Malta has an excellent and extremely good value bus system, with public buses travelling to all the villages as well as the main attractions. Tickets can be bought on board and are far cheaper than buses in the UK. A number of buses run along the coast, connecting Valletta, Sliema and St. Julian’s, then St. Paul’s Bay and Mellieha. There’s a central bus station just outside Valletta from where you can go almost anywhere on the island - your hotel reception can assist you in planning a route. It’s best to avoid the afternoon rush hour traffic (5 – 7pm) around Sliema and Valletta.
There is now a hop-on hop-off bus service which loops around the main attractions of Malta island. This is a private service and costs significantly more than the public buses, but is more convenient. You can also travel to many places on the coast by public ferries, including the beautiful journey into Valletta: it’s a harbour cruise and a means of travel rolled into one. Ferries to Gozo and Comino leave from Cirkewwa in the far north of Malta. Buses also connect different destinations on the island of Gozo as well.
Many visitors rent a vehicle in Malta. It’s relatively affordable and the best way to explore the countryside, particularly Southern and Central Malta. Like the UK, traffic drives on the left. Rural roads are blissfully quiet and you can stumble across your own little gems, like tiny farming villages and deserted beaches. Note that traffic around the St. Julian’s, Sliema and Valletta areas can be very busy and it can be hard to get a parking space. Gozo is also a good place to rent a vehicle and you’ll hardly ever see another car, never mind looking for a parking space!
Official taxis are white in colour and you can hail them down on the street. Although prices are officially set, taxis are an expensive way to get around, especially when the drivers ignore the meter during peak season. Some taxis offer tours of the island, however hotels and tour companies can also take you around the main attractions: you’ll always have a choice of operators for a tour.
