Public transport – Maltese buses
By far the cheapest and easiest way to get around the island, but not necessarily also the quickest. The bright yellow buses can get you everywhere and anywhere, because routes are laid out well and pass by most, if not all, tourist hot spots. Depending on the length of the ride, tickets start at Lm0.20 or Lm0.23 each. By far most bus routes are operated with the Valletta bus terminus as its base station. Express routes are also available and usually have three digit numbers. The price of tickets is around Lm0.40 on such routes but you’ll get to your destination much quicker. Gozo has its own routes and much less colourful (grey) buses.
Taxis and mini buses
Of course, taxis are available from almost everywhere and your safest bet are white taxis which offer fixed prices for set distances. Bargaining for lower prices is not unusual, as there is plenty of competition amongst taxi owners in the more popular tourist areas.
Mini buses are an ideal way of transport for groups of more than 4-5 people. They are particularly convenient for clubbers trying to get to the more remote and secluded open air clubs. The charge is usually around Lm2 per person for a return trip, depending on the size of the group (normally up to 12). A time of pick up is usually agreed with the driver.
Car hire
There are numerous car hire agencies around of international fame but also family run businesses. Both provide quality cars and at relatively good prices, especially offered by the local businesses.
Airport
Malta International Airport (MLA - www.maltairport.com) is located between the villages of Luqa and Gudja, 10kms from Valletta (journey time – 15 minutes). Buses depart regularly to and from the main bus terminal at Valletta City Gate. Also, there is a full, 24-hour, taxi service to all parts of Malta, with fares being charged at a fixed rate.
The terminal complex at Malta International Airport comprises of split level Departure and Arrival Halls at either side of the main building with spacious Check-In, Baggage Reclaim and Welcomers' Halls, cafeterias, restaurants, incoming and outgoing duty-free shops and other retail outlets. Other facilities include car hire, bank, bureau de change and offices. For the business travelers, the airport has three executive lounges as well as a separate, exclusive VIP building for Heads of States and diplomats.
All airlines that fly to Malta, including those offering cheap flights to Malta, have their own representation at Malta International Airport.
Gozo Channel line ferries
Even though it’s possible to pack you belongings in a plastic bag and cross the straight between Malta and Gozo by swimming the distance, using the ferries of the Gozo Channel line is a little more convenient and easier. The ferries are accessible through Cirkewwa, which is situated in the Northern most part of Malta and is easily reachable by bus, being served by a number of routes. Trips usually take 20-25 minutes and the ferries cater for car transfers as well.
Holidays to Gozo are made easier now by the Airport shuttle service, which takes you from the airport in the south of Malta, to the Northern tip of the island (Cirkewwa), to the Gozo Channel line ferries. For more information visit: Gozo Shuttle service.
