Transportation in Malta
As any Malta guide would tell you, the country is relatively small. And, of course, if you have read your Malta guide thoroughly, you should know that the country’s size has nothing to do with the amenities it can offer. However, what your Malta guide may have neglected to inform you is transportation. In such a small country, it is easy to disregard transportation in Malta. But as any learned tourist would tell you, this is an important consideration when traveling overseas. You should first find out the basics of the transport system of the country you are planning to visit before you decide to go. Fortunately, Malta’s transportation system is adequate and efficient enough for both locals and tourists alike.
According to Malta guide materials, buses are the most basic mode of transportation in Malta. Fare costs from 0.20 to 0.60 Euros, depending on the distance and the route. Because of the island’s size, a usual trip will take around thirty minutes; the longest trip in a Maltese bus would take roughly an hour. The bus routes are detailed, highlighting various popular tourist spots. However, many Malta guide materials say Maltese bus is the quickest way to explore the island. But there are express bus routes to popular destinations such as Mdina, Sliema, Marsaxlokk, and the Three Cities. Bascially, Malta guide materials are right: you can go practically anywhere or at least to most of the popular tourist attractions in the country via the Maltese bus. Valetta and Gozo have their own separate bus routes.
Many Malta guide materials do not suggest renting a car. After all, it is possible to get to popular spots with Maltese buses. However, renting a car may be a good option if you want to explore the less-traveled sites of the country. Buses only cover popular sites, and it may be different to get less known attractions. There are several options for car rentals in country. A Malta guide should have listings of various international car rentals, where you can reserve a car from your home country. However, various small car rental firms also offer such services for a lower price. This operation is commonplace and is relatively safe, so you should not worry when dealing with family-run car rentals. Car rental costs around 20 to 30 Euros, although additional fee is added for rentals with drivers. If you plan to drive the car yourself, national and international licenses are accepted.
Two things you should note, though: driving on Malta is in the left side, as in the United Kingdom; and roads in Malta are not well-maintained. While a Malta guide might say that a most of the national roads in Malta are in good condition, the smaller routes will be more different to trek. Mini-buses are also popular in Malta, especially among tourists. Malta guide materials also cite mini-buses that operate at night to cater for the night spot goers. Although transportation even at late hours is easy to find in Malta, this option is convenient as you will no longer have to worry about finding a taxi. However, the driver usually decides the pick-up time. |
