Accessible Transport in Malta: Buses, Ferries and Taxis

Accessible travel is possible across Malta and Gozo, but the complete journey matters: a vehicle may be accessible while a steep street, crowded stop or temporary diversion creates a barrier.

Contact the operator in advance for a time-sensitive journey and explain the exact mobility aid, assistance and boarding requirements.

Accessible buses

Malta Public Transport states that all scheduled buses have low-floor designs and ramps, with drivers trained to operate the ramp on request. Buses also provide priority seating and audio-visual stop information.

The operator's travel conditions say carriage is subject to safe space being available. A bus can carry one wheelchair in the designated area without third-party assistance, or up to two buggies or pushchairs. The wheelchair space generally accommodates a chair up to 120 cm long and 70 cm wide.

At busy times, a driver may ask passengers with buggies to fold them or vacate the wheelchair area. If the space is already occupied by another wheelchair or approved mobility scooter, the next bus may be necessary.

Use our Malta bus routes and timetables guide to check live arrivals, but allow extra time for crowded services and diversions.

Mobility scooters on buses

Motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters have separate size, weight and certification conditions.

Malta Public Transport currently lists these maximum specifications for a mobility scooter considered for bus travel:

• 60 cm wide
• 100 cm long
• 120 cm turning radius
• 6.4 km/h maximum travel speed, or a limiter to that speed
• 300 kg total weight including the passenger

A Transport Malta mobility-scooter permit and visible sticker are required for certification. The operator recommends that visitors apply at least 45 days before travel, submitting a photograph and any permit issued by their home authority. Verify the current requirements in Bus Travel Conditions.

Certification confirms the scooter, not the availability of space on every bus. Read the current travel conditions before applying.

Assistance dogs

Malta Public Transport's travel conditions allow guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs at any time. Keep the animal under control and carry any identification or documentation that may help during the wider journey, particularly when using a ferry or airline with separate rules. Recheck the operator's bus accessibility guidance before travelling.

Accessible ferries

Gozo Channel

Gozo Channel provides priority lanes at Ċirkewwa and Mġarr for persons with disability. Its main vessels have lifts, while the M.V. Nikolaos is listed with a chair lift.

Passengers may not remain in vehicles during the crossing. Contact the operator beforehand if you need help moving from the vehicle deck to the passenger area. Our Gozo Channel ferry guide covers terminals and ticketing.

Gozo Highspeed

Gozo Highspeed states that its passenger terminals are accessible to people with mobility impairments and its ferries have ramps. Notify the operator before travel if assistance is required and arrive with extra time.

Harbour ferries

Accessibility can depend on the landing, tide, vessel and temporary operating conditions. Contact the operator for the exact Valletta, Sliema or Three Cities journey instead of assuming every boarding point has the same step-free route.

Wheelchair-accessible taxis and transfers

An ordinary taxi or app-based car is not automatically wheelchair accessible. Pre-book and state whether the passenger:

• Will remain in the wheelchair
• Can transfer into a seat
• Needs a ramp or lift
• Has a powered chair and its dimensions
• Is travelling with luggage or another passenger

Ask the operator to confirm the vehicle in writing. For airport travel, see our Malta Airport taxis and private transfers guide.

Tallinja On Demand

Malta Public Transport describes its current On Demand minibuses as low-floor and fully wheelchair accessible. The service lets users request wheelchair or pushchair access while booking in the Tallinja app, subject to its operating area and hours.

See our Tallinja On Demand guide for current coverage and fares.

Plan the full route

• Ask the accommodation about step-free access from street to room.
• Check slopes, kerbs and paving around the stop or terminal.
• Build in time for the next bus if the wheelchair space is occupied.
• Confirm assistance directly with ferry or transfer operators.
• Carry essential equipment, medication and contact numbers with you.
• Recheck temporary service alerts on the day.
• If a scheduled bus is unsuitable, check the operating area and wheelchair-booking option for Tallinja On Demand.

Drivers using accessible bays should also read our Blue Badge parking in Malta guide.

Browse all our Transport guides.