Getting Around Malta

Road Network, Traffic

In Malta, as in England, you drive on the left. Generally, the local road network, which consists of around 3,000 kilometres, is quite good on the main routes but much less so on secondary roads, where signage (in English) can also be very limited. While distances between towns are short, cities—starting with the capital—are only moderately suited to car traffic and especially parking. Regarding the highway code, the speed limit is 80 km/h on national roads and 50 km/h in urban areas.

Car, Camper Van

Rental

Malta has numerous local (often the most economical) and international car rental agencies. Expect to pay between 25 and 35 € per day at minimum for a standard model, with the near-obligation to book in advance during summer to secure the best deals. To rent, you generally need to be 21 or sometimes 25 years old (and under 70), hold a national licence if you're an EU member... and don’t forget you drive on the left. That said, renting a car isn’t essential for exploring the archipelago, especially if you also plan to stay on Malta and Gozo. At most, you might consider minimal rental to visit the most remote sites from your accommodation and use other transport, like buses, the rest of the time.

Personal Vehicle

There’s no point bringing your own vehicle if you’re only staying a few days.

Buses

The public bus service in Malta and Gozo is efficient and covers most tourist areas at a low cost. Since 2014, Malta Public Transport has managed the network, with buses running daily from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM. In total, there are 80 scheduled routes on Malta (including the airport) and 15 on Gozo, some of which are "express." All vehicles are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Several fare options are available at very affordable prices. The full fare for a two-hour ticket is 1 € on Gozo and 1.30 € on Malta, or 1.50 € for a day pass valid on either island (each has its own tickets, not usable on the other). In short, the bus is a great way to get around Malta.

Tourist Buses

In addition to the public bus network, Malta offers "hop-on hop-off" sightseeing buses (with optional stops) to explore the capital or, via four distinct routes, the entire island of Malta and/or Gozo. Malta Sightseeing and City Sightseeing are the two companies offering these services, with various options (including a 17 € route).

Two Wheels

Motorcycle

You can rent scooters, especially in seaside resorts, for around fifteen euros per day.

Bicycle

Since the island isn’t very large or hilly, renting a bike can be a good option for short trips or exploring around your accommodation.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking works quite well in the archipelago, with the added advantage that distances are short.

Boats

In addition to rides offered in dghajsa (traditional fishing boats):

Between Gozo and Malta

A regular passenger and car ferry service connects the islands of Malta and Gozo. It’s operated by Gozo Channel Company on the Mgarr-Cirkewwa route (northern Malta). The trip takes 30 minutes, with 20 to 30 daily crossings, 24/7, costing 5 € for foot passengers (or 16 € by car). Over 3 million passengers use this route each year.

To Comino

The tourist islet of Comino with its Blue Lagoon is also connected to Malta or Gozo by two companies. United Comino Ferries offers several daily crossings, especially in summer, between Cirkewwa and the Blue Lagoon for 10 € round trip and a 30-minute journey. The same service is provided by Ebsons Comino Ferries from Mgarr or Cirkewwa. Additionally, Comino’s only hotel runs seasonal shuttles, and you can also find small day trips to the island.

Valletta Bay

The capital has a small network of water taxis, as well as a regular shuttle service connecting its peninsula to the towns facing it on either side. Each short trip costs 1.50 € and offers a nice view of the city from the water.

Trains and Domestic Flights

There are no trains in Malta. As for domestic flights, the Malta-Gozo route, which existed for a few years, has been discontinued.

In Town

Taxis

Other Means

What to Choose for Getting Around?

Since the archipelago isn’t very large, with a fairly extensive and very affordable bus network, it’s best to prioritise buses for getting around. That said, car rentals aren’t too expensive either and can be a good option if you want more freedom of movement.

Distances Between Cities

Distances (km) between the main cities in the country:

Victoria*: on the island of Gozo.