How do I get around?
The Tallinja Card is Malta’s personalised public transport card. It allows travel on buses and, on some services, ferries. This smart travel card is designed to make using public transport easier.
Since 1 October 2022, Tallinja Card holders can travel free of charge.
– However, Tallinja Direct (TD) routes are not free of charge and additional fares apply depending on the card you use.
Transport in Malta
Step by step to apply for the Tallinja Card
Register! to receive your Tallinja Card
1- Go to the registration portal. Visit the official Malta Public Transport website and select the registration option.
2- Select the type of card. Choose the category that matches your situation (Adult, Student, etc.).
3- Enter your personal details. Have the following ready:
– Passport or identity document.
– Address in Malta.
– Email address.
– Telephone number.
– Passport-size photograph.
4- Pay the registration fee. The cost depends on the type of card.
5- Wait for approval. Verification usually takes approximately 3 working days.
6- Receive your card. The waiting time may vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the date of application and approval by Malta Public Transport. We recommend arranging it at least 3 weeks before your arrival.
Prices
Registration fees and delivery charges are paid separately.
Card Types
Children
– Yellow-colored, this card is available for children aged between 4 and 10.
– Child Tallinja Card: €5 application fee.
Students
– Red-colored, this card is available for students aged between 11 and 16, as well as people enrolled for periods of 3 months or more in Maltese educational institutions (public or private).
– 1 trip (valid for 2 hours): €0.75
– Student Tallinja Card: €25 application fee
Adults
– Green-colored, this card is available for people aged between 17 and 59.
– 1 trip (valid for 2 hours): €2
– Adult Tallinja Card: €25 application fee.
Concession Card
– Blue-colored, this card is available for holders of a Maltese ID card, people over 60 years old, and people holding an EU disability card.
– 1 trip (valid for 2 hours): €0.75
– Senior Tallinja Card – €5 application fee.
– Concession Tallinja Card: €5 application fee.
Gozo Residents
– Purple-colored, this card is available for people residing in Gozo.
– 1 trip: €0.75
– Gozo Resident Tallinja Card: €25 application fee.
Tourist Cards
Explore Card
– Validity: 7 consecutive days.
– Includes: Unlimited travel on buses in Malta and Gozo.
– Ideal for: Tourists who want to explore the island without complications.
Explore Flex Card
– Price: From €6 (initial balance).
– Validity: Until the balance is used up.
– Includes: The option to top up the card and add travel credit.
– Ideal for: Short stays.
12 Single Day Journeys Card
– Includes: 12 single journeys.
– Validity: Until all 12 journeys have been used.
– Ideal for: Travellers who will use the bus occasionally.
Card Types
Children
– Yellow-colored, this card is available for children aged between 4 and 10.
– Child Tallinja Card: €5 application fee.
Students
– Red-colored, this card is available for students aged between 11 and 16, as well as people enrolled for periods of 3 months or more in Maltese educational institutions (public or private).
– 1 trip (valid for 2 hours): €0.75
– Student Tallinja Card: €25 application fee
Adults
– Green-colored, this card is available for people aged between 17 and 59.
– 1 trip (valid for 2 hours): €2
– Adult Tallinja Card: €25 application fee.
Concession Card
– Blue-colored, this card is available for holders of a Maltese ID card, people over 60 years old, and people holding an EU disability card.
– 1 trip (valid for 2 hours): €0.75
– Senior Tallinja Card – €5 application fee.
– Concession Tallinja Card: €5 application fee.
Gozo Residents
– Purple-colored, this card is available for people residing in Gozo.
– 1 trip: €0.75
– Gozo Resident Tallinja Card: €25 application fee.
Tourist card
Explore Card
– Validity: 7 consecutive days.
– Includes: Unlimited travel on buses in Malta and Gozo.
– Ideal for: Tourists who want to explore the island without complications.
Tourist card
Explore Flex Card
– Price: From €6 (initial balance).
– Validity: Until the balance is used up.
– Includes: The option to top up the card and add travel credit.
– Ideal for: Short stays.
Tourist card
12 Single Day Journeys Card
– Includes: 12 single journeys.
– Validity: Until all 12 journeys have been used.
– Ideal for: Travellers who will use the bus occasionally.
Recommendations
– Download the Tallinja Card app: You have several service options. The most frequently used feature is information on bus routes and timetables. Download it here.
– If you do not have your card and need to pay for a single bus ticket, we suggest carrying cash (coins), as drivers do not usually have change.
– Card payment is being introduced. NOT all buses have it available.
Important:
– When boarding the bus, tap your card on the reader. Even though travel is free, you must validate the journey so that it is recorded in the system. An inspector may occasionally ask to see your card to check that you validated the trip; otherwise, a €50 penalty may apply.
– This penalty also applies if you are found travelling with someone else’s card.