Getting Around Valletta. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation System

Malta Public Transport operates the bus network, the backbone of public transit for both islands. Valletta’s main bus terminal, located just outside City Gate, acts as the central hub for the entire island. From this terminal, routes reach nearly every town, village, and major attraction. The system covers popular tourist spots, beaches, and ferry terminals.

The Valletta bus terminal is the island's main transportation nexus. You find detailed route maps at the terminal, online on the Malta Public Transport website, and through the Tallinja app. Routes connect Valletta directly to major towns like Sliema, St. Julian's, Mdina, Mosta, and the Cirkewwa ferry terminal for trips to Gozo.

Ticketing & Fares

Cash Fares: €1.50 (winter) / €2.00 (summer) for a 2-hour ticket.
Tallinja Explore Card (Tourist): Unlimited travel for 7 days for €21 (best value for tourists).
Tallinja 12-Journey Card: €15 for 12 single journeys.
Tallinja Direct: Express routes ('TD' prefix), slightly higher cash fare, included in Explore Card.

Operating Hours

Buses operate from early morning (5:30 AM) until late evening (11:00 PM). Frequency varies by route.

Accessibility

Newer buses are low-floor with ramps for wheelchair access. Some stops/pavements may be less accessible.

Use the App

Download the official Tallinja App for real-time tracking and route planning on your Smartphone.

Efficient Navigation Tips

Bus Travel Advice

Purchase an Explore Card for extended stays.
Allow extra time, especially during peak hours, as buses may run late.
Tap your Tallinja card or ticket on the validator upon boarding.

Boarding & Identification

At some stops, you may need to wave to signal the driver.
The Valletta bus terminal has clear signs for routes and destinations.
Ask a bus attendant for direction if unsure.

Daily Travel Costs

Single Bus Ride Winter

€1.50

Single Bus Ride Summer

€2.00

Daily Bus Pass

€6.00

-Day Explore Card

€21.00

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

For directness and convenience, especially during off-peak hours or for specific destinations, taxis and ride-sharing services are good alternatives.

Taxi Services

White Taxis: Official licensed taxis, found at stands or hailed (less common in Valletta).
Fares are typically metered; confirm estimated cost or fixed rate for longer journeys.
Cash often preferred, but more white taxis now accept credit cards.
Black/Grey Taxis: Private hire through apps or phone calls. Cannot be hailed on street.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Bolt (formerly Taxify): Widely used and popular across Malta.
ECabs: Local Maltese company with an user-friendly app and large fleet.
Apps provide pre-calculated fares, often slightly cheaper than white taxis.
Payment occurs directly through the app using a linked credit card.

Safety Considerations

Licensed White Taxis: Generally safe and regulated.
Ensure the meter is running or agree on fixed price before starting.
Ride-sharing Apps: Tracking and driver info within the app.

Verify car model, license plate, and driver's photo match the app.
Malta International Airport: Pre-paid taxi booth exists for white taxis.
Valletta Bus Terminal: Designated white taxi stand nearby.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Minimum age 21-25. Valid national driving license, IDP recommended for non-EU/EEA. Credit card for deposit. Book in advance at DiscoverCars.com.

Motorcycles & Scooters

Available from rental shops. Similar requirements to cars. Helmets are mandatory. Scooters offer nimble navigation.

Bicycles & Specialty

Limited bicycle infrastructure in Valletta. Rentals available for rural/coastal areas, especially Gozo. Quad bikes are popular for Gozo's rugged parts.

Walking & Cycling

Valletta's compact nature makes walking the preferred method of exploration within its historic walls.

Pedestrian Navigation

Valletta is exceptionally pedestrian-friendly within its fortifications.
Republic Street and Merchant Street are largely pedestrianized.
City's grid layout simplifies navigation, despite steep side streets.
Bastions and gardens offer pleasant walking routes with panoramic views.

Cycling & Safety

Bicycle infrastructure within Valletta is limited and not well-developed.
Steep hills and heavy traffic make city cycling challenging and less safe.
Cycling is better suited for coastal paths or rural roads outside urban areas, especially on Gozo.
No "no-go" areas for pedestrians/cyclists in Valletta, but caution on main roads.

Walking Tour Options

Guided Tours

Numerous guided walking tours focus on history, architecture, or culinary traditions.

Offers unique insights.

Self-Guided Tours

Easy to manage with a good map or navigation app. Explore at your own pace.

Flexible and personal.

Maps & Resources

Many free maps with suggested walking routes are available from tourist information centers.

Readily available support.

Specialized Transportation

Tour & Water Options

Hop-on-hop-off bus tours cover major attractions with audio commentary.
Valletta-Sliema Ferry: regular passenger service across Marsamxett Harbour.
Valletta-Three Cities Ferry: regular service across Grand Harbour.

Unique Local Transport

Dgħajsa: traditional Maltese water taxis offer charming Grand Harbour crossings.
Barrakka Lift: modern lift connecting Grand Harbour to Upper Barrakka Gardens (€1 ride, free with Three Cities ferry ticket).
Accessibility Services: Newer public buses offer wheelchair access, but Valletta's historic nature has challenges.

Transportation Comparison Table Approximate Costs

Mode of Transport	Typical Use Case	Est. Cost (Valletta-Airport/City)
Public Bus	Island-wide travel, budget exploration	€2 (single) / €6 (day) / €21 (7-day pass)
White Taxi	Direct, convenient, late-night travel	€15-€20 (Airport-Valletta) / €8-€15 (short city ride)
Ride-Sharing (Bolt/eCabs)	Direct, convenient, app-based	€13-€18 (Airport-Valletta) / €6-€12 (short city ride)

Additional Costs

Car Rental: €25-€60 per day + fuel
Ferry (Water Taxi): €1.50-€2.80 (single/return)
Barrakka Lift: €1 (single ride)

Touring Options

Hop-on-Hop-off Bus: €20-€25 (1-day pass)
Car rental offers great flexibility for island exploration.
Walking is the ideal way to explore within Valletta.

Final Tip for Getting Around

Valletta is best explored on foot due to its compact size and pedestrianized areas. Public transport is comprehensive for island-wide travel.

Consider a mix of walking, public buses, and occasional ride-sharing for the most efficient exploration.

Getting Around Valletta