Malta Public Transport Cost: Bus, Tallinja Card, Ferry
What it actually costs to get around Malta: the Tallinja card, single fares, the Gozo ferry, rideshare rates, and when a car makes financial sense.
Bus fares: Tallinja card vs single fare
Malta Public Transport operates the island’s bus network under the Tallinja brand. Fares are significantly lower with a Tallinja card than with cash or contactless payment.
| Fare type | Price |
|---|---|
| Single fare (without Tallinja card) | €2.00 |
| Single fare (with Tallinja card) | €0.75 |
| Tallinja monthly card (adult) | €26.00/month |
| Tallinja monthly card (student/senior) | €15.00/month (approx.) |
| Night bus fare (N-routes) | €3.00 |
| 7-day tourist card (unlimited) | Approx. €21 |
Malta Public Transport Verify current fares at publictransport.com.mt. Last verified: 2026-06-09.
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Gozo ferry costs
The Ċirkewwa to Mġarr (Gozo) ferry is the main route to Gozo. It is operated by Gozo Channel. Prices differ for foot passengers and vehicles.
| Passenger type | Approx. one-way fare |
|---|---|
| Adult foot passenger | €4.65 |
| Resident discount (Malta e-ID) | €1.50 (approx.) |
| Car + driver | €15.70 (approx.) |
| Car + driver (resident) | Lower — check GozoChannel.com |
Verify current fares at gozochannel.com. Last verified: 2026-06-09.
Rideshare: Bolt and eCabs
Bolt is the dominant rideshare app in Malta. eCabs is the local taxi app alternative. Both are widely used for short trips, evenings out, and areas with poor bus coverage.
- Typical short trip (2–3 km) on Bolt: €4–€7
- Airport to Sliema: €15–€22 depending on traffic and time of day
- Monthly rideshare budget for occasional use: €20–€60
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Car ownership costs
Car ownership is expensive in Malta relative to the island’s size. Key costs:
- Vehicle licence: Annual licence fee paid to Transport Malta, varies by engine size.
- Insurance: Third-party minimum required. Comprehensive insurance for a standard car runs €600–€1,200/year.
- Fuel: Malta imports all fuel. Petrol prices track European averages. Fill-ups for a typical car cost €50–€80.
- Parking: Many areas charge for on-street parking. Monthly garage rentals in Sliema/Valletta cost €80–€180/month.
- Traffic: The main cost of a car in Malta is time: peak-hour congestion is severe, particularly on the main arterials into Valletta and Sliema.
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