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

Malta’s old buses still have stories to tell. This full-day vintage bus service gives you a memorable way to move between Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, and Rabat, with the freedom to get off and explore. I like the beautifully restored vehicles and the friendly drivers, who add warmth to what is essentially a transport service.

I also like the price. At $9 per person, it can cost little more than ordinary transport while giving you a far more unusual ride. The main drawback is simple: this is not a guided sightseeing tour. There is no regular commentary, and the timetable has only a few departures, so you need to plan your day carefully.

Key points before you book

• The vintage buses are the main attraction: Many are around 70 years old, carefully restored, and still turn heads as they pass through town.
• Mdina and Rabat are the best use of the service: The bus offers a direct and entertaining way to reach Malta’s old capital and its neighboring town.
• There is no guide or onboard commentary: You get transportation, not a narrated tour.
• The timetable is limited: Wednesday and Friday departures connect Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian’s, Mdina, and Rabat. Sunday follows a separate Valletta to Marsaxlokk route.
• Allow time for the return journey: A departure may be full, and some stops can be across the road from where you were dropped off.
• The ride is authentic, not polished: Expect a charming old vehicle, large windows, natural ventilation, and a bumpier trip than you would get on a modern coach.

What this vintage bus service really offers

I would think of this as a vintage bus transfer with sightseeing value, rather than a traditional tour. You board near the Tourist Information Office by Tritons Fountain in Valletta, settle into an old restored bus, and use the service to reach several of Malta’s most important towns.

The full-day ticket lets you use the scheduled buses during the day. In practice, though, the limited departure times mean you cannot hop on and off every few minutes. This is not the same setup as a large city sightseeing bus with frequent service.

That distinction matters. If you want a guide explaining each church, palace, and fortification, choose a walking tour or guided excursion. If you want an affordable and memorable way to move between Malta’s main urban sights, this service makes much more sense.

The drivers receive frequent praise for being friendly, helpful, and punctual. That personal touch matters on a basic transport service. You may be able to ask a practical question about the route or stop, but you should not expect a full explanation of Malta’s past during the ride.

The ride from Valletta to Sliema and St. Julian’s

The Valletta pickup point is beside the Tourist Information Office near Tritons Fountain. This is a useful meeting place, but give yourself time to find it, especially if you are approaching from inside the city walls.

On Wednesday and Friday, departures from Valletta are scheduled for 9:00, 11:00, 12:50, and 14:50. The bus reaches Sliema Ferries, outside the M&S store, at roughly 9:20, 11:15, 13:05, and 15:05.

The service also passes through St. Julian’s, usually around 10 minutes after Sliema, depending on traffic. That makes the route useful if you are staying in one of Malta’s popular waterfront areas rather than in Valletta itself.

The old bus changes the feel of this ordinary transfer. Large windows provide good views, and some windows can be opened for natural air. Several people particularly enjoyed sitting near the front, where the open windscreen area adds to the old-fashioned character.

You should also expect some noise, vibration, and bumps. That is part of the deal. The buses are restored and well cared for, but they are not modern coaches with silent engines and smooth suspension. If you want a soft, quiet ride, ordinary public transport may be more comfortable. If you enjoy old machinery and a bit of character, the journey is half the fun.

Why Mdina deserves the trip

Mdina is the strongest reason to use this service. Known as Malta’s old capital, it served as the island’s capital from antiquity through the medieval period. Today, it is famous for its quiet streets, stone buildings, defensive walls, and compact historic center.

The bus reaches Mdina and Rabat on the Wednesday and Friday schedule at 10:00, 12:25, 14:25, and 16:25. The ride from Sliema can take around 25 minutes, which is one reason this service appeals to people who find regular public transport slow or inconvenient.

Mdina works well for a self-guided visit. You can walk through its narrow streets, pause at viewpoints, and explore its main attractions at your own pace. Because there is no guide attached to the bus, you are free to choose how much time you want to spend inside the old city.

I would allow several hours for Mdina and Rabat if possible. A quick visit is enough to see the streets and get a feel for the place, but the area rewards a slower pace. Since entry tickets are not included, plan to pay separately if you decide to visit an attraction that charges admission.

The biggest planning issue is the return bus. If you arrive on the 12:25 service, for example, the next listed departures may not fit neatly around your plans. Check the schedule before you walk into Mdina, and decide whether you are aiming for the 14:25 or 16:25 return.

At the Mdina and Rabat stop, the bus may turn around using a nearby roundabout. The return pickup can be across the road from where you were dropped off. Pay attention to the driver and the exact stopping place. People wanting a seat may gather quickly, especially when the next bus is not due for a long time.

Exploring Rabat beside the old capital

Rabat sits directly beside Mdina, so visiting both towns in one outing is practical. The two places feel connected, but they offer different experiences.

Mdina is the fortified old capital, with a more enclosed and formal character. Rabat has a more everyday town feel and gives you another side of the same historic area. You can walk between them, making the bus a useful link rather than a vehicle that drops you at only one sight.

The service does not provide a walking route or set time in Rabat. That is good news if you dislike being hurried, but it also means you need to organize your own visit. Bring a map or use your preferred sightseeing guide, and keep an eye on the clock.

If you are mainly interested in Mdina, you can treat Rabat as an optional extension. If you want a fuller visit to the historic center, use the bus to reach both and leave enough time for a relaxed walk before returning.

Valletta gives you the best starting point

Valletta is more than the departure point. It is one of the main reasons to build this bus service into your day.

The capital is compact enough to explore on foot, but its streets rise and fall, and a full day of walking can be tiring. You can use the vintage bus to arrive in Valletta, explore the city, and then continue to Sliema or Mdina on a later service, depending on the timetable.

The early Valletta departure is at 9:00 on Wednesday and Friday, but later options are at 11:00, 12:50, and 14:50. That 11:00 departure is worth noting. Some people would prefer an earlier start, especially if they want enough time in Mdina and Rabat before the final bus.

If you begin in Valletta at 11:00, you may not reach Mdina until later in the day. That can leave less time for sightseeing before the final return. For a full day, the 9:00 service is the sensible choice.

The vintage bus also makes a nice contrast with Valletta’s grand stone streets. You get the city’s historic setting and a piece of Malta’s transport past in the same outing.

Sliema and St. Julian’s add a different side of Malta

Sliema is a useful stop if you are staying near the waterfront or want to see a more modern side of the island. Compared with Mdina and Valletta, the area feels less focused on old stone streets and more connected to shopping, hotels, the ferry area, and the coast.

St. Julian’s is also included on the route, subject to traffic. The bus usually arrives about 10 minutes after Sliema. You should treat that time as an estimate, not a guarantee.

I like the fact that the route connects these very different places. In a single day, you can move from Valletta’s capital-city setting to Sliema’s waterfront and then on to the old towns of Mdina and Rabat.

Still, do not assume you can spend unlimited time at every stop. The timetable is too sparse for that. Pick one main focus for the day, then add another stop if the schedule allows.

Sunday is a different route to Marsaxlokk

The Sunday service does not follow the Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, and Rabat pattern. Instead, it runs between Valletta and Marsaxlokk.

Buses leave Valletta at 9:30, 10:40, 12:20, and 13:20, from the stop near Tritons Fountain. Return departures from Marsaxlokk are listed at 9:55, 11:10, 12:50, and 13:50.

That makes Sunday useful for a visit to Marsaxlokk, but you should not book it expecting the Mdina route. The Sunday option is best treated as a separate vintage bus outing.

The short gap between some outward and return times also means you need to study the timetable closely. It may be possible to use the service for a brief visit, but the schedule does not offer the same flexibility as a frequent public bus.

Price, value, and what is not included

At $9 per person, this is one of the better-value ways to add something special to a Malta sightseeing day. You receive a full-day ticket and access to several important locations, while the vehicle itself provides an experience you would not get from a standard bus.

The value is strongest if you use the service for the trip to Mdina and Rabat. A direct ride from Sliema can take about 25 minutes, and the vintage setting makes the transfer feel like part of the outing rather than a chore.

The price does not include entry tickets, food, or a guide. You should budget separately for any attractions you choose to visit. You may also need another transport option if the vintage bus schedule does not match your plans.

There is another practical point. Some riders have used public transport for the return when the vintage timetable did not suit them, but a separate fare may apply. One person paid extra to return earlier when the available vintage bus was too late. If you want maximum flexibility, do not assume the ticket covers every possible return option.

Comfort, capacity, and small practical details

The buses have been refurbished, including their upholstery, and the interiors are generally kept in good condition. Large windows give you a clear view, and opening sections can help with ventilation on warm days.

These are old buses, though. One person specifically noted the lack of seatbelts. If that concerns you, a modern bus or taxi may be a better choice. The service is about atmosphere and value, not modern vehicle equipment.

Capacity can also matter. On a busy day, a bus may fill up and not everyone with a ticket may be able to board immediately. That is one reason to arrive early at the pickup point, particularly for the return from Mdina or Rabat.

The buses can run a little late, especially with Malta traffic. A delay of a few minutes is not unusual, so avoid scheduling an important timed attraction immediately after the bus is due to arrive.

Weather and road conditions will affect your comfort. On a warm day, natural ventilation is pleasant, but on a cool or wet day, an old vehicle may feel less sealed than a modern coach. Dress for the conditions and keep your plan flexible.

Who will enjoy this experience most

I would recommend the vintage bus to you if you like unusual transport, old vehicles, and self-guided sightseeing. It is especially useful for reaching Mdina and Rabat without committing to a private taxi or a full guided excursion.

It also suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants a lighthearted day out at a modest price. The friendly drivers add to the experience, and the ride itself gives you something to remember beyond the destinations.

You may want another option if you need a strict schedule, detailed historical commentary, step-free modern transport, or guaranteed seating. The service has charm, but it is not designed like a polished coach tour.

For photographers and transport enthusiasts, the buses are a clear highlight. People often turn to watch them pass, and that reaction tells you how unusual they look beside Malta’s newer vehicles.

My booking advice

Book this vintage bus service if you see it as a characterful way to get around Malta, not as a guided tour. Choose Wednesday or Friday for Mdina and Rabat, and start early if you want enough time to explore. Choose Sunday only if Marsaxlokk is your intended destination.

Before you board, save the departure times and confirm the return stop. The best day here is not the one with the most stops. It is the one where you choose Mdina and Rabat, leave room for a relaxed visit, and enjoy the old bus as part of the sightseeing.

At $9, the combination of transportation, history, and old-fashioned style is hard to dismiss. Just bring realistic expectations: it is a charming bus ride with useful connections, not a narrated tour.

FAQ

Where does the vintage bus depart in Valletta?

The pickup point is near the Tourist Information Office by Tritons Fountain.

Which destinations are included on the Wednesday and Friday route?

The route connects Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian’s, Mdina, and Rabat.

Does the bus include a guide or commentary?

No. The service provides transportation, but it is not a guided tour and does not include regular commentary.

What time does the bus leave Valletta on Wednesday and Friday?

Listed departures from Valletta are 9:00, 11:00, 12:50, and 14:50.

Is Sunday the same route?

No. Sunday follows a Valletta to Marsaxlokk route, with departures from Valletta at 9:30, 10:40, 12:20, and 13:20.

Are attraction entry tickets included?

No. Entry tickets are not included in the bus ticket.