Malta: Traveling

Means of Transport Recommended in Town

Recommendation

Buses are the primary method of public transport for the island ; they offer a cheap and frequent service to many parts of Malta and Gozo. The vast majority of buses in Malta depart from a large circular terminus in Valletta.

Taxis are also widely used and are quite cheap as well.

Although there was a railway line in Malta, its use has been abandoned now.

Maps of Urban Networks

Visitmalta.com
Maporama
Maps Live
UT Library on line

Transportation From Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car Rental
Malta Intl (MLA)	7 km / 4 miles	EUR 20-25 / 15 min	EUR 0.47+ 0.35 for luggage / 20 min	-	Available

Means of Transport Recommended in the Rest of the Country

Recommendation

Malta being a small territory, buses are a convenient way to move from one city to another. To reach the Maltese islands, the maritime route can be chosen as well. 

For connections with other countries, Malta offers excellent air transportation system.

Rail Companies

No railways in Malta

Airlines

You Can Consult the List of Airlines Banned Within the EU. Look Also at the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Traveling By Yourself

Recommendation

The rate of development of the road-network in Malta is low as compared to the European average. Despite a high urbanisation level, Malta has less than 100 km of highways. Public transport in Malta is controlled by the Malta Transport Authority, an organisation working under the Ministry of Transport. The main mode of public transport in Malta is buses. The Public Transport association ensures road links through buses in the entire island, thanks to the fleet of more than 500 buses belonging to private owners. On the website of the Public Transport association a detailed map of existing itineraries, details of bus plying timings and information on ticket costs are all available. Travelling in buses in Malta to reach for business meetings is not advisable mainly due to delay in timings.

Another mode of transport in Malta is taxi. Taxis are easily identifiable thanks to their white colour. It is necessary to settle the price before traveling in a taxi in order to avoid any unpleasant experiences later on (one could refer to the official tariff card of the Malta Transport Authority). On arrival at the airport, you will have to go to the "Taxi" ticket office which gives tickets according to the desired destination. A taxi network run by private garages also exists (these taxis are black in colour), which is particularly reliable.

Car renting is also possible in Malta. It is a left-hand drive in Malta and sign post are on the right-hand side. Car renting rates are particularly attractive in Malta, especially at the airport. Principal international companies (Hertz, Avis, etc.) exist inside the international airport.

Road Maps

Public transport association

Find an Itinerary

Mappy website (itineraries, maps)

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical

The Maltese archipelago consists of five islands, Malta being the largest one. The 2nd largest is the island of Gozo and consists of around 30,000 inhabitants.
Malta is particularly known for its linguistic and cultural heritage. The island offers the richness of its historical inheritance and captivating colours of omnipresent stone colour of honey.
The city of Valette is listed as the World Heritage city in UNESCO. The fortress city has a rich historical past.
The festivities and religious processions have an important place in the lives of Maltese people.
Amongst the other key tourist sites of the island, we can cite the city of Mdina, the temples of Hagiar Kim, the neighbouring islands of Gozo and Comino, the Cottonera and the church of Mosta.

Cultural

Malta offers great cultural sites to visit. These sites are linked to the Islands' prehistoric period as well as to the Phoenician and Roman periods. We can site among them Skorba temples, St Paul Catacombs, St Paul Milqui. For more information about these cultural aspects of maltese tourism, please visit: http//www.heritagemalta.org.

Among museums that one must see, the National Museum of Fine Arts exhibits splendid masterpieces.

Nature

The Maltese islands offer various natural sites to be explored. Gozo is among the best natural site to see with a walk along Dingli cliffs.

Religious

The islands are rich in religious sites. There are around 365 churches and chapels throughout the islands

The Mdina cathedral, St George's basilica, Gozo's cathedral should be cites as religious places to visit.

Thermal

Spa and fitness facilities can be found at most 5-stars hotels.

Beach

Malta being an island surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, beaches and all related activities are to be found. The main costal resorts and larger sandy beaches are to be found in Northern Malta. Most popular beaches are Mellieha bay, Ghajn Tuffieha and Golden bay.

Winter Sports

Because of the climate, there is no real winter sport in Malta.

Outdoor Activities

The island of Comino offers great possibilities for hiking and walking. Parks and gardens (Argotti garden, hastings in Valletta etc) allow also for outdoor activities.

Horseback riding, diving are also well enjoyed activities in Malta.

Shopping

Valletta, Sliema, St Julians and St George Bay are the best places for shopping.

Shopping in malta is characterized by two opposite aspects - modernity and traditions. Indeed, near fashion boutiques, more traditional maltese products can be found.

Open air market are also a tradition in Malta and interesting items can be found.

Tourism Organizations

Tourism Board of Malta
Malta Tourism Authority

Health and Safety

Health Precautions

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is needed from travelers over 9 years of age coming from countries where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Otherwise, no particular recommendations apply when visiting Malta.

For Further Information on Sanitary Conditions

Health Department Malta

Time Difference and Climate

Time and Time Difference

It is %T:%M %A In Valletta (GMT+1 in winter, GMT+2 in summer)

Summer Time Period

Summer time goes from June to September with August being the hottest month of the year.