There are many different way to travel around Malta and Gozo. Here are the top 5 common and most used means of transport:

1. Public bus service   

In 2011, the bus service network was reformed. The iconic yellow buses, which were a trademark of Malta, were replaced by more modern, air-conditioned, power-steered buses. There are currently about 380 buses which make up one of the youngest bus fleets in Europe.

The bus service runs daily between  05:30 and 23:00. There is also a late night service on Fridays, Saturdays and on public holidays and feast days.

Do make sure to plan your journey ahead as there are often delays and some bus routes are quite long so trips might take longer than imagined.

You can choose from different bus cards and tickets to best suit your needs.

• Standard tickets – single journey tickets to be used within two hours and which are purchased from the bus driver directly. Ticket rates: Winter – €1.50, Summer – €2.00, Night service – €3.00
• Personalised tallinja cards – register for this card and receive reduce fares and the possibility of topping-up you card with extra credit as needed. Card rates: from €21-26 for one month (1 journey costs €0.75)
• 7-Day Explore cards – unlimited travel for you to hop on or off at any time during day or night services. This card is purchased from the Sales and Information Offices. Card rate: €21
• 12 Single Day Journey cards – to be used as 12 single day service tickets or 6 single night service tickets or a combination of both. This card has an expiry of 12 months from first use. Card rate: €15

(For more information, visit – https://www.publictransport.com.mt/)

2. Rent a car/scooter/bicycle

Renting a car has it’s pros as well as cons. To rent a car you must be +18 years old and in possession of a valid driving licence. Keep in mind that driving is on the left side in Malta – which often confuses foreigners so be careful! Road signage and markings are all in English so they are easy to follow. Daily rates: €15-28.

• The negative side – Take care as the drivers in Malta are notorious for their hot-headedness and general obliviousness to road rules. Other problems you may face are traffic during rush hour, lack of parking spaces in busy areas, narrow roads with blind corners.
• The positive side – Having your own car is comfortable especially if you enjoy your freedom of movement and are interested in exploring the quieter areas of the island. You also have the convenience of planning and calculating the time needed for your journey.

Renting a scooter or bicycle is also an option. Do be careful though as bicycle lanes are not always available and using a scooter or bicycle on the Maltese roads is not the safest. To rent a scooter, you must be +21 years old and in possession of a valid driving licence. Daily rates for scooters: €20-35. Daily rates for bicycles: €8-16

3. Taxi service

Taxis can either be found at stands in major touristic areas or through private companies. Such touristic areas include – outside the airport, outside the Gozo ferry and cruise liner terminals, at large bus stations, around popular hotels and resorts, at City Gate in Valletta and around Sliema and St Julian’s areas.

The private taxi companies can be booked either online or by phone and have a variety of different vehicles from person cars to mini-vans.

Prices:

• White taxis – these are found at stands around Malta and form part of the official Malta taxi service. Rates are calculated by destination. Always ask for a quotation before accepting the taxi ride to avoid being overcharged!
• Private taxis – again, the rates vary depending on the distance to destination. However, a standard journey would cost about €20.

4. Ferry / water taxi service

Water taxis – these are fast and operate between major cities such as Sliema to Valletta and Valletta to the Three Cities. The trips take between 10-15minutes.

• Sliema-Valletta-Sliema ferries run from 07:00-19:15 in winter and 07:00-00:45 in summer. Day ticket rates: €1.50 single or €2.80 return. Night ticket rates (from 19:30): €1.75 single or €3.30 return.
• Valletta-Three Cities-Valletta run from 06:30- 19:15 in winter and 06:30-00:00 in summer. Day ticket rates: €1.50 single or €2.80 return. Night ticket rates (from 19:45): €1.75 single or €3.30 return.

(For more information, visit – http://www.vallettaferryservices.com/index.html)

5. Hop on Hop off buses

These are popular in Malta and offer sightseeing tours on large colour coded double-decker buses. There are 3 buses – south tour, north tour and Gozo. Ticket rates: €20 per route.

(For more information, visit – http://www.citysightseeing.com.mt/en/home.htm or http://www.maltasightseeing.com/bus-tours/gozo-hop-on-hop-off)