The Maltese Islands are not very large, which makes getting around relatively trouble-free.
The public bus service in Malta and Gozo is a good way to get around as buses serve the major tourist areas, go practically everywhere and are cheap and efficient. The cost of a bus route ranges depending on the length of the journey, time of catching the bus, and whether the route is a direct one.
Renting a car is a good option if you want to go around Malta, especially as taxis can be somewhat expensive. All the road signs are in English and driving is on the left.
A transport reform is currently being made in Malta, whereby, changes are being implemented continuously. Further information can be obtained by visiting the public transport website here.
Also all information regarding fares can also be found on the above website.
In Malta, driving is on the left. Seed limits differ from village core to village outskirts. Several cameras are installed around Malta, and hefty fines have to be paid if the speed limit is exceeded. Comprehensive insurance is advisable. International driving licences are accepted. Safety belts are obligatory for all passengers. Petrol, unleaded petrol and diesel are available from automatic pumps.
Driving in Malta can be quite a harrowing experience for the foreigner. Maltese driving is quite chaotic and the highway code is not strictly observed. A popular saying is that Maltese do not drive on the left nor on the right but in the shade!
Most international car hire companies have a branch in Malta. Local companies, too, offer this service. Most rental companies will only rent cars to people over 25 years. Car hire rates are very reasonable compared to those in other European countries.
Major and local car hires are located on Malta and Gozo with daily rates ranging from €15 to €30. International and national driving licenses are acceptable. A number of internationally based car hiring firms as well as local garages also offer the services of chauffeur-driven cars.
Renting scooter, motorbikes or mountain bicycles is an option, but travel this way can be somewhat limited as not all roads are two-wheel vehicle friendly.
Malta’s taxis have an awkward reputation and fares can be surprisingly expensive. Follow the usual travel precaution of asking: “How much?” before you get in the cab. You can settle for simply using the meter if you cannot agree on a price.
There are also ecabs which started to function after a number of years observing the evolvement of the cab industry which is currently dominated by a handful of white taxis and a couple of private garages. For more information kindly visit ecabs here.
A regular ferry service carries passengers and cars between Malta and Gozo. The trip takes about 20 minutes. Ferries leave from Cirkewwa Malta to Imgarr Gozo. For more information and timetables, visit the Gozo Channel website here or contact the Gozo Channel Company:
Comino is the smallest island, having no traffic and only one hotel. Regular trips to and from Malta and Gozo are available. There are generally around eight trips a day from both Islands to Comino. The service does not usually operate between November and March. For more information, contact the Comino Hotel on (+356) 21529821. Various island cruises and excursions also make trips to and stop offs at Comino.