Guide · Last reviewed: October 2026
How to get around Malta without a car
Malta is small, but getting from one town to the next can still take planning. This guide covers the main ways of getting around Malta without a car and when each one makes sense. For routes, timetables and fares, we link to the official sources rather than copy them, because they change.
Buses and the Tallinja card
Buses across Malta and Gozo are run by Malta Public Transport. The network links most towns and villages, and many routes pass through the Valletta terminus. The Tallinja card is the operator's travel card for paying fares.
For current Malta bus routes, the bus timetable and fares, use the official Malta Public Transport website and its app.
Taxis and ride apps
White taxis wait at ranks and can be booked by phone, while ride apps let you book a car from your phone and see a price first. We explain how they differ in our guide to taxi options in Malta.
Scooter and motorbike rental
If you would rather ride yourself, scooter and motorbike rental is available from private companies. Check the licence rules for the vehicle you want to hire before you book, and check what the insurance covers. RapidoRides is a taxi service, not a rental: a Captain rides and you sit on the back.
Ferries
Valletta and Sliema are linked by ferry across Marsamxett Harbour, which can be a pleasant alternative to the road. Check the operator, Valletta Ferry Services, for current times.
Traffic and parking
Malta traffic is busy at peak hours, especially on the main routes around the harbour towns. Parking in Valletta and St Julian's can be hard to find, so a trip that looks short on the map can take longer once you add the search for a space.
When a motorbike taxi makes sense
A motorbike taxi suits short trips for one person through busy areas, where a car would sit in traffic and then need somewhere to stop. That is what RapidoRides is being built for, launching in 2027.
Launching in Malta, 2027
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