Local Transport

Buses — The Best Means of Transport

Malta's bus network (Malta Public Transport) is surprisingly good and covers the entire island. All lines start or end at the central bus station in front of the City Gate in Valletta. The buses are modern, air-conditioned, and — mostly — punctual. There is a separate network on Gozo (300 lines).

Ticket	Price	Validity
Single Ride (Winter, Oct–May)	1.50€	2 hours
Single Ride (Summer, Jun–Sep)	2.00€	2 hours
Night Bus	3.00€	1 ride
Explore Card (7 days)	21.00€	Unlimited rides
Explore Card (12 rides)	15.00€	12 single rides

The Explore Card is the clear recommendation for tourists: 21€ for 7 days of unlimited rides on Malta and Gozo. Available at machines at the bus station, at the airport, and online. The Tallinja app shows real-time arrival times.

Ferries

• Gozo Ferry: From Ċirkewwa (North Malta) to Mġarr (Gozo). Every 45 minutes, 25-minute crossing. 4.65€ round trip (payment only on the return). Pedestrians, cars, buses.
• Sliema–Valletta Ferry: Every 30 minutes, 10-minute crossing. 1.50€ per trip. More beautiful than the bus!
• Three Cities Ferry: From Valletta to Vittoriosa (Birgu). 2.80€ one-way. Spectacular 10-minute crossing.
• Comino Boats: From Ċirkewwa or Mġarr to the Blue Lagoon. 10–13€ round trip.

Rental Cars

A rental car offers maximum flexibility but comes with challenges in Malta: left-hand traffic (a British legacy), aggressive drivers, narrow roads, and chronic parking shortages in tourist areas. Still, it's worth it for the remote corners (south coast, northwest beaches). Prices: from 20€/day in the off-season, 35–50€/day in summer. Providers at the airport: Europcar, Hertz, Goldcar, and numerous local rental companies. Comprehensive insurance is mandatory — the roads leave their marks.