Updated with the new airport route.

Are you planning to explore the island after classes but not sure how to start? We have put together a guide just for you. 

Getting around the island efficiently and economically is often a priority for students, and Malta’s bus system, called Tallinja, offers ideal solutions. This guide to Malta Public Transport gives you general information about ticket prices, highlights some key routes from Sliema, and offers alternative travel solutions.

Why Travel by Bus in Malta?

Malta’s bus system is easy to use, budget-friendly, and connects most of the island, making it a great option for visitors. The buses are equipped with air conditioning and free WiFi, and many routes run frequently, connecting major towns, tourist attractions, and even remote areas of the island. Before starting your journey, make sure to download the Tallinja App. This app simplifies travel in Malta by offering route planning, real-time bus arrival updates, and notifications about service disruptions. You can also track buses on a live map and save your favourite routes for quick access.

How much does it cost?

You can buy bus tickets onboard using cash (exact amount) or card. Tickets are valid for two hours with unlimited transfers within that time.

Ticket Prices:

• Single Day Journey (Winter): €2.00
• Single Day Journey (Summer): €2.50
• Single Day Journey on Direct Buses: €3.00
• Single Night Journey: €3.00

Children under 4 years old travel for free.

Discount Cards for Frequent Travelers

If you plan to use public transport more often, you can also buy special cards for discounted prices from Tallinja offices and machines. There are various options to choose from.

Explore Flex Card

Offers pay-as-you-go options and value packages, including 4-day and 7-day bundles with unlimited bus travel, Hop On Hop Off tours, and a return ticket to the Gozo Fast Ferry (depending on the package). You can even purchase these packages online with the Tallinja App.

• Does not expire
• Minimum €6 top-up or any available bundle (check Malta Public Transport’s website for more details)
• Per ticket price: €1.85

Explore Card

Provides unlimited travel for 7 days on all public transport services.

• Validity: 7 days from activation
• Price: Adult: €25, Child (under 10): €7
• Includes unlimited travel on Day Trips, Night Trips, Special Service Trips, and Tallinja Direct Trips

12 Single Day Journeys Card

A shareable option for occasional users, offering 12 discounted journeys.

• Validity: 6 month
• Price: €19 (per ticket: €1.58)
• Note that night and direct tickets may incur additional charges.

For extended stays, sign up online for a Personalised Tallinja Card to enjoy free travel (excluding Direct Bus services). The card comes with a one-time fee of €25, but it pays off in the long term. For more information on all available cards, visit the Malta Public Transport’s website.

 

3 Routes from Sliema to Popular Destinations

Route 1: Sliema to Valletta

Valletta, Malta’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich history and stunning architecture.

Primary Bus Route:

There are plenty of buses to choose from, the main options from Sliema Ferries are the 13, 13A, 14, 15 and 16.

• Duration: The journey typically takes around 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic, season and time of day.
• Frequency: Buses on this route run frequently, every 10-15 minutes throughout the day, starting at 05:05 and running until 23:15. The night service (bus N13) runs every 30 minutes, from 23:10 until 1:30, with a later end time of 2:10 on weekends.

Tips:

• This route is quite busy with buses often crowded during peak hours (07:00-09:00 and 16:00-18:00 on weekdays). It is best to avoid travelling during these times. 
• Buses typically arrive in groups, so check the Tallinja App to see if another one is coming soon, allowing you to avoid the crowd. If a bus is full, the next one is usually just behind it, and the third one tends to be less crowded.

Alternative and Fast Option: Taking the Ferry

If you want to avoid the heavy traffic while enjoying beautiful views of Malta’s coastline, the fastest way to reach the capital is by ferry. It departs regularly from Sliema Ferries to Valletta’s Waterfront.

• Duration: The ferry ride typically takes around 10-15 minutes.
• Frequency: The ferry operates frequently throughout the day, with departures every 30 minutes from 06:45 to 19:15. During the summer season (June to November), there is a night service until midnight for an increased fee.

Price:

• Single journey: Adult: €2.00, Child (under 10): €1.00
• Return journey: Adult: €3.80, Child (under 10): €1.50
• Night service (from 19:30): Single: €2.50, Return: €4.20

Tips:

• If you are travelling during peak hours, the ferry may get crowded, so it is a good idea to arrive early or check the schedule to avoid the rush.
• Sometimes the service is suspended due to weather conditions, so always check the Valletta Ferry Services’ Facebook page before travelling.
• Note that the Valletta Ferry Services are separate from Tallinja, and you can’t use any of the special cards on them except the Personalised Card which provides free travel on this route.

Click here to visit the Valletta Ferry Services’ website.

Route 2: Sliema to Malta International Airport

Malta International Airport, the only airport on the island, is located in Luqa, about 10 kilometres from Sliema.

Primary Bus Routes:

The main option from Sliema is the X2 bus, which provides a direct connection to the airport. However, the X2 follows a different route on its return to Sliema, so you will need to transfer to the 13, 13A, 14, or 16 in St. Julian’s, adding 15–20 minutes to your journey.

The other option, which costs slightly more (tickets for TD buses are €3), is the TD3 bus. This bus is faster and also operates at night (although not all night). You can also take the TD3 on the way back; however, it does not stop anywhere between the airport and the Gzira Ponsonby bus stop, which is a 10-minute walk from Sliema Ferries.

• Duration:
  The X2 typically takes 45–55 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of day. The TD3 is faster, taking about 30–40 minutes, though this also depends on traffic and the time of day.
• Frequency:
  X2 buses run every 60 minutes from 06:45 to 23:44. TD3 buses also operate every 60 minutes, from 06:20 to 01:20. The schedule from the airport is slightly different, operating between 05:40 and 00:40.

Tips:

• Morning and evening services may be delayed due to traffic, so it is a good idea to leave early. Heavy traffic can also double travel times.
• There are no all-night services to or from the airport. If you need to travel at night, be sure to plan ahead and check the alternative options listed below.

Alternative: Taking a Taxi or Choosing inlingua’s Transfer service

For a faster and more convenient option, taxis are readily available to and from the airport. You can choose from various apps, including Bolt, Uber, or the local service, eCabs. Since there are no night buses to the airport, this could be a practical option during late hours.

• Duration: Around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Price: Approx. €15–€20, depending on the time of day and demand.

Tip: 

• inlingua Malta also offers an Airport Transfer service, available 24/7 for an additional fee. Check out our website for more information.

Route 3: Sliema to Mellieħa

Mellieħa, located in the northern part of Malta, is known for its stunning sandy beaches, such as Għadira Bay (Mellieħa Beach), Golden Bay, and Paradise Bay. It also serves as a gateway to Gozo, with ferry connections from nearby Ċirkewwa.

Primary Bus Route: 

The main bus connecting Sliema to Mellieħa is Route 222, which provides a direct link to Mellieħa and continues to Ċirkewwa, where you can catch a ferry to Gozo. It also stops at key locations such as St. Julian’s and Bugibba.

• Duration: The journey typically takes around 60-80 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of day.
• Frequency: Buses on this route run every 20 minutes during the day, with reduced frequency in the evening. They operate from 06:25 until 23:25.

Tips:

• Golden Bay is one of the most popular sandy beaches in Malta and is located close to Mellieħa. Although the 222 doesn’t go that way, you can take the 225 directly from Sliema Ferries.
• If you are heading to Gozo, consider stopping at Mellieħa for a beach visit before continuing to Ċirkewwa for the ferry. Mellieħa Beach is ideal for families and offers calm, shallow waters, while Paradise Bay provides a more secluded spot for swimming and snorkelling. The ferry to Gozo runs frequently and offers beautiful views during the short crossing.

 

Malta’s public transport system is your gateway not just to getting around, but to experiencing the island in its entirety. Don’t worry if the buses aren’t always on time – that is part of the island’s charm, so just relax and enjoy the view of the sea. It is also better to follow the buses in real-time on the Tallinja App instead of relying on the printed timetables. But if you are in a hurry, taxis offer an affordable alternative for travel. 

For more information about our services contact the inlingua Malta team on info@inlinguamalta.com