Fares and Tickets
Free Public Transport with a Personalised tallinja card
Holders of a personalised tallinja card (the one with the name and photo of the holder on it) can travel for free on all Day Routes, Night Routes, and Special Services across Malta and Gozo. Additionally, they can use the Marsamxetto Steamferry Services connecting Sliema to Valletta, The Three Cities to Valletta, as well as the Barrakka Lift between Lascaris Wharf and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.For our paid services, you can pay by cash or contactless on the bus. With effect from 14 June to 18 October 2025, the summer fare of €2.50 for a Single Journey on Day Services valid for 2 hours when paying in cash or with a contactless card applies. Register for a tallinja card & win big
Sign up online using a valid ID and contact details to start enjoying free public transport. When you get on the bus tap your card when you get on the bus and get in the chance to win.
Travelling with a tallinja card
Tap your personalised tallinja card each time you board the bus to enjoy free travel on regular bus routes.
No credit is needed for Day Routes, Night Routes and select Special Services since these are free, but tallinja credit is required for tallinja Direct and On Demand services.
Holders of a personalised tallinja card can also travel for free on the ferries connecting Sliema to Valletta and The Three Cities to Valletta operated by Marsamxetto Steamferry Services, as well as on the Barrakka Lift.
Pay in Cash, Contactless Bank Card and Smartphone
For passengers without a travel card or for those who prefer Cash, Contactless Bank Card and Smartphone, tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver upon boarding the bus.
Tickets are valid for two hours, allowing free transfers within this period.
All passengers must carry valid proof of travel. Regular checks are conducted to ensure compliance. A fine of €50 applies if passengers cannot present a valid ticket or have failed to validate their travel card or ticket upon boarding.
The fares are as follows:
| Ticket | Fare |
| Day Routes (Winter) | €2.00 |
| Day Routes (Summer) | €2.50 |
| Night Routes (N) | €3.00 |
| Special Services (S) | €3.00 |
| Tallinja Direct Routes (TD) | €3.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which services are included in the free public transport scheme?
Free travel with a personalised tallinja card is valid on all Day Routes, Night Routes, and specified Special Services. It also includes Valletta Ferry Services and the Barrakka Lift where applicable. tallinja Direct routes, On Demand services, and other mobility services are excluded.
I have a tallinja card but have never used it. Will it still work?
Yes, your personalised tallinja card remains valid. Check your balance here or via the tallinja app.
Do I need to do anything if I already use free public transport under the existing government scheme?
No changes are needed. Tap your tallinja card on the bus for free travel.
I have extra credit; can I get a refund?
Unused credit can be refunded, subject to an administration fee of €5 plus bank charges. Alternatively, you can donate your entire credit to Puttinu Cares Foundation.
If I apply for a refund, how will I receive the funds?
Complete the online form on our website with your bank details for the transfer. Note that we do not offer refunds via cash or cheque.
What if I have less than €5 on my tallinja card and want a refund?
Balances under €5 can be used for other services or donated to the Puttinu Cares Foundation.
Will my tallinja card work with a negative balance?
No, a tallinja card with a negative balance cannot be used for travel. Top up your card to restore the balance to a minimum of €0.00 or purchase a cash ticket to board.
Why might I have a negative balance on my tallinja card?
Emergency credit may lead to a negative balance. Check your balance here or via the tallinja app.
Can I use someone else’s tallinja card to travel?
No, tallinja cards are personalised and non-transferable. If you use another person’s card, you and the cardholder are liable to a €50 fine.
Travel Information and Services
tallinja card
Apply for your personalised tallinja card to start benefiting from free public transport.
Journey Planner
Plan your journey by exploring the best travel routes and estimated travel times from your starting point to your desired destination.