Wondering how to get around Malta without renting a car? The good news is that you really don’t need one.

I spent 8 days travelling around Malta and mostly used a combination of public buses, Bolt, walking and ferries. Getting around was generally easy and, compared with many other European destinations, surprisingly affordable.

Malta is a relatively small island, so you can reach most of the main places without having your own car. The only downside is that some buses can take quite a while, especially when you’re heading towards more remote beaches.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting around Malta, including public transport, buses, Bolt, Uber, ferries and car rental.

If you’re still planning the rest of your trip, my Malta Travel Guide covers the best places to visit, where to stay, things to do, food, nightlife and more.

How to Get Around Malta

There are several ways to travel around Malta:

• Public buses with Tallinja
• Bolt
• Uber
• Ferries
• Rental cars
• Walking in some areas

For most travellers, a combination of buses and taxis is more than enough.

Tallinja Public Transport

Malta’s public bus system is called Tallinja and is the most budget-friendly way to get around the island.

A 12-journey card costs €19, with each journey including unlimited transfers within a 2-hour period.

If you’re only planning to use the bus occasionally, there’s no need to buy a travel card. You can simply tap your contactless bank card or phone when boarding. A standard daytime ticket costs €2.50 and is also valid for 2 hours, including transfers.

The bus network works well for popular destinations such as Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s, although reaching some beaches and more remote locations can take considerably longer.

I took the bus from Malta Airport to St Julian’s when I arrived and paid just €2.50. It was one of the cheapest airport transfers I’ve ever had, and the journey was much easier than I expected.

Overall, public transport in Malta is affordable and convenient, especially if you’re staying in one of the main tourist areas.

Where you stay can also make a big difference to how easy it is to get around, so I’ve compared the best areas to stay in Malta, including Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s and Gozo.

Is the Malta bus system reliable?

The buses are useful, but don’t expect everything to run exactly on schedule.

Traffic can be an issue, particularly during busy periods, and buses heading towards popular beaches can get crowded. I’d therefore avoid planning your entire day around a very tight bus schedule.

If you’re travelling somewhere where you absolutely need to arrive at a specific time, I’d give yourself some extra time or consider taking a Bolt instead.

Bolt in Malta

Bolt is by far the taxi app I used most during my trip.

I found it particularly useful when public transport was inconvenient or when several of us were travelling together.

Taxi prices in Malta are surprisingly affordable, especially when you share a ride with other travellers. Once you start meeting people at hostels, splitting a Bolt can actually make a taxi relatively cheap.

During my trip, I often found myself thinking: Why would we wait for the bus when we can just split a Bolt?

This was especially useful at night when I was travelling back to St Julian’s after going out.

I actually used Bolt quite a lot during my trip, especially after nights out, which you can read more about in my Malta Travel Diary.

Is Bolt expensive in Malta?

It depends on the distance and time, but I found Bolt reasonably priced compared with taxis in many other European destinations.

If you’re travelling with two or three other people, definitely check the price before automatically taking the bus. Sometimes the difference isn’t as big as you’d expect.

Uber in Malta

Uber also operates in Malta.

Since it entered the market more recently than some other taxi options, prices can occasionally be lower thanks to promotions.

My tip is simple: check both Bolt and Uber before booking.

You don’t have to commit to one app. Open both, compare the prices and choose whichever makes the most sense for your journey.

Ferries in Malta

Another really useful way to get around Malta is by ferry.

Ferries connect several important locations and are particularly useful around the harbour areas. You can travel between places such as Valletta and Sliema, and there are also ferry connections towards Gozo and Comino depending on the route and operator.

Ferries are not only practical but can also be a much nicer way to travel than sitting in traffic.

And honestly, you’re in Malta. If you can get somewhere by boat, why wouldn’t you?

For some routes, tickets can be surprisingly affordable, often costing only a few euros. A trip to Gozo, for example, doesn’t need to be an expensive excursion.

If you’re planning to visit Gozo or Comino, definitely look into the available ferry and boat options before booking an organised tour. Depending on what you want to do, travelling independently can be much cheaper.

Both islands are also worth adding to your Malta itinerary, and I’ve included them alongside my other favourite places in my guide to the best things to do in Malta.

Do You Need a Car in Malta?

No, you don’t need a car to travel around Malta.

I spent 8 days in Malta without renting one and never felt like I was completely stuck somewhere.

Between buses, Bolt, walking and ferries, I could get around the places I wanted to visit without having to worry about driving.

That said, renting a car can be useful if you want to explore more independently or visit lots of beaches and remote parts of the island.

Malta is small, so you don’t have huge distances to cover. Having a car gives you more flexibility, especially if you’re planning to visit several places in one day.

But there’s one thing I’d keep in mind:

Parking.

Having a rental car sounds great until you’re trying to find somewhere to leave it.

In busy areas such as Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s, parking can be more annoying than simply taking a Bolt or bus. You also have to deal with driving on the left-hand side of the road, which can take some getting used to if you’re from a country where you normally drive on the right.

So for me, a car wasn’t necessary.

Is renting a car in Malta worth it?

It really depends on your travel style.

A rental car can be worth considering if you:

• Want maximum flexibility
• Plan to visit lots of remote beaches
• Prefer not to depend on bus schedules
• Are travelling as a group and can split the cost
• Don’t mind driving and finding parking

You probably don’t need one if you:

• Are staying around Valletta, Sliema or St Julian’s
• Are travelling solo
• Are staying in hostels and meeting other travellers
• Don’t mind using public transport
• Are happy to use Bolt when buses are inconvenient

If you do want to rent a car, prices can actually be quite reasonable, so it’s definitely worth checking the options before your trip.

You can compare rental cars in Malta here and see whether renting one makes sense for your itinerary.

If you’re trying to decide how much of Malta you can realistically fit into your trip, I’ve also broken down how many days you need in Malta, from a quick 3-day trip to a more relaxed 10-day itinerary.

Getting Around Malta Without a Car: My Experience

For my trip, I didn’t feel like I was missing out by not having a car.

I used the bus when it made sense, Bolt when I wanted something quicker or more convenient, and ferries for getting around the islands and harbour areas.

The biggest advantage was simply not having to think about parking.

Because I was travelling solo and staying in a social hostel, I also ended up sharing taxis with people I met along the way. That made getting around even easier.

If you’re travelling Malta as a solo traveller or backpacker, I’d personally plan around public transport + Bolt, rather than automatically renting a car.

You can always rent one if you realise you want more freedom once you’re there.

How to Get Around Malta: My Quick Recommendations

Transport	Best for	Price
🚌 Bus	Budget travel & main tourist areas	From €2.50
🚕 Bolt	Quick & convenient trips	Varies
🚗 Uber	Comparing taxi prices	Varies
⛴️ Ferry	Valletta, Gozo & island connections	Usually a few euros
🚘 Rental car	Flexibility & remote areas	Varies
🚶 Walking	Exploring towns & nearby areas	Free

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Way to Get Around Malta?

For most travellers, you don’t need to rent a car in Malta.

The combination of Tallinja buses, Bolt and ferries makes it relatively easy to explore the island without driving.

Public transport is by far the cheapest option, while Bolt is great when you want to save time or are travelling with other people and can split the cost.

I’d only seriously consider renting a car if you’re planning a more independent road trip around Malta and want to reach lots of remote places.

For my 8-day trip, I was perfectly happy without one, and not having to search for parking was honestly a bonus.

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Planning Your Malta Trip?

Planning a trip to Malta can feel overwhelming, with so many places to explore, beaches to visit and things to organise.

That’s why I created my complete Malta Travel Guide, covering where to stay, how to get around, the best places to visit, food, nightlife, beaches and practical travel tips.

→ START HERE: Malta Travel Guide

Related Posts

• Malta Travel Guide: Best Places, Things to Do & Travel Tips
• Is Malta Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion After 8 Days
• Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas, Hotels & Hostels
• How Many Days in Malta Do You Need? My Ideal Itinerary
• Things to Do in Malta: Best Places, Beaches & Activities
• Where to Eat in Malta: Best Restaurants, Cafés & Local Food
• Is Malta Safe for Solo Female Travellers? My Honest Experience
• Malta vs Sicily: Which Should You Visit? My Honest Comparison

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Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Around Malta

What is the best way to get around Malta?

For most travellers, a combination of public buses, Bolt and ferries works well. You don’t necessarily need to rent a car, especially if you’re staying around Valletta, Sliema or St Julian’s.

Do you need a car in Malta?

No. You can explore Malta without a car using buses, taxis and ferries. A rental car is mainly useful if you want more flexibility or plan to visit remote areas.

How much does public transport cost in Malta?

A standard daytime bus ticket costs €2.50 and is valid for 2 hours, including transfers. A 12-journey card costs €19.

Is public transport good in Malta?

Public transport is affordable and connects most popular tourist destinations. However, buses can take longer than expected, particularly during busy periods and when travelling to more remote beaches.

Is Bolt available in Malta?

Yes. Bolt operates in Malta and is a convenient option when public transport isn’t practical. Prices can also be reasonable, particularly when you share a ride with other travellers.

Is Uber available in Malta?

Yes, Uber operates in Malta. It’s worth checking both Uber and Bolt before booking because prices can vary.

Can you get around Malta by ferry?

Yes. Ferries connect several parts of Malta, including routes around Valletta and connections towards Gozo. Ferries can be a convenient and scenic alternative to travelling by road.

Is it easy to get from Malta Airport to St Julian’s?

Yes. You can take public transport from Malta Airport to St Julian’s. I paid €2.50 when I travelled by bus.

Is it worth renting a car in Malta?

A rental car can be useful if you want maximum flexibility and plan to explore remote beaches and areas. However, you don’t need one for a typical Malta trip, and parking can be an inconvenience in busy areas.

Can you visit Gozo without a car?

Yes. You can reach Gozo by ferry and continue exploring the island using public transport, taxis or other local transport options. Renting a car is optional rather than essential.