Maltese Transport: A Survival Guide
“Buses, ferries, and why you probably shouldn't rent a car.”
Getting around Malta is... an experience. The distances are short, but the traffic is biblical.
1. The Bus (Tallinja)
Pros: Cheap (€2). Air-conditioned. Cons: They are never on time. If they are full, they don't stop.
Pro tip: Always wave at the driver. If you stand still, he will drive past you.
2. Ride Apps (Bolt / Uber / eCabs)
The savior. Bolt is everywhere. Prices are reasonable. If you are a group of 2-3, it's often cheaper than the bus and 10x faster.
3. The Ferry (Valletta-Sliema / Valletta-Three Cities)
The best way to travel. 5 minutes across the harbour. Beautiful views, fresh air, no traffic. Use it.
4. Renting a Car
Maltese drive on the left. They drive aggressively. The roads are narrow. Parking doesn't exist. Unless you are going to Gozo or remote cliffs, skip the rental. It's more stress than freedom.
Don't trust Google Maps travel times. If it says 15 minutes, it means 30 minutes. If it rains? It means an hour.