Malta Transport Guide: Buses, Bolt, Ferry and Hop-on Hop-off

Transport is one of the most frequently discussed topics in Malta travel communities. Here are the most important answers from people who've tested everything themselves.

Tallinja public buses

Malta's bus network is the backbone of public transport. Air-conditioned, cheap, reaching almost everywhere — though delays are common.

Tallinja ticket prices 2026

• 2-hour ticket: €2 (includes connections within the 2-hour window)
• Express/TD ticket: €3
• 12-trip card: €19 — shareable (two people each tap twice)
• 4-day pass: €19 (all lines including night buses)
• 7-day pass: ~€25 (includes Gozo ferry)

The 12-trip card can be shared: if two people are travelling together, tap twice when boarding — both journeys are logged from the same card. Works for connections too, within the 2-hour window.

Where to buy?

At ticket machines at stops (card payment), at main bus stations (cash), from the driver (single journey only), or in the Tallinja app.

The Tallinja app — essential

Download before you arrive. Shows real-time arrivals and suggests the fastest route, even with connections. Delays of 5–10 minutes are normal — build in buffers.

Bolt and eCabs (not Uber!)

Uber does not operate in Malta. Bolt (the well-known European app) and eCabs (local, often faster) do. For a group of 2–3 people: similar cost to the bus, often three times faster.

Ferries — the number one lifehack

Sliema ↔ Valletta

Five minutes, €1.50 each way. Instead of 40 minutes by bus in traffic — you cross the harbour with views of both shores. Runs every few minutes in season. Included in the weekly bus pass.

Valletta ↔ Three Cities (Birgu/Cospicua)

Five minutes, €1.50. For history fans — crossing the Grand Harbour by boat is an experience in itself.

Ferry to Gozo — from Ċirkewwa

Bus or taxi to Ċirkewwa (north-west Malta), then ferry to Mġarr on Gozo. Crossing: ~25 minutes. Foot passenger: ~€4.65 return (fee collected on the return). Ferries run 24 hours (every ~45 min at night). In peak season car queues can be 1–2 hours — foot passengers always board without waiting.

Hop-on hop-off

Open-top tourist bus — ideal for stress-free sightseeing. Audio guide available in Polish (and 15 other languages). Three routes: Northern, Southern, Valletta. Day ticket: ~€25/person, family ticket: ~€70 (3 adults + 1 child). Tickets on GetYourGuide (discounts available).

Car hire — for the confident driver

Left-hand traffic, narrow streets, assertive local drivers — manageable but not relaxing. The real problem is parking in the centres (Sliema, Valletta — paid zones almost around the clock). When it's worth it: south Malta (Marsaxlokk, Dingli Cliffs), exploring Gozo independently, staying outside the main towns. Price: from ~€40/day (small class).