How Much Does It Really Cost to Get Around Malta? (Bus, Taxi, Car Rental Compared)

When planning a trip to Malta, one of the first questions visitors ask is: what’s the best way to get around, and how much will it cost? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Malta is small, but transport costs can add up quickly depending on your choices.

From budget-friendly buses to quick taxis and flexible car rentals, each option has pros, cons, and price points. Let’s break it down with real numbers so you can budget smarter and choose the transport that fits your trip.

Explore Malta’s transportation choices and compare costs in one place.

Bus Travel in Malta: Affordable & Extensive

Malta’s bus network (Tal-Linja) is the cheapest way to get around, and it covers almost every town, village, and beach. A single daytime fare is €2.50 (Summer), valid for up to two hours, while night services cost €3. This makes buses a good option for short hops, especially if you’re based in central areas like Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s.

For longer stays, multi-use cards bring the cost down further:

• 12-Journey Tallinja Card: €19, and the journeys can be shared among travelers.
• 7-Day Explore Flex Card: €25 for unlimited travel within a week.

On paper, buses are unbeatable for price. But there are trade-offs: routes can be slow, packed in summer, and sometimes unreliable.

A trip that looks like 20 minutes on the map can stretch to an hour with multiple stops and heavy traffic. If you only need transport a couple of times per day, buses are fine. But for travelers on a tight schedule, waiting around can eat into your sightseeing time.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Quick but Costly

For door-to-door service, taxis and ride-hailing apps like eCabs and Bolt are widely available. They’re faster than buses, especially at night or when heading to places not well connected by public transport.

But the convenience comes at a price:

• Short city rides typically range €10–€15.
• Trips across the island, such as Valletta to Mellieħa, can cost €30–€40 one way.
• Fares often increase at night or during peak demand.

Taxis make sense if you’re only planning a couple of rides during your stay, or if you’re traveling in a group and can split the fare. For solo travelers or those moving around daily, however, the costs stack up quickly — often more than renting a car for the same period.

Car Rental Costs in Malta: Freedom with Fair Prices

Despite what many travelers assume, Malta is one of the cheapest places in Europe to rent a car. Prices vary depending on the season and vehicle type, but here’s a realistic range:

• Economy cars: €12–€25 per day, or €70–€150 per week
• SUVs & larger vehicles: €30–€45 per day, or €200–€300 per week
• Luxury & premium options: €80–€100+ per day

Rates tend to be lowest in winter and shoulder seasons, while July and August see the highest demand and prices. Booking early is the best way to secure a fair rate.

Keep in mind that insurance and deposits can add to upfront costs. Many travelers choose full coverage (SCDW/FDW) for peace of mind, especially if they’re not used to left-hand driving or Malta’s narrow village streets.

The key advantage of renting? Flexibility. With a car, you can fit multiple stops into a day, reach places buses don’t, and avoid paying taxi fares each time you move.

Real Travel Scenarios: 3-Day & 7-Day Cost Comparisons

To put it all together, here’s how the numbers play out in practice:

3-Day Stay for Two People

• Bus Only: €25 for a 7-day card each → €50 total (but slower, less flexible)
• Taxis/Ride-Hailing: 2–3 rides per day at €15–€20 → €90–€180 total
• Car Rental: €20/day + fuel (~€20) → ~€80 total (shared cost makes it even cheaper per person)

7-Day Stay for Two People

• Bus Only: €25 each for a weekly card → €50 total
• Taxis/Ride-Hailing: 2–3 rides per day at €15–€20 → €210–€350 total
• Car Rental: €150 weekly + fuel (~€50) → ~€200 total

👉 Notice how over a week, a rental often costs the same or less as taxis — but gives you far more freedom.

Which Option Offers the Best Value?

• Bus: Best for budget travelers staying in Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s who don’t mind slower trips.
• Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Convenient for occasional trips, groups who can split fares, or late-night rides.
• Car Rental: The sweet spot for families, couples, or anyone wanting to explore Gozo, beaches, and countryside without time limits.

In most cases, renting a car balances cost and convenience better than relying on buses or taxis — especially for trips longer than a couple of days.

Local Tips to Save on Transport in Malta

• Book rentals early in summer to avoid last-minute price spikes.
• Choose smaller cars — they’re cheaper, easier to park, and perfectly suited for Malta’s roads.
• Use park-and-ride facilities near Valletta and Mdina to skip parking stress.
• Mix and match: some visitors take buses for city days, then rent a car for day trips.

Travel Smarter with Local Advice

So, how much does it really cost to get around Malta? Public transport is cheap, taxis are handy but pricey, and car rentals strike the best balance of value and flexibility.

👉 As locals, we know the roads, the parking spots, and the quirks of the island. If you’re planning a trip, compare economy, SUV, and luxury car rentals in Malta, or contact us directly with your questions. We’ll help you find the right option for your itinerary.