How to Get Around Malta: Car vs Public Transport Guide

Malta might be small, but how you get around can really shape your experience. After visiting Malta twice, we’ve tried the most convenient option for us and also looked for the alternatives. The good news? Getting around Malta is pretty straightforward, whether you choose to drive yourself or rely on public transport. Here’s what you should know before deciding what’s best for your trip.

Getting Around Malta by Car

We visited Malta twice, and both times we rented a car. For us, it was hands down the easiest and most flexible way to explore the island.

Renting a car in Malta is relatively affordable, especially if you’re visiting outside of peak summer months. Since the island is small, most places are no more than a 20 to 30-minute drive away, which makes planning your days super easy. One morning you can be in Valletta, and by afternoon you’re watching the sunset from the cliffs.

On Malta, you drive on the left side of the road, which can sound intimidating at first, but if you are a driver, it will be no problem. Most cars are small, roads are generally well maintained, and you get used to it quickly.

For both of our trips, we rented small cars. The first time with Avis, the second with Sixt. One thing we’d strongly recommend is getting an automatic, especially if you’re not used to driving on the left. Malta’s roads go uphill and downhill a lot, and automatic just makes everything feel more relaxed and safer and especially if you are not used to driving on the left.

We’d also suggest taking full insurance. Roads can be narrow, parking spots tight, and locals can drive a bit… creatively. Full coverage gives you peace of mind and lets you focus on enjoying the trip instead of stressing over scratches.

If your plan is to explore viewpoints, beaches, cliffs, and smaller villages, a car gives you complete freedom and saves a lot of time.

Don’t Want to Rent a Car? Use Public Transport

If driving isn’t your thing, Malta does have a well-connected public transport system, mainly based on buses.

The bus network covers the entire island, with 120+ routes and nearly 2.000 stops across Malta and Gozo. It’s the cheapest way to travel, and you can reach most towns and popular sights by bus.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. The buses don’t always run exactly on schedule, and during weekends or peak season they can get quite crowded. Travel times can also be much longer compared to driving, especially if you’re heading to more remote areas or need to change buses along the way. It’s absolutely doable, but you’ll want to plan with a bit of flexibility and patience. And I know nobody mentions this, but waiting in the hot sun, when buses are a bit late, not that enjoyable, especially when there is no shade in sight.

You can buy single tickets directly on board using exact change or a contactless card. Prices are usually around €2–€2.50, depending on the season. If you’re staying longer, the 7-day pass for €25 is a great deal and can save you money if you’re moving around a lot.

Multi-day passes are available at:

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

One thing we can’t recommend enough: use Google Maps. It works extremely well in Malta and will tell you exactly which bus to take, where to board, and when to get off, which makes using public transport much less stressful.

Hop-On Hop-Off Buses

We didn’t personally try this, but it’s worth mentioning if you want an easy overview of the island.

The iSee Malta Hop-on Hop-off buses run set routes around the island and stop at many popular attractions like Mdina, Marsaxlokk, the Blue Grotto, Mosta, and the Three Cities. It’s a relaxed way to see a lot in a short time, especially if you don’t want to plan routes yourself or you only have a couple of days here.

So… Car or Public Transport?

If you want flexibility, short travel times, and access to remote spots, renting a car is the best option. That’s what we chose, and we’d do it again.

If you’re traveling on a tight budget, staying mostly in cities, or prefer not to drive, public transport works, just plan extra time and be patient.

If you need help planning your trip to Malta, we covered everything in our guides: