How To Get from Valletta to Mdina

This walking tour of Mdina and Rabat, for instance, takes about 2.5 hours and it includes visits to the catacombs and the World War 2 shelters.

While Mdina is only about 12 kilometers away from Valletta, getting between them offers several options depending on your budget, schedule, and travel preferences.

By Public Bus

The most economical way to travel from Valletta to Mdina is by public bus, operated by Malta Public Transport.

More often than not, I was impressed with Malta’s public buses. They are comfortable and roomy. The most popular routes score a good frequency of the buses. There’s also a schedule you can rely on most of the time. Nevertheless, sometimes they fail to arrive on time, so you may need to either wait for a very long time or get an Uber or Bolt instead.

Route Options:

Bus 50: Depart from Valletta Bus Terminus (located just outside the city gate) and travel directly to Mdina. As a matter of fact, the bus route is Valletta – Rabat. The entrance to Mdina, the walled citadel, is in Rabat.

The journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.

Bus 51: Valletta to Mtarfa, passing through Rabat. You need to pay attention to get off the bus at the right stop.

Bus 52: Valletta to Dingli, passing through Rabat. You need to pay attention to get off the bus at the right stop.

Bus 53: Another option that runs through different towns but also connects Valletta to Rabat.

Bus 56: Valletta to Dingli, passing through Rabat. This is a much longer route, as it passes through Ta Quali National Park.

N 50: Night route Valletta to Rabat.

Practical Information:

Check out the bus timetables on the official Malta transport website here.

Single journey tickets cost around €2.50 in summer and €2.00 in winter. Visiting Malta in winter can save you money on transportation, as fliughts are also cheaper than in summer.

You can purchase tickets directly from the driver (in cash or using a contactless bank card) or use a reusable Tallinja card for better rates.

The bus drops you off near Mdina’s main gate, just a short walk from the entrance

Tips: Check the latest timetables on the Malta Public Transport website or app, as schedules can vary seasonally. Buses can get crowded during peak tourist season.

By Taxi / Bolt / Uber

For a more comfortable and direct journey, taxis are readily available.

Bolt is another popular transport option in Malta. Just make sure you spot your driver as fast as possible on arrival. Otherwise they’d charge you for waiting.

What to Expect:

Journey time: 15-25 minutes depending on traffic
Cost: Approximately €15-25 for a standard taxi
Both traditional white taxis and ride-sharing apps like Bolt operate in Malta

You can find taxi ranks at Valletta’s bus terminus or book one in advance. Agree on the fare before departing, as not all taxis use meters.

By Private Transfer or Tour

Many visitors opt for organized tours that include transportation between the cities.

Advantages:

Stress-free travel with hotel pickup available
Often combined with guided tours of both cities
Some tours include stops at other nearby attractions like Rabat or the Dingli Cliffs

These can be booked through hotels, tour operators, or online platforms.

By Rental Car

If you’re comfortable driving, renting a car gives you maximum flexibility.

Important Notes:

Malta drives on the left side of the road
Parking near Mdina is limited; there’s a paid car park just outside the city walls
Journey time: About 20 minutes via the most direct route
Consider that Valletta’s parking is also limited and expensive

Walking or Cycling? No Way!

Due to the distance and Malta’s hilly terrain, walking between Valletta and Mdina isn’t practical for most travelers.That’s my biggest pet peeve about Malta: not being able to walk between towns.

Cycling is possible for enthusiasts, but be prepared for challenging hills and sharing narrow roads with vehicles.

Which Option Is Best?

Choose the bus if: You’re on a budget and don’t mind a longer journey

Choose a taxi if: You value comfort and speed, or are traveling with luggage

Choose a tour if: You want a guided experience with historical context

Choose a rental car if: You’re planning to explore multiple locations across Malta

Best Time to Visit Mdina

Mdina is particularly magical in the early morning or late afternoon when day-trippers have departed and the medieval streets truly live up to the city’s “Silent” nickname. Consider timing your journey to arrive during these quieter periods for the most atmospheric experience.

Whether you choose the budget-friendly bus or the convenience of a taxi, the journey from Valletta to Mdina is straightforward and well worth the trip to experience one of Europe’s finest examples of a medieval walled city.

Before you go, read my article about Mdina to see what to expect.