Getting Around Malta

The small size of the Maltese Islands makes getting around Malta and Gozo easy, quick and hassle free. Malta offers a modern, relatively cheap and reliable public transport system of route buses, high quality taxi services, car rentals and other types of transport.

Public buses serve the major tourist areas and are therefore an efficient and inexpensive way of getting around Malta and Gozo. In Malta there is no underground system and although a railway system existed in the late 19th/ early 20th century, it is no longer in operation. The bus routes, operated by Transport Malta, operate between 5:30am and 11:00pm. A night service also operates on weekends and public holidays. More than 80 bus routes are in operation between most of the important destinations including Malta International Airport, Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal and the Valletta Cruise Port. Getting around Malta by public transport also allows visitors to capture and admire the beautiful surroundings of the island as they are driven through the typical villages or along the beautiful coastline.

Renting a car is also a very popular way of getting around Malta, especially with families. It enables visitors to get to the farther reaches of the island to uncover all of the secrets the island has to offer. The hidden, more secluded beaches may be reached this way, as may those off the beaten track attractions. All road signs in Malta and Gozo are in English and driving is on the left. Major international brands and local car hires are located in Malta and Gozo and international and national driving licenses are acceptable. Several hiring firms and local garages also offer the services of chauffeur-driven cars for those who prefer getting around Malta in a more relaxed manner.

Another option for getting around Malta and Gozo is by means of Hop On-Hop-Off buses. A number of different companies offer sightseeing tours on double-decker vehicles throughout a number of different routes throughout the islands.

Renting scooters, quad bikes, motorbikes or bicycles is also an option, however bicycle lanes on major roads are rather limited. Traffic can also be rather heavy in the centre of Malta. This, coupled with the intense heat in Summer, can provide cyclists with a rather tough challenge.

As in other places, getting around Malta by taxi is also an option. The white taxi service can pick passengers from anywhere, except bus-stops while it is also possible to pre-book a taxi from a number of local garages.