Valletta: Vintage Bus to Valletta, Sliema, Rabat & Mdina

Exploring Malta on a Vintage Bus: A Unique Way to See the Islands

If you’re after a different, charming way to explore Malta’s beautiful cities, this vintage bus tour might just be your ideal match. For around $9, you get access to a full-day hop-on, hop-off experience aboard beautifully restored buses that are about seventy years old. It’s a mix of nostalgia, practical transportation, and scenic sightseeing rolled into one.

What we particularly love about this experience is how effortlessly it combines convenience with a touch of old-world charm. You can hop on and off at your own pace, soaking up the sights without the rush or the crowds typical of guided tours. However, it’s worth noting that since there’s no guided commentary, you’ll need to brush up on your Malta facts beforehand or enjoy discovering on your own.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy authentic experiences, vintage aesthetics, or simply want a relaxed way to visit key sites like Valletta, Mdina, Rabat, and Sliema. It’s especially suited for those on a budget, looking for a flexible itinerary, or keen to avoid overly structured group tours.

Key Points

• Authentic Vintage Charm: Travel in restored, approximately seventy-year-old buses that turn a simple city tour into a memorable experience.
• Flexible Day Pass: Full-day hop-on, hop-off tickets give you control over your schedule, perfect for personalized exploration.
• Scenic and Practical: Combines sightseeing with straightforward transportation, removing the hassle of navigating Malta’s public transit system.
• Authentic Atmosphere: The open windows, well-preserved interiors, and vintage design create a nostalgic, fun atmosphere.
• Reviews Highlight Value: Travelers consistently praise the good value, friendly drivers, and the opportunity to see Mdina and Rabat comfortably.
• Potential Drawback: No guided commentary or formal tour, so you’ll need to do some homework or enjoy discovering without a guide.

The Experience in Detail

This vintage bus tour offers a laid-back, yet fascinating way to explore Malta’s highlights. Starting near the Tourist Information Office next to Triton Fountain in Valletta, the buses run on a fixed timetable, with multiple departure times throughout the day. The schedule varies depending on the day, but it generally includes stops in Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, and Rabat, with specific routes for different days like Sundays.

The Route and Stops

Valletta: As the capital, Valletta packs an impressive array of sights and history. The bus stops right next to the Tourist Information Office, making it a convenient starting point. You’ll love the chance to explore at your own pace—whether you want a quick look or a leisurely visit. Many reviews mention the comfort and aesthetic appeal of the vintage bus, which adds a layer of fun to the experience. Travelers have noted that the open windows and neat interior offer a genuine vintage vibe, with some quoting that it felt like stepping back in time.

Sliema: The tour starts here in the mornings, with a stop outside the M&S store at Sliema Ferries. Many find this a practical pickup point, especially for those staying in Sliema or St Julian’s, as the buses run frequently (roughly every couple of hours). As one reviewer pointed out, it’s a less boring alternative to regular buses, offering a quirky, memorable ride.

Mdina & Rabat: The highlight for many is the visit to Mdina, the so-called “Silent City.” This UNESCO-listed site is a must-see for anyone wanting a taste of medieval Malta. The vintage bus makes the journey fun and memorable, with many visitors praising the well-maintained vehicle and the friendly driver. One reviewer compared it to a “novelty way” of reaching Mdina, emphasizing that it’s well worth the modest cost. You can explore Mdina and Rabat at your leisure—some travelers choose to walk, while others use the same bus service to return later.

Additional Route for Sundays: For a change of scenery, on Sundays, the itinerary includes a route from Valletta to Marsaxlokk, famous for its colourful fishing boats and lively market. The buses leave Valletta several times during the morning and return from Marsaxlokk in the early afternoon. This option provides a relaxing way to soak up the local atmosphere.

What to Expect on the Vintage Bus

Traveling in these restored buses is largely about the experience—many passengers mention how clean, well-kept, and charming the vehicles are. The interior upholstery is described as “refurbished,” and the large windows, some opening for ventilation, offer excellent views of the Maltese scenery.

While the buses are about 70 years old, they run smoothly, and the drivers seem experienced and welcoming. The relaxed, no-guided approach might feel odd if you’re used to guided tours, but it allows you to enjoy the journey, take photos easily, and stop wherever you like. One reviewer fondly recalled sitting at the front next to the window, enjoying the breeze on a warm Maltese day.

Timing and Practicalities

Departure times are staggered throughout the day, giving you flexibility. For instance, from Sliema Ferries, buses depart at 09:20, 11:15, 13:05, and 15:05. The Valletta stop generally runs at 11:00, 12:50, and 14:50. On Sundays, departures from Valletta occur at 09:30, 10:40, and 12:20, with returns from Marsaxlokk around 09:55, 11:10, and 12:50.

You can reserve your ticket and pay later, offering peace of mind and flexibility—ideal for spontaneous planners or last-minute bookings. Pickup is optional, with the driver willing to collect you from various stops, making it even easier to fit into your plans.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers rave about the vintage buses, describing them as “gorgeous,” “immaculate,” and “a bit of fun.” Many note that the experience feels authentic—like traveling in what once was Malta’s standard mode of transport. Several mention that the drivers are friendly, knowledgeable about the routes, and skillful at navigating Malta’s narrow, sometimes bumpy roads.

One traveler pointed out how the vintage buses attract attention from locals and travelers alike, adding an extra layer of entertainment. Another said that the experience was “well worth the money,” especially since it combines sightseeing with transportation.

Some practical tips from reviews include arriving early if you want a front seat, particularly at the front windows, and being prepared for a lack of guided commentary. Several noted that the best part was just sitting back, enjoying the scenery, and soaking up the old-world charm.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This vintage bus experience is perfect if you’re after a relaxed, authentic way to explore Malta without the fuss of guided commentary or large groups. It’s especially ideal for budget travelers wanting good value, or adventure seekers who love quirky, memorable transport modes. If you’re interested in discovering Mdina and Rabat at your own pace, this provides a practical yet charming option.

However, if you prefer detailed historical commentary or guided tours, this might not satisfy those needs. Also, be aware that the buses can fill up, especially on busy days or weekends, so arriving early or booking in advance is recommended.

Final Thoughts

This vintage bus tour offers a delightful blend of nostalgia, sightseeing, and practical transport, making it a standout choice for many travelers to Malta. The well-preserved, classic buses and flexible schedule open up the opportunity to explore at your own pace while enjoying a piece of Maltese history on wheels.

For those who love vintage aesthetics, value a relaxed pace, and want a memorable way to see the island’s main sites, this experience is hard to beat. The friendly drivers, clean buses, and authentic atmosphere make it a fun and affordable choice. It’s especially suited for curious explorers who want to blend sightseeing with a good dose of fun and personality.

FAQ

Is there a guided commentary on this vintage bus tour?
No, this experience does not include a guided commentary. It’s a self-guided style ride, so you’ll explore the sights at your own pace, or do some pre- or post-visit research.

How long can I stay at each stop?
Since you buy a full-day ticket, you can hop off and explore each location—like Mdina or Valletta—for as long as you like, then reboard another bus when ready.

Are the buses accessible for people with mobility issues?
The provided information doesn’t specify accessibility details, but given the vintage nature of the buses, it’s advisable to check directly with the provider if you have specific needs.

What is the ticket price and is it good value?
At only $9 per person for a full day of unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel, it’s considered excellent value, especially given the vintage charm and the flexibility it offers.

Can I reserve my ticket in advance?
Yes, you can reserve and pay later, which gives you the flexibility to plan around your Malta itinerary.

What are the pickup locations?
The primary pickup point is near the Tourist Information Office next to the Triton Fountain in Valletta, but pickups can be arranged from various stops depending on your location.

Is there an option for a guided or narrated tour?
No, this experience is a self-guided hop-on, hop-off style ride, so if you’re looking for detailed commentary, you might want to consider other guided options.

Would I recommend this experience?
Absolutely for those wanting a fun, affordable, and authentic way to see Malta’s key areas without the rush or expense of guided tours. It’s perfect for curious travelers, vintage enthusiasts, or anyone looking to add a memorable, relaxed element to their Malta trip.