Public transportation on a small island is naturally a bit tricky, but you can absolutely get around Malta without renting a car. In this article, I’ve put together everything you need to know about getting around Malta, from buses to scooters.
Buses in Malta
The bus is the recommended way to get around Malta. The bus network is actually the only official public transportation on the island: there’s no metro or light rail.
Since October 2022, residents of Malta can ride the buses for free, but as a visitor, you’ll need to pay. If you’re planning to stay on the island for more than two months, you can apply for a local travel card that lets you ride for free. But even if you don’t, the bus is still an affordable and convenient way to get around, connecting every part of the island. There’s also a stop right outside the airport, so you can get to and from it easily.
A regular bus ride in Malta costs 2 euros in winter and 2.50 euros in summer, and night routes cost 3 euros. You buy the ticket from the driver, in cash or by contactless card, and it’s valid for two hours. If you pay cash, carry small bills, since drivers don’t always have change for a 10 or 20 euro note. If you plan to ride a lot, get an Explore card for unlimited rides over 4 or 7 days, or a 12-journey card for 19 euros that the whole family can share (prices checked in October 2026).
Uber and Bolt in Malta
If you’d rather not take the bus, you can grab an Uber. Locals love the service, and it’s easy to see why: it’s a comfortable and efficient way to get around, though certainly not as cheap as the bus.
Uber entered the Maltese market after more established players like Bolt and eCabs, which means you have a choice of services and can benefit from competitive pricing.
Taxis in Malta: eCabs
Taxis in Malta are black. eCabs is a private company that offers taxi service on the island, and it’s a solid transportation option whether you need a cab right away or want to book a ride in advance. The service has an easy-to-use app.
The drivers are generally professional and punctual, the cars are comfortable, and there are also vehicles accessible to people with disabilities, cars suitable for traveling with pets, and vans for large groups or families. There are hundreds of taxis available, so you can get anywhere in Malta or Gozo, and the service runs 24/7.
Renting a car in Malta
If you want maximum freedom and flexibility, you can rent a car in Malta. Here are a few things worth knowing before you do:
- In Malta, you drive on the left side of the road.
- Traffic is anything but light.
- Maltese drivers, like drivers in many other countries, like to go fast.
- The air on the island can get dusty in the summer, so you’ll likely need to clean the car before returning it.
- Car rental prices in Malta run between 70 and 150 euros a week. There are plenty of rental companies on the island: Hertz, Avis, Firefly, Sixt and others. They all have desks at the airport.
If you’d like to rent a car in Malta, feel free to check out The Francophile’s Toolkit, where you’ll find a bunch of links to car rental companies. It’s worth comparing a few companies before deciding, since prices can sometimes vary quite a bit.
Scooters and e-scooters
Not long ago you could rent an electric kick scooter in Malta through an app, but since March 1, 2024, renting e-kick scooters has been banned across the island, and only privately owned, registered and insured ones are allowed on the road. Whizascoot, the sharing service I used to recommend here, has also shut down.
If you still want to explore on two wheels, you can rent a moped from one of the rental shops in the resort towns. You’ll need a driving license that matches the engine size, and helmets are compulsory.
White taxis in Malta
White taxis are mostly found in busy areas like the airport, Paceville, and near the ferry terminal. I don’t particularly recommend this option, since the service tends to be expensive and not especially friendly. White taxis also don’t use a meter, which opens the door to overcharging. If you do decide to take one, agree on a price before the ride starts.
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