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

Traveling through Malta offers endless opportunities for discovering historic sites, scenic views, and unique experiences. One particularly charming way to explore this Mediterranean island is via a vintage bus tour that takes you around Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, and Rabat. While we haven’t personally taken this specific journey, the reviews and details paint a compelling picture of what you can expect.

What we love about this experience? First, the nostalgic appeal of riding in a beautifully restored, 70-year-old bus is genuinely special. It’s not your average sightseeing tour—here, you’re traveling in a piece of Malta’s transport history. Second, the flexibility afforded by a full-day ticket means you can hop on and off at your own pace, making it a relaxed yet enriching way to see multiple sites.

One thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a guided tour—so if you’re after detailed commentary or a structured schedule, this might not be your best fit. Instead, it’s all about enjoying the journey, the views, and the freedom to explore at your leisure. This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate a bit of quirkiness, vintage charm, and a relaxed approach to sightseeing.

Key Points

• Unique Vintage Experience: Travel in restored, classic buses that are about seventy years old, offering a nostalgic vibe.
• Flexible Day-Long Ticket: Hop on and off at various stops throughout the day, allowing for personalized exploration.
• Great Value for Money: At just $9, it’s a budget-friendly way to see several key locations.
• Beautiful Scenery & Views: The large windows and partly open screens provide excellent opportunities for photos and enjoying the scenery.
• Convenient Pickup: Multiple stops in Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, and Rabat make it easy to join.
• No Guided Commentary: This is a self-guided experience, so you’ll need to do your own exploring once you hop off.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Vintage Bus Tour of Malta

This vintage bus tour offers a relaxed and visually appealing way to explore some of Malta’s most famous sights. The charm lies not just in the destinations but also in the mode of transportation itself—a beautifully restored, historic bus that many reviews describe as “cracking” and “beautiful.” The buses are not only attractive but also well-maintained, with refurbishments including new upholstery, ensuring a comfortable ride despite their age.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour spans different days with slightly different routes, but the core idea remains the same—see Valletta, Mdina, Rabat, and Sliema at your own pace. The most common route departs from Sliema Ferries near the M&S store, with stops at Valletta, Mdina/Rabat, and sometimes additional stops like Mdina or Marsaxlokk on specific days.

Sliema Departure

The journey begins in Sliema around 09:20, with buses running at regular intervals—roughly every couple of hours. The route includes a stop at Valletta, next to the Tourist Information Office near the Triton Fountain, around 11:00, and then onward to Mdina or Rabat. The timings are designed to give you enough time to explore each location before catching the next vintage bus.

Valletta & Mdina

Valletta, Malta’s proud capital city, is rich with stunning architecture, historic sites, and lively streets. The bus stops conveniently next to the Tourist Information Office, making it easy to step out and start exploring. Many travelers enjoy just wandering through the city’s narrow streets, soaking in the architecture, and snapping photos of landmarks like the Triton Fountain.

Mdina, often called the “Silent City,” offers a stark contrast to Valletta. Walking through its medieval streets, you can feel history come alive—imagine narrow alleys, ancient walls, and quiet courtyards. Rabat, just outside Mdina, is also layered with history and has some interesting local attractions.

The Vintage Bus Experience

Reviews highlight how quirky and charming these buses are. Descriptions include “a little more unusual mode of transportation,” and “like back in time,” which perfectly captures the nostalgic feel. Passengers often mention the large windows, partly open, providing fresh air and excellent views. Many note that the buses are well-preserved, with some reviews mentioning the comfortable upholstery and the overall neatness.

The Ride: Comfort and Atmosphere

While these buses are old, they are far from dilapidated. Passengers describe the interior as immaculate and well looked after, which adds to the charm rather than detracting from comfort. The driver’s friendly vibe and the opportunity to sit at the front near the open window seem to be appreciated by many.

A standout feature is the open windows that give passengers a clear, unobstructed view of the passing scenery—ideal for taking photos or just enjoying the breeze. The buses aren’t equipped with seatbelts, so keep that in mind if that’s a concern for you.

The Practicalities: Timing, Cost, and Booking

The ticket costs just $9 per person, which is a steal considering the route covers multiple major sites. For this price, you’re getting a full day of flexibility—hop on at one stop, hop off when you want, and return at your leisure. The ticket includes pickup from various stops, making it quite convenient.

The tour operates on specific days with clearly scheduled departures. On weekdays (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), the bus departs from Sliema at roughly 09:20, with subsequent stops at Valletta, Mdina/Rabat, and late afternoon options. On Sundays, the route extends to include Marsaxlokk, a lovely fishing village. The timings are designed to give you ample time for sightseeing between stops.

It’s worth noting that some reviews mention running into busy times or buses filling up, so arriving early or booking in advance may be smart. The driver is known to be friendly and accommodating, and the pickup points are conveniently located near popular spots like the Triton Fountain and Sliema ferries.

More Great Tours Nearby

What Travelers Say

The majority of reviews are glowing, with many calling it an “unusual,” “quirky,” and “fun” way to travel. Travelers appreciate the value for money, with many describing the experience as a small but memorable highlight of their Maltese trip. Comments like “a great way to see places in one go,” and “people turning to watch the bus go by,” show how much charm these vintage buses carry.

A few reviews mention minor inconveniences, such as buses running slightly late or the difficulty of securing a seat during peak times. But overall, travelers find the experience delightful and well worth the price.

Additional Considerations

Since this isn’t a guided tour, you’ll need to do some exploring on your own at each stop—whether that’s wandering through Mdina or exploring Valletta’s streets. Some travelers might find it limiting if they prefer detailed commentary, but if you’re happy to explore independently, this works perfectly.

The timings can be a little tricky—if you want to maximize your time, pay attention to the schedule and plan accordingly. For example, the departure from Valletta at 11:00 means you might miss out on some early morning sights or activities, but it’s a fair trade for the relaxed vibe.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This vintage bus experience is ideal for travelers looking for a relaxed, budget-friendly, and slightly quirky way to see Malta. It suits those who don’t mind self-guided exploration and want to add a nostalgic touch to their trip. It’s also perfect if you enjoy vintage vehicles or simply want a different perspective on Malta’s towns.

If you’re traveling with a sense of adventure, appreciate scenic views, and value flexibility, this tour checks all those boxes. Just keep in mind it’s not a guided experience, so if you prefer detailed commentary or structured tours, you might want to consider other options.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Is this a guided tour?
No, it is a self-guided experience. The buses run on a schedule, but there’s no guided commentary, so you’ll explore the sites on your own.

How much does it cost?
The full-day vintage bus ticket is just $9 per person, offering excellent value for multiple stops.

Are there pickup points?
Yes, pickups are available from various stops including Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, and Rabat. The main meeting point is near the Tourist Information office by the Triton Fountain.

What’s the schedule like?
The buses run on set days with specific departure times. On weekdays, the route starts from Sliema at around 09:20, with stops at Valletta and Mdina. On Sundays, the route extends to Marsaxlokk.

Is the vintage bus comfortable?
Yes, reviews mention that the buses are well-maintained, clean, and the interiors are in good condition. The large windows and partly open screens enhance the ride experience.

Can I hop on and off easily?
Absolutely. The full-day ticket allows you to hop on and off as you please, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Are entry tickets or guides included?
No, entry tickets for attractions and guided commentary are not included. You explore each site independently.

What if the bus is full?
Some reviews note buses can get crowded during peak times, so arriving early or booking in advance is advisable.

Is this suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed for families, the experience is generally safe and enjoyable for travelers of all ages who enjoy vintage vehicles and open-air rides.

Can I use my day travel cards?
In one review, a traveler mentioned using a €15 day card for another bus but needing to pay extra for this vintage bus. Confirming with the operator beforehand might be helpful if you have travel cards.

Final Thoughts

This vintage bus tour in Malta offers a delightful and affordable way to see some of the country’s most iconic spots. Its charm lies in the vintage rides, flexible schedule, and picturesque stops. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy a bit of nostalgia, value independent exploration, and want to experience Malta in a relaxed, fun manner.

While it may not suit those who want guided commentary or a structured tour, it certainly appeals to those wanting a memorable, unique way to connect with Malta’s towns and landscapes. With friendly drivers, scenic routes, and the chance to hop on and off at your leisure, this tour is a little slice of Maltese history on wheels.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, adding this vintage bus experience to your Malta trip could turn a simple sightseeing day into a charming adventure you’ll remember. Just plan your timings and enjoy the ride!

Note: Always check availability and schedule in advance, especially during busy travel times, to ensure you get a seat on this vintage journey.

You can check availability for your dates here: