In this guide we cover as much information as possible about buses in Malta, what you need to move around the island by bus, ticket prices, and how to get from the airport to your hotel both by bus and fast transfer.
Bus ticket prices in Malta
The bus fare system in Malta is quite simple. There are essentially two ways to buy bus tickets in Malta: single tickets purchased on board and weekly or multi-ride tickets. Let’s get in deep.
Single ticket prices and where to buy them
The single ticket is only purchased from the driver on board the bus. Upon purchase, you’ll receive a sort of “receipt” which is the actual ticket and must be kept until the end of your journey.
This ticket is valid for up to 2 hours of travel, including any changes, and its price, regardless of your destination, is:
- 2.50 euros during the summer months: from mid-June to mid-October;
- 2 euros during the remaining months of the year, considered winter months;
- 3 euros on night lines (those starting with N) or direct lines.
If you plan to take multiple bus trips in Malta, I advise against buying single tickets (except in emergency of course), because the cost can rise quickly and due to the inconvenience, both for you and the driver, of purchasing tickets on entry and changing money each time.
Furthermore, there is rightly a restriction on the maximum banknote (€20) you can give the driver for purchase, as stated on the bus windows. Beyond that amount, the driver may not be able to provide change.
Also, you’ll notice if travelling during peak times that this ticket purchase method can cause bus delays!
Multi-ride or 7-day tickets
This is the way to travel by bus in Malta that I absolutely recommend: the 7-days tickets or the 12-ride tickets:
- Explore Card: The weekly ticket costs €25 for adults and €7 for children up to 10 years old: with this ticket you can make unlimited trips on all bus lines in Malta and Gozo, both daytime and nighttime. You just need to validate it when boarding the bus.
- 12 Single Day Journey Card: If you plan to use the bus only a few times or for a few days, the 12 rides for €19 ticket may be worthwhile. It allows you to take 12 single rides, making each ride cheaper. This ticket can also be shared among multiple people; for example, if travelling as a couple, you can use one ticket by validating it twice upon boarding, deducting two rides accordingly.
You may also be interested in: What to visit in Malta and Valletta
At this link you can check ticket prices and always up-to-date details, in case they change in the future.
Where to buy tickets
As mentioned, single tickets are only purchased on board from the driver.
The 12-ride or 7-day tickets can be purchased at the airport or at the various points listed here, divided by area.
Bus routes in Malta
Lines starting with X are those that go through the airport. Those starting with N are night lines (running between 11 PM and 5 AM), and those starting with TD are “direct” lines to which the aforementioned fare differences apply.
Most bus lines depart from or stop in the areas of Valletta, Sliema/St. Julian; if you’re staying here, you can travel almost anywhere.
You may also be interested in: The best areas to stay in Malta
The lines you’ll probably use most are the ones shown on this handmade map I made before going to Malta 🙂
Some activities you may like, before going on with the article:
Useful links from the official website of Malta’s transport company:
- The interactive route planner that shows you the best lines and schedules by entering departure and destination;
- Here you can find the complete list of bus lines, searchable by route or stop, with a very clear map showing the route.
If you want to reach Malta’s main beaches by bus, in my Malta beaches guide you’ll also find which bus numbers to take for each one! 🙂
From Malta airport to your hotel
As we mentioned, the buses in Malta that connect the airport with the rest of the island are those starting with X. Some examples:
- From Malta airport to Mellieha, Ghadira Bay or Gozo: line X1, schedule and route;
- From Malta airport to Sliema and St. Julian’s: line X2 or N10 if arriving late at night;
- From Malta airport to Buggiba, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay: line X3, schedule and route;
- From Malta airport to Valletta: line X4, schedule and route.
To read the schedules it’s useful to know that Luqa is the area where the airport is located, sometimes indicated that way in stop names.
Shuttle or transfer from the airport to Malta
If you’re a large group, don’t want to wait for buses, or have a lot of luggage, a transfer/shuttle may be more economical. Some services, like WelcomePickups, have a driver waiting for you at the airport and take you directly to your destination. You can book them online to get the lowest prices; the most professional and affordable services in Malta to request a quote from are:
Alternatively, if you didn’t book, you’ll also find small booths on the ground floor of the airport to book shuttles, although you’ll have to wait longer (either due to lines or waiting for other people to fill the van) and deal with last-minute prices.
Night buses to go out in the evening in Paceville
The night lines basically connect the Paceville/St.Julian area (Malta’s most famous nightlife spot) with other main centers on the island. For example, to reach Paceville if staying in Sliema you might find the N13 useful; if you’re in Bugibba or Mellieha, then the N11.
If you’re interested in going out in the evening, don’t miss the guide to Malta and Paceville’s nightlife.
What to expect and not to expect from Malta’s buses
It’s worth saying: don’t expect punctuality during peak months. Due to traffic, the roads in main centers, and time lost selling tickets, your bus could be on time or arrive half an hour late.
A rule valid everywhere but worth repeating, always signal with your arm when the bus is approaching to show you want to board. If the bus is too full, however, it won’t stop even if you signal.
If you see too much people at your stop, especially when returning from a crowded beach, check the map to see if the previous stop is close by — it might be worth heading there to beat the crowd and grab a seat! 😉
The area where you stay matters!
In Malta more than in other destinations, also due to the island’s physical layout, it’s important to carefully consider where to stay based on your preferences, what you want from your holiday, and how you plan to get around — by bus or rental car.
For example, staying in the Sliema, St.Julian, or Valletta area, renting a car might be troublesome due to heavy traffic and parking difficulties in those areas, especially during peak seasons. Not to mention that in Malta you drive on the left. However, these are the areas best served by Malta’s buses, allowing you to get (almost) anywhere.
If you’re staying in quieter, more peripheral areas with less traffic but also fewer buses, a rental car may become essential.
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