When travelling on a tight budget, you’ll want to do all you can to cut down on costs. Beyond finding cheap flights and accommodation, there are plenty of ways to save the cents during your holiday to Malta. One of the best ways to stay within budget without compromising on your experience is to utilize the island’s public transport system.
Malta is a small island nation, around one-fifth the size of London. Naturally, this makes getting from A to B easier than in many of its more vast European neighbours. It has an excellent public transport system that can take you just about anywhere you need to go on the island. With just a little prior planning, you’ll be able to move around with minimal effort, without carrying the financial burden of a hire car.
On the buses
Malta’s public transport system relies on a network of buses, with no other means of public transport widely available. Fortunately, the bus routes are designed to connect all different parts of the island, making exploring beyond your base relatively straightforward. The system is modern, reliable, and very affordable, so it’s certainly worth making the most of.
Buses are the most popular form of transport, and there is an extensive network of routes that cover the whole island. You can buy tickets from the driver or at one of the many kiosks located around Malta.
Travel cards
There are also travel cards available to tourists, which offer discounted rates on journeys for the duration of your holiday. For instance, the 7-day Explore Card gives you access to unlimited travel on day and night buses for the entire week. The card costs €21 for adults and €15 for children, and can be used all across Malta and Gozo.
Alternatively, you can opt for the Explore Plus Card, which includes the benefits of a standard Explore Card, plus a full-day tour on a hop-on, hop-off service, as well as two trips on the Valletta ferry. If you have an itinerary planned in advance, you’ll be able to decide which option is best for you to make your money go further.
Hop-on, hop-off
The bus routes aren’t simply designed to get you to your destination as quickly as possible. There are also some hop-on, hop-off buses which offer a more scenic journey across Malta, passing some of the most significant landmarks on the way. These are a budget-friendly way of seeing the major attractions across both Malta and Gozo, so consider adding a trip to your itinerary.
Malta made easy
Vacationing on a budget provides you with a perfect opportunity to get a little creative with your travel plans. With Malta’s well-developed bus system, you will still be able to explore all of the island’s best cultural attractions without splurging on transport costs, from the Blue Grotto to Valletta’s Royal Opera House. Take advantage of the travel card deals and enjoy a trip to this beautiful island without breaking the bank.
Author bio: Jane Jones
Since graduating from a leading English university with a Creative Writing degree, I have put my skills to the test in various travel writing roles. I am passionate about encouraging others to explore the world as I have, and always look to inspire my readers to broaden their horizons.
