Buses in Malta: A Local’s Guide to Public Transport

Malta Public Transport Buses: An Overview

Malta Public Transport is the government association responsible for the public transportation system.

Currently, the bus network has over 120+ routes and almost 2000 stops around the Maltese Islands. Over the last few years, the company has worked towards updating the bus fleet by modernising it and making it more environmentally friendly.

This brings me to the question: Is the public transport service efficient for passengers travelling around the Maltese Islands? For the most part, it is, but just like everything else, there are pros and cons to take into consideration.

With this in mind, here’s some important information that will come in handy when navigating the bus network.

Public Transport Malta: Navigating the Bus Service

Malta Bus Routes

With over 100 bus routes operating in locations in Malta. Most buses pass through and terminate at the Valletta bus terminus, making it easy to get to many towns and villages around Malta.

Here’s a closer look at the bus routes available:

• Route buses 71, 72, 73, 88, 117, 119, 135, 201, 205, 208, 214, 218, X1A, TD1, TD2, TD3 and TD4: Airport Routes
• Route buses 1 – 99: Depart and terminate at the Valletta bus station.
• Route buses 100s, 200s, 401 and 402: These don’t pass through Valletta, with the exception of a few. (See next point)
• Route buses 130, 133 & 122: Run from Valletta to Mater Dei.
• Route X300 & 300 (Malta): Valletta Ferry Routes.
• Route buses Talinja Direct (TD): These provide a quicker link between prime localities in Malta.
• Route N (and number) buses: Night routes cover popular locations like St. Julian’s.
• Route buses 300s: Gozo buses

Bus Ticket Prices

• • Single Ticket: The daytime fares for a single ticket are as follows: €2.00 (winter) and €2.50 (summer). Meanwhile, Night Routes (N), Special Services (S)and Tallinja Direct Routes cost €3. A single journey is valid for up to 2 hours. (Tip: Offer exact or small change to the bus driver on all buses. Otherwise, you can pay contactless with a VISA debit or credit card.)

• Multi-Day Tickets: If you are staying in Malta for a week or longer and are planning to use the bus often, the following Tallinja bus cards can help you save money. They are especially ideal for foreign students and employees living in Malta.
  • 12 single-day journeys: A cost-effective way to avail 12 bus trips for €19. You can share this with your travel card, until the maximum of its validity.
  • Explore 7-Day Pass: Costing €25 (Adults) & €7 (Children), this pass allows unlimited bus travel for seven consecutive days. It can be used around Malta and Gozo.
  • Explore Flex Travel Card: This card allows passengers to benefit from several bus and sightseeing options. You can opt for the 4-day bus package at €19 or the 7-day bus package at €25. Although you would need to top up your card further to include the sightseeing options, you can still benefit from reduced rates on Gozo Highspeed and others.
  • Personalised Tallinja Bus Card: Local passengers can register for a Personalised Tallinja to benefit from free travel on Day Routes, Night Routes and Special Services. (TD routes are not free). Tourists also benefit from free travel. However, you need to apply for it before your stay since you won’t be able to get it once you arrive. You will also need to pay the application and postage fees.

Where to buy bus tickets and cards

Passengers can purchase single bus tickets from on board using the exact change or a contactless card.

Meanwhile, multi-day card tickets can only be purchased from ticket booths or card dispensing machines available at the following info points and terminals:

• The Malta International Airport (Arrivals Lounge)
• Victoria Bus Terminal in Gozo
• Valletta Bus Terminal in Malta

More ticket info here.

Tip: Download the Malta Public Transport app to access full bus timetables and timings (available on both the App Store & Google Play Store). You can also access handy tools such as the online Journey Planner.

Alternatives Transport Options: Day Tours, Taxis & Car Hire

• Hiring a Car: Rented vehicles give you the flexibility and convenience to enjoy your holiday at your own pace. However, keep in mind that traffic and parking can be an issue in some prime spots.
• Taxi: Uber or Bolt are your best bet if you need to use a taxi. Download the app, create an account, and choose your desired vehicle.
• Ferries: Alongside buses, you can use ferry services. For example, you can use the Gozo ferry to visit the beautiful sister island and the Valletta ferry to visit the Three Cities while enjoying picturesque views of the Grand Harbour.
• Yippee Day Tours: Interested in visiting Gozo? This is the #1 Gozo operator for exciting tours with a difference, great for families, groups, couples and solo travellers. Choose from a range of quad bike tours, tuk-tuk tours, boat tours, jeep tours, and buggy tours. In short, you’re spoiled for choice!
• iSee Malta Hop-on Hop-off: iSee Malta’s double-deck hop-on hop-off bus is ideal for city sightseeing and ticking off many attractions off your bucket list. Depending on the route you opt for, you explore places of interest such as the San Anton Presidential Gardens, Mdina, Rabat Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, Mosta, The Three Cities, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotto at Wied iz-Zurrieq, and many others.

Interested in more information about other transport alternatives? I’ve got you covered with this detailed guide: How to Get Around Malta.

Did You Know: The Old Maltese Bus

If you’ve ever encountered some old pictures of Malta, you might have seen the famous, yellow Maltese buses with an orange horizontal stripe or their grey and red Gozitan counterparts.

For over 100 years, these buses (or Xarabanks as they were referred to locally) served the Maltese Islands. Most of these buses were manufactured in Britain, featuring marques such as Bedford, AEC, Leyland and Ford, dating back to the 1950s.

By 2011, the distinct brightly coloured buses vanished from our streets. Seeing as most of them had very high steps, no doors, worn-down seats and poor ventilation, they were replaced by the modern Arriva buses. Although the intention was to improve the service, this change came with several hiccups and problems.

Following another major overhaul of the bus network, Autobuses Urbanos de León — a Spanish company took over the service in Malta in 2015 while retaining the original brand name.

Although the distinct colourful buses are no longer in service, a few have been restored to their former glory and are currently used for vintage tours around the island and private hire. If you’re interested in going back in time, you can hop on one of the old buses from Sliema.