Getting Around Malta: Buses, Ferries, Taxis and Cars

Visitors can explore Malta without a car, especially when based near strong bus and ferry links. A rental car can help with remote stops or a Gozo itinerary, but parking and unfamiliar roads add trade-offs. Verify the latest details with Malta Public Transport.

Use buses and harbour ferries for connected urban trips, taxis for time-sensitive or awkward routes, and rent a car only if the itinerary genuinely benefits. For current official information, see Visit Malta.

Use a different mode for different days

Buses

The network is extensive, but traffic and transfers can make journey time variable.

Ferries

Harbour routes and Gozo services can avoid road travel and add useful connections.

Cars and taxis

A car gives flexibility; taxis and ride-hailing remove parking but cost more per journey.

Quick mode-choice questions

• Is the journey direct?
• How many people are sharing the cost?
• Do we need to arrive at an exact time?
• Will parking be difficult at the destination?
• Does the return happen after regular services?

Choose transport for each itinerary day

1. Map accommodation and the day's furthest stop.
2. Use buses for direct routes with flexible timing.
3. Use harbour or Gozo ferries when they remove a long road journey.
4. Compare taxi or ride-hailing for groups, late returns and awkward connections.
5. Rent a car only when parking and driving add more freedom than stress.
6. Check the final return service before leaving.
7. Keep a backup for airport, ferry or ticketed connections.

Distance is a poor estimate of journey time

Use current journey planners and live conditions. Traffic, transfers, walking and summer demand matter more than kilometres.

Useful next guides

Start with Visiting Malta: Complete First-Time Travel Guide for the wider picture.

• Visiting Malta: Complete First-Time Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Malta: Weather, Crowds and Seasons

Browse all Tourism guides.

For travel planning, use our complete Malta transport guide.

Plan the last leg first

The outward journey is usually easy to improvise. Confirm the return before committing to a remote beach, late dinner or last ferry.

Last reviewed: 9 August 2026. Recheck the official sources in the article metadata when a deadline, price, eligibility rule or service arrangement affects your decision.