Malta has one of the more intuitive bus systems in the region — if you know how to buy tickets. A 63-year-old retired woman toured the whole island for a week without a car and without speaking English, collecting all the tricks along the way. Here's what works.
Tallinja ticket prices 2026
| Ticket | Price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Single (2-hour) | €2 | Unlimited connections within 2 hours |
| Express single | €3 | Express (X) and TD fast lines |
| 12-trip card | €19 | 12 trips — can be shared between 2 people! |
| 4-day pass | €19 | Unlimited travel for 4 days |
| 7-day pass | €25 | Unlimited travel for 7 days + Gozo ferry included |
Tip #1 — the shared 12-trip card
The most underrated fact about Maltese transport:
"The 12-trip card can be shared — I bought one and tapped twice (for 2 people) when boarding. For connections you tap again, but if it's within 2 hours it counts as one trip."
A couple for a week: 12 trips = one route per day for 6 days each. Plus Bolt for shorter journeys. Total: €19 + a few Bolts ≈ €35–40 transport for two.
Tip #2 — the Tallinja app
"Download the Tallinja app — it shows real-time connections and suggests the fastest route with transfers. Buses are often 5–10 minutes late — build in a buffer."
Available on iOS and Android. Download before arrival — it lets you navigate without asking in English.
Where to buy tickets
- Ticket machines at stops — card payment only
- Main bus stations (Valletta, Buġibba) — cash and card
- From the driver — single ticket, cash or card
- Tallinja app — ticket on your phone (easiest)
Bus pitfalls — what to know
- Overcrowded buses: At peak times (Mdina, Valletta, Golden Bay) — board 2 stops earlier at the terminus
- Delays: 5–15 minutes is normal — plan with a 20-minute buffer per bus
- Night services: Very limited after 21:00 — use Bolt instead
- Sliema–Valletta ferry: Included in the 7-day pass — don't forget!