Malta Transport Map & Routes Guide 2026

Understanding Malta's Transport Network

Malta is a small island — 27 km long, 15 km wide — but getting around it without your own vehicle requires some planning. There are no trains, no trams, and no metro. The entire public transport network runs on buses operated by Malta Public Transport, which runs a hub-and-spoke system centred almost entirely on the Valletta bus terminus. This means most journeys involve going into Valletta and out again, even if your two destinations are relatively close to each other.

The upside: the bus network is extensive, modern (low-floor Otokar and King Long fleet), air-conditioned, and affordable. For most tourist itineraries, a combination of buses, the Gozo ferry, and a ride-hailing app will cover everything you need.

For a deeper look at using buses specifically, our dedicated Malta bus guide covers timetables, route planning, and practical tips in more detail. If you want to understand getting around the island more broadly, see our getting around Malta guide.

Fares and Tickets in 2026

Malta Public Transport operates a seasonal fare structure. The summer period runs from 14 June to 18 October 2026.

Contactless bank cards and smartphones (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are accepted on all buses. Cash is also accepted but drivers carry limited change, so bring coins if paying in cash. Tallinja Direct express routes cost €3.00 per journey and are not covered by the Explore Card.

The 7-Day Explore Card is the best option for most visitors staying a week or more. Buy it at the Valletta terminus or online at publictransport.com.mt. The Tallinja app (available on iOS and Android) provides real-time route planning and trip countdown — download it before you arrive.

Malta Bus Routes Map: Key Routes for Visitors

The following table covers the routes most useful to visitors. Almost all originate or terminate at Valletta Bus Terminus. For a full interactive map, visit publictransport.com.mt.

Route	Corridor	Journey Time	Frequency
X1	Valletta ↔ Malta Airport (express)	~30 min	Every 20 min
13	Valletta ↔ St Julian's / Paceville	~25 min	Every 10 min
12	Valletta ↔ Sliema	~20 min	Every 5–10 min
51 / 52 / 53	Valletta ↔ Mdina / Rabat	35–45 min	Every 15–20 min
56 / 58	Valletta ↔ Ta' Qali (craft village / football stadium)	~40 min	Every 30 min
81 / 85	Valletta ↔ Marsaxlokk (Sunday fish market)	~50 min	Every 30 min
41 / 42 / 221	Valletta ↔ Ċirkewwa (Gozo ferry terminal)	~60 min	Every 30 min
44 / 45	Valletta ↔ Mellieha / Golden Bay	~55 min	Every 30 min
52 / 201	Valletta ↔ Dingli Cliffs	~50 min	Every 30–45 min
N routes	Night buses (St Julian's hub, main routes)	Varies	Fri & Sat only

The Gozo Ferry: Getting to Malta's Sister Island

Gozo is a separate island accessible by ferry from the north of Malta. The crossing is operated by Gozo Channel and is one of the most pleasant short sea crossings in the Mediterranean.

• From Malta: Take bus routes 41, 42, or 221 from Valletta to Ċirkewwa (approximately 1 hour)
• The crossing: Ċirkewwa to Mġarr Harbour, Gozo — 25 minutes
• Frequency: Roughly every 45 minutes throughout the day and evening
• Foot passenger return: Approximately €4.65 (payment on board or at terminal)
• With a vehicle: Car ferry available; booking recommended in summer peak season

For full details on the ferry timetable and prices, see our Gozo ferry guide. Virtu Ferries also operates a high-speed catamaran service from Valletta Waterfront to Mġarr, Gozo — faster but more expensive.

Water Taxis and Harbour Ferries

One of the most scenic ways to get around the harbour area is by water taxi. These small passenger ferries are cheap, frequent, and genuinely memorable. Key crossings:

• Valletta Waterfront ↔ Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Bormla) — a beautiful 5-minute crossing across Grand Harbour. Approximately €1.50 per person one way.
• Valletta ↔ Sliema — 10 minutes across Marsamxett Harbour, an excellent alternative to the bus. Approximately €1.50 one way.

For more detail on schedules and routes, see our Malta water taxi guide. These short crossings are particularly rewarding at golden hour and are a highlight of any visit to the harbour area.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps

Official white taxis operate from ranks at the airport, Valletta, and major hotels. Fares are metered and regulated — airport to Valletta costs approximately €17–20. Drivers are licensed and vehicles are clean and reliable.

For most journeys outside the airport, Bolt and eCabs are cheaper alternatives available 24 hours a day. Both operate across the whole island. Download the apps before travelling — coverage is reliable in all main tourist areas. Our dedicated Malta taxi guide covers pricing and which app to use for different journey types.

Note: rental e-scooters were banned in Malta from March 2024 and are no longer available.

Renting a Car in Malta

Car hire is widely available and competitively priced. Key things to know before driving:

• Drive on the left — a legacy of British colonial rule, and initially counterintuitive for continental European visitors
• Roads are generally narrow, signage can be sparse, and other drivers tend to be assertive
• Rush-hour congestion is significant around Valletta, Sliema, and St Julian's — avoid driving through these areas between 7–9 am and 4–7 pm
• Parking in Valletta is extremely limited; most visitors park outside and take a bus or walk in
• A car is most useful for accessing Gozo, northern beaches (Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha), and the south (Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotto)

For full airport arrival and onward transport details, see our Malta airport guide.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Two hop-on hop-off bus services operate routes covering the main tourist sights: one for Malta (covering Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, Marsaxlokk) and one for Gozo. Prices are significantly higher than regular public transport (approximately €20–25 per person per day), but the service includes commentary and is a practical orientation tool for first-time visitors who want an overview before exploring independently.