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Malta Transport Tallinja Card

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Get Around The Island Cheap And Easy

The Malta Public Transport Tallinja card is a very efficient well organised system of transportation visit any location on the island. We provide you with basic information to help you get started and understand the system.

As from Saturday 1st October 2022, the Malta Public Transport will be free for all people residing in Malta, with the exception of having a Tallinja card. The Tallinja card will be used to scan on the bus once boarding. No card top up will be needed.

Disclaimer: On our website, you will find affiliate links from which we receive a small commission.

All the buses on the island are low floor types. They have easy access for people with mobility impairments. Seats designed for persons with impairments, pregnant women and easy for the elderly, also for your children.

See all the routes and times to all villages and to every interchange.

table of contents - tallinja cards malta

• Tallinja Top Up
• Tallinja Card Balance Check
• Tallinja App Download
• Cards For Tourists
• Bus Ticket Information
• Personalised Tallinja Card

Adult Tallinja Card

Child tallinja card, student tallinja card, gozo resident tallinja card.

• Concession Tallinja Card

how to top up your tallinja card

There are several ways how to top up your Tallinja card.

• Using the  Malta Public Transport official website . After entering their website, first you must enter you card number (found on the back of your card) and select what your method to top up. The last thing is to enter your card details.
• Using the Tallinja App.
• Going to a representative office anywhere on the island.

how to check your tallinja card balance

There are several ways how to check your Tallinja card balance.

• Using the  Malta Public Transport official website.  All you have to do is enter you card number (found on the back of your card) and your balance will appear on screen.

how to download the tallinja app

Using you mobile phone click one of the following links.

• Use this link if you are using an Android phone .
• Use this link if you are using an Apple (IOS) phone .

You can download the public transport in Malta tallinja app (Android / Apple) which gives you the following features:

• You can see which of the buses are on each bus stop so you can determine at what time a particular bus will arrive on a bus stop from where you which to catch it. This will help you plan your journey and do not stay too much on the bus stop.
• Places of interest are marked on the map.
• You can save your favourite bus stops for quick reference.
• You can top up your balance of the card directly from this application.
• Check your remaining balance.
• Service updates with latest changes to routes etc.
• Log into your tallinja account to see your transaction history.
• You can go into the journey planner and check how long it will take you to arrive from one location to another.

how to get the tallinja cards

• From Malta Public Transport website. One can order them and can be delivered to their country in order to use them immediately when you arrive in Malta. Shipping fees apply.
• Malta International Airport from arrivals lounge.
• Valletta Cruise Port - Valletta Waterfront
• From sales and information offices of the Public Transport or from a number of partner resellers across the islands. For locations click here
• All cards can be used immediately when purchased

The Best Tourist Cards For Malta

While bus tickets can be purchased from our drivers on all buses, we also offer two cards specifically designed for visitors:

how to use the cards

• At all of Malta Public Transport Sales and Information offices and other outlets.
• Once the cards are purchased, they can be used immediately.
• Once you get on the bus, you must swipe the card on the machine.
• When you go on the boat or a free entrance in any building, you must show them the card.

Valletta Card

• Price: €19.00
• Validity: 24 Hours

the valletta card includes

• Public Transport to and from Valletta, two trips by ferry to the capital city from Sliema and Cospicua.
• The 133 route that circles Valletta.
• Free access to Upper Barrakka lift when using the ferry from Cospicua.
• Free entrance to any of the three points of interest : The Palace State Rooms, The Palace Armoury, The National Museum of Archaeology and Malta 5D.

Explore Plus Meep Tallinja Card

• Price: €39.00
• Validity: 7 consecutive days of unlimited travel

the ExplorePlusMeep Card includes

• Unlimited 7 day travel on the Malta Public Transport. This includes Tallinja Direct and Night Routes.
• 2 free trips on the Valletta ferry .
• 2 free trips on the Tallinja bike in Valletta and surrounding areas.
• A discount on the Ioscoot. This is an electric motorbike that shares service between St. Julian's and Valletta.
• Several options of Sightseeing around Malta: 1 full-day travel on CitySightseeing buses (Excluding Gozo) or 1 round trip to Comino during summer or 1 Best of Gozo & Comino trip during winter on Captain Morgan Cruises.
• Receive a discount on Malta 5D   of €2 for adults.

Explore Card

A 7-Day Explore card provides unlimited travel for seven consecutive days only from the time you first swipe the card on the bus. The Explore Card is both for adults and children.

• Prices: Adult €21 and Children €15

The Explore Card Includes

• Unlimited 7 day travel  on the Malta Public Transport. This includes also Night Routes.
• Free 30 minutes on the  Tallinja bike  in Valletta and surrounding areas.
• A discount on the Ioscoot.  This is an electric motorbike that shares service between St. Julian's and Valletta.
• Free Tallinja Direct Plus on-demand trips.

Explore Flex

With Explore Flex, you can pay for transport at a reduced price even more flexible than with other travel cards. This is the only non-personalised card with top-up and pay-as-you-go transport, it offers discounted rates on public bus transport, Valletta Ferry Services and many other transport options. 

This card will reduce the hassle of carrying cash and making sure you have the exact change to purchase your transport ticket. Once bought, it can be used immediately. This can be re-topped by using the Tallinja App. 

This card can be used on the available transport options: Tallinja Buses, Valletta Ferry Services and Tallinja Bike.

You can buy this card at Malta Public Transport sales offices at the Valletta bus terminal, Malta International Airport arrivals hall, or from card-dispensing machines everywhere on the island.

12 Single Day Journey Card

• Validity: 1 year - You have 12 single day journeys to be used in one year.

how to use the 12 Single Day Journey card

• You have either 12 single day journeys or 6 single night journeys. You can also combine them both.
• This journey card can also be shared and is valid for a year from first time of swiping on a bus.

Offers flexibility with reduced fares for 12 journeys.

a simple example of how to use the card

One Person  will swipe the card and will be valid for 2 hours. After 2 hours he will swipe it again for another 2 hours. Up till here he would have used 2 journeys from 12.

Two Person  will swipe the card twice and will be valid for 2 hours. After 2 hours they will swipe it again twice for another 2 hours. Up till here they would have used 4 journeys from 12.

If you change the bus during a journey of 2 hours you will still have to swipe on the bus but no journey or money will be deducted from the card.

One card can only be used by a group of 12 persons at one time going on a bus for one trip of 2 hours. For the next trip a new card will have to be purchased.

This card is not adequate for tourists but only for those persons who use the bus occasionally

Bus Tickets Information

Two cash tickets can be purchased from all buses.

The Winter/Summer ticket & the Night Service ticket

Summer Ticket:

• €2.00 - Duration 2 hours
• Between Mid-June and Mid-October
• Operates between 05:30 till 23:00

Winter Ticket:

• €1.50 - Duration 2 hours
• Between Mid-October to Mid-June

Night Ticket:

• 4 main routes
• Operates every Friday, Saturday nights and public holidays and feast days.

Personalised Tallinja Cards

There are five different personalized cards which will have your personal photo and your name written on them.

Basic Conditions:

One has to register for these cards through the Malta Public Transport website .

Minimum amounts and card fees apply. The credit will not expire.

To register for the Tallinja cards you will need one of the following documents:

• Maltese Identity card
• Residence Card
• Other ID Document

-  Tallinja  App -  Android  |  Apple

When boarding the bus make sure the barcode at the bottom of the card is touching the reader and the amount will automatically be deducted.

No credit can be transferred to another customer

Card is updated every 24 hours after use

When you spend the maximum limit on your card for the day, week or month, you will not pay for any fare until the next period starts.

The fees of the following cards do no include night and special service. In regards to these there are other fees which will be deducted from your card.

• 75c every 2 hours - 1 Journey
• Maximum Card Limit of €26 every month.
• Age 17 to 59 years (both included)

• Yellow Card
• 75c every 2 hours
• 50c every 24 hours
• €2.00 every 7 days
• Age 4 to 10 years (both included)
• Children up to the age of 4 travel for free and there is no need for a card.

• 75c every 2 hours.
• Maximum €21 for 1 month.
• €55 for 3 months.
• Age 11 to 16 years (both included)
• This card can also be used for students attending a full time course with a recognised educational institute for at least three months.

• Violet Card
• Maximum €10 for 1 month (Gozo Only)
• Maximum €26 for 1 month (Malta & Gozo)
• Night service is not included.
• This card applies for residents who have a Gozitan address on their ID Cards.

Concession Tallinja card

• 25c every 2 hours
• Maximum 50c every 24 hours
• Maximum €2.00 every 7 days
• This card is for people kartanzjan holders, Maltese 60+ Identity card holders, EU disability card marked with "MT" holders or special ID cards issued by the national Commission for Persons with Disability (CRPD).

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Which Malta Bus Ticket is Right For You

Travelling between locations can sometimes be a hassle depending on which country you visit. Luckily, the small islands of Malta are easy to get to with their public transport. Malta’s bus service is the most convenient and cheapest way to get around the country – here are some of the options to suit the way you like to travel.

There are five ticket options to use the Malta bus: purchasing a single ticket or taking advantage of any of the four bus cards available to visitors. Each has its own advantages so I’ll break them down. I recommend watching my video explaining all the options below and then reading below for additional details.

Single Bus Ticket

The most common, universal way of using the bus is simply buying a ticket from A to B. No matter how far you go, the price per ticket stays the same, great if you’re going to the other side of the island. Buses are relatively cheap compared to other European countries so you’re transport budget doesn’t need to be big. Currently, non-summer prices for a ticket are €1.50, €2 in peak summer time. There are frequent night services that run from most from places such as Tas-Sliema, Valletta, Bugibba and Mellieña. These are ‘NXX’ buses and cost €3 throughout the whole year.

There are no other type of bus tickets, just the single trip ticket priced for adults, concessions, students and children. So why get the single bus ticket? Well, the good part is you get unlimited bus use within 2 hours. Each ticket has a QR code and validity time so you know exactly when it’s valid until. Whether you’re making an interchange or city hopping, you can cover distance with this one price. This includes buses to and from the airport . You can buy these at the airport desk, but it’s easy enough to purchase straight from the driver. If you plan to make infrequent trips to different places in Malta, then this works well.

Routes & Timetables

The explorer bus card will likely be the most popular option for those wanting to visit far and wide, travelling plenty during the day and into the night. The explorer bus card gives you unlimited bus rides in Malta, including Gozo island. It’s valid for 7 days and can be purchased for €21 or €15 for a child . Jump on any bus including Night services with a tap of the Explorer card. You can purchase one from any customer information desk at any bus terminal, payable either by card or cash. You can also purchase them from certain retailers, the full list of each town listed here for you. It’s valid from the first time you use it on the bus, though I’d recommend buying it on the day you plan to travel since it’s readily available. Availability is from when you activate it on your first trip.

Read: What’s in my Luggage? Malta Edition

Explorer plus.

The explorer plus card holds all the benefits of the Explorer card (unlimited bus travel including Gozo and night services), but includes a few admissions that may be appealing to you. It’s a flat €39 per person but includes 2 ferry rides in Valletta and either one admission for the hop-on, hop-off bus tour (usually €20 if I can recollect) or a boat trip to Comino. If you’re interested in doing any of these, then the Explorer Plus card is better value for money as tickets for any of these are more expensive.

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You can only choose either the boat trip to Comino or the bus tour, along with the ferry trips in Valletta and not all three, so bear that in mind. For children, you may want to see if buying an Explorer card with separate admission tickets are cheaper. This can be bought in any bus terminal sales and information office.

Read: How Western Rise Elevated my Travel Wear

12 single day journey.

All of those are great, but if you’re planning to go as a group, it can still get pricey. An alternative you can consider are the 12 Single Day Journey cards. Essentially, you’ll get 12 single tickets on this card, consuming one ticket for each trip you take. It works the same as a normal single ticket, but you tap the card on the machine like the other options. You’ll see how many you have left on the machine after you tap, but it’s simple enough.

Most likely the 2 hour time limit also applies, but I’m not sure as I never used it again within the 2 hours in my group of 3. It may recognise it if you tap again, but double check with the driver. So why get the 12 single day card if it follows the same principles as a normal ticket? The good thing is that you can share this card with your group, using up the tickets on this one card instead of needing to manage separate tickets. You’ll save the time getting on and off as one person can just tap for everyone.  You’ll also save €3 (the pass costs €15) compared to buying 12 single tickets separately. This is great if there are a few of you and you don’t plan on travelling often.

Example : if you’re a group of 2, this covers round-trips to 6 destinations (12÷2=6). If you’re a group of 3, this covers 4 destinations (12÷3=4) and so forth. It’s convenient and saves a little money. If you use up all the tickets, you can simply buy another one. The card is valid for 12 months from the first time of use, though bear in mind night services use up 2 tickets, as they cost €3 each way.

You can buy a personalised tallinja card here if you’re planning to stay longer, both for visitors and Maltese residents. This cuts admission prices significantly so check if this works better for you. There are a few admin hurdles to get through but offers good benefits for the long-term, including free travel aged 14-20 years old in 2019. See the travel scheme information and conditions .

Malta Bus Tickets

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Public transport is a fantastic way to get round Malta. You'll find getting around the island easy on the brightly-coloured buses – especially if you know all the tips and tricks to make the most of them.

Get going straight away

Malta Public Transport

You can start your public transport journey as soon as you get to Malta, once you’re in the Arrivals Lounge. Here, the Malta Public Transport sales office acts as your one-stop-shop for any travel card you could need or advice on how to get around. And, if you still haven’t downloaded the Tallinja app, this could be the perfect opportunity, as the office provides free Wi-Fi to customers.

Download the app

For starters, did you know that there’s a brilliant (and free!) Tallinja app to help you get to know what public transport options are available to you? Downloadable to your smartphone and available through both the App Store and the Google Play Store, this app provides all sorts of helpful information, will show you the closest bus stop, and will even let you know real-time bus arrival times. Plus, if you’re still not sure how to get from A to B, this handy tool will also help you figure out the best route.

Choose a travel card

Speaking of travel cards, you’re likely to find these great value if you’re staying for more than a few days. In fact, the Explore Card will give you seven days of travel for just €21. Although cash tickets on board the bus are only €1.50 in winter and €2 in summer, prepaid travel cards ensure a quicker boarding time, and give you more for your money. If you’re planning a shorter visit, the 12 Single Day Journey tickets at €15 also offer great value.  

If you’re hopping on and off buses but still wondering what the TD routes stand for, here’s some more insight for you – they go direct. So, instead of taking you to Valletta to change route at the terminal there, you can go direct between locations like St Julian’s and Sliema, or the Airport and Bugibba.

For all your travel needs

Finally, if the Explore Card doesn’t seem like a good enough deal, you can even do one better by upgrading to ExplorePlus – which will give you seven days of unlimited travel on all Malta Public Transport buses (including TD routes), plus two trips on the Valletta ferry and sightseeing options including a day on the hop-on, hop-off City sightseeing buses or a trip to Comino by boat (including lunch) on Captain Morgan Cruises. That’s sea-and-land travel at its best!

For more information about getting around Malta on Public Transport, or to plan your next journey, visit www.publictransport.com.mt

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Public Transport in Malta and Gozo

Are you planning a trip to Malta, and looking for the best way to get around the island? You’ll be happy to hear that Malta has an excellent bus system! Sight-seeing will be easy as 1-2-3 with this handy guide on Malta’s public transport service.

Bus Fares & Cards

Single tickets.

Single tickets are extremely cheap compared to most European countries. A bus ticket will cost you €1.50 in winter, and €2 in summer. The price for a ticket on a night route is €3. Simply give money to the bus driver, who will print out your ticket for you. Don’t forget to keep your ticket after purchase, as they are valid for 2 hours. You will need to present your ticket if you need to transfer to another bus. Furthermore, checks are performed regularly during which every passenger must present their valid ticket.

Tallinja Cards

Not a fan of carrying cash around? Then you might want to buy a Tallinja Card! Malta Public Transport has created three Tallinja Cards specifically for tourists. These are the Explore Card, the ExplorePlus Card and the 12 Single Day Ticket card. You can buy any of these cards at numerous official sales points and third party outlets on the island. You can find a full list on the official Malta Public Transport website. Sales points at Malta Airport: Arrival Hall: Sales & Information office (open from 08:00 to 19:30), WHS Express. Departure Hall: Agenda Book Shop

Explore Card

€21 for Adults, €15 for children

• Valid for 7 days
• €21 for Adults
• €15 for Children up to 10 years old
• Unlimited Traveling for 7 days
• Night routes included

ExplorePlus Card

€39 for everyone

• €21 for everyone
• 2 Trips on the Valletta Ferry
• Full day tour with a hop-on / hop-off bus
• Boat Trip to Comino

12 Single Day Journey Card

• €15 for everyone

• Valid for 1 year
• 12 Single Day Journeys OR
• 6 Single Night Journeys OR
• Combination of both

Plan your journey with the Tallinja App

You can easily plan your trip ahead by using the Malta Public Transport website, the Tallinja App or even Google Maps! You do need an internet connection for these options. Thankfully, Malta is filled with Wifi hotspots where you can connect for free! If you know in advance that you will not be able to connect to 4G or a wifi spot, we recommend you to map out your trip in advance and simply make notes on your phone or screenshot the route. Each bus stop is also provided with a timetable for passing routes.

If you do have internet acces we highly recommend you to download the Tallinja App. It’s available for iOS and Android devices and gives you easy access to numerous features. You can find some examples below:

Journey Planner

Use the Journey Planner to find out everything you need to know. Enter a locality, place of interest, street or road, bus stop name or use your current location to map out your route.

My Next Bus

Already at a bus stop? Check when your next bus is coming. This system uses GPS tracking and will provide you with a real-time view on which route will pass by your bus stop in the next 30 minutes.

Places of Interest

Not sure what you want to do? Check out the Places of Interest listed in the app, and plan your journey to archaeological sites, beaches, diving centres, gardens and more! 

Tip: going around Malta by bus is easy. However, we don’t recommend you to use the public transport system if you’re time restricted. Malta is a small island, with even smaller roads, but counts more cars than people! Delays are inevitable, which can be frustrating and crucial to prevent in certain situations. Need to go to an important meeting or catch a flight? In that case we recommend you to take a taxi .

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Fares and Tickets

To travel on buses in Malta and Gozo you can either:

• Use cash or contactless cards to buy fixed price single tickets from the driver (this is the most expensive option, and the only ticket available from the driver).
• Save money by buying a 12 Single Journeys Card from an MPT kiosk, dispensing machine or other outlet.
• Buy a 7-day Explore Card for unlimited bus travel, except on the limited stop TD routes.
• Buy a 7-day ExplorePlus Meep Card which includes the TD routes and some tourist extras.
• Use a stored-value non-personalised Explore Flex card giving discounts on bus fares and the local Valletta ferries.
• Apply online for a personalised tallinja card, which gives free travel on most buses (aimed at local residents but may also benefit regular or long-term visitors).

These options are all explained below:

Two-hour single tickets from driver

The only ticket available from the bus driver is the two-hour single ticket which costs €2.00. However, Tallinja Direct routes (prefixed TD , also route X300) are faster limited-stop services which have a single fare of €3.00. On Night buses (routes prefixed by N ) the single fare is also €3.00.

Contactless Visa, Mastercard and Maestro credit or debit cards (also smartphones and smartwatches) can be used to pay for tickets, whilst those using cash must pay with the exact fare as no change is given. There are no discounts for children except that children travel free up to their fourth birthday.

Passengers may change buses within the two hour period to get to their destination as part of a one-way journey. Scan the ticket on the reader when boarding the second bus. The ticket does not allow you to make a return trip, even if wholly within the two hour period. Of course, penalty fares are payable if you travel without a valid ticket.

Card for 12 single two-hour tickets

This card gives 12 single tickets for €15, making €1.25 per journey. It has to be purchased in advance (see below for outlets) in the form of a non-personalised tallinja card and the passenger swipes the card on the card reader on entering the bus. It can only be used by one person (note that the rules have changed - you can no longer swipe it twice if there are two of you).

On TD (Tallinja Direct) services (including X300) and on Night buses (routes prefixed by N ) you have to pay double (€2.50), so two journeys will be taken off the card. The card is valid for six months from first use.

Explore Card (7 days)

The Explore Card gives seven days of unlimited bus travel on all routes in Malta and Gozo except the limited stop TD (Tallinja Direct) routes and the Tallinja On Demand (formerly TD Plus) prebookable minibuses. It costs €21 (children aged 4-10 pay €15). You buy it in advance (see below for outlets) and swipe the card on each bus journey. It is valid for seven days (actually 168 hours) from the time the card is first validated on the bus. It is not transferable to other people.

ExplorePlus Meep Card (7 days with extras)

The ExplorePlus Meep Card also gives unlimited bus travel for seven days (168 hours from first validation), but unlike the regular Explore Card it is also valid on the limited stop TD (Tallinja Direct) routes, also the Tallinja On Demand prebookable minibuses, plus there are additional sightseeing options as listed below. It costs €39; there is no child reduction.

The sightseeing extras are as follows:

• Two one-way trips on the ferries operated by Valletta Ferry Services (Sliema - Valletta and/or the Three Cities route between Valletta and Cospicua).
• A full-day's travel on the hop-on, hop-off open top buses operated by CitySightseeing Malta visiting Malta's landmarks (excludes Gozo), OR one round trip to Comino by boat, operated by Captain Morgan Cruises (in Winter this is the Best of Gozo and Comino trip) OR a harbour cruise on Captain Morgan Cruises.
• Two free trips on Tallinja Bike, the electric bike-sharing service in Valletta and surrounding areas.
• A discount of €2 on Malta 5D shows (shows are every 30 minutes 1000-1630 on Mon-Sat at 7 Old Bakery Street, 5 mins walk from Valletta Bus Station).

If you are not interested in the sightseeing extras but just want bus travel you could of course buy the regular Explore Card and pay individual fares when you use TD services (€3 per journey), but if you intend to make more than five trips on TD services during the seven days then the ExplorePlus Meep Card is better value.

Explore Flex Card

The Explore Flex card is a stored value non-personalised card giving discounts on bus fares and the local ferries operated by Valletta Ferry Services. It can be linked to the Tallinja app, allowing you to check your credit and top up your card. Initial cost is €6, which is your credit to use immediately. The link above lists the fares you pay compared to normal fares.

Where to buy

You can buy the 12 Single Journeys Card and Explore cards from Malta Public Transport kiosks and card dispensing machines . Kiosks are located at Valletta bus station, Malta International Airport, and the Gozo bus terminus at Victoria bus station. They are also available from various other outlets which includes shops, lotto offices, and some hotels.

Tallinja Cards

From 1st October 2022, holders of a personalised tallinja card travel free on all daytime and night buses, apart from TD routes. The card can only be applied for online. For new cards there is a €15 registration fee plus €2.87 postage within Malta. Allow two weeks for delivery. Non-residents can apply for a card giving a foreign address; there is a €8 postage charge to addresses outside Malta. Have a scan of your passport and a passport-sized photo ready before applying online.

Tallinja cards are stored-value cards and credit will be required on the card to use it for TD routes, Tallinja On Demand services, and the local ferry services. You can also use your credit to pay for trips operated by Vintage Bus City Tours.

Passengers must tap in with their card when entering the bus, using the card reader. Personalised Tallinja cards have a photo and can only be used by the registered user. Whilst primarily aimed at residents, frequent or long-term visitors would obviously benefit from obtaining a card.

Tallinja is a personalised stored-value card which basically allows the named cardholder to make each single journey (within two hours) for €0.75, or €2.50 for a night journey and €1.50 for a journey on Tallinja Direct services. A child version (ages 4 to 10) is available giving a single fare of €0.25. For new cards there is a €15 registration fee, and a minimum top-up amount of €20 (€10 for child cards).

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Unveiling The Ultimate Explore Travel Card Malta: Your Gateway To Adventure!

Explore travel card malta: the ultimate guide for travelers, introduction.

Hello Readers,

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Explore Travel Card Malta. In this article, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about this travel card, its benefits, and how it can enhance your travel experience in Malta. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or planning your first trip to this beautiful Mediterranean island, the Explore Travel Card Malta is a must-have for convenient and cost-effective travel.

Image Source: travelsavvygal.com

Let’s dive into the details and explore everything there is to know about the Explore Travel Card Malta!

Table: Explore Travel Card Malta Information

Information Details

Card Type Single Journey or Day Pass

Validity 24 hours from the first use

Transport Modes Bus, Ferry, and Heritage Malta sites

Image Source: publictransport.com.mt

Cost Affordable and cost-effective

Benefits Convenience, cost savings, and flexibility

What is the Explore Travel Card Malta?

Easily explore the stunning landscapes and historical sites of Malta with the Explore Travel Card. This travel card allows unlimited travel on buses, ferries, and access to Heritage Malta sites for a specified duration. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, beach lover, or nature explorer, this travel card provides you with the freedom to conveniently explore all that Malta has to offer.

Who Should Use the Explore Travel Card Malta?

The Explore Travel Card Malta is ideal for both tourists and locals alike. Tourists visiting Malta can make the most of their trip by enjoying unlimited travel on various modes of transportation, including buses and ferries. For locals, the travel card offers a cost-effective and hassle-free way to commute within the island.

When Should You Get the Explore Travel Card Malta?

It is recommended to get the Explore Travel Card Malta as soon as you arrive in Malta. You can purchase the card at various locations, such as the airport, bus terminals, or online platforms. By having the card from the beginning of your trip, you can maximize its benefits and conveniently explore the island without worrying about individual ticket purchases.

Where Can You Use the Explore Travel Card Malta?

The Explore Travel Card Malta can be used on all public buses operated by the Malta Public Transport, including those that cover popular tourist destinations and major cities. Additionally, the card is valid for ferry rides between Malta and Gozo, as well as access to Heritage Malta sites, including historical landmarks and museums.

Why Should You Choose the Explore Travel Card Malta?

The Explore Travel Card Malta offers numerous advantages that make it the preferred choice for travelers:

1. Cost Savings: With the travel card, you can enjoy unlimited travel at a significantly lower cost compared to buying individual tickets for each journey.

2. Convenience: The card eliminates the need for carrying cash and purchasing tickets for every trip. Simply tap the card and hop on the bus or ferry hassle-free.

3. Flexibility: The Explore Travel Card Malta allows you to explore various destinations at your own pace, without worrying about additional costs for each journey.

4. Accessibility: The travel card can be easily purchased and topped up at numerous locations across Malta, including airports, bus terminals, and online platforms.

5. Time-Saving: By using the travel card, you can save time by avoiding queues to purchase individual tickets, allowing you to make the most of your limited travel time in Malta.

How to Use the Explore Travel Card Malta?

Using the Explore Travel Card Malta is simple and straightforward:

1. Purchase the Card: Buy the card at the airport, bus terminals, or online platforms. Choose between a Single Journey or Day Pass, depending on your travel needs.

2. Activate the Card: Once you’re ready to start using the card, simply tap it on the electronic card reader when boarding a bus or ferry, and the fare will be deducted automatically.

3. Enjoy Unlimited Travel: With the card activated, you can hop on and off buses and ferries as many times as you want within the validity period.

4. Explore Heritage Malta Sites: Present your card at Heritage Malta sites to gain access without the need for individual tickets.

5. Top Up if Needed: If your card runs out of credit, you can easily top it up at various locations or online platforms to continue enjoying unlimited travel.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Explore Travel Card Malta

Advantages:

1. Convenient and hassle-free way to travel around Malta

2. Cost-effective, especially for frequent travelers

3. Flexibility to explore multiple destinations

4. Access to Heritage Malta sites included

5. Time-saving by avoiding ticket queues

Disadvantages:

1. Limited validity period (24 hours for Day Pass)

2. Not valid for other modes of transportation, such as taxis

3. Limited availability of top-up locations

4. Not refundable if not fully utilized

5. Not applicable for group travel discounts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use the Explore Travel Card Malta on night buses?

Answer: Yes, the card is valid for night bus services operated by Malta Public Transport.

2. Does the Explore Travel Card Malta cover transportation to Malta International Airport?

Answer: No, the travel card does not cover transportation to and from Malta International Airport. However, you can use it for other travel within the island.

3. Can I use the Explore Travel Card Malta on ferries to Comino?

Answer: Yes, the card allows unlimited travel on ferries to Comino Island.

4. Is the Explore Travel Card Malta refundable if I don’t use it?

Answer: No, the card is non-refundable, even if it is not fully utilized.

5. Can I share the Explore Travel Card Malta with someone else?

Answer: No, the card is for individual use only and cannot be shared.

In conclusion, the Explore Travel Card Malta is an essential companion for anyone visiting or residing in Malta. With its cost savings, convenience, and flexibility, this travel card offers a seamless way to explore the island’s attractions and travel with ease. Whether you’re planning a historical adventure or simply commuting within Malta, the Explore Travel Card Malta is your ticket to hassle-free travel.

Final Remarks

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is accurate at the time of writing and is subject to change. It is advisable to visit official websites or contact relevant authorities for the latest details regarding the Explore Travel Card Malta.

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Is the ExplorePlusMeep card a better deal than the regular Explore card, or will I just pay too much for the ExplorePlusMeep card? I've figured out that the bus to/from the airport is included if I buy the EPM card when I arrive at the airport, and I've already stated that I will make use of the one full day travel on one of the City sightseeing buses (possibly the Gozo bus) and the two free ferry rides to Valletta . I've also figured out that I can take the 14TD bus from Sliema to Mdina/Rabat with the EPM card, a bus that is not available with the regular Explore card.

Also, if I buy the EPM card, is it good to download the Meep app as well or is it better to download the Tallinja app, for the timetables and public transport information?

Thankful for any input.

Based on your proposed use, there is not going to be a lot in it. The MEEP card costs an extra €18 and, if you were to pay the HoHo will usually cost €15-18 usually depending on what discount they are offering on the day, €3 for 2 ferry rides plus €3 for each TD bus ride (you can also use TD between the airport and Sliema). I only, rarely, use the Tallinja app. which is OK, but be aware that it often gives a route based on first departure rather than the fastest route. Just download both and see what suits you.

Thank you for your reply TM001 and thank you for breaking down the costs of the different trips.

Thank you for the information about the app as well.

On that basis, the Explorer Plus MEEP card is therefore only likely to "break even" if you take a City Sightseeing tour on Malta or the Captain Morgan Comino Cruise .

Note that if you buy the ordinary "explorer" card, you can still travel to/from Sliema on the ordinary "X2" airport bus and to Mdina on ordinary bus 202. It is only the superfast "TD" buses that you cannot use it on.

Hi Phil. Have you actually used the Tallinja Explore card on an airport bus? On the bus website, giving details of the cards, it states for the ExplorePlus card ''including Tallinja Direct services from the airport''. Details for the Explore card state that ''it is not valid on Tallinja Direct or TD Plus services''.

That is exactly what I was trying to say in post #5. The ordinary "explorer" card, cannot be used to travel on the superfast "TD" buses.

I did end up using the TD routes at least four times during my stay and I made sure to use the HoHo offer and the ferry offer that is included in the MEEP card.

My employer encourages us to use public transport whenever we travel, so I will get at least 50% of the cost of the card back from my employer, which is part of the reason I chose the MEEP card. I suppose that I might have bought the regular Tallinja card otherwise.

The public transport network was reliable, most buses where on time and only a few departures where so crowded that I didn't get a seat at all during the bus ride, but I can imagine how full some of these buses can get during the busy summer months. Although it takes some time, you can really reach all corners of the island by public transport.

I downloaded the Tallinja app but found myself using Google maps as a journey planner instead, and I went to the Tallinja website in my phone browser to find the timetable of certain routes rather than use the app, which didn't quite fit my needs.

This post has been removed at the author's request.

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Home » Malta Itinerary

Malta Itinerary: A Travel Guide’s Pro Plan for up to 7 Days

Are you considering a trip to Malta? Or have you already decided to go and wondering how to spend your time there with an organised itinerary?

You’ve come to the right place!

Seven days in Malta is more or less the perfect amount of time to spend in this small island nation. When you have a full week in Malta you’ll have enough time to explore the major highlights at an easygoing pace. Malta has a rich history, natural beauty, and local culture and village life, so there’s plenty to see and do.

In this guide, I’ll help you with the ultimate Malta itinerary for one week. I’ve perfected it after having helped thousands of travellers plan their trips.

As part of my advice, you can also slot in a few optional day plans. That way you can personalise your itinerary and still enjoy a great trip.

Let’s get started!

How to spend one week in Malta

For one week in Malta, I’ve found that this carefully crafted itinerary is the best way to spend your time.

You can find the locations covered on this handy map.

Day 1: Valletta (blue) Day 2: Comino & Blue Lagoon (yellow) Day 3: Exploring Gozo Island (orange) Day 4: Mdina, Rabat and surroundings (green) Day 5: Floriana and The Three Cities (red) Day 6: Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk and Megalithic Temples (purple) Day 7: Mellieħa and surroundings. (khaki)

A full week in Malta allows you to find a good balance between:

• Discovering its rich, unique history
• Enjoying the country’s natural beauty by the sea, in the quieter West side of Malta, as well as in Gozo
• Getting a taste for local culture and villages in Malta, away from tourist hotspots.

I’ve combined these three elements in the plan below and paced them in a way that makes sense to most.

About this Malta itinerary

Hi! My name is Edward, and I’m a tourist-turned-local with Maltese roots. I’ve experienced Malta as a tourist and know the country inside out now that I’ve lived here for a number of years now.

On Malta Uncovered I help travellers like yourself make their trip to Malta a memorable one.

Last year, I helped over a million readers of this site (and my guidebooks) plan their trip. Based on their feedback, I’ve carefully crafted a few itineraries for visiting Malta:

• 7 Days or one week in Malta (this guide)
• How to spend 4 or 5 days in Malta
• How to spend 3 days in  Malta .

In this particular guide I’ll help you determine the best travel plan for you and your loved one(s). However, at the end of this page you can find references to other guides on my site. They cover topics like where to stay, whether to rent a car or not, and more. So when you’re ready, there’s a lot more you can learn here before you visit Malta.

In the section Practical advice for planning your Malta trip (click/tap to jump there), you’ll find guides on:

• Where to Stay

How to get around in Malta and Gozo

• The best time to visit Malta
• … and more.

You’ll find a few links to recommended tours and services within this guide. I will earn a small commission if you book via these links, but:

• It makes no difference to the price you pay
• It never affects my recommendations. I genuinely want you to have a memorable trip to Malta.

If that’s all fine with you, I greatly appreciate your support!

My Malta Itinerary for 7 days

Day 1: valletta.

Valletta is Mallta’s capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

That’s right, the whole city is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In my opinion, it’s a must to include on any Malta itinerary.

This majestic fortified city is more or less an open-air museum full of age-old buildings. Built in the Baroque style, it has many churches, museums, squares, gardens, and more. Founded by the Knights of Malta in the 17th century, it’s surrounded by fortifications. Steeped in history, Malta’s capital has a lot of stories to tell.

Even though it’s one of the tiniest capital cities in Europe (just 0.8 km2 or 80 ha.), you can easily spend three full days there. In fact, in my Valletta guidebook , you can find walking routes and itineraries for 1, 2 and 3 days in the city.

For most people visiting Malta for the first time, though, one full day is enough to get a good feel for the city.

Valletta – quick facts

• Everything is easy to reach on foot. Some streets have a lot of shallow steps, though, so that can be challenging for some people.
• The centre is pedestrianised, so don’t expect busy, traffic-filled roads
• Inhabited by less than 6,000 people. It’s a place of work for many locals and a popular destination for tourists. Still, not as crowded as you might expect from a capital. The busiest parts are Republic Street and Merchants Street.
• The city has streets laid out with a grid of long streets. There’s also an intricate system of underground tunnels and reservoirs.
• Valletta was heavily bombed during World War II, and several scars still show today.

Valletta in 1 Day: My DIY walking route

• The city of Valletta is surrounded by tall bastions and has a few key entry points. Start at City Gate , which is a stone’s throw away from the main bus terminus and the large MCP parking garage. Valletta’s City Gate is the main entry point to the city and leads you into Republic Street.
• At the site of the former Royal Opera Theatre (to your right), head up the road towards Castille Place and its Auberge de Castille . Built by the Knights, it’s the Office of the Prime Minister nowadays.
• Next, visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens. This is a great little spot to grab a coffee and a snack while enjoying the tranquillity of the gardens. You can take in the views of Grand Harbour behind the arches but don’t get a fright if you’re there at noon or 4 pm. The historic guns of the Saluting Battery fire at those times!
• Visit Saint John’s Co-Cathedral as your next stop. This is the jewel of Valletta, arguably of Malta as a whole. Despite its sober exterior, the interior is absolutely stunning. You can get there by heading into Zachary Street (a much better option than the busy Merchants Street). You can find the visitors’ entrance to the cathedral around the corner on Republic Street.
• The next stop is the Grandmaster’s Palace, its State Rooms and Armory. This beautiful palace in the heart of the city was the seat of power for the Knights. It used to house the Parliament of Malta more recently. It’s used for ceremonial purposes nowadays. The halls and stately rooms are beautifully designed, and its Armoury gives you a glimpse of armour and weapons from the period of the Knights.
• Make your way to another historical beauty next: La Sacra Infermeria (also referred to as Knights Hospitaller). This was the Knights’ Hospital and medical education centre for centuries. Its impressive long ward hall is the main centre of attraction. You’re offered a tour in combination with a short history show at The Malta Experience. To save time, I recommend going for the “ Reliving La Sacra Infermeria ” option. That’s a self-guided Augmented Reality tour using a mobile/tablet app. An entertaining option for families with kids as well.
• Right across the road, your next stop is Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum . The restored fort at the tip of Valletta’s peninsula was of major importance in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. The museum displays several interesting and historically significant items, including the George Cross. King George VI awarded this medal to the people of Malta towards the end of WWII. During the war, the brave locals endured and resisted years of relentless bombing.
• Walking South, visit the Siege Bell War Memorial next. This monument commemorates the fallen during WWII and rings at noon daily.. You can then enjoy a break at the Lower Barrakka Gardens , which is nearby.
• Finish the day by walking down the colourful balcony-lined Lvant Street , followed by a view of Victoria Gate . Consider having dinner at one of my recommended restaurants in Valletta to finish your day.

Tips for Day 1

• You’ll need comfortable walking shoes for this day. Everything is within short walking distance in this small capital city, but you’ll be on your feet most of the time.
• Have lunch at Nenu the Artisan Baker (143 St Domnic Street) to get a taste of local food.
• Many guides suggest combining The Three Cities with Valletta on a single day. From my experience (and that of my readers), that’s a lot of distance to cover, and you won’t get the most out of your day. Valletta deserves a full day of its own because there’s so much of interest to see there alone.
• John’s Co-Cathedral can get crowded. Go early in the day to get the best experience here.

Sightseeing recommendations

If you plan on visiting multiple museums on your trip, consider getting a Heritage Pass from iSeeMalta . You can save on multiple entrance fees with this combo pass.

Prefer taking a guided tour? These are a few great options to consider:

• Join a 3-hour Valletta: Street Food and Culture Walking Tour and have a local guide take you past several highlights of the city. On the way you can enjoy several samples of traditional Maltese food from the best eateries in town.
• Take this half-day Valletta walking tour (group) with a knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. It covers some of the key stops covered in my route above.

Day 2: Comino & Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a small bay on the island of Comino and is known for its crystal clear azure-coloured shallow water. It’s probably the #1 summer destination for tourists as a result and a must-visit on a trip to Malta for most visitors.

However, be warned: It can get _very_ busy here in summer.

How to get to the Blue Lagoon

• Go DIY , take a long bus ride and a ferry to get there (lots of time wasted, not recommended, especially in summer)
• Book a private boat tour to avoid the crowded shoreline in summer. I highly recommend this provider .
• Take a standard boat tour to the Blue Lagoon (options below), which often combines other sites at Comino, like the Crystal Lagoon and Comino’s Sea Caves.
• The Beaches and Bays catamaran is a great option from Buġibba
• This private boat tour operator gives you a lot of flexibility with custom routes. (Highly recommended!)
• Summer: Blue Lagoon and Quad Bike tour of Gozo OR Blue Lagoon and Tuk Tuk tour of Gozo (Highly recommended!)
• Winter: Quad bike Tour of Gozo OR Tuk Tuk Tour of Gozo , both with pass-by of Comino/Blue Lagoon (weather permitting).

Recommended standard Blue Lagoon tours

• The Spirit of Malta catamaran is by far the best option – Lunch is included and the catamaran is spacious
• Standard tour , great for families with kids
• Sunset tour by catamaran at a quieter time of day (recommended!)

Visiting Comino

Comino Island itself is small but has some charming places to visit on foot. However, I’d only advise exploring the island from October to April/May, as there aren’t many trees to find shade under during the year’s hottest months.

You’ll also need to wear a pair of sturdy walking shoes.

Although you can take the ferry, most day trips and boat tours that stop at the Blue Lagoon allow you to get off and wander around. You will have to be back at a specific time for the return journey.

Some of the highlights on Comino are:

• The beautiful Crystal Lagoon Bay is around the corner from its more famous sibling
• Santa Marija Bay and its cave
• Santa Marija watchtower , built by the Knights.

Day 3: Exploring Gozo Island

Gozo is Malta’s smaller sister island that can be reached easily with a short ferry ride from Ċirkewwa (North of Malta) or Valletta (fast ferries).

Unlike the main island of Malta, this little Mediterranean island is quieter, and life there is still a little more easygoing. Gozo is less of a tourist hotspot but very popular to visit among the Maltese for long weekends or summer breaks.

If you’re spending just a week in Malta, you should at least spend one day there as part of your itinerary. It’s a really unique experience and a combination of raw nature at its best, paired with local culture and interesting places to visit.

Highlights of Gozo

These are some of the best points of interest to visit Gozo on your third day:

• The centrally located “capital” of Victoria (also referred to as Rabat by the locals) and its Cittadella or Citadel on top of the hill.
• Dwejra and its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Inland Sea and Fungus Rock . It’s also the site of the former Azure Window (an iconic rock formation that collapsed into the sea in 2017). For Game of Thrones series fans: This was a filming location for the first season.
• The Xwejni salt pans on the northern coastline, between Żebbuġ and Marsalforn. These salt pans were hewn into the rock in a pattern of shallow basins and are still used to mine salt from the sea.
• The stunning Ramla Bay , with its red sandy beach and raw natural surroundings. You can get great views of the bay from Tal Mixta Cave , which offers wide-open views of the bay.
• Ta’ Pinu Basilica and Shrine is an iconic landmark and one of the most sacred places of worship in Gozo
• The seaside resorts of Marsalforn Bay and Qbajjar , with a variety of seafood restaurants and peaceful sea views.
• Xlendi Bay in the South, with its commanding cliffside, watchtower and rocky bathing area in a quiet part of the island.

Tips for Day 3

• Seasonality: Gozo is an all-year-round destination. Whether you travel to Malta in January or July, it still makes sense to put it on your trip plan. In rare cases in winter, ferry services may be suspended, but any booked tours offer free cancellation.
• Wied il-Mielaħ is a window-shaped rock formation at the seaside to the North of the village of Għarb. It’s a great example of natural beauty, and makes for a great hike, drive or ride to get to.
• Sanap Cliffs on the South of Gozo are at a higher altitude and are worth visiting on a hike, to admire this scenic area.
• Daħlet Qorrot is a small bay to the North of the village of Qala and is a local’s favourite. This pebbly beach is home to a few fishermen but makes for a great spot to swim and snorkel.

Recommended tour options

If you’re interested in visiting most of the above highlights of Gozo, I highly recommend the following (tried-and-tested!) tours, operated by the same provider that gets glowing reviews.

These tours are all-inclusive , with transport to/from your place of stay as well as lunch included.

• Tour Gozo by Tuk Tuk – Explore Gozo on a guided tour on brightly coloured Tuk Tuks that seat up to 6 passengers and are driven by local experts.
• Tour Gozo by Quad Bike – This is a more adventurous option, with high-powered Quad Bikes that seat a driver and passenger. You’ll be following a lead driver who will guide you on a tour of Gozo.

Day 4: Mdina, Rabat and surroundings

Mdina and Rabat are neighbouring towns in the Southwest of Malta. They are popular destinations on most visitors’ itineraries, and for good reason.

This location has deep roots in history, from early settlers to the Romans and, eventually, the Knights of Malta.

Rather than just visiting Mdina, I recommend spending time in Rabat. That way, you can balance the touristic side with local village life and culture to explore.

Mdina: Exploring The Silent City

Nicknamed The Silent City, this small (tiny) town is surrounded by tall bastions and a moat. Visiting this town really takes you back in time. It’s full of ages-old buildings, narrow winding alleys and a few interesting museums, chapels and churches to visit.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is located at the heart of Mdina, and its bell tower can be seen from miles away – an iconic feature of the skyline at night.

Did you know? Mdina’s main gate featured in the first season of Game of Thrones

These are the highlights of Mdina to visit on your fourth day:

• St. Paul’s Cathedral is located in the heart of the town, with its square Pjazza San Pawl in front. Visit the cathedral and consider its museum if you’re interested in exhibits of religious art and objects.
• Palazzo Falson (The Norman House) is one of the best preserved Medieval-era buildings in Mdina. It was built (in its current form) in 1495 and occupied by the first Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, Philippe Villiers de L’Isle-Adam. It’s a museum that showcases all sorts of collections, including paintings, furniture, timepieces, weapons and more.
• Visit the National Museum of Natural History if you’d like to learn more about the history of local flora and fauna. The 18th-century palace itself is also worth admiring, for the modest €5 entrance fee.
• Head to the observation deck to get commanding views of Malta from the bastions.

Rabat and the surrounding area

Situated right on the doorstep of Mdina, Rabat is a small town that offers a good opportunity to get a taste of local life. Once you’ve finished exploring Mdina, head to Triq San Pawl at the nearby roundabout to enter Rabat.

These are a few recommended places of interest to explore:

• Visit St. Paul’s Catacombs and its museum to explore some of the underground catacombs (burial places) that date back to Roman times.
• As in many villages, most local life centres around the Parish Church of Saint Paul .
• Next door, you can find the Wignacourt Museum , named after Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt. It houses a collection of art and religious artefacts as well as an underground grotto . St. Paul’s Grotto is said to have been the temporary home of St Paul while he was shipwrecked in Malta. St. Paul is said to have introduced Christianity to Malta in around A.D. 60.
• Beyond Rabat, there are a few outdoor places to explore on foot, though you’ll need a car or cab ride to get there. The first is Buskett Gardens , one of the few woodland areas in Malta planted by the Knights to serve as a hunting ground. The second is Dingli Cliffs , which lies just beyond the small village of Dingli. Here, you’re at the highest point of the Maltese islands at around 253 metres above sea level. It’s a great spot to walk in nature and take in the panoramic views, but only if you’re going around by car. If not, it’s not worth catching a bus for.

Tips for Day 4

• There are two side gates through which you can enter Mdina: The Greeks Gate and Gharreqin Gate . You can find them by entering the moat around Mdina from near the Domus Romana museum. The moat itself is nowadays a garden in recent years, and you can walk towards the East to explore the garden and views.
• Visit a hidden gem – St. Roque’s Chapel . This little unassuming chapel is beautiful from the inside, especially its painted dome.
• Grab a bite to eat at Xara Trattoria AD1530 (great location, good food) and visit Fontanella for dessert if you have a sweet tooth! Curious about trying typical local snacks? Head over to is-Serkin (Triq San Pawl, as you enter Rabat) to sample a few fresh pastizzi . Choose between these ricotta cheese or pea-filled pastries (or try them both).

• Take a 2.5-hour walking tour of Mdina and Rabat  that will take you past the highlights of both places, led by an experienced local guide.
• The Mdina & Malta highlights tour is a great option for a group tour to the Silent City and some of its surrounding areas, including Dingli Cliffs, the St. Paul’s Catacombs, San Anton Gardens and more.

Day 5: Floriana and The Three Cities

Floriana and The Three Cities offer a combination of history/heritage as well as local village life and culture. Each can be covered on foot for roughly half a day. This part of your itinerary is estimated to take 3 hours in Floriana and another 3-5 hours in the Three Cities.

Floriana is located on the doorstep of Valletta and is a bit of a hidden gem with the right walking route. It’s the best place to start your day since it’s a short walk away from Valletta’s bus terminus.

• Floriana is home to several landscaped gardens, and one of my favourites is the Msida Bastion Historic Garden. It’s a great spot to enjoy morning views of the surrounding areas. You’ll need to walk down the road past the Grand Hotel Excelsior to get there. Head to Sa Maison Garden next, heading towards the South.
• Walking past several fortifications make your way to Port des Bombes . This landmark formed part of the Floriana Lines, an outer defensive perimeter for Valletta. It was one of few entryways as a gate but is nowadays an arch on a major arterial road.
• Walk in the direction of Valletta and follow a turn to your left towards Knisja ta’ Sarria (small church). Next, follow Triq Sarria until you reach Piazza San Publiju (square), also referred to by the locals as il-Fosos. The large circular stones on this square cover gigantic storage silos built by the Knights to preserve food and other precious goods. The imposing Parish Church of Saint Publius is also definitely worth a visit.

Cross the road of St. Anne Street (carefully – use the zebra crossing!) and make your way down the Valletta Waterfront . At the harbourside, former storage facilities for sea trade are now used by restaurants and shops. It’s a great place to grab lunch on one of the (shaded) outdoor terraces.

The Three Cities

This cluster of harbourside villages is made up of three neighbouring harbour towns. Senglea ( Isla ), Cospicua ( Bormla ) and Vittoriosa ( Birgu ) are together called The Three Cities. They’re located just a stone’s throw away from Valletta, across Grand Harbour. The latter was the first location for the Knights of Malta to settle before Valletta even existed.

You can easily reach the Three Cities by taking a short (7 minutes – I timed it!) ferry ride from Valletta. Reach the ferry by following the seafront from Valletta Waterfront and getting to Fort Lascaris. The departure point is indicated as Valletta – 3 Cities Ferry on Google Maps.

You’ll arrive at Bormla to start your walk around the area.

This is my suggested route:

• Start your tour at Senglea by crossing the small bay over the bridge and heading up the seafront following Xatt Juan B. Azopardo . That way, you can enjoy the harbour views and get a glimpse of the sea-facing side of town. You can then head to the end of the small peninsula to reach the Gardjola Gardens and its iconic Gardjola “sentry box” (small watch tower).
• Follow Portu Salvu, then Triq il-Vitorja, to head down the fortified entrance to Senglea. Stop at the La Vincitrice Band Club for a quick drink, view the Knisja Maria Bambina (church) and view the old city gate, that forms part of St. Michael’s Bastion.
• Walk down Triq San Pawl and take a left turn onto ix-Xatt Ta Bormla to head back into Bormla. View the local church, steps and little squares while you follow the road Fuq San L-inkurunazzjoni to take you to Birgu. While Bormla offers a few places of interest they take quite a bit of time to explore. Consider visiting Bir Mula Heritage Museum (local history) and old fortifications, they take quite a bit of time to explore.
• Instead, head to the main gate of Birgu, straight into the narrow streets of this small fortified town, referred to as il-Colacchio . Head to the Inquisitor’s Palace or Maritime Museum for some local history. Then make your way to the West-facing waterfront to reach Fort St. Angelo. This is one of the original fortifications that existed before the Knights landed in Malta.
• Finish your day with dinner at Tal-Petut (local cuisine) or Don Berto (at the waterfront).

Tips for day 5

• Bring water and snacks with you. There will be stops to eat along the way, but especially Floriana doesn’t offer a lot of food options for on-the-go.
• Part of the fun of this day is to wander around and take everything in at your own pace. You can follow each location, but finding your own way around can be very rewarding . It’s hard to get lost, especially with Google Maps in your pocket.
• For Kids: The Esplora Interactive Science Center is located close to Bormla, roughly 20-minute walk away or a quick 5-minute cab ride.

• Join this well-reviewed 2-hour Three Cities walking tour and have Chris, an experienced local guide, show you around its narrow streets, harbourside views and historical landmarks and enjoy a short boat trip on a traditional boat.
• You can also take this guided tour of The Three Cities to get a deeper understanding of the area. It’s a half-day morning tour, which you can follow by visiting Floriana afterwards.

Day 6: Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk and Megalithic Temples

Southern Malta is often less explored since most of the tourist destinations are located in the North. Nevertheless, exploring this part of the country on a 7-day trip to Malta is a great idea.

The Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is a sea cave South of the village of Żurrieq, which has been a popular tourist destination for a very long time. The reason is its magical beauty caused by sun rays reflecting off the white sandy sea bottom inside the dark cave, creating bright blue hues.

You can reach the spot by bus (routes 74 and 201), and walk down to the sea to hop on to one of the small boats that take you inside the cave on a short boat ride. It’s very much worth it, but only if you can combine it with another outing (i.e. one of the below).

The town of Marsaxlokk, located on the southeast coast of Malta, is known as one of the few remaining traditional fishing villages. It has a small harbour lined with various brightly-coloured fishing boats (called the luzzu with its iconic painted eyes at the front.

Although it’s quite touristy, the fisherman’s character is still alive, and the seafront is lined with good seafood restaurants to dine at. On Sundays, it’s a popular destination for a Sunday lunch out, while the Sunday market attracts bargain hunters.

The Megalithic Temples

Malta’s Megalithic Temples are some of the oldest freestanding man-made structures worldwide. They’ve taught us a lot about early civilisations in the Maltese islands, their practices, values and religion.

Even though more temples exist in Malta, seven of them are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

If you’ve visited the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, the temples themselves add a lot of context to what you would’ve seen there.

The two temples of Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim are the most convenient options on a 7-day trip. They offer a great visitors’ centre full of insightful information.

A visit here is easy to combine with the Blue Grotto, being located only a short drive (or bus ride – same routes) away.

Tips for Day 6

• The Għar Dalam cave is a prehistoric cave in the South of Malta where various archaeological discoveries were made. Most notably, bone fragments from several extinct species of animal, including dwarf elephants, hippos and giant swans. It’s not a destination big enough to deserve a spot on this itinerary but makes for an enjoyable outing with kids.
• One of Malta’s Megalithic Temples is located underground and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right: The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Tarxien . If you plan on renting a car on your visit to Malta, this is a great alternative to Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim. However, buy tickets online well in advance!
• When you visit the Blue Grotto, it’s worth taking a short walk up the road to where the bus stop is. You can get off the main road there and snap a picture of the cave entrance from above .
• Beaches: In the area to the East of Marsaxlokk, you can find St. Peter’s Pool and Kalanka Bay . Two hidden gems are rocky beaches frequently visited by the locals. Don’t expect polished sandy beaches; they’re for people who are comfortable in raw nature.

There aren’t many options for tours to this part of the island. Consider these options but keep in mind that these tours are organised on separate days.

• The Full-day Temple tour (Fri mornings) covers all three of the above destinations. It takes you to the Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk, as well as the Ħaġar Qim and Għar Dalam cave (more info below)
• The Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk combo tour (half-day – mornings) is organised on Sundays only. It takes you to both spots with enough time to explore each at your own pace.
• If you’d like to visit the Megalithic Temples on a separate morning, have a look at this half-day Temple tour (Sat mornings). You’ll visit the Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim Temples, as well as the Għar Dalam cave.

Day 7: Mellieħa and surroundings

Mellieħa is a village in the North of Malta, in a fairly quiet part of the island, surrounded by nature and beaches.

Although it’s a popular tourist resort, it has a unique character and still has a traditional Maltese community and strong local culture. I highly recommend adding it to your Malta itinerary on your final day, as it’s a fairly quiet spot to relax before heading back home.

In Mellieħa, visit:

• The Parish Church at the main square, as well as the chapel to the side of the church. This is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa , with its beautiful courtyard and arches.
• Cross the road and make your way to the Our Lady Of The Grotto shrine , which is a small underground religious site. Pass through the small gate on the side of the road and follow the steps down to the cave.
• A bit further up the road, you can visit the local Air Raid Shelter . Used regularly during World War II, it gives you a glimpse of what those dark days were like for the local population.

Apart from the village itself, there are a few places in the surrounding area I recommend:

• Beaches: Golden Bay Beach and Għajn Tuffieħa (to the West), Anchor Bay, with its film set and theme park of Popeye Village, Mellieħa Bay (the largest sandy beach in Malta) and Armier Bay Beach and White Tower Beach (up North from Mellieħa Bay).
• Hike down to Slugs Bay (on the opposite side to Armier Bay) for a swim. Explore the Coral Lagoon (a large opening in the rock at the northernmost tip of the main island of Malta).
• Visit the St Agatha’s Tower (also known as the red tower) overlooking Mellieħa Bay. Discover part of the local fortifications and enjoy the wide-open views.

Explore some raw nature starting from Selmun Palace (to the southeast of Mellieħa) all the way down to Imġiebaħ Bay – a secluded sandy beach.

Swap Day (Option 1): Malta and Gozo at Sea (Summer)

To add some flexibility to your trip, these are a few swap-day options you can consider.

One of the most beautiful features of the Maltese islands is the sea. In spring/summer, taking a boat trip to discover the islands on the sea is a popular pastime. You can take a day trip from places like Sliema and Buġibba.

These are a few options I highly recommend:

• If you don’t mind the higher price, you can get a lot of value from taking this private boat trip around Gozo and Comino , which is fully customisable. You can enjoy the sights and swimming spots at some of the most beautiful bays at your own pace, and in peace. The Blue Lagoon and/or Crystal Lagoon at Comino are popular spots to visit on such trips.
• Departing from Sliema, this boat trip is a popular option: the Round Malta Day Cruise . As the name suggests, you’ll spend the day 8+ hours exploring the coastline of Malta. Lunch and drinks are included, and it really is an awesome day out, getting good reviews consistently.
• Setting sail from Bugibba, taking the Beaches and Bays catamaran is a similar day trip, but with a twist. It’s focused on bays to the West of Malta Island and at Comino. The boat is spacious, and the optional BBQ lunch is well worth it.

Swap Day (Option 2): Winter hike

If you’re planning a trip to Malta in the off-season, why not enjoy the greener countryside on (mostly) sunny days?

There are several areas that are worth exploring on foot, for example:

• The area around Selmun Palace and Mistra Bay , up North, has a large number of unpaved roads and paths to follow, past pretty bays and landscapes.
• Head over to Xemxija (outskirts of St. Paul’s Bay) and discover the Xemxija Heritage Trail , which leads you to a small woodland area called Miżieb. You’ll find remains of a Roman road, an ages-old Carob tree and several old apiaries for beekeeping. The views and tranquillity are very enjoyable indeed.
• In the vicinity (close to the village of Manikata), you can visit the Il-Majjistral Nature & History Park . This is a protected area with untouched nature and beautiful hidden bays to discover along the way. You can walk towards the North and head to Anchor Bay and its Popeye Village for a great photo opp at sunset too! If you prefer taking a dip in the sea, Golden Bay Beach is nearby and easy to walk to as well.

Itinerary Tips

• The time of year (and weather conditions) can impact your trip plan , especially when it comes to activities by the/at sea. Whenever you need to change plans on specific days consider one of the alternative options I provide in this guide. The summer season usually starts in May and often continues well into October, while November through to April is considered to be winter. Both spring and autumn are usually short-lived.
• This itinerary assumes that you’ll have a full week in Malta, not including arrival/departure days. If you’re booking flights for 7 days (where the first and last days are usually dedicated to travel), have a look at my 4/5-day itinerary instead. You can also mix and match days from the itinerary above. Remember to pace yourself, however : Three long days of walking won’t be ideal for most.

Practical advice for your week in Malta

Everyone has their personal requirements for planning a trip. The same goes for accommodation, timing, whether to book a rental car or not and more.

In this section, I give you the basics and refer you to my full guides on each topic to learn more.

Do you have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment below or contact me , and I’ll be happy to help!

What’s the best time of year to visit Malta?

The best time of year to visit Malta for sightseeing is generally around April-June and October/November. At this time of year the weather is warm but not swelteringly hot. The downside is that weather conditions can sometimes be unpredictable.

If I had to narrow it down to two ideal months, it’s usually June and October that win : Warm enough to swim, not too hot to go sightseeing.

Between July and September, it’s full-on summer in Malta, and heatwaves are common. Humidity usually comes into play around mid-August and lasts well into September.

Where to stay in Malta for 7 days?

Where to stay in Malta for 7 days depends on a few factors. How much sightseeing do you want to do? At what time of year do you want to go? Are you looking to rent a car while there?

If you want to spend a week in Malta for sightseeing, Valletta and Sliema are good options, although the former can be pretty expensive to stay.

For a more balanced stay between sightseeing and enjoying the beaches, staying in St. Paul’s Bay , Buġibba , or Qawra can be a good option. Public transport connections are good, and accommodation is reasonably priced in the area.

If you don’t plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, Mellieħa and Gozo Island are more peaceful places to stay.

What are the best hotels in Malta? Where should I stay?

In these guides, I’ve listed the best options for various locations, and I offer recommendations on where in Malta to stay here .

• The 25 Best Malta Hotels reviewed
• Best Luxury Hotels in Malta and Gozo
• Best Valletta hotels
• Best Mellieħa Hotels
• Best St. Paul’s Bay Hotels
• Best Buġibba hotels
• Best Qawra hotels
• Best St. Julian’s Malta Hotels
• Best Sliema Hotels
• Best Gozo Hotels

These are the main options to get around in Malta and Gozo to consider while planning your holiday:

• The main mode of public transport  is the bus , which is cheap and can take you all over the Maltese islands. It isn’t always reliable though, and sometimes overcrowded and slow.
• Renting a car gives you the most flexibility. However, the busy centre of Malta (outwards of Valletta) is notorious for traffic congestion. Vacant public parking spots can also be hard to find. I would only recommend against a car rental if you’re looking to stay in St. Julian’s or Sliema. The only exception is if your accommodation of choice offers private parking.
• Using an on-demand taxi service like Uber, Bolt, or eCabs can be very convenient but can get pricey quickly. €10-20 Trips are common (depending on distance and demand).
• Hop-on/hop-off buses are available both in Malta and Gozo, but they don’t offer a great experience.
• Bike rental , either from dedicated shops or Tallinja bike, is an option. Just keep in mind that most of Malta’s roads are not designed with cyclists in mind. It can be outright dangerous to cycle on certain roads.

How many days do I need in Malta?

The number of days you need in Malta depends on how much sightseeing you’d like to do. For most people, 5-7 full days or a short week in Malta is enough for a first visit.

There’s a lot to see and do, so it’s pretty easy to plan a Malta itinerary with 5-7 days’ worth of exploring and day trips. Some people prefer balancing out sightseeing with a few lazy days at the beach or pool and book 10 or 14 days in Malta.

Are 7 days in Malta enough?

7 Days in Malta are enough for most people on their first visit to the Maltese islands. A week in Malta will allow you to see the main highlights and have a few chill days at the beach or on a boat trip for the day.

Are 2 weeks in Malta too long?

Two weeks in Malta may be too long if it’s your first visit. Many people choose to return and spend more time, but not everyone falls in love with Malta and may find that two weeks is too much time to spend visiting Malta for the first time.

Do you have any questions?

Leave a comment at the end of this page or contact me , and I’ll help you as best I can!

Edward is the Founder and Editor of Malta Uncovered and author of two guidebooks on Malta and Valletta.

As a tourist-turned-expat with Maltese roots, he knows the islands inside out and helps thousands of visitors enjoy a memorable trip every year.

Check out my two guidebooks full of local knowledge and my best recommendations for your trip, and up-to-date for 2024 !

Malta & Gozo guide book Valletta : An Insider’s Guide to Malta’s Capital

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Statement credits are typically received within a few days, however it may take 90 days after an eligible prepaid hotel booking is charged to the Card Account. American Express relies on the merchant to process transactions within the same calendar year that you made the prepaid booking in order to apply the statement credit in the calendar year that it was intended. For example, if you make an eligible prepaid booking on the last day of the year, but the merchant doesn't process that transaction until the next day, then the statement credit available in the next calendar year will be applied to the Card Account, if the purchase is eligible. Statement credits may not be received or may be reversed if the booking is cancelled or modified. To be eligible for this benefit, your Card account must not be cancelled or past due at the time of statement credit fulfillment. If American Express does not receive information that identifies your transaction as eligible, you will not receive the statement credits. For example, your transaction will not be eligible if it is a booking: (i) made with a property not included in the Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection programs, (ii) not made through American Express Travel, or (iii) not made with an eligible Card. Participating properties and their availability are subject to change. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this benefit, American Express will not have an obligation to provide and may reverse any statement credits provided to you. If a charge for an eligible purchase is included in a Pay Over Time balance on your Card Account, the statement credit associated with that charge may not be applied to that Pay Over Time balance. Instead, the statement credit may be applied to your Pay In Full balance. Please refer to AmericanExpress.com/FHR and AmericanExpress.com/HC for more information about Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection, respectively.

5X Membership Rewards® Points Platinum Card:  Basic Card Members will get 1 Membership Rewards® point for each dollar charged for eligible purchases on their Platinum Card® or an Additional Card on their Account and 4 additional points (for a total of 5 points) for each dollar charged for eligible travel purchases on any Card on the Account (“Additional Points”), minus cancellations and credits. Eligible travel purchases are limited to: (i) purchases of air tickets on scheduled flights, of up to $500,000 in charges per calendar year, booked directly with passenger airlines or through American Express Travel (by calling 1-800-525-3355 or through AmexTravel.com); (ii) purchases of prepaid hotel reservations booked through American Express Travel; and (iii) purchases of prepaid flight+hotel packages booked through AmexTravel.com. Eligible travel purchases do not include: charter flights, private jet flights, flights that are part of tours, cruises, or travel packages (other than prepaid flight+hotel packages booked through AmexTravel.com), ticketing or similar service fees, ticket cancellation or change fees, property fees or similar fees, hotel group reservations or events, interest charges, or purchases of cash equivalents. Eligible prepaid hotel bookings or prepaid flight+hotel bookings that are modified directly with the hotel will not be eligible for Additional Points.

Bonuses that may be received with your Card on other purchase categories or in connection with promotions or offers from American Express cannot be combined with this benefit. Any portion of a charge that the Basic Card Member elects to cover through redemption of Membership Rewards points is not eligible to receive points. Additional terms and restrictions apply.

Merchants are assigned codes based on what they primarily sell. We group certain merchant codes into categories that are eligible for Additional Points. A purchase with a merchant will not earn Additional Points if the merchant’s code is not included in an Additional Points category. Basic Card Members may not receive Additional Points if we receive inaccurate information or are otherwise unable to identify your purchase as eligible for an Additional Points category. For example, you may not receive Additional Points when: a merchant uses a third-party to sell their products or services, a merchant uses a third-party to process or submit your transaction to us (e.g., using mobile or wireless card readers), or you choose to make a purchase using a third-party payment account or make a purchase using a mobile or digital wallet.

To be eligible for this benefit, the Card Account must not be cancelled. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this benefit in any way American Express may remove access to this benefit from the Account. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card or visit americanexpress.com/rewards-info for more information about rewards.

5X Membership Rewards Points for Business Platinum Card:  You will get one point for each dollar charged for an eligible purchase on your Business Platinum Card® from American Express. You will get 4 additional points (for a total of 5 points) for each dollar spent on eligible travel purchases. Eligible travel purchases include scheduled flights and prepaid flight+hotel packages made online at AmexTravel.com, minus returns and other credits. Additionally, eligible travel purchases include prepaid hotel purchases made through American Express Travel, over the phone with our Travel Consultants or made online at AmexTravel.com, minus returns and other credits. Eligible travel purchases do NOT include non-prepaid hotel bookings, scheduled flights and prepaid flight+hotel packages over the phone, vacation packages, car rentals, cruise, hotel group reservations or events, ticketing service, cancellation or other fees, interest charges, purchases of travelers checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, or purchases of other cash equivalents. To be eligible for the 5x Membership Rewards® points, you must both reserve and charge the travel purchase with the same eligible Business Platinum Card®. To modify a reservation you must cancel and rebook your reservation. You can cancel and rebook your reservation on AmexTravel.com or by calling a representative of AmexTravel.com at 1-800-297-2977. Cancellations are subject to hotel cancellation penalty policies. If hotel reservations are made or modified directly with the hotel provider, the reservation will not be eligible for this 5X Membership Rewards® point benefit. To be eligible to receive extra points, Card account(s) must not be cancelled or past due at the time of extra points fulfillment. If booking is cancelled, the extra points will be deducted from the Membership Rewards account. Extra points will be credited to the Membership Rewards account approximately 6-10 weeks after eligible purchases appear on the billing statement. Bonuses you may receive with your Card on other purchase categories or in connection with promotions or offers from American Express may not be combined with this benefit. The benefits associated with the Additional Card(s) you choose may be different than the benefits associated with your basic Card. To learn about the benefits associated with Additional Card(s) you choose, please call the number on the back of your Card.

Merchants are assigned codes based on what they primarily sell. We group certain merchant codes into categories that are eligible for additional points. A purchase with a merchant will not earn additional points if the merchant’s code is not included in an additional points category. You may not receive additional points if we receive inaccurate information or are otherwise unable to identify your purchase as eligible for an additional points category. For example, you may not receive additional points when: a merchant uses a third-party to sell their products or services; or a merchant uses a third-party to process or submit your transaction to us (e.g., using mobile or wireless card readers); or you choose to make a purchase using a third-party payment account or make a purchase using a mobile or digital wallet.

Please visit  americanexpress.com/rewards-info  for more information about rewards.

Pay with Points:  To use Pay with Points, you must charge your eligible purchase through American Express Travel to a Membership Rewards® program-enrolled American Express® Card. Eligible purchases through American Express Travel exclude non-prepaid car rentals and non-prepaid hotels. Points will be debited from your Membership Rewards account, and credit for corresponding dollar amount will be issued to the American Express Card account used. If points redeemed do not cover entire amount, the balance of purchase price will remain on the American Express Card account. Minimum redemption 5,000 points.

See  membershiprewards.com/terms  for the Membership Rewards program terms and conditions.

If a charge for a purchase is included in a Pay Over Time balance on your Linked Account the statement credit associated with that charge may not be applied to that Pay Over Time balance. Instead the statement credit may be applied to your Pay in Full balance. If you believe this has occurred, please contact us by calling the number on the back of your Card. Corporate Card Members are not eligible for Pay Over Time.

Terms and Conditions for the Membership Rewards® program apply. Visit  membershiprewards.com/terms  for more information. Participating partners and available rewards are subject to change without notice.

The value of Membership Rewards points varies according to how you choose to use them. To learn more, go to  www.membershiprewards.com/pointsinfo .

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our Travel Consultants. For more information visit  americanexpress.com/travelterms

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• Delta SkyMiles Blue Card

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Is the Delta SkyMiles Blue card worth it? 

Delta skymiles blue card rewards, delta skymiles blue card benefits, delta blue card fees, rates & limit, how the delta blue card compares, is the delta skymiles blue card right for me, how do i apply for the delta blue card, faq: delta skymiles blue card.

Delta SkyMiles Blue Credit Card: Good for Occasional Delta Flyers

• The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a simple travel rewards credit card that earns miles for every qualifying purchase.
• What we think: The Delta SkyMiles Blue card is not nearly as perk-heavy as other Delta cards, but if paying an annual fee for an airline credit card isn’t something you want to do, this is a decent option. However, if you fly frequently, you’ll certainly find more value in a higher-tier card.
• If you spend $1,000 in six months after opening the account, you’ll earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 SkyMiles. 
• The Delta SkyMiles Blue card has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees ( see rates and fees ).
• Restaurant orders, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., earn 2 miles per dollar.

If you’re not a regular traveler, it can be hard to get enough value from a premium travel credit card to justify the annual fee. That’s where the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card comes in — this card gives you the opportunity to earn SkyMiles without paying an annual fee.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to understand about this Delta card from American Express , including:

• How to earn and redeem Delta SkyMiles rewards
• Cardholder benefits
• Fees and interest rates
• No annual fee
• 20% in-flight savings
• Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
• Low earning rate
• No free checked bags
• No priority boarding

If you’re loyal to Delta but don’t travel frequently, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card could be a good option. 

It offers an easy way to earn SkyMiles on your everyday purchases, so you can save money on flights in the future — and you don’t need to pay an annual fee. Plus, you’ll get a few perks that come in handy on vacation and in real life, including car rental insurance and purchase protection.

Pros and cons of the Delta SkyMiles Blue card

• Solid welcome offer
• Straightforward SkyMiles earnings tiers
• Discount on Delta in-flight purchases
• No intro APR offer

Learn more about Delta SkyMiles Blue card

Terms apply / Rates & fees

The Delta SkyMiles Blue card from American Express is a co-branded card; instead of points, it earns Delta SkyMiles. That’s a great perk, especially if you tend to fly Delta more than other airlines.

Welcome bonus

If you spend up to $1,000 in the first six months of having the Delta SkyMiles Blue card, you’ll earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 miles. Only purchases of goods and services count toward this spending threshold; fees and interest charges, prepaid card purchases and gift cards do not.

Keep in mind that American Express may decide you’re not eligible for this welcome offer if you’ve ever had one of the following cards:

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Earn Delta SkyMiles Blue rewards

The most exciting aspect of this SkyMiles credit card is, of course, the rewards. There are three easy-to-understand earnings tiers. You’ll earn 2 Delta SkyMiles per dollar for every purchase you make at restaurants and directly with the airline. For all other eligible purchases, you’ll earn 1 mile for every dollar you spend. If you’re a Delta flyer, it’s relatively easy to accrue miles — a $500 flight earns 1,000 SkyMiles.

Redeem Delta Blue rewards

Delta and American Express offer a variety of ways to redeem the SkyMiles you earn with your Amex Delta Blue card. One of the most popular is the Pay with Miles option. When you book a flight on Delta, you can redeem miles to pay for part or all of the flight. Every 5,000 miles gives you up to $50 off the cost, which is a maximum value of 1 cent per mile.

However, it’s important to note that you can only redeem blocks of 5,000 miles. If your flight isn’t an exact multiple of $50, you’ll lose a bit of value. To pay for a $175 flight entirely with rewards, you’ll need to redeem 20,000 miles.

Can’t fly with Delta? You can also use SkyMiles to book SkyTeam Alliance flights. Member airlines include KLM, AirFrance, AeroMexico, Virgin Atlantic and Korean Air.

Other ways to redeem your Amex Delta SkyMiles rewards include:

Once you book a flight on Delta, use your SkyMiles to purchase an upgrade or select a preferred seat.

Checked bags:

Use miles to cover the fees for standard checked bags. This option is only available at a few airports in the United States.

Hotel stays:

With Delta Stays, you can use SkyMiles to pay for hotels.

Charity donations:

Don’t need your miles? Donate them to charity through Delta, and they’ll go to organizations that help children, veterans and natural disaster victims, among others.

Delta Vacations:

Make a booking through Delta Vacations, and you can use miles to pay for some or all of the cost.

Magazine subscription:

Choose from a wide variety of magazines, including Better Homes & Gardens and InStyle.

Premium drinks in Delta Sky Club lounges:

There’s no need to shell out for an expensive gin fizz the next time you’re in a Sky Club; just use your miles to cover the cost.

Delta Sky Club lounge memberships:

If you’re a SkyMiles Medallion Member, you can use your SkyMiles to buy lounge memberships. An individual annual membership is 69,500 miles, which is a value of $659.

Delta SkyMiles Experiences:

Get access to one-of-a-kind experiences, ranging from special chef dinners to VIP seating at sporting events — then pay for them with miles.

SkyMiles aren’t the only perk you get with a Delta Blue card from American Express. Your card also entitles you to a variety of benefits you can use while traveling or going about your life.

Travel benefits

Taking a trip? Make sure you’re taking advantage of these Delta SkyMiles card benefits:

• Car rental insurance:  With the Delta SkyMiles Blue card, you don’t need to worry if your rental car is damaged or stolen. As long as you book and pay for it with your card — not with miles — you’ll be covered for up to $50,000.
• In-flight savings:  Pay for food and drinks with your Blue card on a Delta flight, and you’ll automatically get a statement credit that equals a 20% discount.
• Global Assist Hotline: In trouble on the road? The Global Assist Hotline can help you access a range of services, including referrals for medical or legal assistance. It can even wire you cash if you can’t access it otherwise.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/​benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Shopping and entertainment benefits

If you love to shop and seek out entertainment experiences, these Delta SkyMiles Blue card benefits may save you money:

• ShopRunner membership:  Your Delta SkyMiles Blue card entitles you to free two-day shipping if you enroll in a ShopRunner subscription.
• Amex Offers:  Use your Delta Blue card to enroll in Amex Offers, and you can earn extra SkyMiles on certain deals.
• American Express Experiences: Get access to exclusive tickets for events, including concerts and sporting events; these deals are available only to American Express cardholders.
• Send & Split: This special feature allows you to split payments with friends who use PayPal or Venmo — without ever logging into either platform. You can manage the split right in the American Express app.

Protections and assistance

If you love to shop, these Delta SkyMiles Blue card benefits can help you save:

• Purchase protection:  When you make a purchase with your Delta Blue card, American Express will reimburse you if it’s damaged or stolen in the first 90 days of ownership. That means if your brand-new laptop is stolen, you can get your money back — coverage includes up to $10,000 per item.
• Extended warranty: Get an extra year of warranty protection on eligible purchases with manufacturer’s warranties of up to five years. If you need to make a claim against the extended warranty, you can get up to $10,000 per item and $50,000 per card per year.

Before you make a final decision on the Delta Blue Amex card, make sure to consider the fees and interest rates ( see rates and fees ).

Delta SkyMiles Blue fees

When it comes to fees, the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express card offers a good deal — you won’t pay an annual fee or foreign transaction fees.

Here are the card’s standard fees:

• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fee: $0
• Balance transfer fee: N/A
• Cash advance fee: The greater of $10 or 5% of the transfer
• Late or returned payment fee: Up to $40

Delta SkyMiles Blue card interest rates

Your Delta Blue card from American Express includes a variable annual percentage rate (APR) of 20.99% to 29.99%. American Express will determine your APR based on your application and credit profile.

Here’s a look at variable APRs available at Delta SkyMiles Blue card:

If you make a late payment or if your bank returns a payment, American Express is within its rights to switch you to a penalty APR of 29.99%. It may not, depending on your creditworthiness and account history. After you’re hit with the penalty, this APR will stay for a minimum of six months.

Delta SkyMiles Blue credit limit

If American Express approves you for the Delta SkyMiles Blue card, your credit limit will be assigned based on a range of factors. This might include your income, credit history, credit score, debt and other factors the issuer decides are relevant. Most cardholders have a limit of at least $1,000; yours may be considerably higher.

Compared to other Delta airlines cards , the Delta Amex Blue card is a pared-down option.

Although it earns miles and offers a few perks, it doesn’t include benefits that are standard on other cards — namely, free checked bags. If you travel frequently, you’re probably better off getting a different card; the lack of bag fees alone will likely make up for the annual fee. If not, this card is a solid option; it’s a basic airline credit card with no annual fee.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

American Express issues both the Delta SkyMiles Blue and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , but they sit at opposite ends of the travel card spectrum. While the Delta Blue is a no annual fee card , the Reserve will run you a whopping $650 per year ( see rates and fees ). 

The Reserve is geared toward frequent travelers — it comes with $2,500 Delta Medallion Qualification Dollars per year, free access to Delta Sky Clubs, a free round-trip companion certificate each year, and more. The Blue card, on the other hand, is intended for occasional travelers who are Delta-loyal.

Read our full Delta SkyMiles Reserve card review

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card falls somewhere between the Blue and the Reserve cards. It has a $150 annual fee after the first year ( see rates and fees ). For that, you get a free checked bag, priority boarding, a $100 credit to Delta Stays and a $200 Delta flight credit after you spend at least $10,000 in a year. Plus, you’ll earn 2 SkyMiles for every dollar spent, compared to the 1 mile per dollar with the Blue card. 

If you’re a somewhat regular traveler but not quite ready for a luxury card, the Gold card is better than the Blue — it only takes five flights to make up for the annual fee in checked bag fees alone.

Read our full Delta SkyMiles Gold card review

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card vs. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a general travel credit card; instead of SkyMiles, it earns points that you can redeem for travel. You’ll need excellent credit to be approved for this Capital One card , compared to the good credit that’s required for the Delta SkyMiles American Express card.

Both cards eliminate foreign transaction fees, but the VentureOne is accepted in more places around the world — an important consideration if you plan to travel internationally.

Read our full Capital One VentureOne card review

You might choose the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card if you’re a Delta fan and you’re searching for a basic rewards credit card .

It’s an effective way to earn SkyMiles on your everyday purchases — and with no annual fee, you don’t have to worry about getting your money’s worth in perks. As long as you can spend an average of $167 per month in the first six months, you’ll earn a 10,000-mile welcome bonus.

If you don’t travel often, one of these general rewards cards may suit you better:  

• Amex Blue Cash Preferred card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred card

You can learn more about the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card and apply online. 

To get approved for the Delta Blue card, you’ll need good to excellent credit . 

While American Express doesn’t give a credit score requirement, this usually means 690 FICO score or higher. When you apply, expect to provide your employment information and financial details.

What credit score do you need for Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express card?

There are no hard and fast credit score rules for the Delta SkyMiles Blue card, but you will likely need a minimum score of 690 to get approved. The decision will take into account factors that might include your score, credit history and income.

Is the Delta SkyMiles Blue credit card good?

The Delta SkyMiles Blue credit card is good if you’re a loyal Delta flyer and you want to earn SkyMiles. It doesn’t offer many perks, but it comes with a $0 annual fee.

Do you get a free checked bag with the Delta SkyMiles Blue card?

No, you don’t get a free checked bag with the Delta SkyMiles Blue card.

What is the credit limit for the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card?

The credit limit for the Delta Blue card from American Express varies based on your qualifications.

What are the benefits of Delta Blue Card?

The Delta Blue Card comes with benefits that include rental car insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty coverage and access to American Express experiences and offers.

Elizabeth Smith is an experienced travel and finance writer who specializes in topics including credit cards, travel insurance, and personal finance. Travel insurance, in particular, has both professional and personal significance for Smith. She’s traveled to 73 countries, and has extensive experience choosing and using various policies — she understands how valuable the right plan can be in an emergency, and loves to help readers find the perfect fit.

Smith comes to the world of finance from a scientific and technical background. She spent more than 10 years writing about engineering, science, and technology for universities and private companies. When she’s not writing or traveling, Smith can usually be found hiking or Nordic skiing.

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19 replies to this topic

I suspect the other advisors on here are hoping that I would be able to answer this question, but unfortunately I only know as much as you do!

We therefore need someone to go and quiz the guys that man the MPT info booth at the Airport, to find out all the options and how much they cost - any volunteers?

Just been going through the forums for information on buses. I 'm arriving on Thursday and although I know which buses to get to my destination (Ta'Xbiex) im unsure how I pay?

Can I use cash (euroa) or tap my Monzo card? Or must I download an app? I'll be there for 5 days and not sure how much I will use the buses.

Thanks for the quick reply. Silly question but if I have to get 3 buses to my destination do I pay each driver a separate fare ?

Not if you complete your journey within two hours. This first ticket you buy can be used to change buses as many times as you need within two hours of buying it from the driver, provided that you don't backtrack - see https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/cash-tickets .

However you should not need three buses to get from the Airport to Ta'Xbiex (or is this question for a different journey?)

Apologies............I had forgotten fares had increased. This is taken from the official site:

Bus Cards and Tickets - Cash fare on bus

The daytime fare for a bus ticket is €2 and the night-time fare is €3. On all our buses, tickets can be purchased from the bus driver. These cash tickets are Single Journey tickets valid for travel to any location within two hours, including transfers.

You can pay for the ‘cash’ tickets with a contactless bank card if you prefer - which saves messing with correct change and handling money

https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/cash-tickets

https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/bus-card-and-ticketing

I saw online I had to get an X2 then a 73 then a 16 to my destination. But I also see the 72 and a 13 would work.

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