Various bus routes have been operated in Malta since the early 20th century. The system has evolved significantly over the years, with changes in routes, services, and operational management to meet the varying needs of passengers.
The bus network in Malta serves as the primary form of public transport, operating on the islands of Malta and Gozo. Managed by Malta Public Transport (MPT), the system includes over 110 routes that connect major towns, villages, tourist attractions, and key infrastructure such as Malta International Airport and ferry terminals.
No routes operate on Comino or on any other of the minor islands of Malta.
Impact on transportation The public bus system in Malta, commonly known as (stylized as ), serves all majorly inhabited areas across the country and is the primary mode of public transportation. Passengers can access the bus service using either a card or paper tickets.
Since 1 October 2022, travel on public buses, including night services and special routes, is free for card holders. However, this exemption does not apply to Direct, Airport Direct, and on Demand services. The introduction of the free travel initiative has led to a significant increase in bus ridership, with over 67.3 million and 75.8 million bus trips recorded in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
All scheduled public transport routes are operated by Malta Public Transport. This excludes sightseeing buses and vintage/heritage buses, which are independently operated and separate from the national bus network.
Malta Public Transport routes (2015–current) The operations of Malta Public Transport were taken over by Autobuses Urbanos de León (a subsidiary of ALSA) in January 2015. The pattern of routes was substantially changed when the new network took effect. As of August 2025, there are around 500 diesel-run buses servicing these routes, as well as 32 electric buses as of 2024. Frequencies are typically every 10–30 minutes during peak hours on week days, and longer on weekends and public holidays, when fewer buses are operated.
The bus fleet comprises modern low-emission vehicles, many of which are air-conditioned and wheelchair-accessible. MPT has continued efforts to reduce environmental impact, with investments in hybrid and electric buses. The main bus terminals are located in Valletta, Mater Dei Hospital, the airport, and Victoria.
Despite improvements, the bus system has faced criticism related to reliability, overcrowding during peak tourist seasons, and insufficient coverage in rural areas. Efforts are ongoing to improve punctuality, expand coverage, and enhance digital tracking through apps and live information displays.
Daytime routes in Malta