Malta: City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat Tour

Malta rewards a wide-angle view. This open-top bus tour links Mdina, Marsaxlokk, and the Blue Grotto with more than 30 stops, making it a practical way to see far-flung corners of the island without renting a car. I especially like the chance to visit both the ancient temples and traditional fishing villages, and I like that the optional harbor cruise adds a fine view of Valletta from the water. The catch is timing: with routes lasting three to three and a half hours, and buses finishing relatively early, you need to plan carefully.

I also appreciate the two-day option, since Malta’s north and south routes cover a lot of ground. The audio guide is offered in many languages, but it can be thin, out of sync, or affected by faulty headphone sockets. Pick-up signs can also be confusing, especially around Valletta, where several bus companies operate.

Key points to know before you board

• Two long routes cover most of Malta: The north route takes about 210 minutes, while the south route takes about 180 minutes without getting off.
• Mdina is the best hop-off stop: The medieval walled town gives you time to walk rather than simply look from a bus window.
• The south route has the strongest sightseeing: Marsaxlokk, the Three Cities, Tarxien Temples, Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, and the Blue Grotto all appear here.
• The harbor cruise is a worthwhile add-on: It can be used separately from the bus, which makes it useful on a day when you want a slower pace.
• Bring sun protection and patience: The upper deck can be hot, seats may be basic, and traffic can cause delays.
• A two-day pass is better value for most people: Trying to complete both routes and make meaningful stops in one day is usually too ambitious.

What this Malta bus tour actually covers

At $33 per person, the tour is priced less like a single sightseeing loop and more like a transport-and-orientation pass. You get access to the north and south circuits, an audio guide with headphones, and stops close to many of Malta’s major sights. The harbor cruise is included only if you select that option.

The key value is reach. Malta is compact on a map, but its sights are spread between Valletta, the old inland towns, the southern coast, and the northern resort area. Public buses can get you around, but the hop-on hop-off service removes some of the route planning. You can sit upstairs, watch the scenery change, and get off when something catches your eye.

That convenience comes with limits. The buses follow one-way routes, so you cannot simply backtrack to a stop whenever you like. One full circuit takes most of the day, and buses do not run late. If you want to visit several sites rather than just pass them, use the two-day ticket.

The tour operates during the warmer part of the year from May onward according to the supplied schedule, while the detailed departure information says both routes operate every day. Since times can change, check the current timetable before you set out.

Starting in Valletta, Sliema, or Bugibba

Mobile vouchers must be exchanged at Sliema Ferries, Stop 17, or Valletta Waterfront Terminus, Stop 20. Paper vouchers can be used at any bus stop. This is one of the tour’s less tidy details, so do not assume that showing a phone barcode to the first red sightseeing bus will be enough.

Several operators use Malta’s popular stops, and the buses can look similar. Confirm the company name before boarding. Around Valletta, the Waterfront Terminus is especially important because it is where you can change between the north and south routes.

The north route begins at Stop N1, with listed departures from 8am through 2:30pm. The south route begins at Stop S10, with departures from 9:05am through 2:05pm. These are not frequent city buses. Missing one can change your whole day, so keep the timetable with you and allow extra time for traffic.

The route serves Bugibba, Qawra, St Julian’s, Sliema, and Valletta. If you are staying in one of these areas, you have several possible starting points. Bugibba and Qawra are useful for the north, while Sliema Ferries and Valletta are the practical interchange points.

The north route, from resort towns to Mdina

The northern circuit opens with Malta’s coastal resort belt. Bugibba, Qawra, St Julian’s, and Sliema give you a look at the island’s modern side, with waterfront promenades, hotels, bays, and marinas. These stops are convenient for accommodation, but they are not the main reason to spend a full day on the bus.

The Malta National Aquarium and Mediterraneo Marine Park are included as route stops, but admission is not part of the bus ticket. Treat them as optional additions rather than built-in visits. The route also passes the Qawra seafront, St George’s Bay, Spinola Bay, and Balluta Bay.

At Sliema Ferries, you can change for the harbor cruise if you bought the combined ticket. This is also a good place to switch routes, though the schedule may not allow you to complete both circuits in one day.

From Valletta, the bus turns inland toward San Anton Gardens, Ta’ Qali, Mosta, Mdina, Rabat, and Golden Bay. San Anton Gardens gives you a quieter stop after the busy coastal districts. Ta’ Qali Craft Village and the Aviation Museum add local crafts and transport history, though you will need to choose carefully if you want time for the major old towns.

Mosta is known for its large domed church. The dome is the visual highlight from the bus, and the stop works well for a quick look at central Malta. The route then reaches Rabat, where you can visit the Domus Romana, St Agatha’s Catacombs, and other Roman sites. Entry fees are separate, so check how much time you want to spend inside before leaving the bus.

Mdina and Rabat deserve your time

If you hop off only once on the north route, make it Mdina. The old walled town is compact, atmospheric, and easy to explore on foot. Its narrow streets and stone buildings feel very different from the coastal resort towns, and the elevated setting gives you broad views across central Malta.

Mdina works best when you are not rushing. The bus circuit is long, and it is tempting to take a few photographs at the gate before catching the next bus. Give yourself enough time to walk through the main streets and continue into Rabat if the schedule allows.

The problem is frequency. The buses may be roughly an hour apart, and a full circuit takes about three and a half hours. A longer stop can therefore cost you a large part of the day. Write down the expected return time and arrive at the stop early.

The north route continues toward Golden Bay on the northwest coast before returning toward the resort towns. Golden Bay is a pleasant change from Malta’s built-up centers, but the bus schedule makes a leisurely beach stop difficult. You may find this route better for seeing the island than for completing a long list of individual attractions.

The south route delivers the strongest day

The south circuit is the one I would prioritize if you have only one day. It includes several of Malta’s most important archaeological and coastal sights, along with the Three Cities and Marsaxlokk.

The route leaves the Valletta area for the Tarxien Temples, prehistoric structures believed to date to around 3000 BC. The temples are an important stop for anyone interested in Malta’s distant past, but admission is not included. Because the bus does not wait indefinitely, check the return time before entering.

Next comes Vittoriosa Waterfront, part of Malta’s historic Three Cities. The waterfront and fortified settlements offer a different view of the area around Valletta. From the bus, you will get an overview. Hopping off gives you time to walk along the harbor and appreciate the old fortifications at street level.

Marsaxlokk is one of the most rewarding stops on the entire tour. This traditional fishing village has a waterfront setting and a slower feel than Valletta or St Julian’s. It is a good place to pause, eat, and watch local harbor life rather than race from one monument to the next.

The route then passes Pretty Bay in Birzebbugia before reaching the Blue Grotto. The coastal views are a major part of the appeal here, but remember that the bus ticket does not include entry to the Blue Grotto caves. The boat visit into the caves is a separate cost, and conditions may affect whether it operates.

Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, and the Blue Grotto

The southern coast combines prehistoric temples with dramatic sea views. Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are separate temple sites, and both are listed stops. Their setting near the coast makes this section feel more open and remote than Malta’s towns.

You should not assume that both temple visits will fit comfortably into a tight schedule. The route takes three hours without extended stops, and buses may be delayed by traffic. If these sites matter to you, treat them as your main purpose for taking the south route.

The Blue Grotto stop is valuable even if you do not pay for the cave boat. You can enjoy the coastal viewpoint and decide on the spot whether the additional boat ride suits your budget and timing. Since cave entry is not included, factor that extra cost into your plans.

The bus then returns toward Valletta, stopping near the Malta Experience, the Knights Hospital, the War Museum, and Fort St Elmo. These sites are useful choices if you want to continue exploring Valletta after the circuit. They are not included admissions, so the bus ticket is best viewed as your way to reach them, not as a complete attraction pass.

The harbor cruise adds a different view

The optional harbor cruise is one of the strongest parts of the package. From the water, Valletta and the surrounding fortified harbors make more sense than they do from a road. You get a broad view of the waterfront, defensive walls, and the Three Cities without having to walk every uphill street.

The cruise can be used within three days of activation with the one-day bus ticket. With the two-day bus ticket, both the bus and cruise can be used within five days, and the two bus days do not have to be consecutive. That flexibility is useful if you want to place the boat ride on a quieter day.

One practical tip is to save the cruise for the end of your sightseeing if you are tired. It gives you more scenery without another long walk. Still, do not schedule it too tightly after a bus route. Traffic delays have caused people to come close to missing the boat, and the bus does not control the harbor departure.

Audio commentary, comfort, and service

The recorded commentary is available in English, Spanish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Maltese, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Polish, Danish, and Finnish. That range is useful for mixed-language groups, and the information can help you decide where to return later.

The depth of the commentary is uneven. I would treat it as a basic introduction rather than a full guided tour. Some sections provide useful facts, while others are brief or poorly timed with what you are passing. Check your headphone socket early, and ask for another set if the sound is too quiet.

The upper deck gives you the best views, but Malta’s sun is serious. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. After rain, check the seat before sitting down because the cushions may hold water.

The buses are functional rather than luxurious. Some passengers find the seats hard during the long circuits, and older buses may have faulty audio ports. Air conditioning can also feel weak. On the positive side, many drivers keep the service moving, and the routes cover an impressive amount of ground.

How to plan one day or two

A one-day pass works if your goal is a broad look at Malta. Choose one route, stay on for much of the circuit, and make one carefully chosen stop. The south route gives you the strongest list of major sights, while the north route is better for Mdina, Rabat, Mosta, Ta’ Qali, and Golden Bay.

Trying to do both routes in one day is risky. The departure windows overlap only slightly, and each circuit is long. You could see parts of both, but you would have little time to explore and a real chance of missing the final bus.

The two-day pass is the better choice if you want value from the archaeological sites, Mdina, Marsaxlokk, or the harbor cruise. Use one day for the south and one for the north. The days do not need to be consecutive, which lets you fit the bus around other plans.

Plan around the timetable, not the other way around. Mark your preferred stops before boarding, note the next departure, and remember that traffic in Valletta and the resort areas can add delays. The route finishes early enough that a late start can leave you stranded at the wrong end of the circuit.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to Malta, solo visitors who prefer not to arrange several bus connections, and anyone staying near Bugibba, Qawra, St Julian’s, Sliema, or Valletta. It is also useful for choosing which places deserve a second visit.

I would be more cautious if you want a detailed guided explanation, late evening sightseeing, or a polished luxury vehicle. The commentary is limited, the seats can be uncomfortable, and stop signs are not always clear.

At $33, the tour offers good value when you use it as a two-day transport pass and add the harbor cruise. It is less convincing if you remain on the bus for only one short circuit. For the best result, select the south route first, give Mdina a proper stop on the north route, and leave room in your schedule for delays.

FAQ

How much does the Malta hop-on hop-off tour cost?

The listed price is $33 per person. The exact package depends on whether you select the bus tour alone or the bus tour with the harbor cruise.

How long does the bus tour take?

The north route takes about 210 minutes, or three and a half hours, while the south route takes about 180 minutes, or three hours, if you remain on the bus.

Does the tour operate every day?

The supplied schedule states that both the north and south routes operate every day.

What time does the north route depart?

North route departures from Stop N1 are listed at 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm.

What time does the south route depart?

South route departures from Stop S10 are listed at 9:05am, 10:05am, 11:05am, 12:05pm, 1:05pm, and 2:05pm.

Is the Blue Grotto cave entry included?

No. Entry to the Blue Grotto caves and other attractions is not included in the bus ticket.

Where do I redeem a mobile voucher?

Mobile vouchers must be redeemed at Sliema Ferries, Stop 17, or Valletta Waterfront Terminus, Stop 20. Paper vouchers can be redeemed at any bus stop.

Which languages are available for the audio guide?

The audio guide is listed in English, Spanish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Maltese, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Polish, Danish, and Finnish.

How long can I use the harbor cruise?

With the one-day bus and cruise option, the bus ticket is valid for one day and the harbor cruise can be used within three days of activation. With the two-day option, the bus and cruise can be used within five days of voucher activation.