Getting around Malta: how to travel across the islands
Getting around Malta is easy, even without a car: you can explore the islands by bus, by ride-hailing app, by rental car, by sightseeing bus or by taxi. Each option has its own strengths depending on your budget, how independent you want to be and the distances you need to cover. Here are the five main ways to get around Malta, from the cheapest to the most comfortable, so you can choose the one that best suits your stay.
The bus, the cheapest way to get around Malta
The bus is the cheapest way to travel around Malta. It is also the only form of public transport on the islands: there is no metro and no tram. The Malta bus network reaches every corner of the island.
Since October 2022, buses have been free across the whole of Malta, but only for residents. For a long stay (two months or more), you need to apply for the personalised “Tallinja Card personalised”, with proof of a Maltese address; you can apply online or at one of the sales offices, and the card is delivered in around two weeks.
For a short stay, you can buy a standard ticket directly from the driver: €1.50 in the low season, €2 in summer and €3 for the night bus. Bring the right change, as drivers do not always have change for large notes; contactless payment is now accepted on board, however. Weekly Explore Card tickets are also available.
From Malta International Airport, the network lets you reach any town. The stops are just outside the terminal and tickets can be bought from the driver or in the airport hall.
Ride-hailing apps, the fastest way to get around
On the islands, four apps let you book a private hire car with a driver: Bolt, Uber, eCabs and Ryde. If you do not plan to use public transport, always go for a ride-hailing app rather than a taxi: the prices are lower and the comfort is better. The fare is set in advance by the app and charged automatically, with no nasty surprises when you arrive.
Bolt
The Estonian company Bolt is the most popular ride-hailing option in Malta and probably the most convenient way to get around quickly. Still little known in France or Belgium compared with Uber, here it is the app with the largest fleet of drivers, available day and night. The app locates the nearest cars and the fares are noticeably lower than a taxi: expect €15 to €20 for a transfer between Luqa airport and Sliema or St. Julian’s.
Uber
Uber has arrived in Malta and adds welcome competition against Bolt and eCabs. Its fleet of drivers is still well below that of its two rivals, however: it is therefore harder to get a car, especially at peak times or when flights land.
eCabs
Recognisable by its black vehicles, eCabs is the original ride-hailing company in Malta, now shaken up by the arrival of Bolt and Uber. It remains a safe bet: a handy app, responsive support, and a fleet that includes vehicles suitable for passengers with reduced mobility, cars that accept pets and even minivans, perfect for groups and families.
Ryde
The latest arrival, Ryde is a Maltese company with an all-electric fleet, featuring black London-style taxis that are wheelchair accessible. To compare the four apps in detail, see our dedicated page on ride-hailing apps in Malta.
Car hire, the most independent option
Hiring a car in Malta is probably the option that offers the most freedom to explore the islands. Be careful, though: driving is on the left (a British legacy), the traffic is heavy and the roads are not always in good condition.
Expect to pay between €70 and €150 a week as a rule. Many hire firms have a presence at the airport (Europcar, Goldcar, First, Avis, Firefly, Hertz, Sixt and more), grouped together under the Rental Car Desk sign. To find the best deals and extra hire cover, though, we recommend going through Rentalcars.
Sightseeing buses, travel and discovery combined
Malta’s sightseeing buses, easy to spot with their bright colour and open top deck, are a handy way to get around while discovering the island.
These double-deckers follow routes that take in Malta’s main tourist sights, with the option to hop on and off as you please within a set period. Commentary in several languages provides information on Malta’s history, culture and points of interest.
An ideal way to get a first feel for the island, especially if you are short on time.
Traditional white taxis, the last-resort option
Malta’s traditional taxis, recognisable by their white bodywork, mostly wait in busy areas: the airport, the Paceville district, Sliema Ferry, Buġibba square and around the big hotels.
Of all the ways to get around Malta, this is the least recommended: expensive and not always the most pleasant. White taxis do not always use a meter, so it is best to agree on the fare before getting in, or you risk a nasty surprise on arrival.
A last-resort option, best kept for cases where your hotel offers it free of charge.
In practice, the bus remains unbeatable for tight budgets, ride-hailing apps (with Bolt leading the way) for speed and comfort, and car hire for exploring the islands with complete independence. Sightseeing buses are ideal for a first look around, while white taxis are best kept for emergencies. To prepare for your arrival, see our guide to Malta International Airport.
