Getting around Malta

Side of road
Left
Road quality

The main roads are all good quality. Some of the smaller roads in the country may require care when driving.

Car hire

Car hire companies are readily available. Rates are good.

Taxi

Taxis here are identifiable by their all-white livery. Although taxi fares are government-controlled, it is still best to check with the driver how much it would cost before departure. Taxis from the airport have fixed rates. Battery-powered CT cabs operate in Valletta.

Bike

Renting a bicycle is available, but not popular as the roads do not have dedicated bicycle lanes.

Coach

Malta has an island-wide bus network and the services are regular between main towns and attractions. The main bus station is just outside the city walls of Valletta, from there, you can catch a bus to all major tourist areas on the island.

Regulations

The speed limit is 80kph (50mph) on highways and 50kph (30mph) in residential areas, unless otherwise directed. Speed cameras are in operation. Driving is on the left and seatbelts are compulsory. Children up to three years must use an appropriate restraint when travelling in the front. Use of headlights in tunnels is compulsory.

Breakdown service

Many of the car hire firms offer breakdown as an option.

Documentation

Valid international or EU driving licence required.

Getting around towns and cities

Public transport is efficient and reasonably priced. The main bus terminus in Malta is in Valletta, just outside the City Gate. An express bus service links Valletta with Marsaxlokk, Mdina, and other key attractions. In Gozo, the bus terminus is in Main Gate Street, Victoria.

By water

Gozo Channel (www.gozochannel.com) operates a passenger car ferry several times daily between Cirkewwa in Malta and Mgarr in Gozo (journey time - about 20 minutes).

Comino Ferries Co-op (www.cominoferries.com) operates services from Marfa and Cirkewwa (Malta) to the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island. Bella Comino Ferries (gozocominoferries.com) operates the route between Gozo and Comino.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.