Public Transport in Malta
Malta’s public transport system is efficient, affordable, and connects all major towns and attractions across the islands, making it easy for visitors to explore this Mediterranean gem. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting around Malta and Gozo, from airport transfers to navigating the bus network and inter-island ferry services that link Malta’s historic cities and stunning coastlines.
Key Sections
Malta’s public transport system offers several convenient ticketing and payment options. Compare the main choices below to find the best fit for your journey across Malta and Gozo.
Bus Tickets & Payment Methods
Tallinja Card (Personalised)
- π΅ Best for: Residents, Long-Term
- How it Works: Personalized smart card with name/photo.
- Fare: Free for registered residents (admin fee applies). Reduced fares for others.
- Where to Get: Must be ordered online (takes weeks) or at offices.
- Requires Maltese address/residency proof.
Cash & Contactless
- π Best for: Single Trips
- Fare: β¬2.50 (Day), β¬3.00 (Night).
- Payment: Tap card/phone or cash (exact change).
- Validity: 2 hours (includes transfers).
- Note: Drivers carry limited change. Contactless is recommended.
Explore Cards
- π’ Best for: Unlimited Travel
- 7-Day Explore: β¬25.00 (Adult), β¬7.00 (Child). Unlimited bus travel.
- Explore Flex: Pay-as-you-go smart card with reduced fares.
- Explore Plus Meep: β¬39.00. Includes ferry trips & sightseeing.
- Where to Buy: Airport, Ticket Machines, Agenda Bookshops.
12 Single Journeys
- π£ Best for: Families & Groups
- Cost: β¬15.00 (effectively β¬1.25 per trip).
- Shareable: Can be used by multiple people on the same trip.
- Validity: 1 year (Day buses only).
- Great value for groups who don’t need a weekly pass.
Note: “Tallinja” is the brand name for Malta Public Transport. Cash payments require exact change. Prices subject to change.
Transport Modes in Malta
Public Buses (Tallinja)
The primary way to get around. Extensive network covering Malta and Gozo. Hubs in Valletta, Bugibba, and Victoria (Gozo).
Malta-Gozo Ferry
The main link between the islands for passengers and cars. Operates 24/7 between Δirkewwa (Malta) and MΔ‘arr (Gozo).
Gozo High-Speed Ferry
Fast catamaran service for foot passengers only. Connects Valletta directly to MΔ‘arr (Gozo), skipping the traffic to the north.
Valletta Harbor Ferries
Scenic crossings across the Grand Harbour (to Three Cities) and Marsamxett Harbour (to Sliema). Faster and prettier than the bus.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus
Tourist double-deckers covering North (Mdina, Golden Bay) and South (Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk) routes. Essential for quick sightseeing.
Airport Connections
Routes X1, X2, X3, X4 connect the airport to main towns. Taxis and transfers are available 24/7 outside Arrivals.
Malta Transport Fares
Bus Fares & Smart Cards
Simple “One Zone” System – Same ticket covers Malta and Gozo buses.
Standard Tourist Rates:
- Pay on Board (Cash/Card): β¬2.50 (Day) / β¬3.00 (Night/Direct)
- 12-Journey Card: β¬21.00 (Best value: β¬1.75/trip)
- Explore Card (7 Days): β¬25.00 (Unlimited travel)
- Residents (Personalized Card): Free Day/Night travel
π‘ Tickets are valid for 2 hours (including transfers) if paying by cash/card.
Ferries & Airport Lines
Inter-island travel requires separate tickets.
Ferry & Airport Rates:
- Gozo Ferry (Passenger): β¬4.65 (Return ticket)
- Gozo Ferry (Car+Driver): β¬15.70 (Return)
- Fast Ferry (Valletta-Gozo): ~β¬7.50 (One-way)
- Valletta Harbour Ferry: β¬1.50 (Single) / β¬2.80 (Return)
- Airport Buses (X Routes): Standard bus fares apply (β¬2.50)
βοΈ ‘Tallinja Direct’ (TD) airport routes cost β¬3.00.
Important Fare Information
Zones & Validity
- One Zone: Your bus ticket covers the entire island (Malta or Gozo).
- 2-Hour Window: Single tickets allow unlimited bus changes within 2 hours.
- Tap In Only: You only tap your card when entering the bus. Do not tap out.
Payment Methods
- Contactless: Visa/Mastercard accepted on all buses.
- Cash: Accepted, but drivers carry limited change (small coins only).
- Tallinja App: Check balances and top up Explore Flex cards instantly.
Malta Transport Travel Tips
Best Value: 12-Journey Card
At β¬19.00 for 12 trips, this shareable card drops your cost to β¬1.58 per ride. Much cheaper than the β¬2.00-β¬2.50 standard single fare.
Download Tallinja App
Essential for real-time bus tracking. Buses in Malta can be unpredictable; the Tallinja App shows live arrivals and allows you to top up “Explore Flex” cards.
Plan via Valletta Hub
The network is hub-and-spoke. Almost all routes connect through the Valletta terminal. If you are lost, head to Valletta (Routes 1-99) to find a connection.
Ferry vs. Bus to Gozo
The bus to Cirkewwa + Ferry takes 90+ mins. The Fast Ferry from Valletta (β¬7.50) takes just 45 mins.
π‘ Going to Gozo? Buses there are infrequent.
π Check Car Rental PricesSummer vs Winter Fares
Fares change seasonally. Winter (Oct-June): β¬2.00. Summer (June-Oct): β¬2.50. Night buses are always β¬3.00.
Airport Express Routes
Routes X1-X4 are standard fare (β¬2.00). Routes marked TD are “Direct” and cost β¬3.00.
𧳠Heavy bags? Buses get crowded.
π Book Private Transfer Β»Transfers Are Allowed
Unlike older rules, cash tickets do allow transfers. Keep your paper ticketβscan the QR code on the next bus within 2 hours.
Night Service (N Routes)
Night buses operate mainly on weekends from St. Julian’s. Fare is β¬3.00 (cash/card) but included if you have the 7-Day Explore Card.
Sightseeing Made Easy
Public buses to Blue Grotto or Marsaxlokk can be infrequent. The hop-on hop-off bus covers all these major sights efficiently.
Getting from Malta Airport (MLA)
Choose the best connection to Valletta, Sliema, and Gozo.
π X4 To Valletta
Best for: City Center & Bus Hub
Cost: β¬2.50 (Cash/Card)
Duration: ~25-35 mins
Note: Do not take X1 to Valletta; X1 goes North.
π X2 / TD2 To Sliema
Best for: Hotels & Nightlife
Cost: β¬2.50 (X2) or β¬3.00 (TD2 Express)
Duration: 40-60 mins
TD2 is a direct express route (faster).
β΄ X1 To Gozo Ferry
Best for: Going direct to Gozo
Cost: β¬2.50 (Cash/Card)
Duration: 60-75 mins to Δirkewwa
π Taxi Direct Transfer
Best for: Luggage & Comfort
Fixed Rates: ~β¬17 (Valletta), ~β¬20 (Sliema)
Duration: 15-20 mins
βοΈ Malta Airport Tips
- Buy your Card: The “Malta Public Transport” Sales Office is in the Arrivals Hall (open 8am-8pm). You can buy Explore Cards here.
- Luggage: “X” routes (X1, X2, X3, X4) are designed with extra luggage racks. Regular buses (e.g., 119) are not.
- Tallinja Direct (TD): Routes marked “TD” are express and cost β¬3.00. They are included in the 7-Day Explore Card.
- Late Arrivals: Night buses (N routes) run after 11:00 PM but are less frequent. Taxis are available 24/7.
Malta Tallinja Card Options
The Tallinja Card is Malta’s smart transport solution. Choose the right card based on your residency status and travel frequency.
Personalized Card
Best for: Residents & Long-Term
- FREE Travel on all day/night bus routes
- FREE Valletta Harbor Ferry
- Photo ID required
- Must provide Malta address/residency
Cost: β¬25.00 (Registration fee)
Apply Online Β»Explore Card (7-Day)
Best for: Heavy Sightseeing
- Unlimited Travel for 7 days
- Valid on Day & Night buses
- Cannot be shared (1 card per person)
- Valid on Malta & Gozo buses
Cost: β¬25.00 (Adult) / β¬7.00 (Child)
12-Journey Card
Best for: Couples & Flexibility
- 12 Single Trips included
- Shareable: Can be used by families/groups
- Price per trip drops to β¬1.75
- Valid for 1 year
Cost: β¬21.00
Quick Comparison
- Travel: FREE
- Requires: Malta ID/Residence
- Setup: β¬25 Fee
- Best for: Living in Malta
- Travel: Unlimited (7 Days)
- Requires: Purchase at Shop
- Cost: β¬25.00
- Best for: Seeing everything
- Travel: 12 Trips (Shareable)
- Requires: Purchase at Shop
- Cost: β¬21.00
- Best for: Groups / Occasional
Note: Cash/Contactless fare is β¬2.50 per trip. Using the 12-Journey card saves you ~β¬0.75 per ride.
Alternative Transport Options
π‘ Pro Tip: Malta is very hilly. Standard bicycles are tough work in the heat. We strongly recommend renting an E-Bike or using the bus system for longer distances.
Malta’s Most Scenic Routes
Discover the islands’ stunning coastlines, ancient cities, and hidden gems using these verified public transport connections.
Malta-Gozo Ferry
A spectacular 25-minute crossing past Comino. Essential for visiting the quieter, greener sister island.
Buses on Gozo are slow.
π Rent a Car in Gozo Β»Valletta City Route
The main gateway to Malta. Arrive at the Triton Fountain terminal and walk straight into the UNESCO fortified city.
Don’t miss the history.
πΆββοΈ Book a Walking Tour Β»Blue Lagoon Connection
Take the bus to Δirkewwa Harbor, then catch a small boat to Comino’s turquoise waters. The #1 summer spot.
Skip the bus hassle.
β΅ Book Catamaran Cruise Β»Mdina (The Silent City)
Routes 51, 52, or 53 take you directly to the gate of this medieval hilltop city. Best visited at sunset.
Dingli Cliffs
Take Route 52 from Valletta or the scenic Route 201 from Rabat (via Blue Grotto) to reach Malta’s highest point.
Hard to reach by public bus.
π Drive there yourself Β»Marsaxlokk Fishing Village
Famous for colorful Luzzu boats and the Sunday fish market. A must-see authentic Maltese village.
Frequently Asked Questions
? Which Tallinja Card is best for tourists?
For most visitors, the 12-Journey Card (β¬19.00) is the best value, bringing the cost down to β¬1.58 per trip. It can also be shared by families. If you plan to travel heavily (4+ trips a day), get the 7-Day Explore Card (β¬25.00) for unlimited travel.
? How do I get from Malta Airport to my hotel?
Bus: Take the X1, X2, X3, or X4 (Standard β¬2.00/β¬2.50) or the faster TD2/TD3 Direct routes (β¬3.00).
Private Transfer: If you have heavy luggage, buses can be stressful. We recommend booking a transfer in advance.
π Check Private Transfer Prices (Welcome Pickups) Β»
? How much does the Malta to Gozo ferry cost?
Foot Passenger: β¬4.65 (Return).
Car + Driver: β¬15.70 (Return).
Tip: You only pay on the return journey from Gozo to Malta.
π Renting a car for Gozo? Compare Rates
? Can I pay cash on Malta buses?
Yes, but you need exact change. Drivers strictly do not give change.
Fares: β¬2.00 (Winter), β¬2.50 (Summer), β¬3.00 (Night).
Recommendation: Use contactless payment (Visa/Mastercard) instead of cash.
? Do Malta buses run at night?
Yes. Night Buses (N Routes) run on weekends and some weekdays, mostly departing from the St. Julian’s/Paceville nightlife area. The fare is a flat β¬3.00.
Essential Travel Resources
Accessible Public Transport in Malta
Wheelchair Friendly Fleet
All modern buses (Otokar/King Long fleet) are low-floor with designated wheelchair zones. Drivers are trained to deploy the manual ramp upon request.
Note: Mobility scooters are generally not permitted on buses due to size constraints.
Fares & Concessions
Residents: Holders of a personalized Tallinja Card (with EU Disability certification) travel for free.
Tourists: Standard fares apply (β¬2.00-β¬2.50). EU Disability Cards are recognized for “Concession” fares but require advance registration at a sales office.
Ferry Accessibility
The Gozo Channel Ferry and Valletta Fast Ferry are fully accessible. Both have elevators from the car deck/terminal to the passenger lounge and accessible restrooms.
π‘ Tip: Ferries are easy, but connecting buses can be crowded.
π Rent an Accessible Car for Gozo Β»Bus Stops & Terminals
Valletta & Airport Terminals: Fully accessible with tactile paving and level boarding.
Village Stops: Accessibility varies significantly. Many rural stops do not have raised kerbs.
𧳠Need guaranteed support? Don’t risk a broken bus ramp.
π Book a Private Transfer (Wheelchair Friendly) Β»Need Assistance?
For specific accessibility queries or to register a mobility aid, contact the official support lines: