Getting around Valletta

Public transport

Malta Public Transport (tel: +356 2122 2000; www.publictransport.com.mt) runs bus services throughout Malta and Gozo. You can pick up a map and timetable of all routes at the main terminus outside City Gate Valletta.

Regular services connect all parts of Malta, though the majority use Valletta as the island hub. The only late buses are those which operate out of the nightlife enclave of St Julian's/Paceville. You can pay the driver in cash, but it's cheaper to use a reloadable tallinja card. Seven-day and 12-journey cards are available.

There is no bus service in the city. A way of getting about is the fleet of battery powered, chauffeur-driven golf-buggy-style cars (called electric mini cabs).

Conventional taxis (see below) and horse-drawn karozzin (carriages) are expensive, so always haggle on the price.

Valletta Ferry Services (tel: +356 2346 3862) operates water taxis from Valletta to Three Cities and Sliema. You can also take a traditional Maltese dghajsa to tour the Grand Harbour. The city centre of Valletta sits on a hill, the quickest way to get from the city centre to the Grand Harbour and waterfront is to take the Upper Barrakka lift which connects the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the harbour. The journey takes around 25 seconds and it costs €1 to go up (but free to come down). There are two lifts, take the one facing the harbour to enjoy spectacular views.

Taxis

Taxis are useful to travel outside the city centre. There are set fares to get to the airport but for other destinations, it is vital to check the fare before you set off. Hi Cabs (tel: +356 2137 2137) and Malta Taxi (tel: +356 2099 0808) are reputable companies, or ask your hotel reception to order one from their preferred list.

Driving

Within the walls of Valletta, roads and streets are steep and narrow and there is very little parking space. It's best to avoid driving in the city.

Car hire

Car hire on Malta is cheap but parking is often very difficult, particularly around Valletta. Recommended car hire agencies include Avis (tel: +356 2124 6640; www.avis.com.mt) and Budget (tel: +356 2123 3668; www.budget.com.mt).

Bicycle hire

Bicycle hire is not recommended in Valletta as the roads are steep.