How to Travel Around Malta by Bus

Although only 122 square miles, the Mediterranean island of Malta presents a plethora of historic sites, thriving towns and lush landscapes to soak in. Rather than renting a car to brave the barely-there roads and the notoriously neurotic drivers, visitors to Malta can access some of the island’s best sites using the surprisingly efficient bus system, comprised of more than 2,000 stops.

Upon arrival at Malta’s only airport, visit the bus network’s small store front in the arrivals hall where you can peruse and purchase tickets. For just €21, you can purchase a seven-day pass for unlimited rides. The card also includes transit on the island of Gozo, Malta’s smaller sister island. Other pass options include a 12-single journeys card for €15, which can be used for up to one year and can be shared by multiple family members, and the ExplorePlus card for €39, which allows for unlimited bus travel for seven days plus direct bus service from the airport, service to select beaches and two trips on the Valletta ferry. Holders of the ExplorePlus card also can enjoy a full day on the island’s hop-on, hop-off tour bus or a boat trip to the islands of Gozo and Comino, including free drinks.

Malta buses operate every day 5:30 a.m.–11 p.m., and consulting the timetables online is strongly recommended as some smaller towns only receive buses once per hour. On Fridays and Saturdays, the buses run a night service. Service includes routes to some of the island’s most popular attractions, like the capital city of Valletta, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, St. Julian’s Bay, the old town of Rabat and the ancient temples of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim.

For those not interested in purchasing a bus pass, single ride tickets can be purchased on the bus in cash only. Single rides are €1.50 in the winter, €2 in the summer and €3 for night service.