Malta’s buses are cheap, run across the whole island and are the easiest way to get around without a car. The short version: in winter 2026-27 a single trip costs 2 euro, a ticket lasts two hours, and for a stay of a few days an Explore card is usually better value than paying each time. This guide explains how the system works, which card to pick and which buses tourists use most.
Prices and times change, so check the official Malta Public Transport fares page before you go. Figures below are from that page in late October 2026.
How much does a bus ticket cost in Malta?
Malta Public Transport uses a simple zone-free system: one fare for most day routes, wherever you go on the island.
- Day routes, winter fare: 2 euro. This applies from 18 October 2026 to 12 June 2027.
- Day routes, summer fare: 2.50 euro.
- Night routes (N): 3 euro.
- Special services (S) and tallinja Direct routes (TD): 3 euro. The TD1 route costs 3.50 euro.
You can pay for a single journey in cash, with a contactless bank card or with your phone. A single ticket is valid for two hours and you can change buses for free within that time. Always validate your ticket or card when you board. If you cannot show a valid ticket, the fine is 50 euro.
Tip: contactless is simplest, but keep a little cash as a backup.
Which travel card should you buy?
If you only take two or three buses, contactless single tickets are fine. If you plan to use the bus every day, a card saves money and hassle. These are the main options for visitors:
12 Single Day Journeys card – 19 euro
This gives you 12 trips on day routes and special services. It can be shared, so two friends can use one card, and it expires six months after first use. Night routes and Airport Direct trips each use 2 of your 12 journeys. It suits short trips and people who will not ride every day.
Explore Flex 4 Days – from 21 euro
Unlimited bus travel for four days on day routes, night routes, Airport Direct and special services. The card is personal, so it cannot be shared. A good match for a long weekend.
Explore Flex 7 Days – 27 euro
The same unlimited travel for a week. For a seven-day holiday this is hard to beat, especially if you want to see Valletta, Mdina, the south and the beaches. The Explore Adult 7 Day card is also on sale; the official page shows it at about 25 to 27 euro, so confirm the exact price at the sales desk.
Explore Child 7 Day – 7 euro
For children aged 4 to 10. Children under 4 travel free.
Some Explore Flex cards also have sightseeing add-ons, such as the Gozo high-speed ferry or a harbour cruise. See our Gozo day trip guide if you want to combine the two.
Where to buy a card
- Sales offices: at Malta International Airport (Welcomer’s Hall and Baggage Reclaim), Valletta Terminal, Buġibba Terminal and Sliema Ferries.
- Ticket machines: at popular tourist spots, including the airport and the Valletta terminal. The Valletta machines work 24 hours a day.
- Shops: Agenda Bookshops, 8TillLate shops and WH Smith.
- tallinja app: you can top up an Explore Flex card with a credit card in the app.
Buying at the airport on arrival is the easiest option, because you can use the card straight away on the way to your hotel. For more on that journey, read our guide to getting from Malta airport to Valletta.
Airport Direct buses
Airport Direct (TD routes) run from the airport bus terminal, which is signposted after you leave arrivals. No booking is needed: you board and pay. The fare is 3 euro (3.50 on TD1), and holders of an unlimited travel card ride free. Explore Flex 4 and 7 Day cards include Airport Direct.
- TD1: Rabat, Buġibba, Mellieħa and Ċirkewwa, hourly.
- TD2: St Julian’s and Pembroke, every 30 minutes.
- TD3: St Julian’s, Sliema, Gżira and Msida, every 30 minutes.
- TD4: Valletta and the Gozo fast ferry, every 30 minutes.
- TD5: Rabat and Buġibba, hourly.
The routes visitors use most
Route numbers can change, so treat this as a starting point and check the tallinja app or journey planner on the day. Valletta’s bus terminal is the main hub, and most journeys start there.
- Valletta to Sliema and St Julian’s: buses 13, 14, 16 and 21 are listed by Malta Public Transport. The ferry is a pleasant alternative.
- Valletta to Rabat and Mdina: buses 50, 51, 52, 53 or 56 to Rabat, then a short walk to Mdina. There is no direct bus to the city gate. See our Mdina guide.
- Valletta to the Three Cities: bus 2 for Birgu, buses 3 or 4 for Isla and Bormla.
- Valletta to Marsaxlokk: bus 81 or 85. On Sundays, TD10 also runs, which is handy for the fish market.
- North to the Gozo ferry: from Valletta, buses 41, 42 or X300 go to Ċirkewwa, where the Gozo ferry leaves. On Gozo, buses such as 301 and 303 run from the ferry area to Victoria and other villages.
Planning the capital itself? Our Valletta guide covers what to see once you arrive.
Night buses and On Demand
Night routes cost 3 euro per trip and are covered by Explore Flex cards. You can also book night travel through the On Demand service in the tallinja app, where you pick your pick-up and drop-off points. Late-night options change, so check the app before a night out.
Useful tips for riding Malta’s buses
- Use the tallinja app. It plans your route, shows buses on a map in real time and flags service changes.
- Allow extra time. Traffic can be heavy, especially around Sliema, Valletta and the airport at rush hour.
- Pack light. Small bags are fine; large or bulky items can be refused at the driver’s discretion, and space is limited when it is busy.
- Press the stop button early. Buses stop at marked stops only.
- Free Wi-Fi. Malta Public Transport says buses have free Wi-Fi onboard.
Buses are slower on beach days in summer and in bad weather. Before you head out, look at our Malta this week page for the forecast, wind and sea conditions, especially if your plan involves a ferry or a beach.
Is a bus pass worth it?
It depends on your plans. For a city break based in Sliema or St Julian’s with a couple of day trips, a 12-journey card or contactless singles will probably do. For a week of sightseeing, the 7-day Explore Flex at 27 euro pays for itself after about 14 winter trips. If you plan to travel to remote beaches or hike, a hire car may suit you better, but for most first-time visitors the bus is the cheapest and least stressful choice. For a wider look at spending, see how much money you need in Malta.
See our Malta budget guide for the full picture.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay for a Malta bus with a contactless card?
Yes. According to Malta Public Transport, single journeys can be paid in cash, by contactless bank card or by smartphone. Always validate on boarding to avoid the 50 euro fine.
How long is a Malta bus ticket valid?
A single ticket is valid for two hours, including free transfers to other buses within that time.
Is there a bus from Malta airport to Valletta?
Yes. The TD4 Airport Direct runs every 30 minutes and costs 3 euro per trip. The airport bus terminal is signposted after arrivals.
Do children pay on Malta buses?
Children under 4 travel free. Children aged 4 to 10 can use the Explore Child 7 Day card, which costs 7 euro.
Can I use the same card in Malta and Gozo?
Buses run on both islands, but the ferry between them is a separate ticket, unless you buy an Explore Flex card with a Gozo add-on. Check the official site for what your card covers on Gozo.
Summary
Buses in Malta are cheap and good enough for most visitors. Pay 2 euro per trip in winter, or pick a card if you will ride often: the 12 Single Day Journeys card for flexibility, the Explore Flex for unlimited use. Buy at the airport, install the tallinja app and leave a little extra time for traffic.
Planning further ahead? Read our Malta itinerary and the complete guide for first-time visitors.