Getting around Malta

photo: The slightly chaotic bus station in Valletta

The Maltese islands are small and no destination is ever too far away. The roads can get crowded in summer however, making an otherwise short journey seem like an endless voyage.

Arrivals with package deals will most likely be transferred to their hotels as part of the deal - the package operators have information desks in the airport and will direct you to your coach. Failing this, airport transfers via bus, coach, taxi or even helicopter can be booked online. If you're going to jump in a taxi when you arrive in Malta make sure you set the price first and check your change!

Car hire is another way to see the islands, although driving in Malta is certainly not for the faint hearted. Car rentals are reasonably priced particularly if you order an older model. Air conditioning is of course a must.

The most convenient way to get around Malta is via the local bus service. Tickets can be bought for each journey or for one, three, five or seven days. The colourful, pretty buses have bags of character and bus drivers will bounce you around the island at breakneck speed. As you are thrown out of your seat as the bus hits another pothole just be grateful that it's not you that has to maintain the suspension on the 1950's throwbacks.

Malta bus information from the official site

Malta and Gozo Route Buses: Unofficial site