How to get around Malta

You’ve finally arrived in Malta – sunshine, limestone cliffs, and turquoise bays await! But before you set off exploring, it’s worth knowing how to get around this small island country. While distances are short, traffic in and around Valletta and Sliema can be pretty dense, especially during rush hours. The good news is that Malta’s public transport system is affordable and well-connected. Knowing how you will get around Malta is an essential part of planning a trip to Malta.

Whether you prefer the convenience of taxis and ride-hailing apps or the flexibility of a rental car, each option comes with its own perks. Your choice will shape not just how you move, but also how much of Malta’s charm you’ll uncover along the way – so let’s look at what works best for you.

Driving around Malta: my favourite option

Driving around Malta is my preferred option as a scuba diver. If you’re staying in Valletta or Sliema, there’s really no need to rent a car at first. Everything is walkable and the dive shops will pick you up wherever you stay.  However, once you’ve finished your city time and fancy exploring beyond, renting a car gives you the freedom to discover Malta at your own pace. The public transport system is reliable and inexpensive, but it does take time, especially if you’re planning to visit more remote spots.

You can rent a car at different locations on Malta and Gozo for daily prices around 30€. However, I’ve found the best car rental prices at the airport, which is only about a 20-minute drive from Valletta. The process is straightforward, though remember Malta drives on the left. The roads can be narrow and winding, but that’s part of the adventure. Also, please note that you must be at least 21 years old and under 70. Additionally, drivers under 25 may be subject to a surcharge. The Malta Tourism Authority strongly advises purchasing comprehensive insurance as well.

If you plan to visit Gozo, it’s best to drive north to Cirkewwa and take the slow ferry. Driving on Gozo itself is a joy – the pace is slower, the scenery more rural, and the people more relaxed. Prices for car rental there, however, are much higher than at the airport, so bringing your rental car from Malta is a smarter move. All in all, driving around Malta gives you a wonderful sense of independence and helps you carry your dive equipment from one place to another. You need to have a valid national or international driver’s license.

Public Transportation

Here are the different options of public transportation you can use while travelling across the Maltese Islands:

• Bus: Malta offers a well-connected public transportation system with reasonable fares. On Malta itself, you can reach almost every destination easily; you just need to plan more time than with a car. Gozo also offers a centralised bus terminal in Victoria connecting to every corner of the island, but you need to check the nearest bus stations. Sometimes they are too far away to walk to your destination (the path from Ta Pinu Basilica to “New Azure Window” is a 40-minute walk each way).
  • Note for the budget travellers, you can also reach Cirkewwa by bus. It takes 1h30 with line 41/42 from Valletta bus terminal (a 2€ ticket when bought directly on the bus, but you can also buy a7-day unlimited bus pass for 21€, which can also be used in Gozo). Malta Public Transport offers many different packages, including the fast ferry to Gozo. Have a look, it might be cheaper, and you could save a lot of time too.
• Ferry: Ferries operate daily between Malta and Gozo, with multiple departures throughout the day. The most convenient option is the fast ferry from Valletta, which travels to Mgarr in just 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can go all the way up north to the Cirkewwa ferry terminal and take the slow ferry (only 20 minutes, but you might not be able to hop on the first one due to summer traffic). It takes way more time, but it’s also much cheaper. Don’t be surprised if you go directly without paying anything; the fare is paid on the way back.

Hiring a driver

If you stay in Valletta and Sliema to do your dive trips from there, there is no need to rent a car. You can easily walk most of the time, and if the distance is longer, you can call a car on a ride-hailing app. But once you finish your time in the town, and you want to explore the island, then it’s time to rent a car. 

• Ride-hailing apps: When you stay in Valletta or Sliema, you might want to call a driver for a longer trip. Malta offers both Uber and Bolt, where, in my comparison, Bolt often offered better prices. Especially in city areas where parking spaces are usually limited, these apps are a valuable asset.
• Taxi: You will easily find them at the airport, where you can book them at a dedicated counter, where you prepay the ride based on the area you are heading to. It came in handy once when my phone was completely out of battery. If you don’t feel like downloading another app on your phone or worry about how to get data on your phone right after your arrival, you can also prebook here a transfer from the airport with a private driver.

Getting around Malta

There are three Maltese Islands, and you would be missing out by limiting yourself to only the main island of Malta. Since they’re so close to each other, you can easily visit them all in only 1 to 2 weeks by using a combination of ferries and boat day trips.

• To/From Gozo: You can choose between the fast ferry from Valletta harbour, which is by far the most convenient, or the slow ferry from Cirkewwa ferry terminal if you decide to rent a car, which will be best to explore the islands beyond the dive sites.

• To/From Comino: Comino is only accessible with day tours; there are no hotels on the island. For independent visits, you can take one of the boats departing from Sliema, St. Paul’s Bay, or Mgarr in Gozo. Keep in mind to do it on a weekday and avoid weekends at all costs. If possible, aim for the shoulder season (the best time would be June or September). Another option to avoid the crowds is to book a half-day guided kayak tour from Gozo.