Getting around Malta

Maltese Bus

By bus

One of Malta's joys (at least in small doses) is the wonderfully antiquated public bus system, consisting of 1950s-era exports from England usually kitted up with more chintz than a Christmas tree plus icons of every saint in the Bible and then some. Fares are very cheap and even the longest ride across the island costs less than €1.30; the only catch is that almost all buses radiate out from Valletta, so you may have to detour back to the capital to reach your next destination. Be sure to have change to avoid irritation or even being denied the ride (a ticket typically costs 20-25c and people trying to pay with a €50 note will elicit an unpleasant response), and be sure not to get short-changed as this seems to be a habit of the drivers.

By taxi

Malta's taxis are a ravenous lot and fares are quite expensive. There are black taxis, which have to be called in advance, and white taxis, which can pick you up off the street. Both have meters that are uniformly ignored, figure on €12 for short hops and not much more than €23 for a trip across the island. Also note that plenty of black taxis break the rule when nobody's looking, and this is the cheapest way to hitch a cab ride. All taxis must have the third letter of their licence plate with letter Y otherwise these aren't authorised taxis and might not be very safe.

By car

You can rent a car on the island. However, unless you are used to driving on the left side of the road and can handle unpredictable driving, you would be better off with a taxi or bus. A good map is a must. However it can be hard to find taxis and they are very expensive, and get used to rip offs. The best way to see around is to rent a car, but beware that even if you have a good map, you will get lost for sure, because the road signs are not good at all. Either there are not enough signs or even they show signs, they are misleading -- for example, they often do not put the major palaces' names at all. It is very annoying even for locals. Petrol, as almost everywhere, will seem expensive by US standards. It is always best to pre-book your car rental online as this works out a lot cheaper than booking when you arrive. According to the Mediterranean markets, Malta has very low rates for car rental. Any driver and additional drivers must take with them their driving licenses in order to be covered for by the insurances provided by the local car rental supplier.

By ferry

There is the regular ferry service between Ċirkewwa on Malta and Mġarr on Gozo, it goes every 45 minutes in the summer and almost as often in the winter. The trip there is free, but to go back to Malta costs about €4.70. There are also irregular services to Comino.

By seaplane

Regular flights between Valletta Grand Harbour and Mgarr by Harbourair [2] started recently. There is also a planned service to Sicily and the company also offers pleasure flights.

By helicopter

Scheduled helicopter service between Malta and Gozo has been terminated.