Getting Around Malta: Complete Transport Guide for Digital Nomads

Here's a secret that will save you money and stress: you probably don't need a car in Malta. Despite what locals might tell you, the island is small enough that buses, ride-hailing, and the occasional ferry will get you everywhere you need to go. This guide covers all your transport options—from the surprisingly good bus system to the best apps for getting a ride—plus honest warnings about traffic and parking if you do decide to drive.

The Tallinja Bus System

Malta's bus network, operated by Malta Public Transport under the "Tallinja" brand, is the backbone of island transportation. It's affordable, covers virtually every village, and has improved dramatically in recent years.

How the Bus System Works

All routes radiate from the main bus terminus at Valletta. To get from one side of the island to the other, you'll often need to transit through Valletta or one of the secondary hubs. This can make some journeys longer than they'd be by car, but it's reliable and cheap.

Key Bus Stations:

• Valletta Bus Terminus — The central hub, almost all routes pass through
• Sliema Ferries — Major stop for the tourist belt
• St. Julian's — Multiple stops along the coast
• Bugibba — Northern Malta hub
• Victoria (Gozo) — Gozo's central station

Fares and Tickets

Getting a Tallinja Card

The Tallinja card is Malta's public transport smart card. You can get one several ways:

• Online: Order via tallinja.com, delivered by post (takes 1-2 weeks)
• In person: Visit the Valletta Bus Terminus information kiosk
• CVA outlets: Available at various shops around Malta

For the Card, You'll Need:

• ID document (passport or Maltese ID)
• Passport photo (for personalized card)
• €10 initial top-up

Tip: While waiting for your card, you can pay cash on the bus or buy single-use tickets from the driver. The app also allows mobile ticketing.

The Tallinja App

Download the official Tallinja app (iOS and Android). It's genuinely useful:

• Real-time bus tracking—see exactly when your bus is arriving
• Route planning with transfers
• Buy tickets directly in the app
• Check your card balance
• Service alerts and updates

Useful Routes for Digital Nomads

Bus Tips and Honest Assessment

The Good:

• Cheap—€26/month unlimited is fantastic value
• Covers everywhere—even tiny villages have bus stops
• Air-conditioned—crucial in summer
• Real-time tracking mostly works
• Drivers are generally helpful

The Frustrating:

• Rush hour delays—traffic affects buses too
• Some routes infrequent—check schedules for non-main routes
• Crowded in summer—standing room only on popular routes
• The Valletta transit hub can add 15-20 minutes to cross-island trips
• Sunday/holiday service reduced

Ride-Hailing: Bolt and eCabs

When buses won't cut it—late nights, heavy luggage, or just when you need to get somewhere fast—ride-hailing is your friend.

Bolt (Formerly Taxify)

Bolt is the dominant ride-hailing app in Malta. Download it before you arrive—it works the same as anywhere else in Europe.

Bolt Pricing (Typical):

• Base fare: €2.50
• Per kilometer: €0.90-1.20
• Minimum fare: €4.50
• Sliema to Valletta: €7-10
• Sliema to Airport: €15-20
• St. Julian's to Mdina: €18-25

Bolt Tips:

• Surge pricing happens during rain, rush hour, and weekend nights
• Request pickup from main roads—some side streets are tricky
• Drivers often call to confirm pickup spot (narrow streets cause confusion)
• Tipping is appreciated but not required
• Bolt Green (electric vehicles) available in some areas

eCabs

eCabs is Malta's homegrown alternative, operating a fleet of branded vehicles. They're slightly more expensive but often feel more "premium."

eCabs Features:

• App works similarly to Bolt/Uber
• Consistent vehicle quality
• Can book in advance (useful for airport runs)
• Prices slightly higher than Bolt, less surge variability
• Baby seats available on request

Traditional Taxis

White taxis still exist in Malta, with official ranks at the airport, Valletta, and major tourist spots. Prices are regulated but typically 20-30% higher than Bolt. Use them only if you don't have a smartphone or are at a taxi rank already.

Getting to Gozo: The Ferry

Gozo, Malta's quieter sister island, is just a 25-minute ferry ride away. The Gozo Channel ferry is the primary connection, running regularly throughout the day.

Ferry Details

Schedule:

• Frequency: Every 45 minutes (more frequent in summer)
• First ferry: Around 5:00 AM from both sides
• Last ferry: Around 11:00 PM (midnight on weekends)
• Journey time: 25 minutes crossing

Fares (Foot Passengers):

Note: You pay nothing when going TO Gozo—all fares are collected on the return journey at Mgarr Harbour. Just walk on!

How to Get to the Ferry

From Sliema/St. Julian's:

• Bus: Take routes 41 or 42 from Valletta to Cirkewwa (about 1 hour)
• Direct bus: Route 222 from Sliema Ferries to Cirkewwa
• Bolt: €30-40, about 40 minutes without traffic

From the Airport:

• Bus TD2: Direct to Cirkewwa (limited schedule, check times)
• Bolt: €35-45, about 35 minutes

Getting Around Gozo

Once you're on Gozo, you have options:

• Gozo buses: All routes start from Victoria (the capital). Same Tallinja card works!
• Bolt: Works on Gozo too, though fewer drivers
• Rent a scooter/car: Lots of rental places at Mgarr harbour
• Hop-on hop-off bus: Tourist option covering main sights

Bike and Scooter Rentals

Malta isn't the most bike-friendly place—hilly terrain, aggressive drivers, and summer heat make cycling challenging. But for the brave (or those sticking to flat coastal routes), options exist.

Nextbike Malta

Nextbike operates a bike-sharing scheme in Malta with stations around Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian's.

Pricing:

• Registration: Free
• First 30 minutes: €1
• Each additional 30 minutes: €1
• Daily cap: €10
• Monthly subscription: €15 for 45 min/day included

Pros:

• Good for short trips along the seafront
• Pick up and drop at different stations
• Cheaper than Bolt for quick journeys

Cons:

• Limited station network
• Heavy bikes, not great for hills
• Summer heat makes cycling sweaty
• Maltese drivers aren't bike-aware

E-Scooter Rentals

Electric scooter sharing has had a rocky history in Malta (operators come and go), but private e-scooter rentals are available if you want your own wheels.

• Daily rental: €15-25 from shops in Sliema/St. Julian's
• Monthly rental: €150-250 for personal e-scooter
• Rules: Technically allowed on roads (not sidewalks), helmet not required but recommended

Scooter and Motorcycle Rentals

For more serious two-wheeled transport, 50cc and 125cc scooters are popular with residents who want flexibility without car hassles.

Typical Rental Prices:

Requirements:

• 50cc: Car driving license (B category) sufficient
• 125cc+: Motorcycle license (A1 or A) required
• Deposit: Usually €200-500 or credit card hold
• Helmet: Required by law

Popular Rental Companies:

• Victoria Garage (Sliema)
• Percius Rent a Scooter
• Gozo Quad Hire (for Gozo)

Car Rental: If You Really Want One

Despite our advice, some situations warrant a car: exploring remote beaches, extensive Gozo trips, or if you live outside the main towns. Here's what you need to know.

Rental Prices

Book in advance: Summer prices are significantly higher and availability limited. Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead for peak season.

Reputable Rental Companies:

• International: Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Sixt
• Local (often cheaper): First Car Rental, Mayo Rent a Car, Aquarius Car Hire
• Aggregators: Discover Cars, RentalCars, AutoEurope

Driving in Malta: Honest Warnings

What to Expect:

• Left-hand driving: Malta drives on the left (British legacy)
• Narrow streets: Medieval town centers have impossibly tight roads
• Traffic jams: Rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM) is genuinely terrible
• Aggressive drivers: Tailgating, sudden lane changes, horn-happy
• Roundabouts: Everywhere, and locals have their own rules
• Road conditions: Variable—potholes common, signage inconsistent

Parking Nightmares

Finding parking in Malta's urban areas is genuinely one of the most frustrating experiences you can have. Here's the reality:

Parking Types:

• White lines: Free parking (rare in towns, often full)
• Blue lines: Paid parking—usually €0.50-1.00 per hour
• Green lines: Resident-only parking
• Yellow lines: No parking (enforced with tickets and towing)

Reality Check:

• In Sliema/St. Julian's, expect to circle for 15-30 minutes looking for parking
• Valletta is essentially car-free in the center—use the park-and-ride
• Double parking is common but illegal—you may get blocked in
• Many apartments have no parking included
• Garage rentals cost €100-200/month extra

Why You (Probably) Don't Need a Car

Let's do the math. If you live in Sliema, St. Julian's, or Valletta:

Monthly Transport Without a Car:

• Explore bus card: €26
• 8 Bolt rides (nights out, airport, etc.): €80
• 2 Gozo day trips: €10
• Occasional scooter rental: €25
• Total: ~€140/month

Monthly Cost With a Car:

• Rental or payment: €400-600
• Insurance: €50-100
• Fuel: €80-150
• Parking (if no garage): €100-200
• Maintenance/repairs: €30
• Total: €660-1,080/month

Plus the stress of parking, traffic, and potential accidents. For most digital nomads living in the main areas, going car-free is not just possible—it's actually better.

When a Car Makes Sense:

• You live in rural Malta or Gozo
• You're working on-site at various locations
• You have mobility issues
• You're traveling with heavy equipment regularly
• You really want to explore every beach and hidden spot

Transport Tips from Locals

• Avoid rush hour: 7:30-9:00 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM are gridlock, whether bus or car
• Walk when possible: Malta's walkable—Sliema to St. Julian's is 30 min on the promenade
• Download offline maps: Google Maps works great for walking routes and bus times
• Ferry to Valletta: The Sliema-Valletta ferry (€1.50, 10 min) is faster than the bus and scenic
• Night buses exist: Friday and Saturday nights, routes to main areas run late
• Summer ferries: Additional boat services pop up between Sliema, Valletta, and the Three Cities in summer

Quick Reference: Getting to Common Destinations

Malta may be small, but you can absolutely live here without a car. The combination of buses, Bolt, and ferries covers 95% of what you'll need. Save the car rental for that one weekend when you want to hit every beach on the north coast or explore Gozo's hidden corners. The rest of the time, sit back on the bus, enjoy the views, and let someone else deal with the traffic.