Malta Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Overview
The Malta hop-on hop-off bus is one of the easiest ways to explore the island’s main attractions, historic sites and coastal areas, especially if it is your first time visiting Malta. The open-top sightseeing buses travel around the island on two main routes, allowing visitors to hop on and off at major attractions throughout the day.
There are two main routes – the North Route and the South Route, and together they cover many of Malta’s most popular places including Valletta, Mdina, Mosta, Marsaxlokk, the Blue Grotto, Golden Bay, the Three Cities and the Malta National Aquarium. Because the routes cover a large part of the island, the bus is often used by visitors who want a general overview of Malta rather than travelling directly between specific locations.
The buses are open-top double decker sightseeing buses, and many visitors choose to sit on the top deck to enjoy views across Malta’s towns, coastline and countryside. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, providing information about Malta’s history, landmarks and attractions while travelling between stops.
Tickets are usually available for 1 day or 2 days, and some tickets include an optional harbour cruise from Sliema, which allows visitors to see Valletta and the Three Cities from the sea.
For visitors who do not want to hire a car or plan complicated bus routes, the Malta hop-on hop-off bus can be a simple way to see many of the island’s main sights, especially if you have several days in Malta.
How the Malta Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Works
The Malta hop-on hop-off bus operates on a 1-day or 2-day ticket system, and your ticket is valid from the first time you board the bus. During that time, you can get on and off the bus at any of the official stops along the route as many times as you like.
The buses operate on two different routes around Malta – the North Route and the South Route. These routes cover different parts of the island, and many visitors choose to do one route per day if they have a 2-day ticket.
The North Route mainly covers the northern resort areas and inland historic towns, including Bugibba, Qawra, St Julian’s, Sliema, Valletta, Mosta, Ta’ Qali, Mdina, Rabat and Golden Bay. This route includes several historic towns and beaches.
The South Route covers Valletta, the Three Cities, Marsaxlokk, Pretty Bay, the Blue Grotto and the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples, which means this route focuses more on historic sites, coastal scenery and southern Malta.
The routes connect in Valletta and Sliema, which means you can switch between routes if needed, depending on your ticket and the time available.
If you stayed on the bus for the full loop without getting off, the North Route takes around 3.5 hours and the South Route around 3 hours, but most visitors get off at several stops during the day.
It is important to remember that you will not be able to visit every stop in one day, so it is best to plan in advance which places you want to visit, such as Valletta, Mdina, Blue Grotto or Marsaxlokk.
Malta Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket Types
Malta hop-on hop-off bus tickets are usually available as 1-day or 2-day passes, and some tickets also include an optional harbour cruise. Choosing the right ticket depends on how long you are staying in Malta and how much of the island you want to see.
The 1-day ticket allows unlimited use of the hop-on hop-off bus for one day from the first time you board. This ticket is best if you only want to do one route or if you only plan to visit a few major stops such as Valletta, Mdina or the Blue Grotto.
The 2-day ticket is often better value because Malta has two large routes, and it is difficult to properly explore both the North Route and South Route in a single day. Many visitors use the North Route on one day to visit Mdina, Mosta and Golden Bay, and then use the South Route on another day to visit Marsaxlokk, the Blue Grotto and the temples.
Some tickets also include a harbour cruise from Sliema, which allows you to see Valletta, the Three Cities and the harbour from the sea. The harbour cruise usually does not have to be taken on the same day as the bus and can often be used within a few days of activating your ticket.
In general:
• The 1-day ticket is best if you only want to see a few places.
• The 2-day ticket is best if you want to explore Malta more fully.
• The bus + harbour cruise ticket is good value if you also want to see Valletta from the sea.
Many visitors find that the 2-day ticket offers the best overall value, as it allows you to explore Malta at a slower pace without rushing between stops.
Malta Hop-On Hop-Off North Route
The Malta hop-on hop-off North Route covers many of the main tourist areas in northern Malta as well as several important historic towns inland. This route is popular with visitors staying in Bugibba, Qawra, St Julian’s or Sliema, as the bus passes through these resort areas before heading inland towards some of Malta’s historic attractions.
One of the main highlights on the North Route is Mdina, the old medieval capital of Malta, often called the Silent City. The route also includes Mosta, where you can see the famous Mosta Dome, one of the largest unsupported domes in Europe. The bus also stops near Ta’ Qali Crafts Village and the Aviation Museum, as well as Golden Bay, which is one of Malta’s most popular sandy beaches.
The North Route also includes stops at the Malta National Aquarium and the Qawra seafront, making it useful for visitors staying in northern resort areas who want to visit attractions without driving.
This route is a good option if you want to see historic towns like Mdina and Mosta, visit Golden Bay, or explore the northern resort areas of Malta.
Malta Hop-On Hop-Off South Route
The Malta hop-on hop-off South Route focuses more on historic sites, traditional towns and coastal scenery in the southern part of Malta. This route includes several of Malta’s most famous historic and cultural attractions.
One of the main highlights on the South Route is the Blue Grotto, where visitors can take small boat trips into sea caves along the coastline. The route also includes Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village famous for its colourful boats and Sunday fish market.
The bus also stops at the Tarxien Temples and the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples, which are some of the oldest prehistoric temples in the world. Another important area on this route is the Three Cities, located across the harbour from Valletta, where you can explore historic streets and waterfront areas.
This route is ideal if you want to see historic Malta, traditional villages, archaeological sites and coastal scenery, and it is often considered the more cultural and historic of the two routes.
Malta Hop-On Hop-Off North Route Stops & Attractions
Below is a general guide to the main stops on the Malta hop-on hop-off North Route and what you can see near each stop. This can help you plan which stops you want to visit before starting the bus tour.
| Stop | Area | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Bugibba | Resort area | Seafront, restaurants, hotels |
| Qawra | Resort area | Malta National Aquarium |
| St Julian’s | Town | Spinola Bay, restaurants, nightlife |
| Sliema | Town | Seafront promenade, shopping, harbour cruise |
| Valletta | Capital | Old town, St John’s Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens |
| San Anton | Gardens | San Anton Gardens |
| Ta’ Qali | Crafts | Crafts Village, Aviation Museum |
| Mosta | Town | Mosta Dome |
| Mdina | Historic city | Mdina Old City |
| Rabat | Town | Roman Villa, Catacombs |
| Golden Bay | Beach | Sandy beach |
This route includes historic towns, beaches, gardens and resort areas, and is often used by visitors who want to see Mdina, Mosta and Golden Bay.
Malta Hop-On Hop-Off South Route Stops & Attractions
Below is a guide to the main stops on the Malta hop-on hop-off South Route and the attractions near each stop.
| Stop | Area | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| St Julian’s | Town | Spinola Bay |
| Sliema | Town | Seafront, harbour cruise |
| Valletta | Capital | Valletta city centre |
| Valletta Waterfront | Harbour | Restaurants, harbour cruise |
| Tarxien | Temples | Tarxien Temples |
| Vittoriosa | Three Cities | Historic waterfront |
| Marsaxlokk | Fishing village | Sunday fish market, harbour |
| Pretty Bay | Beach | Birzebbugia beach |
| Blue Grotto | Coast | Blue Grotto boat trips |
| Hagar Qim | Temples | Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples |
This route includes historic temples, fishing villages, coastal scenery and the Blue Grotto, and is ideal if you want to see southern Malta and historic sites.
Valletta
Valletta is Malta’s capital city and one of the most important stops on the Malta hop-on hop-off bus routes, as both the North and South routes pass through the city. Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its historic streets, churches, museums and harbour views.
One of the main places to visit in Valletta is St John’s Co-Cathedral, famous for its ornate interior and Caravaggio paintings. Another popular spot is the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which offer views across the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. Many visitors also walk along the city walls, visit museums, or explore the narrow streets filled with cafes and shops.
Valletta is also an important transport hub, and it is often used as a starting point or interchange stop on the hop-on hop-off bus routes. Some visitors spend several hours in Valletta before continuing to other stops such as Mdina, Marsaxlokk or the Blue Grotto.
Because there is so much to see in Valletta, it is usually recommended to allow at least two to three hours if you plan to explore the city properly during your hop-on hop-off bus trip.
Mdina
Mdina is one of the most famous places in Malta and is often called the Silent City because of its quiet streets and historic atmosphere. The city was Malta’s capital during medieval times and is surrounded by large stone walls overlooking the countryside.
Inside Mdina, you will find narrow streets, historic buildings, churches, small museums and viewpoints, making it one of the most scenic and historic places in Malta. Many visitors spend time walking through the streets, visiting St Paul’s Cathedral, and stopping at cafes and restaurants inside the old city.
Mdina is located inland and is usually visited together with Rabat, which is located just outside the Mdina walls and includes Roman sites and catacombs. The hop-on hop-off bus stops near the entrance to Mdina, making it easy to explore the area on foot.
For many visitors, Mdina is one of the highlights of the Malta hop-on hop-off bus tour, and it is usually recommended to spend at least one to two hours here.
Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is one of Malta’s most famous natural attractions and is located on the south coast of the island. The area is known for sea caves, cliffs and clear blue water, and many visitors take small boat trips into the caves when the sea conditions are good.
The hop-on hop-off bus stops near the Blue Grotto viewpoint, where you can look down over the coastline and see the caves from above. From there, visitors can walk down to the harbour area where the small boats depart for the cave tours.
Boat trips into the Blue Grotto usually take around 20 to 25 minutes, and the water is often very clear, especially in the morning. The area is also popular for photography because of the cliffs and coastal views.
The Blue Grotto stop is usually included on the South Route, and many visitors combine this stop with Marsaxlokk and the temples on the same route.
Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village on the south-east coast of Malta and is famous for its colourful fishing boats and waterfront restaurants. It is one of the most popular stops on the South Route of the hop-on hop-off bus.
The village is known for its Sunday fish market, but even during the week it is a nice place to walk along the harbour, take photos of the boats and stop for lunch at one of the seafood restaurants along the waterfront.
Marsaxlokk is quite different from the resort areas in northern Malta and gives visitors a chance to see a more traditional side of Malta, with fishing boats, small streets and a quieter atmosphere.
Many visitors stop here for lunch during the hop-on hop-off bus tour, and it is usually combined with a visit to the Blue Grotto or the temples on the South Route.
Mosta Dome
Mosta is a town in central Malta and is best known for the Mosta Dome, also called the Rotunda of Mosta, which is one of the largest unsupported domes in Europe. The church is one of Malta’s most famous landmarks and is included as a stop on the North Route of the Malta hop-on hop-off bus.
The Mosta Dome is particularly famous because during World War II a bomb fell through the dome during a service but did not explode, and this story is often told as one of Malta’s most famous wartime events. Inside the church, you can see a replica of the bomb as well as the impressive dome interior.
The church is very large inside and worth visiting if you are interested in architecture, history or churches. Most visitors spend around 30 to 45 minutes here before continuing to other stops such as Mdina or Ta’ Qali.
Because Mosta is located between Valletta and Mdina, it is often visited on the same day as Mdina when using the hop-on hop-off bus.
Golden Bay
Golden Bay is one of Malta’s most popular sandy beaches and is located on the north-west coast of the island. It is one of the few large sandy beaches in Malta, which makes it very popular with both locals and tourists, especially during the summer months.
The beach is surrounded by hills and cliffs and has restaurants, cafes, sunbeds and water sports, making it a good place to stop if you want a break from sightseeing during your hop-on hop-off bus trip.
Golden Bay is included on the North Route, and many visitors choose to stop here for a couple of hours to relax on the beach before continuing on the bus route.
If you are visiting Malta in summer and want to combine sightseeing with some time at the beach, Golden Bay is one of the best stops on the Malta hop-on hop-off bus route.
Malta National Aquarium
The Malta National Aquarium is located in Qawra in northern Malta and is one of the main attractions in the Bugibba and Qawra area. The aquarium includes several different themed zones with marine life from the Mediterranean and other parts of the world.
The aquarium is a popular stop for families and visitors staying in Bugibba or Qawra, and it is located near the seafront promenade, restaurants and hotels in the area.
Most visitors spend one to two hours at the aquarium, and it can be combined with a walk along the Qawra seafront or a visit to Bugibba. The aquarium is included on the North Route of the hop-on hop-off bus, making it easy to visit without needing a car.
For visitors staying in northern Malta, the aquarium is one of the easiest stops to visit using the hop-on hop-off bus.
Harbour Cruise Add-On
Some Malta hop-on hop-off bus tickets include an optional harbour cruise, which usually departs from Sliema Ferries and takes visitors around the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour.
The harbour cruise offers views of Valletta, the Three Cities, fortifications and the harbour from the sea, and it is a different perspective compared to seeing Valletta from land. The cruise usually lasts around one to two hours depending on the route and operator.
For some tickets, the harbour cruise does not have to be used on the same day as the bus and can usually be used within a few days of activating the hop-on hop-off ticket.
Many visitors combine the hop-on hop-off bus with the harbour cruise, as it allows you to see Malta from both land and sea and makes the ticket better value if you plan to do both activities.
Is the Malta Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Worth It?
Whether the Malta hop-on hop-off bus is worth it depends on how long you are staying in Malta and how you prefer to travel around the island. For first-time visitors, the bus can be a convenient way to see many of Malta’s main attractions without needing to hire a car or plan complicated public transport routes.
One of the main advantages of the hop-on hop-off bus is that it covers a large part of the island, including Valletta, Mdina, Marsaxlokk, the Blue Grotto, Mosta and Golden Bay. If you tried to visit all of these places using public buses in a short time, it would be more difficult and time-consuming.
However, the hop-on hop-off bus is not the fastest way to travel around Malta, and the routes can take several hours to complete. If you only have a short trip to Malta, you may find that organised tours or car hire allow you to see more in less time.
The hop-on hop-off bus is usually best for:
- First-time visitors to Malta
- Visitors staying several days
- Visitors who do not want to drive
- Visitors who want a general overview of Malta
- Visitors staying in Bugibba, Qawra, Sliema or St Julian’s
If you choose the 2-day ticket, the bus becomes much more useful, as you can do the North Route one day and the South Route the next day without rushing.
For many visitors, the Malta hop-on hop-off bus is a good introduction to the island, especially at the start of a trip.
Tips for Using the Malta Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
There are a few useful tips that can make using the Malta hop-on hop-off bus much easier and help you see more during your trip.
It is usually best to start early in the morning, especially if you plan to get off at several stops. The full routes take several hours, so starting early gives you more time to explore places like Mdina, Valletta or Marsaxlokk.
Try to choose a few main stops rather than trying to stop everywhere, otherwise you will spend too much time waiting for buses and travelling between stops. Many visitors choose stops such as Valletta, Mdina, Blue Grotto or Marsaxlokk.
If possible, the 2-day ticket is often better value, as it allows you to do the North Route on one day and the South Route on another day without rushing.
If the weather is good, sitting on the top deck gives the best views, but remember to bring sun protection, as the sun can be very strong in Malta, especially in summer.
Always check the last bus times, especially if you are far from your hotel or starting point, so you do not miss the last bus back.
Planning your stops in advance will make the day much more enjoyable and help you see more of Malta without feeling rushed.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Planning to use the Malta hop-on hop-off bus? Here are a few useful tips to help you get the most out of it:
- Consider the 2-day ticket: It allows you to do the North Route one day and the South Route the next without rushing.
- Don’t try to stop everywhere: Pick a few main stops like Valletta, Mdina, Blue Grotto or Marsaxlokk.
- Start early in the day: The full routes take several hours to complete.
- Sit on the top deck: The views across Malta are much better from upstairs.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Further Reading & Related Malta Guides
If you are planning a trip to Malta, start with our Malta travel guide, which covers transport, attractions, where to stay and essential travel tips for visiting the islands.
If you are arriving by plane, read our Malta airport transfers guide to understand the best ways to get from the airport to Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s and the Gozo ferry.
If you are planning to visit Gozo, read our Gozo day trip guide and Gozo hop on hop off bus guide for transport and sightseeing advice on the island.
If you want to explore Malta by boat, read our Malta cruises and Blue Lagoon guide, which covers Comino boat trips and harbour cruises.
You can also read our Popeye Village Malta guide and Malta National Aquarium guide if you are planning to visit attractions in northern Malta.
Last Updated
This Malta hop-on hop-off bus guide was last updated in April 2026. Bus routes, stops and timetables can change, so always check official tour operators before travelling.
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