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How to Get Around Valletta: Malta Transportation Guide

How to Get Around Valletta: Malta Transportation Guide

Malta is an idyllic, small island and a must-see stopover for any traveler making their way across Europe. Because the country is so small, you can easily adventure across cities and discover the charming streets and picturesque beaches. Valletta is the country’s capital and most likely, one of the destinations on your list if you’re heading to Malta. In order to make your trip the most efficient, we’ve put together this Malta transportation guide with instructions, tips and tricks, and suggestions for how to get around Valletta. Organize your Valletta itinerary and make the most of your time with our list of the best ways to get around the city.

 

How to get from Malta International Airport to Valletta

There is only one airport in Malta, appropriately named the Malta International Airport (or Valletta Airport). The airport is a short 20-minute drive to the city center, or about 35 minutes by public transportation. Luckily, Malta is a small island so getting around the city isn’t too difficult and making your way from Malta International to Valletta isn’t too strenuous a trek! If you’re visiting Valletta, you’ve got two main ways to get yourself downtown.

By bus

The least expensive way to travel from Malta Airport to Valletta is by bus. There are four express bus routes that can bring you to the airport: X1, X2, X3, X4. Each line has different operation hours, so it’s recommended you check the timetables on the official site when planning your trip. However, the majority of the routes start service around 5:30 a.m. and run to about 8:00 p.m. Many travelers opt to take the X4 route which you can grab from the airport arrivals and runs from 5:56 a.m. to 10:55 p.m., every 20 – 30 minutes. You can check what bus route works best for your trip on the airport’s official site. Download a map of each bus route here.

 

Single fare (winter):  €1.50

Single fare (summer):  €2.00

Single fare (night service):  €3.00

 

By taxi

The easiest way, though it’s also the priciest way, to make your way from Malta International Airport to Valletta is by taxi or private transfer. Taxis are available from the airport 24 hours a day. Look out for the white taxis and you can purchase tickets for a flat-rate fee from the airport. The fee will depend on your final destination, for more details on pricing you can check the official airport site.

 

Transportation Guide: How to get around Valletta

 

Option 1: By foot

How to Get Around Valletta: Malta Transportation Guide

Valletta is a small city, so walking to explore the city is a popular (and thrifty!) option for getting around. Of course, to avoid getting lost, a map of the city (or the ever-handy Google Maps) is a necessity.

However, when you’re attempting to make your way about the city to multiple sightseeing points, it can get pretty tiring. Adding to that is the fact that Valletta can be pretty hilly. So, in a pinch, or if you’re on a tight itinerary, taking the public bus around the city is your best bet.

 

Option 2: By bus

Malta is pretty well connected by bus, so traveling around Valletta by public transit shouldn’t be an issue. There are 80 different bus routes across Malta, keep in mind that express routes will have an ‘X’ in the number. While Google Maps will be able to help you out when figuring which bus to catch, and from where, you can also use the official site’s trip planner.

Bus service runs between 5:30 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and there is a night service also runs on Fridays, Saturday nights and public holidays. Download a route map here.

 

If paying in cash, fares are as follows:

Single fare (winter):  €1.50

Single fare (summer):  €2.00

Single fare (night service):  €3.00

You can pay in cash upon boarding the bus.

 

However, there are other card or pass alternatives that offer discounts or more accommodating packages for those journeying around the island. These cards are more geared towards travelers.

 

ExplorePlus Card

Seven days of unlimited travel on public transport; two trips on the Valletta ferry; and a full-day tour on the hop-on, hop-off buses visiting Malta’s landmarks, or a round trip to Comino by boat

 

7-Day Explore Card

Valid for seven days of unlimited travel starting from the first day and time that the card is used on the bus. There is a card option for adults and one for children

 

12 Single Day Journey Card

This card provides a user with 12 single journeys to be used by any individual. You can use the card for night and day services

 

For more info or other card options, check out the official site.

 

Option 3: By Tallinja Bike

Looking to score some extra steps on your Fitbit and see the Valletta sights? Try biking your way around the city. With Valletta’s hills, you’ll definitely feel it in your legs but it’s an inexpensive and easy way to sightsee. Valletta has a bike sharing system that operates within the city called Tallinja Bike.

Tallinja Bike docking stations are conveniently found throughout the town. Bonus- if you’re getting a little worn out, choose the electric mode and go easy on the pedaling. You’ll need to sign up to use the bike system (for which you will need a credit card), but rentals start at just €3. Get more details on the official site.

 

Pro-Tip:

Driving around Malta isn’t recommended for those visiting. Traffic, along with confusing parking laws and poor signage might be more hassle than it’s worth.

 

Option 4: By ferry

Valletta is serviced by ferries that run to and from Sliema and Three Cities. You can download a timetable of the ferry here from the official site. Fares for the ferry are as follows:

 

Adult Day (Single): €1.50

Adult Day (Return): €2.80

Adult Night (Single): €1.75

Adult Night (Return): €3.30

 

Option 5: Tours

How to Get Around Valletta: Malta Transportation Guide

For travelers who don’t want to, or aren’t able to rent a car (and let’s be honest- driving yourself around a new country can be a pain), or, if you’re a little directionally challenged (let’s be honest, who amongst us isn’t?), tours can be a great alternative. Your entire day is set and planned out so all you have to do is relax while your driver and guide bring you to your destination. Here are two Valletta tours that we suggest booking for your vacation in Malta:

 

Gozo Day Tour from Malta: Ggantija Temples, Azure Window & Citadella: Go on sightseeing tour of idyllic Gozo Island. Learn the history of UNESCO-listed Ggantija Temples and the fortified Citadella from your expert guide.

 

Malta Shore Excursion: Malta in One Day Private Sightseeing Tour: Embark on a walking tour of Valletta with a guide.

 

With accessible public transportation and a variety of options, embarking on a journey across Malta isn’t difficult to figure out. Be sure to have your Maps app handy, grab an Explore card and venture out for a day of sightseeing around Valletta. Then, be sure to take a ferry to one of the nearby cities for a day trip! Discover the charm of Valletta and Malta with help from our transportation guide.

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