Buses
The public transport system in Malta offers an efficient and convenient way of travelling around the islands. The main bus station is just outside the city gates of Valletta, the capital city. This is the terminus for the majority of routes. One finds bus stops situated throuought the towns and villages.
There are also direct links which include those between Bugibba and Mdina via Mosta and Ta' Qali Crafts Village, between Sliema and Mdina via St Julian's, Mosta and Ta' Qali Crafts Village, between Sliema and Bugibba, between Sliema and Cirkewwa via Bugibba, between Bugibba and Cirkewwa, between Sliema and Ghajn Tuffieha, between Bugibba and Ghajn Tuffieha, between Bugibba and Marsaxlokk, between Sliema and Marsaxlokk (both via Cottonera) and between Valletta and Wied iz-Zurrieq via Zurrieq or Qrendi. There are also direct night services on weekends from Paceville to several towns and villages.
Car Hire
If one wants to be independent in getting around, hiring a car is a very good idea!In Malta, driving is on the left – a British inheritance. There are speed limits of 65kph on open road and 40pkh in built-up districts. Comprehensive insurance is advisable and national or international driving licenses are accepted. Seat belts are compulsory. Children aged between nine month and four years must sit in the back by law whilst babies under nine months must occupy a baby seat (available from care hire companies). Driving in Malta can be very stressful, before getting to know the road conditions, because road discipline by locals tends to be a bit poor, and street lighting at night is limited. Gozo has less much traffic and travelling around is therefore less stressful. Parking tickets are given to lawbreakers, so be very cautious where you park, and check road markings and nearby signposts. Patrol or gas service stations are open Monday to Saturday, 8am-6.30pm in summer, 8am-6pm in winter. When closed, machines are available for self-service.
Taxis
Taxis are white and are normally found outside hotels and in tourist areas.
It is advisable to check in advance how much a trip will cost.
Gozo Ferry
There is a car and passenger service between Cirkewwa in northern Malta and Mgarr in Gozo. The trip takes just around 20 minutes!
The schedule changes according to the season and extra trips – a shuttle service may be done according to demand, especially during Summer.
The running and timing of all services are also subject to weather conditions.
Helicopter
Malta Air Charter operates a daily schedule of helicopter airlink and sightseeing flights over Malta and Gozo. This is a year-round operation between Malta International airport and Xewkija Heliport in Gozo.
The duration of the flight between Malta and Gozo is only 15 minutes, making it the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between the two islands.
Sliema - Valletta Ferry
There are frequent ferry trips linking the Strand in Sliema to Valletta. This is a very pleasant alternative to bus or taxi!
Horse Drawn Carriages (karozzin)
A ride in a karozzin is a pleasant way to see the sights. Carriages are found in Valletta, Sliema, St.Julians and Mdina.
Ask coachman for rates of the various tours he suggests before setting off.
Cycling
Given the short distances, Malta may seem ideal to explore by bicycle, but there are various disadvantages. The landscape, especially in Gozo, is hilly, and cycling in the intense summer heat can easily lead to deydration. Having said that, bicycles can be a pleasant means of exploring Malta's rural areas.