Surgery in Malta : Travel and accommodation

Malta International airport is located 10kms from the capital city, Valletta, between the villages of Luqa and Gudja. There is an air link between Malta International airport and the island of Gozo, which is operated by helicopter. The flight takes 15 minutes and offers fantastic aerial views of the Maltese islands. For more information, visit the Air Gozo site.

A regular ferry and catamaran service links several Italian and Sicilian ports with the capital, Valletta. Some shipping lines also serve Mediterranean ports. For information contact the Grimaldi Group (Tel: 356 21220940/21231689), MaReSi Shipping (Tel: 356 21320620/21232211), Sea Malta (Tel: 356 21232230/9, 2125994269) and Virtue Ferries (Tel: 356 21318854).

Getting around Malta

Public transport in Malta is efficient and inexpensive. The main bus terminus in Malta is in Valletta just outside the City Gate and you can hop on a bus to practically anywhere on the island.  All buses to Valletta pass through its suburb town, Floriana, and generally speaking the bus terminus in any town/village can be located on or near the main square. To get an idea of the size of the island, the longest bus journey takes about 50 minutes, with most trips taking around 30. 

The smaller islands are also well served by public transport. To get to Gozo by bus for example you can hop on a bus to Cirkewwa to take the ferry then get on a Gozo bus to arrive in its capital, Victoria. In Gozo, the bus terminus is in Main Gate Street, Victoria. Unlike in Malta, Gozo buses operate along circular routes, leaving from and returning to Victoria without scheduled stops at the terminus. A regular service runs to and from Mgarr, route 25, and is timed to coincide with the ferry timetable.

Many international car hire companies operate in Malta as well as a string of local companies and rates are reasonable. Driving is on the left. Another handy way of getting about the island is by bicycle. Mountain biking is becoming very popular on the island and is a great way of getting ‘off the beaten track’ and seeing more remote elements to these stunning islands.

Taxis are run by metres and the prices are government-controlled, but it’s advisable to clarify the fare before your journey. However, taxis from the airport have a separate system; you will need to pre-pay the fare at the taxi ticket booth in the arrivals lounge. On payment you will receive a ticket showing confirmation of this destination and fare which needs to be given to your driver at the end of the journey. If you decide to go to a different destination from that paid for, drivers will use the meter.

In Malta’s capital, Valletta, a double room in a three star hotel is likely to cost from €40 with a four star hotel from €60. The currency is the Euro; the country changed from the Maltese Lira in 2008.