Getting Around Malta

Transport, Ferries, Buses & Practical Travel Tips

Malta is a compact Mediterranean nation made up of three main islands — Malta, Gozo, and Comino — with short distances, reliable transport, and easy connections between historic cities, beaches, and coastal villages.

Travellers can move quickly between UNESCO‑listed Valletta, the medieval streets of Mdina, the harbour towns of the Three Cities, and the rural landscapes of Gozo.

From the fortified capital to sandy bays, limestone cliffs, and ancient temples older than the pyramids, Malta’s transport network makes multi‑stop itineraries straightforward.

This guide explains how transport works in Malta — buses, ferries, taxis, ride‑hailing, private drivers, airport transfers, and car rental — with realistic travel times, costs, and route context.

Transport Options in Malta

Buses

Malta’s bus network covers almost the entire main island and Gozo.

• Frequent services between major towns

• Air‑conditioned modern buses

• Good value for short and medium distances

• Direct routes to Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s, Mdina, and the airport

Typical cost:

€1.50–€2.50 depending on season and route

Best for:

• Budget travel

• Reaching major towns and tourist areas

• Avoiding parking challenges in historic centres

Ferries

Ferries connect Malta’s islands and key coastal hubs.

• Valletta ↔ Sliema

• Valletta ↔ Three Cities

• Malta ↔ Gozo (Ċirkewwa–Mġarr)

• Seasonal routes to Comino (Blue Lagoon)

Typical cost:

€1.50–€3 for harbour ferries

€4.65–€15 for Malta–Gozo (foot passengers vs vehicles)

Travel times:

• Valletta ↔ Sliema: ~5 minutes

• Malta ↔ Gozo: ~25 minutes

• Malta ↔ Comino: ~15–20 minutes

Taxis & Ride‑Hailing

Taxis and app‑based services (including Bolt and eCabs) are widely available.

• Reliable for short hops

• Fixed‑price airport transfers

• Useful at night when buses run less frequently

Typical cost:

€10–€25 for most urban routes

€20–€30 for airport transfers

Private Drivers

Private transfers are popular for flexible sightseeing and multi‑stop days.

• Custom itineraries

• Efficient for rural areas and Gozo

• Ideal for travellers short on time

Typical cost:

€120–€250 per day depending on distance and inclusions

Car Rental

Car rental offers maximum flexibility, especially for Gozo and rural areas.

Recommended for:

• Beaches and coves with limited bus access

• Gozo countryside exploration

• Multi‑stop day trips

Not recommended for:

• Valletta (ZTL restrictions)

• Dense urban areas with limited parking

Typical cost:

€25–€60 per day depending on season

Airport Transfers

Malta International Airport (MLA) is 15–25 minutes from most major areas.

Options:

• Fixed‑rate taxis

• Pre‑booked private transfers

• Shuttle services

• Direct buses to Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s, and other hubs

Typical cost:

€2–€3 by bus

€20–€30 by taxi or private transfer

Getting Around Malta’s Main Regions & Cities

Valletta

• Compact and walkable

• No cars in most of the historic centre

• Excellent ferry links to Sliema and Three Cities

• Main bus terminal at the city gate

Sliema & St Julian’s

• Coastal promenade connecting both towns

• Frequent buses to Valletta and the north

• Harbour ferries to Valletta

• Major hotel and dining area

Mdina & Rabat

• Bus connections from Valletta (~25–35 minutes)

• Walkable medieval centre

• Popular half‑day trip

Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua)

• Best reached by Valletta ferry (~5 minutes)

• Local buses available

• Ideal for harbour walks and maritime history

Gozo

• 25‑minute ferry from Malta

• Buses connect Victoria (Rabat) with beaches and villages

• Car rental or private drivers recommended for full exploration

Comino

• Accessed by small boats from Malta or Gozo

• No roads or public transport

• Popular for Blue Lagoon day trips

Popular Routes: Travel Times & Costs

Valletta → Sliema

• Ferry: ~5 minutes | €1.50–€2

• Bus: ~15–20 minutes | €1.50–€2.50

Valletta → Mdina

• Bus: ~25–35 minutes | €1.50–€2.50

Valletta → St Julian’s

• Bus: ~20–30 minutes | €1.50–€2.50

• Taxi: ~10 minutes | €12–€18

Malta (Ċirkewwa) → Gozo (Mġarr)

• Ferry: ~25 minutes | €4.65–€15

Sliema → Blue Lagoon (Comino)

• Seasonal ferry: ~30–45 minutes | €15–€30

Airport → Valletta

• Bus: ~20–25 minutes | €2

• Taxi: ~15 minutes | €20–€25

Ferries & Coastal Travel

Ferries are an efficient way to move between Malta’s coastal hubs.

• Valletta–Sliema

• Valletta–Three Cities

• Malta–Gozo

• Malta–Comino (seasonal)

Harbour ferries often save significant time compared to buses.

Driving in Malta

Car rental is useful for rural areas and Gozo, but less practical in dense towns.

Recommended for:

• Gozo countryside

• Remote beaches

• Flexible day trips

Not recommended for:

• Valletta (restricted zones)

• Sliema/St Julian’s during peak hours

• Travellers uncomfortable with narrow roads

Top Places to Visit in Malta

• Valletta – UNESCO capital with Baroque architecture

• Mdina – medieval walled city

• Sliema – coastal promenade and shopping

• St Julian’s – nightlife and dining

• Three Cities – historic harbourside towns

• Gozo – rural landscapes and beaches

• Comino – Blue Lagoon

• Marsaxlokk – fishing village and Sunday market

• Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra – prehistoric temples

• Rabat – catacombs and heritage sites

• Mellieħa – sandy beaches

• Dingli Cliffs – dramatic coastline

• Blue Grotto – sea caves and boat trips

Malta’s transport system is simple, compact, and efficient. Buses cover most populated areas, ferries link key coastal points, and private drivers or rental cars provide flexibility for rural regions and Gozo.

With thoughtful planning — and a mix of buses, ferries, taxis, and occasional private transfers — travelling around Malta is straightforward and rewarding.

Prices shown are approximate and current as of April 2026.