Practical information for arriving in Malta, travelling around the islands, getting to Gozo and making the most of your time once you arrive.
The essentials for getting to the islands and moving around once you arrive.
Malta is an island in the central Mediterranean. Most visitors arrive by air, while ferry connections make travelling by sea possible too.
Malta International Airport is the main airport serving the islands. It is in the south-east of Malta and is the principal arrival point for visitors travelling by air.
From the airport you can continue by public bus, Airport Direct, taxi, private transfer or rental car.
The airport provides information on car hire and ways of reaching the terminal.
Malta is also accessible by sea, including ferry services from Sicily, cruise ships and private vessels. Routes and schedules vary, so check the current operator information before travelling.
If your final destination is Gozo, you can continue from Malta by the Gozo Channel vehicle ferry or by passenger fast ferry from Valletta.
Malta International Airport has public transport connections to many parts of the island. Airport Direct provides dedicated services to several popular destinations, while regular buses provide wider connections.
Taxis are also available at the airport. Malta International Airport says taxi services to destinations in Malta are available 24 hours a day, with prepaid tickets sold from the taxi booth in the Welcomers' Hall.
Airport Direct is useful if you want a straightforward bus from the airport to a major destination without first travelling into Valletta.
Check Airport Direct before travelling because routes and timetables can change.
Malta is compact, but the best way to travel depends on where you are staying, where you want to go and how much of the island you want to explore.
Malta has an extensive public bus network connecting towns, villages and many of the island's main visitor destinations. Buses also operate on Gozo.
Tickets can be bought on buses using cash or contactless payment, and travel cards can be useful if you plan to use buses frequently.
Hiring a car gives you more flexibility, particularly when visiting rural areas, beaches and places away from the main bus routes.
Malta drives on the left-hand side of the road. Roads can be narrow in older towns and villages, and parking can be limited in busy areas.
Allow extra time for traffic, especially around larger urban areas and popular destinations in summer.
Taxis and private transfers are useful for airport journeys, ferry terminals, hotels and destinations where public transport is less convenient.
For airport travel, a prepaid taxi service is available from Malta International Airport's taxi booth.
Historic centres, villages and many coastal areas are particularly rewarding on foot. Walking can also be the easiest way to explore compact old towns.
In hot weather, carry water, use sun protection and plan longer walks for cooler parts of the day.
Cycling can be a good way to explore quieter roads and countryside, especially on Gozo. Hills, traffic, road surfaces and summer temperatures should be taken into account.
Planning by location can save time. Find beaches, dive sites, viewpoints, villages, historic places and other locations before setting out.
Gozo is separated from Malta by the channel and is reached by sea. There are two useful options for visitors: the vehicle ferry and the passenger fast ferry.
The Gozo Channel ferry connects Ċirkewwa in northern Malta with Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. It carries both foot passengers and vehicles.
The crossing takes about 25 minutes and the service operates daily. Gozo Channel operates a 24-hour service throughout the year, subject to favourable weather and operational conditions.
If you are travelling around Gozo by car, taking your vehicle across on the ferry can make exploring the island considerably easier.
Check the Gozo Channel schedule →
If you are travelling without a car, the passenger fast ferry can be convenient. It connects Valletta, Sliema and Buġibba with Mġarr in Gozo, making it possible to travel directly from Malta's capital and other towns rather than first going to Ċirkewwa.
Malta Public Transport also offers travel-card combinations that include a return trip to Gozo by Gozo Highspeed, so it can be worth comparing the available options if you are using buses as well.
Check current options →Passenger service only. Check the current timetable, fares and operating conditions before travelling.
Gozo is small enough to explore independently. Choose the transport that suits your plans and use the e-Malta map to find places along the way.
A car gives you the greatest flexibility for exploring Gozo's beaches, viewpoints, villages, countryside and more remote coastal areas.
Public buses connect Mġarr Harbour with Victoria and other villages and visitor destinations around Gozo. Check routes and times before setting out.
Taxis and private transport can be useful when travelling between Mġarr Harbour, accommodation and individual places around the island.
Cycling can be a good way to explore quieter roads and countryside, although Gozo's hills and summer temperatures should be taken into account.
Walking is ideal for villages, coastal paths, viewpoints and shorter sections of Gozo's countryside. Take water and allow more time in summer.
Find beaches, dive sites, viewpoints, villages, historic places and other locations before setting out.
Gozo is easy to cross, but a little planning can save unnecessary driving and help you fit more into your day.
Start with the Gozo map, choose the places you want to visit and then use the route planner to organise your day. Grouping nearby places together can make a big difference, especially if you are visiting beaches or coastal sites.
Plan a day →A few simple details can make arrival and everyday travel much easier, particularly if this is your first visit to Malta.
Malta uses the euro (€). Cards and contactless payment are widely used, although it is still sensible to carry a small amount of cash for places where card payment may not be available.
Malta uses the British-style three-pin electrical plug. Visitors from countries using different sockets will need an appropriate travel adaptor.
EU visitors can generally use mobile services under applicable EU roaming rules. Visitors from elsewhere should check their home provider's roaming rates or consider a local/eSIM option.
The European emergency number 112 is used in Malta for urgent police, fire and medical emergencies.
Malta can be very hot and sunny, particularly in summer. Carry water, use sun protection and be realistic about walking distances during the hottest part of the day.
Coastal conditions can change with wind and weather. A bay that looks calm is not necessarily safe for swimming or diving in all conditions. Check local conditions and follow signs, flags and lifeguard advice where present.
Visitors should make sure they have appropriate travel insurance and bring any necessary medicines. EU visitors should carry their European Health Insurance Card where applicable.
Accessibility varies between older streets, beaches, historic buildings and rural sites. If accessibility is important for your trip, check the individual destination before travelling.
Shops, museums, churches and attractions can have different opening hours, particularly outside the main tourist season. Check the destination before making a special journey.