Home » Valletta - Malta's capital city » How to get to Valletta
Considering that in Malta all roads lead to Valletta, you’ll have little trouble getting to the capital city. In this article, I’ll guide you on how to get to Valletta and how to get around within its centre.
Save big on sightseeing Valletta with iSeeMalta museum combo tickets and their Valletta harbour cruise ferry.
The only mode of public transport in Malta is in the form of buses. Being the main terminus of the Malta public transport bus network, each bus route generally operates to and from Valletta, with bus stops on opposite sides of the streets.
Prices for bus fares range between €1.50 and €2 for a single trip (winter/summer rates), and multi-day tickets are available if you’re also looking to explore other towns and villages on the Maltese Islands.
For more information on bus stops, fares, and timetables, visit www.publictransport.com.mt.
You can also arrive in Valletta by using the iSeeMalta hop-on / hop-off buses, which also depart and stop at other places of interest on the island.
Unlike most other capital cities, Valletta does not have its own airport. In fact, Malta as a whole only has one airport (Malta International Airport), which is located just 8km away (20-minute journey) from Valletta.
The quickest way to get from Malta airport to Valletta is by hopping into a cab. Without a doubt, it is the most convenient option that can get you to Valletta in no time. I generally recommend Welcome Pickups as the most reliable service with the best rates (fixed price of around €27-€30 depending on demand).
Should you wish to head into the Capital by bus, Route X1 is in service from early morning until late evening. With tickets costing just a few euros, this is the cheapest option available.
Alongside the X1 route, a shuttle bus to Valletta is also available for the price of €9 – €10. While it is more economical than a taxi, bear in mind that you’ll need to wait for all passengers to arrive and that they will be dropped off at their designated hotel drop-offs. Expect the journey to last approximately 50 minutes. I recommend Suntransfers for the best rates and service.
You can also enter Valletta by boat by using any of the three Valletta ferry services listed below:
Another option is to travel to Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa, one of The Three Cities), and take a short trip on a Maltese type of gondola (or Dgħajsa in Maltese).
A & S Water Taxis run a shuttle service that takes you across Grand Harbour and drops you off at Victoria Gate, through which you can enter Valletta. You can find them at the start of the Birgu waterfront (Three Cities)
The most important things to know if you visit Valletta by car are:
Valletta is one of the few European capital cities where transport and getting around isn’t a big concern.
Being relatively small, everything is located within walking distance so it’s perfectly doable to get around in Valletta on foot. For instance, landmarks like the Tritoni Fountain, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and St John’s Co-Cathedral are just a short walk away from City Gate.
What’s more, if you intend on staying in the City, most Valletta hotels are located within the heart of the city. This means you’ll have plenty of time to rest up during your trip as well as explore all that Valletta has to offer.
It’s also pretty difficult to get lost in Valletta. Most streets are part of a very straightforward grid-based plan, and most of the city is surrounded by the sea, plus it takes just 10 minutes to walk across the city from one side to the other.
Although cars do pass through most parts of the city, there’s no real traffic, and the core of the city is pedestrianised. The streets are also pretty narrow, so drivers pass through at slow to moderate speed.
If you’re not particularly keen or capable of walking for long stretches, these are a few things to know:
Tip: Plan your routes in advance, and you’ll find that exploring Valletta on foot is very doable. Need inspiration? My Valletta travel guidebook offers my best walking route recommendations.
Edward is the Founder and Editor of Malta Uncovered and author of two guidebooks on Malta and Valletta.
As a tourist-turned-expat with Maltese roots, he knows the islands inside out and helps thousands of visitors enjoy a memorable trip every year.
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