Transport
Malta is small, but there is plenty to see! Here are the best ways to navigate the islands.
Ride-Hailing Apps
For the fastest and most convenient travel, we recommend using one of these three apps. They are much cheaper than hailing a white taxi on the street.
Uber: Widely available and reliable.
Bolt: Very popular in Malta; usually has the most drivers available.
eCabs: The local Maltese favourite. Great for pre-booking airport transfers.
Ferries & Water Taxis
The scenic way to travel! These are often faster than the bus during rush hour:
Valletta Ferry Services: Connects Valletta to Sliema and Valletta to The Three Cities.
Pro Tip: A ferry ticket from the Three Cities usually includes a free return trip on the Upper Barrakka Lift into the heart of Valletta!
Gozo Channel (Ċirkewwa): The large car ferry to Gozo. You only pay on the way back from Gozo to Malta.
Gozo Highspeed: A fast passenger-only ferry that runs directly from Valletta (Grand Harbour) to Gozo in about 45 minutes.
Public Buses (Tallinja): The bus network reaches almost every corner of the island.
How to Pay: You can tap your Contactless Bank Card (Visa/Mastercard) or phone on the reader when you board.
Tickets: A single journey is €2.00 (Winter) or €2.50 (Summer) and is valid for 2 hours, including transfers.
Explore Cards: If you plan to use the bus a lot, you can buy an Explore Card (7 days unlimited travel) or a 12-Journey Card at the Airport or major terminals (Valletta/Sliema).
Useful Apps
Tallinja App: Real-time bus tracking and journey planning.
Google Maps: Very accurate for bus routes and walking directions in Malta.
A Note on Driving
If you decide to rent a car, remember: We drive on the left (like the UK). Parking in Valletta and Sliema can be very difficult; we recommend using the "Park & Ride" sites or public transport for these areas.