Getting Around – Malta

Car hire is strongly recommended to get around the Maltese Islands. Malta and Gozo is possibly one of the cheapest places to hire a car, especially in the low season. Unless you are a regular visitor or do not expect to do much sightseeing, and ideally are also staying in a central location, you might find that buses are somewhat limiting.

Buses are quite cheap, but rather slow, and connections generally mean changing buses at Valletta to go pretty much anywhere, although some direct services do exist. The peripheries, if served by buses at all, could have an hourly service which means plenty of waiting time. If you plan on getting around a lot, buses should only be considered a viable option if you are staying in Valletta, the Sliema/St Julians area, and the St Paul’s Bay area – localities which are well served and have plenty of tourist facilities to hand, thus unnecessary travelling is avoided. Another thing to watch out for is that in many areas, the latest bus leaves Valletta as early as 10:30 or 11:00 pm, and catching a taxi home could cost as much as a day’s car rental charge.

To hire a car or motorcycle, you’re driving licence is required, and minimum/maximum age limits apply some of which can be satisfied by the payment of an insurance surcharge.

Driving around Malta and Gozo is not difficult. Apart from a short period of adjustment until one realises that most Maltese drivers think that rules are to be bent to accommodate requirements, and there are no major worries. Just watch out for the speed cameras installed in a few locations (speed limits are marked in Km not miles!), and careful where and how you park your car, both as regards to prohibited parking and to not leaving valuables in an “obvious” tourist hire car (anyone can tell from the number plate). See note about tipping, when using a public car park, too. Driving is on the left, UK style, and unless otherwise indicated speed limits are 50km/h / 30mph (Urban), and 80km/h / 50mph (Outside built up areas).

Taxis come in two varieties – White or Black, although the latter are also sometimes offered in other colours, except white. White taxis are “proper” taxis, generally with a “proper” non-functional meter, a “Taxi” sign on the roof and/or doors, and permission to pick up passengers from the street – although some of them (not all, mind) interpret “to pick up” as “to rip off”. On a good day they are more expensive than London black taxis, provided you agree the fare beforehand. Because of the way they work, often queued up at busy locations, where they might have waited in turn for hours, the minimum charge for a short distance is generally disproportionately high. So always without exception agree on the fare beforehand. “Black” taxis, officially know as “chauffeur driven” or “garage hire” cars, are the equivalent of British minicabs, with the difference that only licenced vehicles are used.

These taxis can not be stopped on the street, but must be booked beforehand by calling up the garage. The charge is more honest, although the driver, being an employee, would much appreciate a tip especially if luggage has been handled. “Black” taxis are the preferred means of getting from the Airport to your hotel.

Bicycles – It is possible to hire a bicycle at low cost to get around. There are some things to watch out for however – You need to be fit, as Malta and Gozo especially are quite hilly. You will need to wear suitable clothing, and to bear in mind that in high summer the temperature can get uncomfortable for any form of exertion, and precautions against sunburn need to be taken. Also, drivers tend not to respect cyclists all that much, so you need to keep your wits about you and wear a cycling helmet at least. Bicycle hire is really an option for the fit, regular cyclist, if it is intended to use the bike as a serious means of transportation and not just for the occasional fun ride.