Malta: City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat Tour

Malta’s two long bus circuits give you a useful first look at an island packed with temples, forts, fishing villages, and Roman remains. The South Route is the stronger day, linking the Three Cities, Marsaxlokk, Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, and the Blue Grotto.

I like the freedom to hop off at Mdina or Marsaxlokk, then catch a later bus without renting a car. I also like the optional harbor cruise, which gives you a fresh view of Valletta and its fortified waterfront. The main catch is timing: you cannot realistically explore every stop in one day, and some buses, audio sockets, and stop signs have proved unreliable.

Key points to know before you board

• Two very different routes: The North Route takes about 210 minutes and covers Mdina, Mosta, Rabat, Ta’ Qali, and Golden Bay. The South Route takes about 180 minutes and reaches the Three Cities, Marsaxlokk, the Blue Grotto, and ancient temples.
• The South Route deserves priority: If you have only one day, focus on the southern circuit for its temples, fishing village, harbor views, and coastal scenery.
• A two-day ticket makes far more sense: You can use the bus on separate days within the stated validity period, giving you time to hop off rather than simply ride past the sights.
• Blue Grotto entry is extra: The bus stops at the viewpoint and nearby area, but admission to the caves is not part of the ticket.
• Redeem mobile vouchers carefully: Mobile tickets must be exchanged at Sliema Ferries, Stop 17, or Valletta Waterfront Terminus, Stop 20. Paper vouchers can be used at any bus stop.
• Carry sun protection and patience: The upper deck can be hot, seats may be wet after rain, and traffic can delay connections.

Two routes, one large island

This is not a short city loop. The buses connect Malta’s main resort areas, capital, ancient sites, inland towns, and southern coast. That makes the tour useful for orientation, but it also means long stretches between stops.

The North Route runs from Bugibba through Qawra, St Julian’s, Sliema, Valletta, Mosta, Mdina, Rabat, and Golden Bay. Its full circuit takes about three and a half hours, listed as 210 minutes. The South Route takes about three hours and links Valletta with Tarxien, Vittoriosa, Marsaxlokk, Birzebbugia, the Blue Grotto, and Hagar Qim and Mnajdra.

You get an audio guide in 13 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Maltese, Dutch, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Polish, Danish, and Finnish. The driver speaks English. The recorded commentary gives useful background, but it is not equally strong on every bus. I would treat it as a helpful layer, not a full guided tour.

The timetable matters more than the glossy route map. North Route departures from its first stop are listed at 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30. South Route departures begin at 9:05 and continue hourly until 2:05. Since the last buses finish relatively early, start as soon as you can.

Starting in Valletta, Sliema, or Bugibba

The bus serves Malta’s most common bases. In the north, stops include Bugibba, Qawra, the Malta National Aquarium, and the Mediterraneo Marine Park. In the center, you can board around St Julian’s, Spinola Bay, Balluta Bay, Sliema, and Valletta.

Valletta is the key changeover point. The main stops are Valletta City Center and Valletta Waterfront Terminus. Sliema Ferries is also important, especially if you plan to use the harbor cruise.

If you hold a mobile voucher, do not assume you can simply scan it at the first stop you see. You need to redeem it at Sliema Ferries, Stop 17, or Valletta Waterfront Terminus, Stop 20. Paper vouchers can be redeemed at any bus stop. This distinction has caused confusion, especially around Valletta, where several bus companies and operators use nearby stops.

Look for the correct City Sightseeing bus. Malta has more than one sightseeing operator, and a similar-looking bus may not accept your ticket. Before boarding, confirm the route and company with the staff.

The South Route: Malta’s strongest circuit

If I had one day, I would choose the South Route. It combines major archaeological sites with coastal views and traditional towns, giving you a better sense of Malta beyond the resort strip.

The route starts through the St Julian’s and Sliema area before heading toward Valletta and the south. You will pass through a busy part of the island first, so do not judge the whole experience by the opening stretch. The scenery becomes more rewarding once the route reaches the older harbor settlements and southern coast.

Tarxien Temples and the Three Cities

Tarxien Temples are among Malta’s prehistoric sites, with construction believed to date to around 3000 BC. The bus stop gives you access to the archaeological area, but entrance fees are not included. Check the time before hopping off, since visiting the site can affect your ability to catch the next bus.

The route then reaches Vittoriosa Waterfront, part of Malta’s historic Three Cities. Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu, faces the Grand Harbour and offers a close look at the fortified side of Malta’s past.

This is one of the tour’s best contrasts. Valletta can feel formal and monumental, while the Three Cities offer narrower streets, waterfront views, and a more local town atmosphere. If you enjoy forts, harbors, and old stone lanes, allow time here.

Marsaxlokk fishing village

Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village and one of the easiest stops to appreciate without a long explanation. Its waterfront is lined with fishing boats, and the village provides a gentler break from Malta’s fortifications and archaeological sites.

This is a good place to hop off for a walk and a meal, though food and drinks are not included in the tour. The stop is especially useful if you want to slow the day down rather than remain on the bus for the entire loop.

Plan carefully. The bus schedule does not give unlimited time at each stop, and a late departure from Marsaxlokk can affect your chances of reaching the Blue Grotto or temples before the route turns back.

Birzebbugia and Pretty Bay

The South Route continues to Pretty Bay in Birzebbugia. This stop adds a seaside setting and a look at another part of Malta’s southern coast.

It may be less essential than Marsaxlokk or the temples if you are short on time. Still, the route is designed to show the island as a whole, not just its famous monuments. The coastal ride helps connect the individual sights into a broader picture.

Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is one of Malta’s most photographed coastal sights. The bus brings you to the area for views over the sea and cliffs, but entry to the caves is not included.

That detail matters. You should budget separately if you want to take part in any cave visit available at the stop. The bus ticket alone gives you the sightseeing connection, not admission to the attraction.

Allow extra time here only if the schedule permits. Traffic, late buses, and long boarding intervals can make a tight itinerary risky. If the Blue Grotto is a priority, avoid trying to squeeze the entire North and South Routes into the same day.

Hagar Qim and Mnajdra

The Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples are another major reason to choose the South Route. These prehistoric temple sites are among the most important stops on the island, and their age gives the journey a sense of scale that modern Malta cannot provide.

The stop is particularly valuable for anyone interested in archaeology. It is also a good example of why the hop-on hop-off format needs planning. You may need to choose between visiting the temples thoroughly and fitting in another stop later in the circuit.

The North Route: Mdina, Mosta, and inland Malta

The North Route is longer and more varied. It passes through resort areas, inland towns, Roman sites, craft workshops, and Malta’s former capital.

San Anton Gardens and Ta’ Qali

After leaving Valletta, the bus heads toward San Anton Gardens and Ta’ Qali. Ta’ Qali is known for its craft village and the Aviation Museum.

These stops are useful if you want more than churches and fortifications. Ta’ Qali adds a look at Maltese crafts and aviation, while San Anton offers a change of pace with gardens and greenery.

Do not expect to visit every attraction at every stop on a single circuit. The route has more than 30 stops and around 50 points of interest, but that broad coverage comes at the cost of short visits unless you stay for a second day.

Mosta Church and its dome

Mosta Church is one of the route’s signature sights. Its large dome is easy to spot as the bus approaches, and the church gives you a strong sense of Malta’s religious architecture.

This is a sensible stop for first-time visitors because it is easy to combine with the inland section of the route. If you are more interested in the ancient temples or the Three Cities, you may prefer to see Mosta from the bus and save your time for the South Route.

Rabat and Roman remains

Rabat offers several Roman-era sites, including the restored Roman Villa and St Agatha’s Catacombs. These stops add substance to the route, especially if you want to understand Malta’s long settlement history rather than only see its scenic coast.

The Roman Villa and catacombs require separate admission where applicable. The bus takes you near the sights, but attraction tickets are not part of the package.

Rabat is also the gateway to Mdina, so you can pair the two stops if your schedule allows. Give yourself enough time to walk between sights and return to the correct bus stop.

Mdina, Malta’s medieval former capital

Mdina is the North Route’s main prize. The walled medieval town sits on high ground and is best enjoyed on foot, away from the bus window.

I would get off at Mdina Main Gate and spend time wandering its quiet lanes. The stone buildings, gateways, and views make it one of Malta’s most rewarding places to explore without a fixed tour group.

The practical issue is simple: Mdina can easily absorb the time you hoped to use for several other stops. That is not a flaw in Mdina. It is a reminder that the bus is a transport and orientation tool, not a magic way to fully visit the entire island in one afternoon.

Golden Bay and the return north

Golden Bay gives the North Route a coastal finish before it returns toward Bugibba. It is a useful stop if you want a beach setting after the inland towns and historic sites.

The northern resort area includes Bugibba, Qawra, the aquarium, and marine attractions. These stops may suit families or anyone staying in the area, but they are less distinctive than Mdina, Mosta, or the southern temples.

The harbor cruise from Sliema

The optional harbor cruise is the most relaxing part of the package. From the water, you get a different angle on Valletta, the Grand Harbour, and the fortified waterfront.

I would schedule the cruise on a separate day if you buy the two-day option. That leaves your bus days for the long North and South circuits, then gives you a calmer final outing when you still want to see more without spending another full day on the road.

The cruise can be used within three days of activation with the one-day bus and cruise option. With the two-day bus and cruise option, the cruise can be used within five days of voucher activation. The bus ticket itself is valid for one day or two days, depending on the package. The two bus days do not have to be consecutive.

Keep a close eye on timing if you combine the cruise with a bus route. Malta traffic can be heavy, and delays have caused tight connections. Sliema Ferries is both a bus stop and the harbor cruise departure area, so it is a practical place to organize the day.

Audio, seating, and the open-top question

The open upper deck gives you better views, especially along the coast and around Valletta’s harbor. It also exposes you to Malta’s strong sun. Bring sunscreen, and consider a hat.

After rain, check the seat before sitting down. Water can collect on the upper deck and leave your clothes wet. The seats are basic, and long circuits may become uncomfortable, particularly if you remain onboard for several hours.

The audio guide is useful when it works, but quality varies. Some buses have had faulty headphone ports, low volume, or recordings that do not match the sight outside. A few stops have also been skipped or not announced clearly.

I would carry the route map, note the stop name where you get off, and keep the next departure time in mind. If the commentary fails, you can still use the bus for transport and views, but you should not depend on the recording for a detailed explanation of every monument.

What the $33 price really buys you

At about $33 per person, the one-day ticket is fair value if you use it as a full island orientation ride. You cover a large amount of ground without arranging separate buses, taxis, or a rental car, and you can choose a few key stops.

The price becomes stronger with the two-day option, especially if you add the harbor cruise. You can give Mdina, Marsaxlokk, the temples, Valletta, and the Three Cities proper time instead of trying to see them through a narrow timetable.

The value is weaker if you stay onboard for only one short loop or arrive late. The routes finish early, and you cannot realistically complete both circuits with meaningful stops in a single day.

Admission to the Blue Grotto caves, temples, Roman sites, museums, food, and drinks costs extra. Think of the ticket as a transport and sightseeing framework. Your final cost depends on how many attractions you enter.

Who should choose this Malta bus tour?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want a broad look at Malta and do not want to drive. It also suits solo visitors, families who prefer an easy route structure, and anyone staying in Bugibba, Qawra, St Julian’s, Sliema, or Valletta.

It is less suitable if you want a slow, guided visit at each monument. The audio is fairly limited, buses can run late, and the long circuits require you to make choices.

For the best experience, use the South Route first if you have one day. With two days, reserve one day for the South Route, one for the North Route, and use the harbor cruise separately if possible.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your goal is to see a lot of Malta with minimal transport planning. Its strongest points are the South Route, Mdina, Marsaxlokk, the prehistoric temples, and the harbor cruise.

Choose the two-day package if your schedule allows. Start early, confirm the correct City Sightseeing bus, carry sunscreen and the timetable, and treat the audio guide as a bonus rather than the main attraction. If you want detailed interpretation or a slower archaeological visit, combine the bus with independent time at the stops that matter most to you.

FAQ

How long is the Malta hop-on hop-off bus tour?

The North Route takes about 210 minutes for a full circuit. The South Route takes about 180 minutes.

How many stops does the bus tour have?

The tour has more than 30 stops and passes around 50 points of interest across the North and South Routes.

Which route should I take if I have only one day?

The South Route is the best choice for a single day because it includes the Three Cities, Marsaxlokk, the Blue Grotto area, and Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples.

Does the ticket include entry to the Blue Grotto Caves?

No. The ticket does not include entry to the Blue Grotto Caves or other attractions.

Is the harbor cruise included?

The harbor cruise is included only when you select the bus and harbor cruise option.

Where do I redeem a mobile voucher?

Mobile vouchers must be redeemed at Sliema Ferries, Stop 17, or Valletta Waterfront Terminus, Stop 20.

Where can I redeem a paper voucher?

Paper vouchers can be redeemed at any bus stop on the route.

What languages are available for the audio guide?

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

Can I use the two-day bus ticket on consecutive days only?

No. The two-day ticket does not have to be used on consecutive days. It can be used within five days of activation.

Can I bring pets or smoke on the bus?

No. Pets and smoking are not allowed.

Is cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.