Getting Around in Malta
The transport system in Malta takes a little getting used to, but once you understand which is the best means to get you where you need to be, you’re all set.
Arriving at Malta International Airport
Malta’s airport is served by plenty of airlines, both low-cost and otherwise: Ryanair, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Malta’s own national airline, Air Malta.
The country is very well-connected to the airport, so you don’t need to worry once you land – you’ll find your way to any corner of Malta.
Just step out of the airport and you’ll see a couple of bus stops which are labelled with a number of routes. The X1, X2, X3 and X4 provide express service to and from the airport. The X1 takes passengers north, and also links the airport with the Gozo ferry service. The X2 proceeds to Sliema, St Julian’s and Gzira. The X3 passes through central Malta: Birkirkara, Lija, Attard, and Rabat, and then terminates in Bugibba. The X4 connects the airport to Valletta and also the south of Malta, terminating in Birzebbugia.
Other ways to get to your destination from the airport
Shuttle Bus – MaltaTransfer.com offers transportation via minivan between the airport and various locations. Return trips can be booked.
Taxi
Beware the white taxi – they don’t have a great reputation with locals due to several cases of overcharging. We recommend reputable cab companies such as eCabs or Taxify.
Uber & Lyft have not made their way to the Maltese Islands (yet). To be fair, the market only recently expanded beyond the monopoly of the white cabs.
Bus Transport
If you’re on a budget, buses are the best way to get around the islands. Malta has no underground transport system, and most Maltese drive their own cars, so traffic gets jam-packed at rush hours.
The bus system has become more reliable lately, however it does suffer from delays and missing buses. The public transport portal has a good journey planner that should make your transit straightforward.
Keep in mind that popular routes get very very busy in summer, so you may have to stand up for the duration of your ride. Persons travelling with wheelchairs or prams are always accommodated with low-floor buses and specialised seating areas. The Maltese will give up their seat for a person who needs it.
Ferry Transport
The ferry is the only public transport to Gozo. Journeys are very frequent (visit their website for exact departure times), and you can travel with a car or as a foot passenger. You can also take a bike or a dog on board with you.
There are also ferries linking Valletta with Sliema and the Three Cities. However, departure points are at different locations. To get to Sliema, find the ferry at Marsamxett. To arrive in Bormla, you should board at the bottom of the Barrakka lift.
Bike
Some people would say don’t bother with a bike in Malta. This is because the islands aren’t exactly bike-friendly, and the hilly topography makes bike transport quite a challenge. Despite this, biking around can be enjoyable, just make sure to wear a helmet and beware of motorists (who don’t always treat cyclists with respect).
You can rent a bike in Malta from a local bike rental, or find a NextBike.
Car
As I mentioned, Malta is a nation of car lovers. The Maltese are loathe to part with their four-wheeled friends. Just like Malta has its own language, we also have our own way of driving, which includes actions that others may consider “illegal”, and plenty of swearing.
Choose to rent a car if you are tight on time and can’t wait for buses. The islands are small and it’s easy to get around. Keep in mind that parking can be difficult.
Of course we’re convinced that the best place to stay in Malta is at TinyMalta Birkirkara. That’s because it’s right in the middle of the island. We’ve got a bus stop right outside that can take you directly to Valletta or the north of the island, and just a quick connection from everywhere else. If you prefer to rent a car, we have plenty of street parking all around. We also have a secure garage for storage in case you choose to rent a bike.