valletta Cruise Port - Valletta Waterfront
• From sales and information offices of the Public Transport or from a number of partner resellers across the islands. For locations click here
• All cards can be used immediately when purchased

The Best Tourist Cards For Malta

While bus tickets can be purchased from our drivers on all buses, we also offer two cards specifically designed for visitors:

how to use the cards

• At all of Malta Public Transport Sales and Information offices and other outlets.
• Once the cards are purchased, they can be used immediately.
• Once you get on the bus, you must swipe the card on the machine.
• When you go on the boat or a free entrance in any building, you must show them the card.

Valletta Card

• Price: €19.00
• Validity: 24 Hours

the valletta card includes

• Public Transport to and from Valletta, two trips by ferry to the capital city from Sliema and Cospicua.
• The 133 route that circles Valletta.
• Free access to Upper Barrakka lift when using the ferry from Cospicua.
• Free entrance to any of the three points of interest : The Palace State Rooms, The Palace Armoury, The National Museum of Archaeology and Malta 5D.

Explore Plus Meep Tallinja Card

• Price: €39.00
• Validity: 7 consecutive days of unlimited travel

the ExplorePlusMeep Card includes

• Unlimited 7 day travel on the Malta Public Transport. This includes Tallinja Direct and Night Routes.
• 2 free trips on the Valletta ferry .
• 2 free trips on the Tallinja bike in Valletta and surrounding areas.
• A discount on the Ioscoot. This is an electric motorbike that shares service between St. Julian's and Valletta.
• Several options of Sightseeing around Malta: 1 full-day travel on CitySightseeing buses (Excluding Gozo) or 1 round trip to Comino during summer or 1 Best of Gozo & Comino trip during winter on Captain Morgan Cruises.
• Receive a discount on Malta 5D   of €2 for adults.

Explore Card

A 7-Day Explore card provides unlimited travel for seven consecutive days only from the time you first swipe the card on the bus. The Explore Card is both for adults and children.

• Prices: Adult €21 and Children €15

The Explore Card Includes

• Unlimited 7 day travel  on the Malta Public Transport. This includes also Night Routes.
• Free 30 minutes on the  Tallinja bike  in Valletta and surrounding areas.
• A discount on the Ioscoot.  This is an electric motorbike that shares service between St. Julian's and Valletta.
• Free Tallinja Direct Plus on-demand trips.

Explore Flex

With Explore Flex, you can pay for transport at a reduced price even more flexible than with other travel cards. This is the only non-personalised card with top-up and pay-as-you-go transport, it offers discounted rates on public bus transport, Valletta Ferry Services and many other transport options. 

This card will reduce the hassle of carrying cash and making sure you have the exact change to purchase your transport ticket. Once bought, it can be used immediately. This can be re-topped by using the Tallinja App. 

This card can be used on the available transport options: Tallinja Buses, Valletta Ferry Services and Tallinja Bike.

You can buy this card at Malta Public Transport sales offices at the Valletta bus terminal, Malta International Airport arrivals hall, or from card-dispensing machines everywhere on the island.

12 Single Day Journey Card

• Validity: 1 year - You have 12 single day journeys to be used in one year.

how to use the 12 Single Day Journey card

• You have either 12 single day journeys or 6 single night journeys. You can also combine them both.
• This journey card can also be shared and is valid for a year from first time of swiping on a bus.

Offers flexibility with reduced fares for 12 journeys.

a simple example of how to use the card

One Person  will swipe the card and will be valid for 2 hours. After 2 hours he will swipe it again for another 2 hours. Up till here he would have used 2 journeys from 12.

Two Person  will swipe the card twice and will be valid for 2 hours. After 2 hours they will swipe it again twice for another 2 hours. Up till here they would have used 4 journeys from 12.

If you change the bus during a journey of 2 hours you will still have to swipe on the bus but no journey or money will be deducted from the card.

One card can only be used by a group of 12 persons at one time going on a bus for one trip of 2 hours. For the next trip a new card will have to be purchased.

This card is not adequate for tourists but only for those persons who use the bus occasionally

Bus Tickets Information

Two cash tickets can be purchased from all buses.

The Winter/Summer ticket & the Night Service ticket

Summer Ticket:

• €2.00 - Duration 2 hours
• Between Mid-June and Mid-October
• Operates between 05:30 till 23:00

Winter Ticket:

• €1.50 - Duration 2 hours
• Between Mid-October to Mid-June

Night Ticket:

• 4 main routes
• Operates every Friday, Saturday nights and public holidays and feast days.

Personalised Tallinja Cards

There are five different personalized cards which will have your personal photo and your name written on them.

Basic Conditions:

One has to register for these cards through the Malta Public Transport website .

Minimum amounts and card fees apply. The credit will not expire.

To register for the Tallinja cards you will need one of the following documents:

• Maltese Identity card
• Residence Card
• Other ID Document

-  Tallinja  App -  Android  |  Apple

When boarding the bus make sure the barcode at the bottom of the card is touching the reader and the amount will automatically be deducted.

No credit can be transferred to another customer

Card is updated every 24 hours after use

When you spend the maximum limit on your card for the day, week or month, you will not pay for any fare until the next period starts.

The fees of the following cards do no include night and special service. In regards to these there are other fees which will be deducted from your card.

• 75c every 2 hours - 1 Journey
• Maximum Card Limit of €26 every month.
• Age 17 to 59 years (both included)

• Yellow Card
• 75c every 2 hours
• 50c every 24 hours
• €2.00 every 7 days
• Age 4 to 10 years (both included)
• Children up to the age of 4 travel for free and there is no need for a card.

• 75c every 2 hours.
• Maximum €21 for 1 month.
• €55 for 3 months.
• Age 11 to 16 years (both included)
• This card can also be used for students attending a full time course with a recognised educational institute for at least three months.

• Violet Card
• Maximum €10 for 1 month (Gozo Only)
• Maximum €26 for 1 month (Malta & Gozo)
• Night service is not included.
• This card applies for residents who have a Gozitan address on their ID Cards.

Concession Tallinja card

• 25c every 2 hours
• Maximum 50c every 24 hours
• Maximum €2.00 every 7 days
• This card is for people kartanzjan holders, Maltese 60+ Identity card holders, EU disability card marked with "MT" holders or special ID cards issued by the national Commission for Persons with Disability (CRPD).

Malta Info Guide provides you with the best Maltese information for traveling in Malta.

Enjoy this page? Share It On Social Media!

Want to rent a car in malta.

We have used Discover Cars every time we rented a car. We highly recommend them due to their good service and good prices.

Get The Best Rates On Your Car Rental Now!

need to book a hotel for your malta visit?

Using Booking.com, enter your travel dates and number of occupants then rates will be available for hotels and apartments during your visit to Malta 

Book Your Hotel In Malta on Booking.com for the Best Rates!

our new travel site

We've just unveiled a fresh London-focused website. Click here to explore it!

getting Around malta

• Tallinja Cards
• Routes by Locality
• Beach Bus Routes
• Hotel Bus Routes
• School Bus Routes
• Night Bus Routes
• Airport Transfers
• Discover Car Hire
• Malta Public Transport
• Speed Cameras Malta
• Petrol Service Stations
• Driving In Malta

Recent Articles

Is Malta Worth Visiting? Delve into the Best Reasons to Visit Malta

Jul 26, 24 08:28 AM

The Ultimate Guide To Weather in Malta in July | A Hot Month!

Jun 27, 24 11:04 AM

Explore Malta Summer Music Festivals | Dates, Lineups, and Venues

May 04, 24 03:08 AM

Isle of MTV Malta Festival 2024 | 16th July | Lineup, Dates & Tips

May 01, 24 06:48 AM

Activities In Malta January 2025 | Festivals, Events & Attractions

Jan 04, 24 02:59 PM

About Us     |     Privacy Policy     |     Disclaimer     |    Affiliate Disclosure    |     Contact Us     |     Site Map

find us on social media

Copyright © 2012 - 2024 MaltaInfoGuide.com | All Rights Reserved

All Content and Photos are Original  © MaltaInfoGuide

Learn About Malta A hidden gem in the Mediterranean

Watch the video below to discover more about Malta! It’s under 3 minutes, but packed with fascinating and useful info. For even more great content, visit our YouTube channel , hit subscribe, and explore our collection!

• Review System

Which Malta Bus Ticket is Right For You

Travelling between locations can sometimes be a hassle depending on which country you visit. Luckily, the small islands of Malta are easy to get to with their public transport. Malta’s bus service is the most convenient and cheapest way to get around the country – here are some of the options to suit the way you like to travel.

There are five ticket options to use the Malta bus: purchasing a single ticket or taking advantage of any of the four bus cards available to visitors. Each has its own advantages so I’ll break them down. I recommend watching my video explaining all the options below and then reading below for additional details.

Single Bus Ticket

The most common, universal way of using the bus is simply buying a ticket from A to B. No matter how far you go, the price per ticket stays the same, great if you’re going to the other side of the island. Buses are relatively cheap compared to other European countries so you’re transport budget doesn’t need to be big. Currently, non-summer prices for a ticket are €1.50, €2 in peak summer time. There are frequent night services that run from most from places such as Tas-Sliema, Valletta, Bugibba and Mellieña. These are ‘NXX’ buses and cost €3 throughout the whole year.

There are no other type of bus tickets, just the single trip ticket priced for adults, concessions, students and children. So why get the single bus ticket? Well, the good part is you get unlimited bus use within 2 hours. Each ticket has a QR code and validity time so you know exactly when it’s valid until. Whether you’re making an interchange or city hopping, you can cover distance with this one price. This includes buses to and from the airport . You can buy these at the airport desk, but it’s easy enough to purchase straight from the driver. If you plan to make infrequent trips to different places in Malta, then this works well.

Routes & Timetables

The explorer bus card will likely be the most popular option for those wanting to visit far and wide, travelling plenty during the day and into the night. The explorer bus card gives you unlimited bus rides in Malta, including Gozo island. It’s valid for 7 days and can be purchased for €21 or €15 for a child . Jump on any bus including Night services with a tap of the Explorer card. You can purchase one from any customer information desk at any bus terminal, payable either by card or cash. You can also purchase them from certain retailers, the full list of each town listed here for you. It’s valid from the first time you use it on the bus, though I’d recommend buying it on the day you plan to travel since it’s readily available. Availability is from when you activate it on your first trip.

Read: What’s in my Luggage? Malta Edition

Explorer plus.

The explorer plus card holds all the benefits of the Explorer card (unlimited bus travel including Gozo and night services), but includes a few admissions that may be appealing to you. It’s a flat €39 per person but includes 2 ferry rides in Valletta and either one admission for the hop-on, hop-off bus tour (usually €20 if I can recollect) or a boat trip to Comino. If you’re interested in doing any of these, then the Explorer Plus card is better value for money as tickets for any of these are more expensive.

Since You're Away

Assa korean restaurant, london, what my flight from seoul to london was like in the pandemic, evenes airport scenic bus ride in the lofoten islands, the most unusual destinations to visit on a cruise, first practice for the spartan super race, reading, arctic coworking lodge lofoten review.

You can only choose either the boat trip to Comino or the bus tour, along with the ferry trips in Valletta and not all three, so bear that in mind. For children, you may want to see if buying an Explorer card with separate admission tickets are cheaper. This can be bought in any bus terminal sales and information office.

Read: How Western Rise Elevated my Travel Wear

12 single day journey.

All of those are great, but if you’re planning to go as a group, it can still get pricey. An alternative you can consider are the 12 Single Day Journey cards. Essentially, you’ll get 12 single tickets on this card, consuming one ticket for each trip you take. It works the same as a normal single ticket, but you tap the card on the machine like the other options. You’ll see how many you have left on the machine after you tap, but it’s simple enough.

Most likely the 2 hour time limit also applies, but I’m not sure as I never used it again within the 2 hours in my group of 3. It may recognise it if you tap again, but double check with the driver. So why get the 12 single day card if it follows the same principles as a normal ticket? The good thing is that you can share this card with your group, using up the tickets on this one card instead of needing to manage separate tickets. You’ll save the time getting on and off as one person can just tap for everyone.  You’ll also save €3 (the pass costs €15) compared to buying 12 single tickets separately. This is great if there are a few of you and you don’t plan on travelling often.

Example : if you’re a group of 2, this covers round-trips to 6 destinations (12÷2=6). If you’re a group of 3, this covers 4 destinations (12÷3=4) and so forth. It’s convenient and saves a little money. If you use up all the tickets, you can simply buy another one. The card is valid for 12 months from the first time of use, though bear in mind night services use up 2 tickets, as they cost €3 each way.

You can buy a personalised tallinja card here if you’re planning to stay longer, both for visitors and Maltese residents. This cuts admission prices significantly so check if this works better for you. There are a few admin hurdles to get through but offers good benefits for the long-term, including free travel aged 14-20 years old in 2019. See the travel scheme information and conditions .

Malta Bus Tickets

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Luxury Escapes

Pullman Bali Legian Beach Review

The Trans Resort Bali Review

Pullman Bali Legian Beach Experience: Tropical Paradise

The Trans Resort Bali Experience: Hidden Oasis

Grand Hyatt Jeju Review

Mesmerising snowfall exploration in tangstad norway.

GOGI Korean Bar & Grill, London

Classic American Food at Bluegrass BBQ, Reading

Topokki Korean Restaurant Review in Birmingham

Co-Living at Arctic Coworking Lodge, Lofoten

Flawless Bruno Mars 24K Magic Tour Stuns London

Sign in to your account

Remember me

Home » Transport and getting around

Getting around in Malta and Gozo: Public transport, taxis and more

One of the major advantages of Malta’s small size is that getting around is easy, and you won’t need much travel time to explore the country. You can access a modern, relatively cheap and reliable public transportation system of route buses, high-quality taxi services and other types of transport in Malta.

In other words, There are good (and inexpensive) ways of getting around Malta and Gozo on your holiday.

In this guide, I’ll show you all the different types of transport and a little info on hiring a car and driving in Malta .

Save big on sightseeing with iSeeMalta , with hop-on/hop-off buses and boats, combo tickets for museums and the ferry to the Blue Lagoon!

Getting Around in Malta using public transport

The only types of public transport in Malta nowadays are 1) a system of route buses and 2) ferries in key parts of Malta. There’s no underground or metro, and although a railway service once existed (late 19th/early 20th century), all that remains are old train station buildings.

The bus routes, operated by Malta Public Transport, can get you anywhere you want to go in Malta and Gozo between 5:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. A night service runs on Friday and Saturday nights and public holidays.

Getting around Malta by bus might not be the fastest way if you’ve planned your trip around an itinerary , but other than walking or cycling, it is surely the most economical. So, if you have a little patience and are not in a hurry, consider using this service.

The Maltese bus network is made of 120+ routes and over 1900 bus stops connecting the most important destinations on the island, including the Malta International Airport , the Valletta cruise liner terminal and the Gozo ferry terminals at Ċirkewwa and Valletta (from where you can catch a ferry to Malta’s sister island of Gozo ).

Buses are fairly efficient, with some occasional hiccups, serving the major tourist areas and places of interest . The main bus terminus is located just outside of Malta’s capital city, Valletta . Other major bus nodes are located at the airport, Buġibba , at Ċirkewwa (Gozo ferry) and Gozo’s largest town of Victoria, with several low-floor buses serving each of them.

You can find ferries in a few key places, most notably:

• Between Valletta and Sliema
• Between Valletta and The Three Cities
• Between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo
• Between Valletta and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo.

More on those public transport routes here: Ferries in Malta and Gozo .

Using public transport: Tips and handy resources

You can plan your bus trips using the website of Malta Public Transport . Just specify your point of departure and the destination you have in mind, and you get all route options available to you.

TIP: The journey planner of Malta Public Transport works most of the time, but you get better results by looking up the bus stop names through Google Maps and entering departure/arrival points instead of place names or tourist sites.

Other handy resources:

• Download a bus route map here (Malta Public Transport website)
• For Android phones from the Google Play Store
• For iPhone from iTunes

The app makes it easy to plan trips and get real-time info on routes when you’re on the go.

Looking for tours and excursions in Malta and Gozo?

Get my recommendations on the best day trips, boat trips, excursions and activities and book in advance!

Bus tickets and prices

How much do bus tickets cost.

During the day, a bus ticket costs €2.50, and the night rate is €3.00 , all year round.

Multi-day tickets

If you’re planning to stay for 7 or more days, know that the Malta public transport chip card, locally referred to as the ‘ Tallinja card’, offers cheaper fares than single tickets. Three Tallinja card offerings are most suited for visiting travellers:

• Explore card at €21 (adult) or €15 (child) – offering unlimited bus travel for 7 days
• Explore Flex card starting at €6 (for a 24-hour long illimited use of the bus services, or €15 for 4 days) and offering four different packages including illimited bus travel on all bus route options plus sightseeing options. For example, the Explore Plus package (at €69) includes 7 days of unlimited bus travel + a return trip from Valletta to Gozo on the Gozo Highspeed ferry + 1-day hop-on/hop-off bus tour (open top buses) + a harbour cruise.
• 12-Day Journey Card card at €15 – offers reduced fares for 12 journeys (or 6 trips using Night routes or Tallinja Direct routes, whose names respectively start with N and TD).

Tip: A personalised Tallinja card is the best option if you are staying longer in Malta (more than one month), as this travel card gives you access to public bus services for free.

Where can I buy tickets?

You can pay for single-ticket rides very easily with contactless payment on board the bus using a VISA credit or debit card. (Other credit card brands are currently not accepted for this method). Multi-day tickets and passes still need to be purchased from ticket booths or machines.

You can buy bus tickets and passes the traditional way:

• In the arrivals hall at Malta International Airport (8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. daily)
• At the Valletta bus terminal (6 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily)
• At the Victoria (Gozo) bus terminal (Mon-Sat 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Sun: closed)
• Directly from the bus driver on all buses. Do make sure to offer exact/small changes – it’s not unusual for bus drivers to get upset when offering a 10-Euro note or higher amount for a single ticket.
• From card dispensing machines (available 24/7) listed here .
• From local retail shops and stationers (bus cards only, not single tickets).

Unfortunately, they’re not for sale online yet. The easiest is planning what type of ticket/card suits you best and buying one at the airport from the sales office (if your flight arrives within opening hours), at the card dispensing machine located in the Arrivals hall or when you get on the bus (for single tickets only).

Check out my two guidebooks full of local knowledge and my best recommendations for your trip, and up-to-date for 2024 !

Malta & Gozo guide book Valletta : An Insider’s Guide to Malta’s Capital

Take the hassle out of planning your trip to Malta and be an informed traveller!

The old Malta bus – Did you know?

Up until mid-2011, local bus routes were serviced by renovated, brightly coloured Maltese buses originally built as far back as the 1950s. Malta’s bus services underwent a major overhaul in recent years, which means the older buses, which tourists and some locals much loved, vanished from the street sight.

Although no doubt the new bus fleet provides a more comfortable ride and causes significantly less pollution on Maltese roads, the old Maltese bus was an icon of the country. You’ll find a few of these buses providing tourist tours in places like Sliema, and a few of them were exported to the UK as well.

Ferries in Malta and Gozo

Being surrounded by the sea, you don’t need to depend on just land-based transportation options. In fact, as traffic congestion has significantly increased over the years in Malta, sometimes ferries are a far better alternative.

These are the ferry services that can really make your life easier when you go sightseeing around the Maltese islands:

• Gozo Channel ferries are the most popular ferry service and form the main link between Malta and Gozo. A trip takes around 20-25 minutes, and you can take a car on board.
• You can also get a fast ferry from Valletta to Gozo using the Gozo Highspeed ferry service. Trips take under 45 minutes, but only foot passengers can be transported, so you’ll need a way to get around once you land in Gozo.
• Hop-on / Hop-off ferries operated by iSeeMalta provide a lot of flexibility for sightseeing, with stops at Sliema ferries, Buġibba, Comino (Blue Lagoon) and Gozo at a low price. ( You can buy tickets online here )
• Valletta Ferry Services offers two Valletta ferry services. The Sliema ferry takes you across Marsamxett Harbour to/from Valletta (making for a great connection with boat trip providers and the iSeeMalta ferry mentioned above, located at Sliema ferries), while the other takes you to the Three Cities (across Grand Harbour). Cheap, fast and convenient.

Water taxis

Speaking of the Three Cities, at Birgu waterfront, you can also hop on a water taxi. They’re often gondola-styled little boats.

Getting around in Malta with a water taxi is a faster way to travel between the cities around the Grand Harbour. It is also a nice and peaceful way to experience the historic harbour than by bus. Water taxis are also a fun way of getting around, especially when travelling with children.

A trip that takes around 10 minutes – apart from being quick, it is also cheap at €2.00 one way. Boats leave any time between around 8 a.m. – 5:45 p.m. in winter and 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 p.m. in summer. They depart from Lascaris (Valletta), next to the regular Three Cities ferry departure point and Birgu Waterfront gate (Porte de la Victoire).

How to get to and get around in Gozo

Malta Public Transport operates 16 bus routes in Gozo. But first, you need to get to the Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal, from where you can catch a 20-minute ride across the water on the Gozo Channel ferry that operates daily between Ċirkewwa in Malta and Mġarr in Gozo. Alternatively, you can catch the high-speed ferry to Gozo from Valletta.

The following bus route options can take you to Ċirkewwa from various towns and villages across the island: 41, 42, 101, 221, 222, X1, X1A and X300.

The Gozo Channel runs a ferry boat service to Gozo daily, usually with trips every 45 minutes. Foot passengers (adults) are charged €4.65 for a round-trip ticket, while the charge to carry over a car and driver is €15.70 at the time of writing. Payment for tickets is made in Gozo (on your way back to Malta) before boarding the ferry.

Once you make the crossing, you can go to the Vapur bus stop and hop back on a bus from Mġarr harbour in Gozo and ride to other villages in Gozo ( route map here ). When using the bus service in Gozo, you can travel using the same bus cards and tickets used in Malta.

Although it’s definitely the cheapest mode of transport to go around in Gozo, the bus service itself gets mixed reviews for efficiency and punctuality. If you have the budget and want to stay in Gozo, I’d recommend hiring a car instead . It’s pretty easy and safe to drive anywhere in Gozo with a car rental.

Get more info on this topic here: How to catch the Malta to Gozo Ferry .

Getting to Gozo from the airport

If you’re looking to travel to Gozo directly from the airport, these are your options:

• The X1 bus route (operated by Malta Public Transport) can take you to the Gozo ferry next to the Ċirkewwa bus stop for €2.50 per person.
• Taxis and transfers can take you right up to Ċirkewwa
• You can rent a car from the airport and take it up to Gozo. The ferry boats carry cars and trucks between Malta and Gozo.

Get more info on this topic here: How to get from Malta Airport to Gozo .

Taxis in Malta

Several private companies run efficient (but not very cheap) taxi services in Malta. You can book different types of vehicles depending on the number of people travelling – for example; most companies offer both standard cars for up to 4 persons and mini-vans for larger groups.

Where do you grab a cab?

You’ll find taxi stands just outside the Malta Airport, at City Gate in Valletta and outside the cruise liner terminal, in Sliema and St. Julian’s area, at major bus stations and in the vicinity of popular hotels and tourist resorts.

Most private operators can be reached for a quick pickup as well, apart from the regular taxi stands.

What does a taxi ride typically cost?

• White taxis – which operate the official Malta taxi service – charge fares calculated according to the destination using a fare meter.
• Other private companies that use black or blue cars have different rates. For example, a trip from Malta Airport to Sliema or St. Julian’s in a standard car would cost around €30.

Some of the private taxi operators in Malta:

• cab – Book through their website. Usually lowest-priced.
• John’s Garage – Contact number: +356 2298 2298

Taxis in Valletta (minicabs)

A service of electric minicabs run in Malta’s capital city of Valletta, charging a flat fare of €5 for three people. Like taxis, these minicabs can be hired out either by hailing them as they go by or at Electric Mini Cab Stands in Valletta. One can also book a minicab by calling +356 7741 4177.

Airport transfers

Malta International Airport , located near the villages of Luqa and Gudja, lies less than 10 km away from the capital, Valletta. Getting to your hotel from the airport is easy as you can choose from a number of options:

• Arrange for a Malta airport transfer via private taxi or shared shuttle bus. By far the easiest option. (Recommendations: Any.cab and Welcome Pickups )
• Hail a cab yourself from the stand full of taxis waiting outside the arrivals lounge. Reliable but a more expensive option.
• Hop onto a route bus (run by Malta Public Transport), which gets you pretty much anywhere at a low cost. Routes X1, X1A, X2, X3, X4, and 119 have limited bus stops and operate to and from the Airport from different localities to different destinations.
• Rent a car from the numerous operators represented there.

Renting a car

Renting a car in Malta is a good option when you want to uncover all the secrets the island has to offer. You might, for example, want to visit hidden, more secluded beaches like the ones I mention in my Top 10 Best Beaches in Malta article.

You can find representatives of car rental companies at the Malta International Airport, but shopping around for the best rates isn’t a bad idea.

A few key points to consider when hiring a car in Malta:

• Driving is on the left
• Road signs are in English and Maltese
• International driving licences are legal in Malta
• Heavy traffic on the roads around Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s, especially during rush hour (early morning, late afternoon/early evening).

Renting a Motorbike

Motorcycle enthusiasts can share their two-wheeled love on the Maltese roads quite easily as several companies offer motorbike rentals. All you need is to be 18+ or 21+ years old (depending on the vehicle type)  and in possession of a valid driving licence, and you can be on a bike in no time. Motorcycles offer two benefits over cars – traffic is no concern, and neither is a lack of parking spots.

These are 3 popular sites from where you can hire a motorbike in Malta, although there are many more options:

• AHS Malta – Contact number: +356 2134 0149
• ST Rentals Malta – Contact numbers: +356 2720 4687 / +356 9991 1176
• AM Rentals Malta – Contact numbers: +356 2099 4723 / +356 7733 3322

Driving Your Own Vehicle in Malta

If you’re exploring Europe with your own car, you can easily travel from Sicily to Malta by ferry. The same considerations mentioned apply when hiring a car when you’re using your vehicle in Malta. However, you might want to take note of the following companies that offer roadside assistance and breakdown services:

• RMF – Contact numbers: +356 2124 2222 (Malta) and +356 2155 8844 (Gozo)
• MET – Contact numbers: +356 2122 7676 or +356 2122 7979
• MTC – Contact numbers: +356 2143 3333 or +356 7943 3333

Here are a few tips for driving your own car in Malta:

• Vehicles with foreign registration can remain in Malta for six months in any given year without applying for a permit.
• The Malta national speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas and between 70 and 80 km/h in extra-urban areas. Speed cameras are placed in several main arteries, although none measure average speed on a trajectory.
• Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory.
• Accidents must be reported to the nearest police station. For insurance purposes, you shouldn’t move your vehicle before the police arrive.
• The acceptable limit of blood alcohol content for drivers in Malta is 0.08%.

Check out another article with more tips, facts and FAQs on driving in Malta .

Other modes of transport in Malta and Gozo

Cycling and e-bikes.

Despite being environmentally friendly, cycling isn’t the safest mode of transport, particularly on the busier main island of Malta, because there are no proper bicycle lanes on the roads. Also, traffic can be heavy in the centre of Malta (much less so in Gozo), Maltese drivers drive fast, and the uneven land formations and intense summer heat add tough challenges for cyclists.

If you’re staying in Gozo, where roads are still a lot quieter, and you’re up for a good cardio workout, it’s a good option to explore this particular island on two wheels.

You can rent bicycles from:

• Be Green Malta in Qawra – contact number: +356 7703 0304
• Gozo Adventures – contact number: +356 9999 4592
• Eco Sports in Buġibba – contact number: +356 9947 1627.

Alternatively, you can also find e-bike stations from Malta Public Transport, where you can rent bikes on the go (in both Malta and Gozo). This service is called Tallinja Bike , and they’ve got a good number of docking stations in the more central parts of Malta and Gozo. Fees are reasonable, starting at €3.00 for the first 30 minutes.

Edward is the Founder and Editor of Malta Uncovered and author of two guidebooks on Malta and Valletta.

As a tourist-turned-expat with Maltese roots, he knows the islands inside out and helps thousands of visitors enjoy a memorable trip every year.

Get the best travel tips from Malta Uncovered delivered to you in bite-sized chunks by email. (Unsubscribe at any time!)

Was this article helpful? Share it with your friends!

Hello Edward, Many thanks for your invaluable advice on visiting Malta this November. It has made it easier to plan trips- visits and eating out.

Happy to hear that Veronica. Thank you for the feedback and have a great trip!

Thanks for all the very important information.

Hi! I have a question regarding public transportation. What is difference between routes marked ‘X’, like X1, X2 and all other?

Hi Ruta, Happy New Year! The X routes are the ones that provide service to and from the airport. Those routes will get you to/from the airport and the most popular locations around Malta at a modest fee.

Dear Edward Thank you so much for all this valuable information, it is going to make my trip this october much easier! I’m going to malta for 5 days (mit october) and I wanted to know if I’d need two days to explore gozo? we are staying in sliema and we’d love to visit comino and gozo itself, should we go early to gozo ferries and first go to comino and later on that day visit gozo or is this way to much to see in one day? We have been struggeling with the thought of or going by bus everywhere or hiring a car, which do you recommend?

Best regards, Lore

Hi Lore. Tough question! If you’re only in Malta for 5 days I’d spend one day in Gozo. If the weather’s decent (which it isn’t right now) you could take a boat trip from Sliema that combines both Gozo and the Blue Lagoon at Comino.

As for transport: Buses aren’t very efficient and with just 5 days it’d be a shame to spend a lot of time travelling. However, Sliema is probably the worst place for car rental. Apart from traffic congestion, unless your accommodation includes private parking you won’t be happy trying to find a spot. I’d highly recommend travelling over water as much as you can, so taking a ferry to Valletta (super easy from the Ferries side of Sliema) or taking a few boat trips , as mentioned.

Hi, i am planning a visit to Malta in October, is this a good time to visit. Will the tourist attractions still be operating or do they start closing at that time (boat trips, beach bars etc)

Hi Richard, some operators will start closing up shop for summer later in the month, so I’d recommend going in early October if you can.

Hi, would you recommend the bus tour or Jeep tour in Malta? Is the jeep ride very uncomfortable?

Hi Jo, I’m not a huge fan of either, although the Jeep safari tour can be enjoyable if you’re not necessarily after seeing all the tourist sites. You will be going offroad though, so it’s not going to be super comfortable. I have more info here: Best Malta tours and excursions .

Hello, We are staying at Comino Island mid May – which cab company is the best/most economical to book from Malta airport to the ferry and back a week later? Would prefer not to share a shuttle. Many thanks Coleen

Hi Coleen, I’ve never been disappointed by eCabs but if you’re looking for the most economical option, Taxify (the local Uber flavour) gets good reviews and will cost a little less.

I will travel to Malta and Gozo with my family in mid of September.We will spend 3 days in Gozo and then 4 days in Malta. We would like to visit Comino too, what is the easiest and cheap possibility to do it? The ferry between Gozo and Malta has a stop there? Best regards, Andi

Hi Andi, unfortunately no, the Gozo ferry doesn’t stop at Comino. You’ll have to take a separate (smaller) ferry to get there. The two options are: 1) From Mġarr harbour in Gozo or 2) from Marfa (small bay in the far North of Malta). You can also get day trips by boat from popular tourist places like Sliema, St. Julian’s and Buġibba/St. Paul’s Bay but they’ll be a little more expensive. I’d probably go for option 1 and spend a morning in Comino at the Blue Lagoon. Go early to avoid the crowds though (as it’ll still be a highly popular destination).

I am planning to take the Hop on hop off tour for Malta. Do you prefer the same for Gozo or a jeep safari? p.s. I have a 1.5 year old toddler.

Hi Maryam, with a 1.5y toddler I don’t think a jeep safari will be a comfortable option, so between those two options it’d be the hop on/hop off I’d recommend.

This Is such a valuable guide. My second time visiting Malta and I wish I had looked this site up before. Thank you!

Thanks for the feedback Gary, glad you like it! 🙂

Hi Edward, Is there a Bus timetable available online? We are staying in Bugibba for only 3 days in May on a reconnaissance mission to Malta for the family and want to get round as much as possible. Best regards, Jim

Are there bike hire shops and is Malta good for cycling? Thanks, Jess

Hi Jess, yes, you can rent bicycles in Malta but I would only recommend cycling in Gozo. Most roads in Malta are a little too crazy to cycle safely, although it’s not uncommon for people to do so anyway. Have a look at EcoBikes Malta – Buġibba . There’s also a bike sharing option: Nextbike .

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Yes, I would like to receive emails from you with Malta travel tips.

Get the most out of your visit to Malta with Malta Uncovered guidebooks – full of local knowledge and up-to-date for 2024 !

© 2006-2024 Malta Uncovered. All Rights Reserved.

English in Malta, by the English in Malta, for the English in Malta

Buses in Malta

Taking the bus in Malta can be quite overwhelming. Between delays and the amount of bus lines serving the island, it is easy to feel lost! Here is a guide to help you get a grasp of Public transport in Malta .

The main lines

Tallinja is Malta’s public transport network.

The island is very well connected via bus routes. Buses on the main lines run approximately every 15 minutes, with those on the minor lines running every 30 or 60 minutes. It is easy to reach the different towns if you know which buses to take and if you plan your route in advance.

Major bus stations

There are many hubs from which you can take a bus with ease.

• Valletta bus stop at the entrance to the city. Most lines leave from there and connect to all parts of the island.
• Kullegg bus station in Msida. Also very big, with many lines connecting you to almost everywhere on the island.
• San Giljan bus stop in Saint Julian’s is also one of the main bus stations, especially if you want to get to the north of the island.
• Sliema Ferries bus stop  This is a good alternative and a frequent stopover for the main lines that serve Malta.

From Saint Julian’s to Valletta

The main lines serve the towns of Swieqi, Saint Julian’s, Sliema and Valletta.

• Valletta – Swieqi/Saint Julian’s : Bus 13, 13A, 14, 16
• Valletta – Sliema : Bus 13, 13A, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22

NB: To get to Valletta from Sliema Ferry and vice versa, you can take the ferry instead of the bus. It is a 5-minute journey and costs the same as a regular bus ticket.

Other areas

There are several dozen other lines that take you to other areas of Malta. Even though you can find them all on the Tallinja website, we have listed the main ones for you here:

• South and South East : All lines from 70 to 90.
• Toward Central and West : All lines from 50 to 69
• North : All lines from 40 to 50, line 101

Lines to and from Malta Airport

Bus lines to and from the airport are usually denoted with the letter “X”. They operate every half hour or every hour.

• From and to the north of the island : X1 and X3
• From and to South : X4
• From and to Valletta : X4, 71.72,73
• From and to Saint Julian’s : X2, TD2

Direct lines

Tallinja Direct lines , called “TD”, are specific, faster lines. They don’t have as many stops as regular routes.

The TD2 and TD13 are found toward Saint Julian’s and/or Bugibba in the north, the TD10 towards Marsaxlokk in the south, and the TD14 towards Rabat in the centre.

Night buses

Night buses run from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., or 3 a.m. depending on the line. They serve the main towns of the island and start with an “N”: N11, N13, N91 …

The TD Plus Malta Service

This brand-new service offers direct booking of your seat on a M alta Public Transport minibus. You just need to choose your pick-up and drop-off points between Valletta and Pembroke (including the cities of Saint Julian’s, Sliema, Swieqi, Msida etc.), as well as the time you want to travel.

The service operates from 05:30 a.m. to midnight daily. It is available to book on the Tallinja application.

For the moment, trips are €2, but this may increase once the service is properly in place.

Cards and tickets

You must purchase/show your ticket or scan your card each time you hop on the bus. Depending on your travel needs, you can either purchase single tickets or opt for a card.

Single Tickets

Single tickets cost €1,5 from mid-October to May, and €2 from June to October. They are valid for 2 hours and must be purchased directly from the driver, using cash.

Temporary cards

If you are only in Malta for a short period of time, you can buy a Tallinja public transport card. They are sold at all Tallinja outlets, and in some grocery stores and shops.

The Explore Card

This allows you to have unlimited travel for 7 consecutive days. You can use every Malta and Gozo bus lines except TD and TD Plus. The price is €21 for adults and €15 for children.

Have a look on the Explore Card page to find a complete list of resellers.

The 12-Day Journey Card 

You get 12 single trips for the price of €15. This is the ideal solution for those who only take the bus occasionally. It includes 12 day-trips, or 6 night-trips / TD lines. This card is valid for 1 year.

Have a look on the 12-Day Journey Card page to find a complete list of resellers.

The Explore Plus Meep Card

This includes a free scenic bus tour with audio guide or even a boat trip to Comino, in addition to 7 days of unlimited travel across the entire Tallinja network (including TD lines). 2 trips on the Valletta ferry are also included.

You can buy this card at any Tallinja booth.

Permanent cards

If you are staying in Malta for a while, it is best to choose a personalized and permanent card. It is non-transferable and allows you to pay less for your bus trips.

There is no subscription system per se. It is a card that you can top up with credit, and is scanned each time you board the bus. The price of the trip is directly deducted from your card balance.

NB: You can set up a recurring transfer of funds, so you don’t have to worry about having to top up your card manually.

This card is for adults aged between 17 and 59. 2 hours of travel time costs 0.75 euros for regular lines, and €1.5 for TD and night buses.

Once you reach €26 spent in journeys during the month, any subsequent trips (regular day lines) will be free until the end of that month. In short, the maximum amount possible that can be spent in a month is €26.

The child card

This card is for children aged 4 to 10 (children under 4 don’t need a card and travel for free). 2 hours of travel time costs €0.25. Travel is free for the rest of the day after €0.50 has been spent, and the rest of the week is free after €2 spent. (Excluding TD and night bus)

The Student Card

This card is for students aged between 11 and 16, and for all students doing a recognized educational training of more than 3 months in Malta (language schools are not included in “educational training”). 2 hours of travel time costs €0.75 for regular lines, and €1.5 for TD and night buses.

Once you spend at least €21 in journeys within the month, any subsequent trips (regular day lines) will be free until the end of the month. In short, the maximum amount that can be spent in a month is €21.

For 55 €, you will benefit from 3 months of unlimited transport on the Tallinja network (classic day lines). This option is called “Student Pass”.

NB: Students between the ages of 14 and 19 may use the public transport for free in Malta. Regardless, they must still have a Tallinja card.

Card for Gozo Residents

This card is for all those who officially reside in Gozo. 2 hours of travel costs €0.75 for conventional lines, and €1.5 for TD and night buses.

Once you reach €26 spent on journeys within during the month, any subsequent trips (regular day lines) will be free until the end of the month. In short, the maximum amount that can be spent in a month is €26.

If you only use the bus in Gozo, your trips will be free after the first €10 spent in the month (excluding TD and night bus).

The Discounted Rate Card

This card is for seniors aged 60 and over, and people with reduced mobility who have a European disability card. 2 hours of travel costs €0.25. Travel is free for the rest of the day after €0.50 has been spent, and the rest of the week is free after €2 spent. (except TD and night bus)

NB: Since January 1, 2020, seniors over 75 years of age benefit from free public transport in Malta, although they must still present their Tallinja card.

Ordering the Tallinja card

You will need to order your card from the Tallinja website by providing your details and uploading a standard photo and your ID. Persons with disabilities will also need to upload a photo of their disability card.

Obtaining the card will cost you €10, and you will need to make an initial top-up of 20 euros to activate it. It will be sent to you by post within one to several weeks, depending on the type of card requested.

Buses in Malta – Good practices and rules to know

Signal the driver.

If you wish to take the bus, you will need to signal the driver to stop . Otherwise, it is very simple…the bus will not stop! Also, when you are on the bus and want to stop, press the STOP button well in advance and not at the last second. Depending on the mood of the driver, you may need to exit one stop further, and nothing can be done about it.

The reliability of buses

Never rely on official bus schedules. Buses will either be late, or too early, or simply not turn up! To properly plan your trips, look at the progress of your bus in the real-time section of the Tallinja app .

Packed Buses

During peak hours (every morning and evening, as well as Friday and Saturday nights) and in the summer, the buses fill up very quickly. Expect to have to wait for a 2nd or even a 3rd bus to arrive before you can get on.

Allow for time

Distances may not be huge in Malta, but journey times are long! Therefore, allow for enough time to get to your destination.

Reckless driving

Drivers sometimes think they are on a racetrack! Be careful when you are standing up on the bus, as it may make sudden movements and can brake at any time. On the other hand, drivers have expert knowledge of Maltese roads and manage to drive their vehicles down some extremely narrow roads.

The friendliness of the drivers

Do not expect a “Hello” from the drivers, who are rarely in a good mood. Being on the road all day in Malta must be very tiring, and they are only human, after all.

This sentence is THE sentence you will hear most often when on a bus. A rule of thumb while riding on Maltese buses: Move as far as possible to the back of the bus to allow other users to enter from the front, even if it means being pushed tight against other passengers.

If you prefer taking taxis rather than relying on public transport, have a look at our page on Taxis in Malta .

You may also be interested in:

The official website of the English in Malta, by the English in Malta, for the English in Malta.

• Administration
• Working & Internships
• Find a Service
• Outings & Activities
• Travel & Tourism
• Business & Finance

Opportunities

© English in Malta - 2021 - All Rights Reserved

• New & Now
• Plan Your Visit
• Things To Do
• Where To Stay
• Restaurant Directory

Public transport is a fantastic way to get round Malta. You'll find getting around the island easy on the brightly-coloured buses – especially if you know all the tips and tricks to make the most of them.

Get going straight away

Malta Public Transport

You can start your public transport journey as soon as you get to Malta, once you’re in the Arrivals Lounge. Here, the Malta Public Transport sales office acts as your one-stop-shop for any travel card you could need or advice on how to get around. And, if you still haven’t downloaded the Tallinja app, this could be the perfect opportunity, as the office provides free Wi-Fi to customers.

Download the app

For starters, did you know that there’s a brilliant (and free!) Tallinja app to help you get to know what public transport options are available to you? Downloadable to your smartphone and available through both the App Store and the Google Play Store, this app provides all sorts of helpful information, will show you the closest bus stop, and will even let you know real-time bus arrival times. Plus, if you’re still not sure how to get from A to B, this handy tool will also help you figure out the best route.

Choose a travel card

Speaking of travel cards, you’re likely to find these great value if you’re staying for more than a few days. In fact, the Explore Card will give you seven days of travel for just €21. Although cash tickets on board the bus are only €1.50 in winter and €2 in summer, prepaid travel cards ensure a quicker boarding time, and give you more for your money. If you’re planning a shorter visit, the 12 Single Day Journey tickets at €15 also offer great value.  

If you’re hopping on and off buses but still wondering what the TD routes stand for, here’s some more insight for you – they go direct. So, instead of taking you to Valletta to change route at the terminal there, you can go direct between locations like St Julian’s and Sliema, or the Airport and Bugibba.

For all your travel needs

Finally, if the Explore Card doesn’t seem like a good enough deal, you can even do one better by upgrading to ExplorePlus – which will give you seven days of unlimited travel on all Malta Public Transport buses (including TD routes), plus two trips on the Valletta ferry and sightseeing options including a day on the hop-on, hop-off City sightseeing buses or a trip to Comino by boat (including lunch) on Captain Morgan Cruises. That’s sea-and-land travel at its best!

For more information about getting around Malta on Public Transport, or to plan your next journey, visit www.publictransport.com.mt

• Get in touch

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept", you consent to our use of cookies.

Sign Up and save all your favourite restaurants, attractions, events, articles and experiences for a later date and access them from any device.

Loading Search Results

How to get around Malta, the small island that delivers big experiences

Aug 28, 2024 • 7 min read

Crossing the Grand Harbour by dghajsa water taxi is one of Malta's most memorable journeys. CaronB/Getty Images

A history-soaked archipelago set at the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is easy to explore, and there's plenty to see and do . Malta and Gozo are the two main islands, with good public transport systems, while tiny Comino can only be explored on foot.

Take advantage of a convenient network of buses and ferries, set out on journeys of discovery in a well-priced rental car, or ride an e-bike or electric scooter along the spectacular waterfront esplanades of St Julian’s and Sliema . Here's our guide to the best ways to get around Malta.

Ride the bus to (most) parts of Malta and Gozo

Both Malta and its sister island of Gozo are compact and bus services operated by Malta Public Transport are a convenient way to explore. On Malta, routes begin from the bus station in Valletta , just south of the City Gate, while on Gozo, the town of Victoria is the central focus. Tiny Comino is usually visited on organized day trips by ferry from Gozo or Malta and it's small enough to walk around. 

The frequency of buses ranges from every ten minutes to hourly services on less busy routes. However, the lack of punctuality can be a challenge, and afternoon and evening buses often run late. Buses are best used for focused day trips to places such as Mdina and Marsaxlokk.

Because most routes originate in the central hubs of Valletta and Victoria, using buses to visit several destinations in a single day can be problematic. Check Malta Public Transport's online journey planner or the Tallinja App for bus schedules and timings. 

Another option for bus travel in Malta is catching a vintage bus from the Valletta Bus Station to popular destinations including Rabat and Mdina, and the popular Sunday morning seafood market at Marsaxlokk. Most of the lovingly restored buses date back to the 1950s and 1960s – see Vintage Bus Tours for details of departures.

Tickets for public transport in Malta

Single tickets including a two-hour transfer window cost €2.50 and can be bought on board buses. There’s also the option of a 12-journey card for €21, which can be used concurrently by couples or families. Offering unlimited bus travel for seven days, Explore Cards cost €25, while ExploreFlex rechargeable stored-value cards come in several variations and include discounted travel on buses and travel to Gozo on the passenger ferry.

Another variation is an ExplorePlus card for €72 incorporating seven days of travel on all buses, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour for one day, a harbor cruise, and a return journey on the passenger ferry linking Valletta and Gozo. For long-term stays in Malta, it’s worth signing up for a stored-value Tallinja Card . There is a registration fee, but it offers the best discounts on buses and Valletta ferry services, and also integrates with the Tallinja App . 

There is a convenient Malta Public Transport booth in the airport’s Arrivals terminal. Ask them for their advice on the best transport card to buy for your visit.

Spectacular passenger ferries connect Valletta to nearby cities

Valletta Ferry Services runs several useful passenger ferries. From the southern edge of Valletta's fortified peninsula, ferries cross the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua). A second service runs from Marsamxett Harbour on the northern edge of Valletta to the commercial district of Sliema. Ferries depart regularly from 7am to 7pm daily from October to May, with extra services running till around midnight from June to September. Bikes are transported for free.

Another option for crossing from Valletta to the Three Cities is by dgħajsa – Malta's traditional hand-rowed water taxis were first launched in the 17th century, and boatmen charge €2 for a one-way crossing. Passing under the golden, honey-colored walls of Fort St Angelo , this atmospheric means of transport is a brilliant way to cross Grand Harbour.

Explore off the beaten path with a rental car

Many remote beaches and smaller towns and villages on both Malta and Gozo are not serviced by bus, so having your own vehicle is recommended. Note, however, that traffic in Malta can get very busy, especially in the built-up area around Valletta, Sliema and St Julians, and parking can be difficult to find.

Driving and looking for somewhere to park in the narrow heritage streets of Valletta is not recommended. Park up before exploring Valletta on foot; there's a Park & Ride facility just south of Floriana, from where free shuttle buses run to Valletta's City Gate.

Car rental rates in Malta are amongst the lowest in Europe, especially if you use locally owned companies such as Billy's Car Hire on Malta and Mayjo Car Rentals on Gozo. Book ahead on both islands during the busy months of July and August, and select a compact car to negotiate roads that are likely to be much narrower than you're used to. Be patient and courteous while driving and yield (give way) to oncoming traffic on narrow roads and in smaller villages.

Cross from Malta to Gozo and Comino by ferry

Shuttling between the northern Maltese port of Ċirkewwa and Mġarr Harbour on Gozo, Gozo Channel's vehicle and passenger ferry takes around 30 minutes to cross between the two islands. Services run every 45 minutes from 6am to 6pm, and approximately every hour through the night, but the service is sometimes suspended in winter because of storms and rough seas. If you're leaving from Ċirkewwa with a vehicle, you'll only pay before the return journey coming back from Gozo.

While car rental rates are often cheaper on Gozo, any savings may be offset by the costs of the ferry, so it's worth weighing up the total costs of car rental and the ferry if you're visiting both islands. Avoid public holidays and summer weekends when locals travel to Gozo and queues to board can be long and slow-moving.

Gozo Highspeed provides a convenient passenger-only ferry linking Mġarr Harbour on Gozo to Valletta. Journeys take 45 minutes and you can take bicycles on board; just book ahead for one of the limited number of bicycle spaces, either in person or on the website. This service is a good option if you plan to pick up a rental car at Mġarr Harbour or explore Gozo by bike, e-bike or scooter. 

During the summer, passenger-only ferries from Malta to Comino are run by Comino Ferries . There are crossings every half hour from Marfa and Ċirkewwa to the Blue Lagoon, and the trip takes 20 minutes. Services from Gozo's Mġarr Harbour are run by Comino Ferries and Ebsons Comino Ferries .

Bike shares and electric scooters are good for low-carbon travel

A good option for harborfront exploration around St Julian's and Sliema is the Tallinja Bike bike-sharing scheme, with 11 docking stations on Malta and three on Gozo. Locations include the ferry terminals and the Valletta Bus Station. Single rides cost €3, and there's a discount for Tallinja Card holders. For short hops on an electric scooter, download Whizascoot’s app and get riding. Note that bikes and e-scooters are not allowed on the pedestrian-only oceanfront promenade running from Sliema to St Julian's.

Longer-term bike or scooter rental is handy for more ambitious exploring, especially on Gozo's quieter roads. Along with jeeps, quad bikes and 4WD buggies, scooters, pedal cycles and e-bikes can be rented from Mġarr Tourist Services , conveniently based at Gozo's Mġarr Harbour. Note that there have been several serious quad-bike accidents on Gozo in recent years, so be extra careful when riding along elevated sections and through coastal areas. 

Based at the northern Maltese beach resort of Bugibba, EcoSports rents out bikes and e-bikes and runs guided bike tours. For a fee, they’ll drop off bikes to wherever you are staying in Malta. Based at Marsalforn on Gozo, On 2 Wheels hire bikes and e-bikes, perfect for making the short ride west to see the coastal salt pans at Xwejni Bay. 

Get walking to explore Malta's historic cities

Malta is a wonderful destination to explore under your own steam, especially the heritage streets of Valletta, the walled hilltop city of Mdina, and the astounding Il-Kastell citadel in the Gozitan capital of Victoria. For longer walks, many scenic walking trails follow the dramatic coastlines of both Malta and Gozo. 

Taxis and rideshare services are handy for city exploring

Cabs are useful for city exploring. Conventional taxis can be booked with eCabs , either online, by phone or on their app, while app-based rideshare services are provided by Bolt and Uber . Most rideshare drivers work around high-traffic and high-population areas including Sliema and St Julian's.

Accessible travel in Malta

All Maltese buses have a low floor to accommodate wheelchairs and are equipped with a wheelchair ramp and step-free entry. Ferries operating on Valletta Ferry Services’ two harbor routes and Gozo Highspeed also offer access for wheelchair users.

Note that the steep and often stepped streets of Valletta can be difficult to negotiate for travelers with restricted mobility, but key galleries and attractions such as the National War Museum at Fort St Elmo , and the National Museum of Archaeology offer ramps and wheelchair access. Heritage Malta lists accessible sites on their website .

Why I love Valletta’s harbor ferries

Crossing Grand Harbour by ferry is one of the world’s greatest urban commutes, leaving behind Valletta’s improbably compact fortified peninsula to approach the towering ramparts of Fort St Angelo and the Three Cities. Tiny dgħajsa water taxis berth next to leviathan super yachts, and narrow laneways arc away from the shelter of Dockyard Creek to reveal the quiet residential backstreets of Birgu.

This article was first published May 14, 2022 and updated Aug 28, 2024.

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Sep 3, 2024 • 9 min read

November is the perfect time to give yourself a travel-fueled lift, with destinations primed for exploration during the penultimate month of the year.

Sep 2, 2024 • 6 min read

Aug 21, 2024 • 10 min read

Aug 16, 2024 • 9 min read

Aug 9, 2024 • 4 min read

Aug 9, 2024 • 6 min read

Jul 16, 2024 • 9 min read

May 13, 2024 • 13 min read

Dec 27, 2023 • 8 min read

Oct 25, 2023 • 7 min read

• Where to Stay
• Use Public Transport
• Take a Taxi

Public Transport in Malta and Gozo

Are you planning a trip to Malta, and looking for the best way to get around the island? You’ll be happy to hear that Malta has an excellent bus system! Sight-seeing will be easy as 1-2-3 with this handy guide on Malta’s public transport service.

Bus Fares & Cards

Single tickets.

Single tickets are extremely cheap compared to most European countries. A bus ticket will cost you €1.50 in winter, and €2 in summer. The price for a ticket on a night route is €3. Simply give money to the bus driver, who will print out your ticket for you. Don’t forget to keep your ticket after purchase, as they are valid for 2 hours. You will need to present your ticket if you need to transfer to another bus. Furthermore, checks are performed regularly during which every passenger must present their valid ticket.

Tallinja Cards

Not a fan of carrying cash around? Then you might want to buy a Tallinja Card! Malta Public Transport has created three Tallinja Cards specifically for tourists. These are the Explore Card, the ExplorePlus Card and the 12 Single Day Ticket card. You can buy any of these cards at numerous official sales points and third party outlets on the island. You can find a full list on the official Malta Public Transport website. Sales points at Malta Airport: Arrival Hall: Sales & Information office (open from 08:00 to 19:30), WHS Express. Departure Hall: Agenda Book Shop

Explore Card

€21 for Adults, €15 for children

• Valid for 7 days
• €21 for Adults
• €15 for Children up to 10 years old
• Unlimited Traveling for 7 days
• Night routes included

ExplorePlus Card

€39 for everyone

• €21 for everyone
• 2 Trips on the Valletta Ferry
• Full day tour with a hop-on / hop-off bus
• Boat Trip to Comino

12 Single Day Journey Card

• €15 for everyone

• Valid for 1 year
• 12 Single Day Journeys OR
• 6 Single Night Journeys OR
• Combination of both

Plan your journey with the Tallinja App

You can easily plan your trip ahead by using the Malta Public Transport website, the Tallinja App or even Google Maps! You do need an internet connection for these options. Thankfully, Malta is filled with Wifi hotspots where you can connect for free! If you know in advance that you will not be able to connect to 4G or a wifi spot, we recommend you to map out your trip in advance and simply make notes on your phone or screenshot the route. Each bus stop is also provided with a timetable for passing routes.

If you do have internet acces we highly recommend you to download the Tallinja App. It’s available for iOS and Android devices and gives you easy access to numerous features. You can find some examples below:

Journey Planner

Use the Journey Planner to find out everything you need to know. Enter a locality, place of interest, street or road, bus stop name or use your current location to map out your route.

My Next Bus

Already at a bus stop? Check when your next bus is coming. This system uses GPS tracking and will provide you with a real-time view on which route will pass by your bus stop in the next 30 minutes.

Places of Interest

Not sure what you want to do? Check out the Places of Interest listed in the app, and plan your journey to archaeological sites, beaches, diving centres, gardens and more! 

Tip: going around Malta by bus is easy. However, we don’t recommend you to use the public transport system if you’re time restricted. Malta is a small island, with even smaller roads, but counts more cars than people! Delays are inevitable, which can be frustrating and crucial to prevent in certain situations. Need to go to an important meeting or catch a flight? In that case we recommend you to take a taxi .

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post Comment

MaltaHolidays.org is your Nr. 1 Guide for your Holiday to the Isle of Malta.

20+ Malta Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

If there’s one European destination that I dream most about returning to, it’s Malta.

This glorious sun-drenched movie set is filled with historic monuments, mouthwatering food, and a unique culture you won’t find anywhere else in the world. It is (in my mind) one of the most underrated tourist destinations in Europe, especially for overseas visitors.

… but you have to do it properly!

First time visitors to Malta often fall into the same traps and make the same mistakes, so I’m here today to list them all out to ensure you have all the Malta travel tips you need to have the trip of a lifetime.

So, keep scrolling for all my most important Malta must-knows (from basics to weirdly specific tips on saving money).

Save this list of Malta Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Understand that Malta is an archipelago

We’ll start with the most basic of basics: for those new to this wonderland of a country, Malta is an archipelago floating blissfully between Sicily and the Northern Coast of Africa, with its three inhabited islands being Malta, Gozo and Comino.

Depending on how much time they have, most first time visitors will stick to Malta, although visits to Gozo and Comino are popular picks as well thanks to the ease of travel between islands.

So, just know that if you do plan on covering the country of Malta properly, prepare for a few breezy boat rides.

2. Plan your trip for a minimum of four days

Now, onto the next big question: how long should you spend in Malta?

Well, if you want to break my heart, do Malta in a weekend.

But if you want to make me a proud travel mom, plan your trip for at least four days.

Malta may be a tiny country when compared to some others, but it’s packed with impressive sights, so I would recommend coming for a minimum of four days if you want to get a good feel for the main must-dos and possibly venture out to Gozo and Comino as well. 

3. Spend more than just a day in Gozo

Now, onto another important Malta travel planning tip: if you plan to Gozo, I implore you to go for more than just a day!

A lot of people, myself included, do Gozo as a day trip, but I would personally stay at least a night there if possible, because that island is absolutely magical and has plenty of sights to fill two days or more.

… When I eventually get back there some day, I might even base myself in Gozo for the trip to explore it further. Yes, it’s that lovely.

4. Learn some basic Maltese, although English is widely spoken

Now some good news for English speakers: English happens to be one of the official languages of Malta so you’ll have zero trouble getting by with English. Most locals (especially in tourist areas) do speak it well.

But as usual, I do think it’s nice to learn at least a few basics in the local language whenever you can, plus in Maltese it’s pretty simple, so here are a few phrases to commit to memory:

• Grazzi: Thank You
• Bonju: Good morning
• Bonswa: Good evening
• Waranofs in-har it-tajjeb: Good afternoon (maybe avoid greeting people in the afternoon)

5. Prices are highest in Valletta, so consider staying in other areas

Another money-saving tip for Malta is to consider staying outside of the capital (Valletta) which is where prices will be highest.

Since Malta is so compact, staying somewhere outside Valletta is barely any bother, plus it can also be quieter and less crowded, depending on where you go.

Some options still close to Valletta include…

• The Three Cities – Located just across the water from Valletta, so you can just hop on a fun 10 minute ferry to get across
• Sliema – Great views of Valletta and lots of fun bars/restaurants (although getting increasingly pricey)

6. Consider visiting in the Spring or Fall

In terms of the best time to go, Malta is commonly known as a beachy ‘tan like a walrus on the beach’ type of place, hence huge crowds in the summer time.

BUT honestly, if you’re like me and want to visit Malta more for its cultural and historical sights, then going in the Spring is definitely a better idea. Summer temperatures in Malta make sightseeing a daunting task, and if you’d rather not be a slippery sweat stick during your trip, then look to avoid July and August.

My very first trip to Malta was in April , and the temperatures were absolutely perfect. I’ve heard Fall can be a good time to visit as well, although conditions tend to be a bit rainier.

7. In the summer, explore early in the morning to avoid crowds/heat

That said, if you do visit Malta in the summer, one tip I have is to get up really early to explore just after sunrise because this is when you’ll get the least crowds and more tolerable temperatures.

Especially in Valletta, there’s not many places with shade so it gets hot and sticky frighteningly quick.

Then, you can spend the hot afternoons taking a dip in the sea or hiding somewhere with air conditioning. Oh the possibilities!

8. Look out for festas and festivals 

If you need some help deciding when to visit Malta, it may be worth looking into their festival calendar.

Malta has tons of amazing festivals and festas (religious celebrations) throughout the year, during which the streets are really beautifully decorated and lively.

Visit Malta during one of these special events and you’re likely to encounter fireworks, bands, and processions. Luckily, with over 60 festas on the calendar each year, odds are good that you may run into one.

If not, there are also tons of other fun events throughout the year. During my trips, I’ve experienced a wine festival, a Freedom Day Regatta, and fireworks! Are you seeing why I’m so obsessed with this country now?

9. Read up on Maltese history before your trip

Another important Malta tip I have for you is to do a bit of research before your trip about the country’s history.

As I mentioned in the introduction, Malta has a really unique culture that you won’t find elsewhere in the world. A large factor in this is the country’s turbulent and lengthy history, which helps contextualize a lot of the sights you’ll see, so learning a bit in advance can be really helpful.

For instance, did you know that there are some temples on this island that predate the Pyramids of Giza by 1000 years?

Or that up until 1964, it was consistently under the rule of different groups? The reason Malta is unlike any place in the world is because the country we see today was formed under the combined influence of the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs, the French and the English. 

… so yes, Malta is as interesting as it is pretty – be sure to read up on it to make the most of your trip!

10. Beware of multiple names for streets and places

Now, one of the byproducts of Malta’s historic turbulence is that place names can be a bit confusing… in the sense that there’s often many of them.

Over the past 400 years alone, Malta has been ruled by four different groups with four different languages, hence why these days many names are floating around for various Maltese streets, squares and places.

As an example, the photo below is of Republic Square (Pjazza Repubblika), formerly/sometimes still known as Victoria Square, Piazza Regina, Place de l’Egalité, Piazza della Città and Piazza dei Cavallieri.

So yes, just keep that in mind when getting directions/navigating! There are often multiple names referring to the same place.

11. Malta is remarkably British

Another byproduct of Malta’s history (that shocks many first time visitors) is that Malta is fairly British in a lot of ways. 

Not only do they drive on the left side of the road as we mentioned earlier, there are also red phone booths all over Valletta, their beer is served in pints… and they use the Type G outlets like in the UK, so bring an adapter if coming from Europe.

Currency-wise though, they do use the Euro here. Just to add to the confusion.

12. Consider hiring private transfers to get around

Malta is a tiny country with a relatively large population and also many tourists. This means a ton of traffic and general chaos on the roads.

… which is unfortunate, because if you want to have optimal flexibility to see the top sights, especially if you want to explore Gozo, having a car is quite essential.

So what should you do if you don’t want the fuss of renting a car and driving yourself?

While in most places, I would just opt for public transport (which we’ll discuss below), I’d say with Malta, private tours offer another great option because they can be surprisingly affordable compared to other touristy European destinations.

For instance, you can book this tour from Malta to Gozo for the day which includes transport and lunch for about 80 euros, which is not bad at all.

So, if I were to plan my own trip to Malta today, I would probably not rent a car and instead book little day trips out like this one to cover more remote destinations.

13. Bus travel in Malta is very affordable, though it has its downsides

That said, if you’re on a budget, the good news is bus travel in Malta is very affordable as well.

At full price, a ticket one way is 2 euro, but it can be much much cheaper if you buy a special pass.

So why did I recommend booking private transfers then? Well, unfortunately, bus travel in Malta (especially in the summer) isn’t the greatest. Not only can buses be really crowded, they’re also notoriously unreliable in terms of punctuality.

But hey, sometimes embracing the chaos is part of the fun, so if you plan to take buses around Malta, here is a summary of ways to save money on your bus journeys.

The best bus pass options for tourists in Malta are…

• 12 Single Day Journeys (€15) card: Saves you almost half price on each journey, ideal if you won’t take many trips
• 7-Day Explore Card: Offers unlimited journeys for €21, ideal for a longer stay
• Explore Plus Meep: Offers unlimited travel as well as two ferry trips. I couldn’t find the price for this on their website so it’s unclear if this is still something they offer, but be sure to ask!

NOTE: These passes are much better for tourists than paying the (similarly named) Explore Flex Card which is more for people who commute throughout the year since you only save 15-50 cents per journey and the card itself is 6 EUR.

14. Make sure to try plenty of Maltese food

Alright. Are you ready? I’m about to share THE most important Malta travel tips I have with you…

Because we’re now going to talk about Maltese food!

The food in Malta is simply incredible. A few must tries include…

• Pastizzi: A magical pastry with crispy phyllo dough and usually a ricotta or pea filling
• Imqaret: A date-filled pastry best enjoyed with a scoop of creamy Maltese ice cream
• Stuffat tal-Fenek: A stewed rabbit dish that is unbelievably comforting and tender
• Bigilla: A creamy bean dip
• Bragioli: beef rolls stuffed with egg, bacon, bread crumbs, and braised in wine

And lastly, seafood. Eat as much seafood as possible when you’re in Malta. It’s so fresh and so delicious, especially when you go to the fishing villages like Marsaxlokk.

… I’m honestly just drooling while writing this. When can I book my flight?

15. Keep an eye out for Malta’s amazing churches

When you’re not busy swimming in a sea of Pastizzi , another thing to while exploring Malta is to look out for churches.

Malta has hundreds of churches, almost one for every day of the year.

The best part? They’re absolutely beautiful, so if you happen to pass one while exploring be sure to duck in and take a look.

Obviously the most famous one is the St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, but you’ll easily find hundreds of others as you walk around, so be sure to take a peek inside if you get a chance.

16. Bring coverings to enter churches

One thing to be mindful of though is that your shoulders and knees should be covered when you’re entering churches in Malta, so be sure to bring a lightweight scarf with you to cover up if you’re visiting in the summer.

17. Be careful when going out for a swim

Alright, now for a Malta safety tip…

Swimming in Malta is a fun activity that many visitors look forward to, but often they don’t realize a lot of the swimming areas in Malta are quite rocky, and depending on the weather conditions can be a bit rough for swimming, with the occasional threat via Mother Nature too, like jellyfish.

So, definitely do your research before you head out to swim.!

There’s actually a great website for this called WhichBeach that lists out all the beaches in Malta and summarizes the weather conditions and even recommends beaches for particular days depending on the conditions. Be sure to consult it during your trip so you can enjoy Malta’s glimmering waters safely.

18. Look into a Malta Pass (potentially)

Now, if you plan on visiting a lot of attractions during your time in Malta, there is something called a MaltaPass that includes a bunch of attractions for one set price.

To be honest with you though, I don’t think it’s worth it for most people just because these attractions are really scattered, and many of them aren’t (in my opinion) the coolest things to see in Malta.

So, just know that an attraction pass is an option but look carefully at the actual list of sights before you commit to buying.

19. A boat ride is a must when in Malta

Now, while a MaltaPass isn’t a must, one thing that is (in my opinion) is taking a boat ride at some point.

Boat rides are just such a lovely way to enjoy Malta from a different perspective, and there are so many great options that you really have no excuse!

I can highly recommend a boat trip around the Blue Grotto in Southeastern Malta or a ferry ride to Gozo or Comino.

Or, if you’re looking for something cheaper, hopping on a ‘dghajsa’ from Valletta over to the Three Cities is also super fun.

These are gondola-esque Maltese water taxis that allow you to get amazing views from the water. They may not be one of those superyachts you’ll find docked nearby, but dayum if the views aren’t wonderful (and cheap – at only 2 euros one way!)

20. Beware that Instagram often doesn’t tell the full story

Now before we wrap up, I do want to do a quick round of Instagram vs reality… just because I think Malta (while undeniably stunning) is one of those very photogenic places that often get misrepresented on social media.

First off, some sad news: in case you weren’t already aware, the natural arch formerly known as the Azure Window sadly collapsed into the sea in 2017, so if you’ve seen photos of this iconic spot before, it’s unfortunately no longer around:

Now for Valletta, Malta’s capital. I just need you to beware that while they make for some truly epic photos, the streets here are actually quite steep and hilly, so make sure you pack good walking shoes to conquer them!

Another warning: Mdina is an amazing place to visit in Malta known as the Silent City, and although many photos will depict the streets looking empty, you should know that an early (or very late) arrival is crucial to actually seeing Mdina without huge tourist mobs, as it’s one of the most popular day trip destinations in Malta.

Lastly, we have to talk about the Blue Lagoon on Comino. Most photos you see will show it as an empty oasis, but in the summer time, it really does get so busy to the point where online reviewers liken it to a giant hotel pool, so just have your expectations in check if you’re visiting in peak season.

Visit in April and take the last boat out however, and you may luck out with these views like I did:

21. Know that Popeye Village is a theme park

This is a niche Malta tip, but one that I think nobody covers, so here goes…

Another spot you’ll see many photos of is Popeye Village , often shown as a scenic backdrop, like so:

BUT, for first time visitors, it’s important you know that this spot is actually pretty far up North and not close to Valletta or any other big tourist sites so you do have to go sort of out of your way to come here. It’s also not a real village, but rather a film set from the 80s that they kept and turned into a theme park. 

Do I recommend actually paying to see the inside? Well, I personally loved it because I’m a huge fan of quirky and strange places (like the Arnold Schwarzanegger Museum in Austria) but beware that the park is fairly outdated, there’s not really rides, and  overall, it’s kind of expensive for Malta because an adult ticket is 20 euro.

That said, I do think it’s a fun place if you need to entertain kids, or if you’re a kid at heart like I clearly am.

22. Binge some movies and TV shows set in Malta before you go

Lastly, this is an incredibly dorky tip, but there are SO many movies that have filmed in Malta over the years, so a really great thing to do in advance of your trip is simply binging some to get excited.

Some big name ones you might recognize include…

• Assassin’s Creed
• Murder on the Orient Express
• … and season one of Game of Thrones!

I hope this list of Malta Travel Tips was helpful!

This was already a very long list of tips for Malta, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments. Safe and happy travels!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

1 thought on “20+ Malta Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go”

Thanks for providing such a resourceful info about the place. It’s insightful. Got to know some amazing facts.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. By clicking the 'Accept' button below, you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with out Privacy Policy.

Save almost 50% on all passes this Month

See the whole country with one little card.

Offering you free entry to over 30 of the most popular attractions, museums and sites around the Maltese Islands as well as a free sightseeing bus ride.

Access to over 30 of Malta's most popular attractions!

Your ticket to an island of experiences!

Enjoy access to malta’s most popular and attractive attractions. huge savings vs. entry fees.

FREE Sightseeing Malta OR Gozo Bus Ticket

FREE Malta Pass Guide Book

Ġgantija Temples

Palazzo Parisio & Gardens

How It Works

Select your pass

Order your Malta Pass online and select which of our passes best suits your trip. 1, 2 or 3 day pass.

Purchase your pass

Buy online and have them delivered to your home address or delivered to your hotel in Malta.

Start using your pass

Show your pass at any of the 30+ attractions. The Pass doesn't become active until you visit your first attraction.

What it costs

Save almost 50% on all passes.

1 Day Malta Pass 24hr

1 day attraction itinerary example usual cost.

Cost without Malta Pass

€ 72.00

1 Day Malta Pass

€ 49.95 € 29.95

2 Day Malta Pass 48hr

2 day attraction itinerary example usual cost.

€ 84.00

2 Day Malta Pass

€ 79.95 € 42.95

3 Day Malta Pass 72hr

3 day attraction itinerary example usual cost.

€ 102.50

3 Day Malta Pass

€ 99.95 € 52.95

Our Top Attractions

Maltabudget

Rent a student room or apartment next to University Campus Malta

apartment rental

centrally located one bedroom apartment close to University of Malta

How to travel by bus for free in Malta.

Benefits of applying for a Tallinja card.

Starting from 1st October 2022, holders of the Tallinja card can use the regular day and night buses for free.

It is still necessary to tap the card on the ticket reader when you get onto the bus but no credit on the card is necessary. (omitting to tap the card on the reader may result in a fine)

How to apply for your bus card

To apply for the card you can register for it online. You will need to upload a photo and a copy of your identity card.  Apply for your Tallinja card before your arrival to save on fares from the start of your stay.

It may take a couple of weeks until your card is processed, so do think in advance and apply for it early enough to be able to travel around the Island for free.

There is a registration fee of €25 + postage charges for delivery by registered mail. 

The card can be mailed to you at a local address as well as overseas.

If you are renting a room with us at Looza homestay or renting our Vista Apartment feel free to contact us. I will give you my address and keep the card safely for you until your arrival to save on overseas postage charges.

How to use the bus card

When you get on the bus you simply need to touch the tallinja card on the reader, a green light appears on the reader together with a sound which means that the card has been accepted for travel.

If a red light appears on the reader together with a different sound, the card has been rejected and you must pay the driver in cash to continue your journey.

The card is personalised with your photo on it and cannot be shared with another person.

If you don’t have a card yet then you can buy a normal ticket on the bus at the standard rates. (€2.50 during the day and €3.00 at night) These tickets are single journey tickets and are valid to travel to any location including of changing of buses for 2 hours.

In case you don’t opt to get yourself a tallinja card, make sure you have small change if you want to buy a bus ticket on the bus. It’s best to have exact change but if not the closest amount possible. The bus driver may refuse to sell you a ticket if you give him cash notes of €20 or more.

It is now also possible to pay the bus fare by contactless payment using a contactless credit card, smartphone or smart watch.

Reduced Rates for Tallinja Card holders on the Valletta and Cospicua Ferries.

Tallinja Card holders enjoy the added benefit of free use of the ferries. There is a ferry service between Sliema and Valletta which runs every 30 minutes. There is also another ferry service between Cospicua and Valletta.

The Ferry services runs throughout the day and there are also some ferries during the night.  For more details you can have a look at the ferry schedule .

The crossing takes 7 minutes and is an enjoyable way of commuting between cities and towns traffic free.

What bus card should I purchase when Visiting Malta?

It is worthwhile applying for a tallinja card before your arrival, but in case you didn’t manage to get one, there are the following options :

For short visits to Malta you can purchase an EXPLORE 7 DAY TICKET which costs €25  for adults and €7 for children. The Explore 7 day ticket will permit you to take as many bus rides as you wish for 7 consecutive days.

If you don’t plan to use buses much you could opt for a 12 SINGLE DAY JOURNEY CARD   which costs €21

All cards are available to purchase from tallinja kiosks, or vending machines and other authorised outlets.  You can also easily order your card online.

The tallinja bus kiosks are found in the following locations : the Malta airport, Sliema Ferries, Valletta bus terminus, Bugibba bus terminus and Mater Dei hospital.

It is also possible to order them online and have them delivered by post either in Malta or overseas.

Order your bus cards online from here

Tallinja Bus App

An app for mobile phones called Tallinja is available for easy use.  You can download this app from Google play store . It will allows you to see buses coming within the next 30 minutes to the bus stop of your choice. It is also possible to top up your tallinja card by making an online payment by credit card directly on the app.

The app has recently been redesigned to improve on the search facility and usability of the app.

A number of buses are now also offering Wifi connection to commuters as an incentive for people to use buses more often.

TD Plus a pick up, drop off new service

The bus company is now also offering a new pick up/drop off service.

This service is available in the areas of Valletta, Floriana, Pietà, Blata l-Bajda, Msida, San Ġwann, St. Julian’s, Swieqi and Pembroke. The service is available every day between 05:30 and 22:30.

You can book this service through the Tallinja app. The fare for this service at the moment is €2 per trip. You can choose to pay by credit card or through the Tal-linja bus card.

This service is not for free and the fare will be deducted from the credit on your tallinja card (for card holders)

Tallinja Bike

You can make use of bikes found in 9 stations around Malta and 2 stations in Gozo. You will need to download the app in order to use the bikes, pick it up from a station of your choice and return it to any of the stations.

Holders of the tallinja card are charged at discounted rates while those without a card will be charged on a pay per use charged per 30 minutes of use.

Google maps App

If you already have the Google maps app downloaded on your phone, you can also use this option to plan out your route by bus. The app will tell you which bus stop to take the bus and where to stop to get to your destination.  It will also give you the timings of the buses and various routes possible.

Travel by bus for free in Malta.

We recommend long stay visitors to Malta, such as students , Medical electives or interns to get their bus card before arriving in Malta.

Bon Voyage!

Budget accommodation for your stay in Malta have a look at our rooms for rent or private apartment .

Sharing is caring!

• ← Medical elective programme in sunny Malta

Stefie Meekers

Stefie has been working in the hospitality industry for the past 30 years. Feel free to ask any questions, she will be happy to help.

Privacy Overview

Recommended

About us | Advertise with us | Contact us

Malta’s ‘tallinja card’ offers excellent convenience and flexibility for passengers

• Odnoklassniki
• Facebook Messenger
• LiveJournal

Posted: 27 October 2016 | Konrad Pulé, General Manager of Malta Public Transport | 2 comments

Malta Public Transport is modernising its bus fleet and implementing new technologies to increase efficiency. Konrad Pulé explains further…

Bus transportation in Malta is undergoing a transformation with investments being made to modernise its bus fleet and in implementing new technologies to increase efficiency. Konrad Pulé, General Manager of Malta Public Transport, explains that one particular success of the national bus operator has been the introduction of a popular new bus card.

Malta Public Transport is responsible for the operation of all public transport services by bus on the Maltese islands, and covers 30 million kilometres every year with a fleet of 380 buses and a team of over 1,300 people. Throughout the first year of operation in 2015 it is estimated that approximately 40 million passengers were carried – a significant increase when compared to previous years.

Revolutionising transport: investing in new technology to increase efficiency

Following the share transfer that took place in January 2015, we immediately began the implementation of a number of major changes within the organisation. These were aimed at improving performance in general to align with contractual requirements and to provide an efficient bus service.

Malta Public Transport has a fleet of 380 buses

Our priority was to change our internal systems to enable us to be in a better position to control the service. This included the replacement of the ticketing and fleet management system across the entire bus fleet, resulting in stronger controls at all levels and better information for our customers.

New fleet tracking system

The fleet tracking and management system was completely changed during 2015, enabling us to know where every bus is in real-time. This information enabled us to gather information on service reliability and punctuality. It also enabled us to fine-tune route schedules according to the time of day and the day of the week, therefore providing drivers and passengers with more realistic running times.

Our technology can be upgraded further with other solutions such as signal priority and bus lane enforcement.

A technology-based Control Room was installed in order to manage the services in real-time. Reliability and punctuality of the service are the main two targets of our team and we are making good progress in both, especially taking account of the traffic context in Malta.

Different tallinja cards and fares are available

Situations can sometimes occur, such as delays to our services due to unavoidable traffic jams or accidents, but our customers can still plan ahead. We launched a mobile app and an SMS service that gives bus users access to real-time information on which buses are due to arrive at their bus stop within the next 30 minutes. This proved to be very successful with over 50,000 downloads in the first three months.

This success was a result of Autobuses De Leon (ALESA) transferring its knowledge to Malta Public Transport. As a result the IT system tested by ALESA in other localities was adapted to Malta in order to improve information for the company and for passengers.

A successful new bus card

In July 2015 we launched a new bus card. This was a critical step to reduce the dependency on cash transactions, whilst opening up other controlled revenue channels that are more efficient. It required a significant investment in technology and communications, and the results were very positive.

“We were overwhelmed with the success of the new bus card in Malta,” said Felipe Cosmen, Chairman of Malta Public Transport. “Half the Maltese population obtained their bus card within a short period of just six months with over 82% of passengers now using a card when travelling by bus. This is a major achievement for the country as it revolutionised the way people buy their bus tickets, especially when one considers that practically everyone used to pay for their bus tickets in cash on the bus until June 2015.”

“We had to convince more vulnerable bus users, like the elderly, that this was the way forward,” explained Hon Joe Mizzi, the Maltese Minister for Transport and Infrastructure during the Transport Ticketing Conference held in Warsaw, Poland in October 2015. “We had to convince them that they had to have a plastic card to benefit from the reduced fares. The plastic card had to be topped-up with credit to be used on the bus. That was challenging as it presented a completely new concept to this category of bus users. To date, over 70% of the elderly population have a bus card, demonstrating the success of the implementation campaign.”

tallinja card

The bus card – branded as ‘tallinja card 1 ’ – is an intelligent bus card designed to make it easy for customers to use the bus. The card is personalised with the customer’s photo and name and can be easily topped-up with credit online, over the phone, at any of our sales outlets or at any post office. The credit on the card does not expire. When registering for a tallinja card, customers automatically benefit from cheaper fares than when they pay on the bus. Different cards and fares are available for children, students and adults. There is also a concession card which is available to elderly and disabled passengers; and a specific card for Gozo 2 residents.

This shift in culture brought about new challenges for us to ensure that sufficient and effective top-up channels were easily available to all segments of users. Not only did the use of the card itself surpass our expectations, but the electronic top-up channels were very popular with almost 60% of top-ups taking place electronically over the Internet, or using the phone or mobile app. 

Bus services in Malta – historical background

On 3 July 2011 the bus service in Malta was taken over by a subsidiary of the Arriva Group. This followed a competitive tendering process launched in July 2009 by the government. The operating company faced a number of operational and financial challenges during the last quarter of 2013. The image of the company and the services subsequently systematically deteriorated. A mutual decision was taken between the government and Arriva Malta Limited for the government to buy back the company and take over the bus service and re-issue a competitive tender to identify a new bus operator in 2014. Following this mutual agreement, the public transport service company was taken over by the government on the 2 January 2014 and was operated by the government for the entire year. The Government of Malta issued an ‘expression of interest’ notice for the provision of scheduled bus services in Malta and Gozo and the sale of the existing company, and Autobuses de Leon (ALESA) was selected as the preferred bidder. The related evaluation and negotiation process was concluded towards the end of 2014. The share transfer was subsequently completed on 8 January 2015 when the new company began operating the public transport service.

The tallinja card system

Our system is easy to use. There is no need to choose the type of ticket to buy. There is no need to plan and think what the best fare will be based on what travelling patterns may be for the next few days or weeks. The card automatically chooses the best fare available at any time so that customers just have to top-up their cards and validate them every time they board the bus. It can also recognise interchanges carried out along routes, therefore allowing passengers to change routes without being charged again.

In the first customer survey of 2016, nine out of 10 tallinja card users were satisfied with the service. The opportunities are infinite. Now that half the population in the country has this bus card, it can, and will in the near future, be used for multi-modal transport and integrated ticketing systems.

Passengers can top-up their tallinja card using the Malta Public Transport app

Malta Public Transport also provides other cards that can be used immediately without the need to register. The ‘7-Day Explore’ card provides unlimited travel for one week. There is a card for adults and another for children (up to 10 years old). An additional card, the ‘12 Single Day Journeys’ card, offers flexibility with reduced fares; perfect for those using the bus every now and then, this card can be shared and is valid for one year.

Standard cash tickets can also be purchased from the driver on the buses. These tickets are Single Journey tickets that can be used to get to any destination within two hours, including interchanging.

The new, customised fleet: Euro 6 engines and narrower buses for Maltese roads

We have invested significantly in modernising the bus fleet, making it safer, more environmentally-friendly and more comfortable. Throughout summer 2015, 143 new Euro 6 buses were put into service featuring the latest emission standards together with improved safety and comfort standards.

Apart from contributing to the overall quality of the service, they also contributed to the reduction in maintenance and fuel consumption costs. Additional new buses have already been introduced in 2016 without any contractual obligation to do so, making our fleet one of the youngest and most environmentally-friendly in Europe.

With the latest technology when it comes to diesel engines, our fleet is environmentally-friendly and efficient, offering our customers an added benefit by contributing towards a better environment when travelling by bus.

All route buses are cleaned and maintained regularly and are equipped with air-conditioning systems for added comfort. All the new buses have two doors to facilitate the boarding and alighting of passengers.

The availability and reliability of the fleet has increased significantly and in a consistent manner, almost reaching the standard levels in Europe in just one year. 

Investing in people: recruitment and training

A major recruitment drive was conducted by the company to almost double the amount of drivers. We recruited over 600 new drivers in 2015 bringing numbers up to the required levels in order to provide an efficient bus service. All the new drivers have been through rigorous training to obtain their international Certificate of Professional Competence.

The health and safety of employees and the safety of the environment in which they work is a top priority for us. Buses are constantly on the road and we are not only responsible for the safety of our employees, but also for the safety of our passengers and of the public in general.

With 5,200 bus trips carried out every day, we have a major role to play when it comes to road safety. Despite running very ambitious training plans and putting safety measures in place to reduce accidents, the injuries per million passenger ratio has already dropped significantly over the last year, which clearly shows that we are on the right track.

We are investing in technology and in our employees to improve safety and the overall customer experience. In fact, we have recently brought a new driving simulator to Malta which is now being customised to reflect the Maltese road network. Although the simulator is a training system that has been previously tried and tested in other companies in our group, it is a first for Malta that will undoubtedly contribute towards improving the skills of our drivers, particularly in circumstances that could otherwise not be easily assessed and trained on the road.

Significantly extending the route network

The Malta Public Transport app provides real-time information about bus arrivals

A major change was also made to our bus route network in line with the contracted requirements set by the contracting Authority following an extensive government public consultation. This too required investment in planning, training and information.

These route changes meant that there was an increase from 25 million kilometres to almost 30 million kilometres per year. The frequency of trips was also increased from 4,800 up to 5,200 trips daily, with a further increase to 5,600 trips during the summer months.

A positive outlook

In the first six months of 2016 we experienced an increase in passenger numbers and invested in another 33 new Euro 6 buses.

We continue to review the performance of each bus route to identify whether further improvements can be made. It is difficult to provide a high quality public transport service in Malta without sufficient bus priority measures. Our company has established a constructive relationship with the Transport Authority 3 to study solutions that can make public transport easier to use, and faster.

While being very well aware of the challenges we face, we are committed to improve the overall bus user experience and to provide a safe, credible and efficient bus service in Malta and Gozo; one that will convince more car users to take the bus.

• The name ‘tallinja’ comes from the Maltese words ‘tal-linja’ which is the way the Maltese people refer to the bus service
• Gozo is a smaller sister island in the Maltese archipelago with around 32,000 residents
• The Authority for Transport in Malta is the contracting authority responsible for developing and controlling public transport in Malta.

Related topics Ticketing & Payments

Related organisations Malta Public Transport

Transforming customer journeys: Enabling seamless travel with the latest ticketing & payment technology integration

By Intelligent Transport , sponsored by Pcentra

Bus fare increase in West Midlands aimed at sustaining vital services

By Intelligent Transport

Freebike with Sfey payment technology makes e-biking a breeze

Metro Tasmania announces half price public transport fares

TfL’s off-peak Friday fares trial to end on 31 May 2024

2 responses to “malta’s ‘tallinja card’ offers excellent convenience and flexibility for passengers”.

It would be nice to have a reduced fare card for visiting senior citizens as can be got in other countries.

Yes I agree with the above comment. A reduced fare for senior citizens visiting Malta would help. I visit at least twice each year and last October spent quite a lot of money on tallinja cards. I am British and and cannot imagine what would happen in our country if non British people were expected to pay a higher fare!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

© Russell Publishing Limited , 2010-2024. All rights reserved. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy

Website design and development by e-Motive Media Limited .

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorised as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. For our other types of cookies "Advertising & Targeting", "Analytics" and "Performance", these help us analyse and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these different types of cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. You can adjust the available sliders to 'Enabled' or 'Disabled', then click 'Save and Accept'. View our Cookie Policy page.

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Analytics cookies collect information about your use of the content, and in combination with previously collected information, are used to measure, understand, and report on your usage of this website.

Advertising and targeting cookies help us provide our visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns.

Performance cookies are includes cookies that deliver enhanced functionalities of the website, such as caching. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Short Breaks

• Gozo & Comino

Swimming Spots

Activities & sports, for the family.

• Sustainable Holidays

Studying in Malta

• What’s On
• Book your trip
• Accessibility
• Transportation
• Who Can Help
• Live Malta Cams
• Essential Information
• Maps & Guides
• Tourist Info Centres

Explore More

Enjoy 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, our identity.

Search Events

Explore more

Looking for beaches and crystal-clear blue Mediterranean water? Malta is the answer.

Outstanding restaurants and spectacular local produce make Malta a foodie’s Heaven.

Festivals, theatre, clubs, bars and more. No two nights are the same in Malta!

With over 120 captivating dive sites and great visibility, Malta is a diver’s dream. 

Ready for some action? With sun, sea, and more, you’ll always be on the go in Malta!

From prehistoric temples to cities built by knights, Malta is a historical paradise.

Maltese culture is magnetic – feasts, fireworks, traditions; one must experience it!

Pressed for time? With history, sun, food and fun, Malta’s ideal for Short Breaks.

Best things to do in Malta in One Week

10 wartime shipwrecks discovered in Maltese waters

Explore these 5 sunken plane wrecks off the coast of Malta

Best things to do on Gozo Island

Visitmalta incentives & meetings.

Welcome to  VisitMalta Incentives & Meetings. Your partners in Malta for conferences , conventions, meetings ,  incentives,  and more!

More for you

Kids in town? With activities, beaches, and more, there’s fun for everyone!

What connects Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and Troy? They’re all shot in Malta!

Turn learning into fun through endless opportunities under the golden sun!

With 359 Churches around Malta, visiting one a day would take you almost a year!

Tying the knot? With splendid venues, it’s time to walk down the aisle in Malta!

Sustainable Malta

With alluring nature parks and sustainable local produce, Malta is for you!

Upcoming Events

View all events, follow us on instagram, #visitmalta.

Our Partners

Delete Account

Are you sure you want to delete your account?

Continuing will remove your account on our database and will also remove all the data on this device. (Irreversable)

Car Hire in Malta​

Due to a technical fault, erroneous top ups were effected on some Tallinja Cards. This means that credit was added to some Tallinja Card accounts without the card holder actually paying. These erroneous top ups are being reversed. In order to view your transaction history and check whether this has affected your Tallinja Card, please click on the link below and enter your customer number and the last four digits found on the barcode on your Tallinja Card.

About Tallinja Card

Your personalised transport card.

The Tallinja Card is an intelligent bus card designed to make it easy for you to use the bus. The card is personalised with your photo and name and can be topped up with credit easily online, via the free Tallinja App or at any of our sales outlets. Your credit will not expire.

With effect from 1 October 2022, holders of a personalised Tallinja Card can travel for free on Day Routes, Night Routes and Special Services. Tallinja Direct (TD) Routes are not free and a fare will apply depending on the card used. The fare will be deducted from the card's balance when this is tapped on the reader / ticketing machine near the bus driver on the bus.

Every time you board the bus, simply touch the reader on the bus with your Tallinja Card. Passengers must tap the card on the reader, even though the service may be free. It’s that easy and much quicker!

Different cards and fares are available for Children, Students, Adults, Kartanzjan Holders, Holders of EU Disability Card with “MT” mark or Special ID Card issued by Agenzija Sapport and Gozo Residents. This card cannot be shared. 

The bus driver and inspector will reserve the right to ask you to show your Tallinja Card so that the photo and name can be verified. A penalty of  €50 will apply if someone uses the card of someone else.

Registration and postage fees apply. Subject to Terms and Conditions and the Passenger Transport Services Regulations (SL.499.56).

Register for your Tallinja Card by clicking here .

Registering for your Tallinja Card

Registering for your Tallinja Card is simple, and can be done in one of two ways. You will be required to provide your email and mobile phone number which will be used for us to communicate with you.

Following the instructions makes sure your application is processed in an efficient manner, without any delays. We aim to deliver the card within two weeks of registration.

Click here , follow the instructions and fill in the required fields. Some fields are mandatory and need to be populated.

If you are a Maltese e-ID card holder and choose to give us your e-ID Card document number, we will be able to take the photo from the National Identity Database Management System or the Car Licensing Database. This will facilitate the processing of your card, and make the process a swifter one.

If you are the holder of any other identity document, you will be asked to upload a photo and a copy of your document.

The registration fee for Adult/Student and Gozo cards is €25 . For Child and Consession cards, the registration fee is €5 . In addition to the registration fee, registered postage charges also apply.

As of 22 nd January 2024 till 29 th February 2024, all Tallinja Card applications applied via the website or Maltapost are exempt from the registration fee. The applicable postal charge will remain unchanged.

It is important that the instructions on the application form are read and adhered to.

How to use the Tallinja Card

Upon receiving your Tallinja Card, you can top it up with additional credit. This can be done using the following options:

• By accessing the  top-up  page
• Via the free Tallinja App 
• By visiting any of our outlets and topping up by Credit/Debit card 

When topping up, make sure you enter the correct customer number. If an error is made and a customer number other than yours is used, we are not liable to refund any funds.

When boarding a bus, keep your Tallinja Card handy, and tap it on the reader next to the driver. When doing so, make sure you get a green light on the reader together with a chime. This means that the card has been validated and accepted, and you can then proceed towards the back of the bus to take a seat.

Red light and a different chime mean the card has not been accepted or validated, and that you would need to purchase a ticket to be allowed to board the bus. Failure to validate the card or have a valid ticket will result in you incurring a penalty.

With effect from 1 October 2022, holders of a personalised Tallinja Card can travel for free on Day Routes, Night Routes and Special Services. Tallinja Direct (TD) Routes are not free of charge. When you validate your card, a fare will be deducted for Tallinja Direct (TD) services.

The Tallinja Card can also be used on other services besides the bus including the Valletta Ferry Services connecting Valletta to The Three Cities and Sliema, which is free to travel when using the card. The Tallinja Card can also be used to access the Barrakka Lift and the Tallinja Bike services for which both a fare applies depending on the Tallinja Card used.