Practical • 9–12 min
Getting Around Valletta
How to move around Valletta without stress: walking routes, ferry connections, the Barrakka Lift, and smart shortcuts when the hills feel steep.
Photo by Michail Tsapas on Unsplash.
Highlights
- ✦Valletta is walkable—but hilly toward the waterfront
- ✦Ferries: Valletta ↔ Sliema and Valletta ↔ Three Cities
- ✦Barrakka Lift: the easiest city–waterfront shortcut
- ✦Taxi tips and when to use them
At a glance
- Best way
- Walk + ferry
- Hardest part
- Hills between city core and waterfront
- Shortcut
- Barrakka Lift
- Good to know
- Carry water in warm months
Walking: the default (and the best)
Valletta is designed to be walked. Most of what you want is within 15–25 minutes on foot, and the streets are part of the experience: balconies, stone details, unexpected sea views.
The main variable is elevation. Moving between the city core and the waterfront can involve long staircases or slopes—plan your route so you descend once and return via lift or a gentler path.
- Comfortable shoes are non‑negotiable
- Plan shade breaks in summer
- Use side-streets for quieter walking (and better photos)
Ferries: the easiest way to change perspective
Ferries from Valletta are not just transport—they’re a viewpoint. In minutes you can be across the water with a skyline view back to the bastions.
The main scheduled routes connect Valletta with Sliema (Marsamxett) and with the Three Cities (Grand Harbour). Timetables are seasonal and can change, so use the windows below as a baseline and double‑check the operator timetable before you go.
- Sliema ↔ Valletta: winter Mon–Sat 06:45–19:30; summer Mon–Sat 06:45–00:45 (night service from 19:30)
- Sliema ↔ Valletta: Sundays/PH winter 08:45–18:30; summer 08:45–00:45
- Three Cities ↔ Valletta: winter Mon–Sat 06:30–19:15 (night service from 19:45); summer Mon–Sat 06:30–00:00
- Adult fare baseline: €1.50 one-way / €2.80 return (night service is slightly higher)
The Barrakka Lift: your legs’ best friend
The Barrakka Lift is the easiest connection between the city’s upper level (Upper Barrakka / Castille Place area) and the Grand Harbour waterfront at Lascaris Wharf. It turns a long staircase into a quick ride—use it to keep Valletta enjoyable instead of exhausting.
The standard return fare is €1.00 and it’s free for holders of a personalised Tallinja card. Opening hours vary by season, so check the official page if you’re relying on it late.
- Winter (1 Nov–31 May): 07:00–21:00
- Summer (1 Jun–31 Oct): 07:00–24:00
- Best sequence: Upper Barrakka → lift down → waterfront promenade → ferry detour → lift back up
Taxis and ride-hailing: when they help
Taxis are most useful late at night, in bad weather, or when hills and steps become a barrier. Within Valletta itself, rides are short; outside Valletta, they can save time if you’re connecting to coastal areas.
If you’re doing a day trip, combining public transport with a short taxi segment can be a good compromise.
- Use taxis late-night or if mobility is limited
- Agree on cost or use an app where possible
- Leave extra time during busy periods
Accessibility tips (quick wins)
Valletta’s beauty comes with steps. If you need a gentler route, plan around lifts, avoid long stair descents, and choose viewpoints you can reach without steep drops.
The key is sequence: do your waterfront time together, then return via lift rather than repeating elevation changes throughout the day.
- Choose routes that minimize repeated elevation changes
- Use the lift and ferries for easier movement
- Plan breaks: cafés, shaded courtyards, and short walks
FAQ
Can I do Valletta without using public transport?
Yes—Valletta is very walkable. The only ‘transport’ most visitors use is a ferry for a viewpoint detour and the lift for an easy return uphill.
Is the Barrakka Lift free?
The standard return fare is €1.00 and it’s free for holders of a personalised Tallinja card. Always double-check the official page for current pricing and hours.