While I wouldn’t call it perfect (see the issues further down), Malta’s bus system is not only a central part of daily life on the islands—it can also give you a fantastic vacation experience. You can explore the entire country relying solely on public buses.
Let’s take a look at what you need to know about getting around Malta by bus, and what to keep in mind when using the country’s only form of land-based public transportation.
A Well-Connected Network
The biggest advantage of Malta’s bus system is its wide-reaching, well-structured network. You can really get from anywhere to anywhere—usually with just one transfer.
The central hub of the system is the Valletta bus terminal. That’s not only convenient for getting to the capital from any part of the island, but it also serves as a great transfer point. Whether you’re coming from or going to another region, Valletta is the place to switch lines.
There’s a ferry connecting Malta and Gozo islands. Bus routes run to and from both ferry terminals, so you can also use the bus network for traveling between the islands.
The airport is connected to major destinations by five express routes. Honestly, there’s really no need to look for another form of transport.
For up-to-date info and trip planning, check out the Malta Public Transport website or download the “Tallinja” app (available on Google Play and the App Store).
Malta Bus Ticket Prices
Here are the four most recommended ticket options (check Malta Public Transport’s official site for current prices):
- Standard ticket (buy it on the bus): €2
- 4-day unlimited pass (valid across Malta): €19
- 7-day unlimited pass (valid across Malta): €25
- 12-ride card: €19
If you only need to make a few trips, go with the standard ticket or the 12-ride card. If you’ll be using the bus as your main form of transportation (which we definitely recommend—it gets you nearly everywhere), choose the pass that matches the length of your stay.
The pass is a credit card–sized paper card you tap on the reader next to the driver every time you board. If you’re using a single ride ticket, you can just tap your own bank card on the reader and the fare will be deducted automatically.
The best time to buy your travel pass is when you land—at the Malta Public Transport kiosk inside the airport. If you’re planning to visit Gozo, this is also where you can add the Gozo fast ferry option to your pass at the best price.
Comfortable and (Relatively) Fast
Malta’s buses are modern and comfortable. Most importantly, they’re all heavily air-conditioned. You won’t need to worry about the heat—though if you’re not used to constant A/C, it might even feel a bit too cold.
They’ll get you from place to place fairly quickly. Yes, they make plenty of stops, but since traffic is a big issue in Malta, even a car wouldn’t be that much faster most of the time.
What’s the Catch?
Malta is a laid-back Mediterranean country, just a few hundred kilometers from Africa. And while you’ll definitely feel that you’re in the European Union, don’t expect German-style punctuality.
The network is great. The buses are modern, clean, and air-conditioned. But there are a few things to be prepared for. Especially the last one—it’s one of our favorite personal stories from the island.
- Schedules are flexible. There is a schedule, but it’s more of a suggestion. Delays of 30 minutes are totally normal and happen all the time.
- Traffic is bad. Whether you’re driving or riding a bus, expect lots of traffic jams all over the island. That makes bus travel a bit unpredictable.
- Buses can be slow. Not because they’re inefficient, but because of the traffic. Unlike in northern EU countries, you won’t find many bus-only lanes or transit-priority routes in Malta.
My Favorite Story
Once, we were on our way to the stunning sandy beach of Golden Bay—on what’s normally a very pleasant direct route from Sliema.
Suddenly, in the middle of nowhere, the bus stops, pulls into someone’s backyard, and starts reversing. Meanwhile, the driver—a woman—starts loudly swearing to herself. After a few minutes of back-and-forth maneuvering, she turns onto a random side road, still muttering away.
“I didn’t sign up for this. I wasn’t prepared. I’m just covering for someone else. I don’t even know where we are or why we’re taking this route. And this bus isn’t even supposed to go this way…” And since English is one of Malta’s official languages, all of us tourists could understand every word loud and clear.
Let’s just say it set quite the mood among the passengers. Some people hit the stop button and got off at the first chance they had.
Big mistake. Because although the grumbling continued, the bus somehow navigated into a tiny village where we weren’t sure it would even fit. Then, on the road out, the entire line of oncoming cars—including other buses—had to back up to let us through. And yet, like magic, we finally reached Golden Bay, exactly where the route was supposed to end.
So yes, in Malta the bus will take you where you want to go. How and when you get there is another question entirely. But one thing’s for sure—you’ll have a story to tell by the time you arrive! 😄
Frequently Asked Questions About Buses in Malta
Yes—Malta’s bus network covers nearly every part of the islands, and you can get just about anywhere using public transport. That said, buses can run late due to traffic, so give yourself extra time.
A standard single ride ticket costs €2. For longer stays, unlimited travel passes are available: 4 days (€19), 7 days (€25), or a 12-ride card (€19).
Yes. You can tap your contactless bank card directly on the reader when boarding. For multiple rides, consider buying a travel pass.
Absolutely. The “Tallinja” app (by Malta Public Transport) helps you check routes, plan journeys, and monitor bus arrivals in real time. It’s free and available on both iOS and Android.
Yes—all buses are air-conditioned. In fact, many travelers find them surprisingly cold, so you might want to bring a light layer just in case.
Let’s just say: sometimes! Due to frequent traffic congestion, delays are common—especially in high season. Expect flexible timing and plan accordingly.
Yes. Most buses will accommodate luggage, though local routes don’t have dedicated luggage storage. For airport express routes, buses typically have a separate luggage compartment under the vehicle.
Most likely yes! The airport is served by both express and local routes connecting to all major tourist areas. Use the Tallinja app or check the Malta Public Transport site to confirm.
Yes—bus passes are valid on both Malta and Gozo. If you’re planning to visit Gozo, consider adding the fast ferry option to your travel pass when buying it at the airport.
Some routes operate late into the evening, but service is more limited at night. Check specific schedules ahead of time, especially if you’ll be out after 10 PM.