Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Malta (North and South Routes – CMO)

Traveling around Malta can be a bit overwhelming—tons of sights packed into a small island. The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus offers a simple, flexible way to see many highlights without the hassle of navigating public transport or renting a car. We’ve looked into this service to help you decide if it fits your Maltese adventure.

What we like about this tour is its flexibility—you can hop off at places that catch your interest and spend as long as you like. Plus, the multilingual commentary helps non-English speakers understand the significance of what you’re seeing. On the downside, some reviews suggest the route can be a little rambling, sometimes feeling like an extended hotel transfer rather than a streamlined sightseeing trip.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a low-stress introduction to Malta’s top sights and enjoy a relaxed pace. If you’re on a tight schedule or looking for a quick overview, this might be just right. But if you prefer a more curated, detailed tour, you might find it a bit too broad.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing with unlimited hop-on, hop-off access
• Two scenic routes covering over 20 top attractions
• Multilingual commentary enhances the experience
• Affordable price point at around $32
• Potential route rambling noted in reviews
• Ideal for independent travelers wanting a broad overview

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover Malta with Two Scenic Routes

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus offers two main routes, the North (Blue) Line and the South (Red) Line. Each takes you past key destinations, giving you a chance to explore at your own pace, which is perfect if you want to avoid guided tour pressure or rigid schedules.

The North Route: Blue Line

Starting from the northern part of Malta, this route takes you past some of the most iconic sights. You’ll pass through Mdina, the “Silent City,” with its narrow, winding streets and medieval charm. While the scenery is lovely, one review mentions it’s a “nice round trip,” but somewhat rambling with side streets that could be trimmed to improve flow.

Other stops on this route include the Mosta Dome, famous for its large, impressive dome, and Ta Qali Crafts Village, where you can get a glimpse of traditional Maltese crafts. The route also features the Three Cities, a cluster of historic towns known for their authentic atmosphere and beautiful harbor views.

The South Route: Red Line

On the southern route, you’ll visit Marsaxlokk, a lively fishing village famous for its colorful boats and Sunday market. This is a favorite for many visitors, offering a glimpse of local life and fresh seafood. You also get the chance to see Blue Grotto, with its stunning sea caves and mesmerizing views, perfect for photography and just soaking in the natural beauty.

Other stops include Valletta, Malta’s capital, where you can explore the fortress city’s streets, forts, and vibrant harbor. Valletta is packed with history and offers plenty of photo-worthy moments, especially if you’re into maritime scenery.

What to Expect During the Tour

The tour lasts about one day and includes live commentary in multiple languages—English, Spanish, Italian, German, and French—meaning you’ll get some insights into the sights along the way. The buses are wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for various travelers.

You’ll enjoy stunning views of the coastline and the island’s varied landscapes, from bustling harbors to quiet medieval streets. The unlimited hop-on, hop-off feature lets you linger at favorite spots or move quickly past less-interesting stops.

Meeting points are convenient, with hotel pickups included, so you don’t have to worry about finding the bus. Just be ready at least 15 minutes early for your scheduled pickup, and look out for an Oasis minivan or coach.

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The Real Experience: Pros and Cons

One traveler summed it up as a “nice round trip”, but also noted it’s “a little too rambling” and sometimes felt like just a hotel transfer—meaning the route could include some less engaging side streets. It’s worth knowing that while it covers a lot of ground, some of the journey might feel less focused than a guided tour with a dedicated guide who can tell stories and answer questions.

The price of around $32 is reasonable considering the flexibility and number of sights included, but you should weigh whether visiting many sights briefly suits your travel style. If you prefer a more curated experience or detailed narration, you might find this less satisfying.

The Stops in More Detail

Mdina

Known as the Silent City, Mdina is a top highlight. Its medieval walls, narrow alleys, and panoramic views make it an ideal hop-off point. The quiet charm offers a stark contrast to Malta’s busier parts. Be prepared for some walking, but the peaceful atmosphere is unforgettable.

Mosta Dome

This large, impressive church with its iconic dome is a must-see. It’s a quick stop that gives you a taste of Malta’s religious architecture but may feel brief if you want more in-depth exploration.

Ta Qali Crafts Village

A haven for art lovers, this crafts village showcases traditional Maltese craftsmanship. While interesting, some travelers may find it a bit touristy, but it’s a good place to pick up souvenirs.

The Three Cities

Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua—the Three Cities—are full of narrow streets, historic buildings, and harbor views. It’s a genuine slice of local life, away from the more tourist-heavy areas.

Marsaxlokk

A colorful fishing village where you can enjoy fresh seafood, watch boats bobbing in the harbor, and soak in authentic Maltese seaside life. This stop is often praised for its picturesque scenery.

Blue Grotto

A highlight for natural beauty lovers, the Blue Grotto offers stunning sea caves. The views are spectacular, making this a favorite for photography and relaxation.

Valletta

Malta’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with fortress walls, grand plazas, and lively markets. You’ll want to spend some time wandering, but the bus provides a quick snapshot if pressed for time.

Practical Details

The tour lasts about one day, with starting times depending on availability. The cost of $32 per person is reasonable for the flexibility offered, but keep in mind some reviews note the route can feel a bit rambling—perhaps not ideal if you prefer a more streamlined experience.

Included is the hotel pickup, and multilingual commentary enhances understanding. The buses are wheelchair accessible, which is a big plus.

Cancellation policy allows for a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, providing some peace of mind in case your plans change.

Authentic Travelers’ Perspectives

While some travelers appreciated the stunning views and the ability to explore at their own pace, others pointed out the route’s rambling nature. One said it was “a little too rambling” and hinted that some parts of the journey felt more like a transfer than a sightseeing adventure.

Another reviewer simply called it “bad”, but that’s likely an outlier. The tour seems to offer a broad overview rather than a detailed, guided experience, which suits some travelers better than others.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those seeking a cost-effective, flexible way to get a taste of Malta’s top sights, this hop-on-hop-off service is worth considering. The unlimited hop-off feature allows you to tailor your day, linger where you want, and skip the less interesting spots.

If you’re after stunning scenic views, especially at places like the Blue Grotto or Valletta’s harbor, you’ll be pleased. The multilingual commentary adds a layer of understanding that’s helpful if you don’t speak English fluently.

However, if you’re looking for a more curated or in-depth tour, or if you prefer routes that stay on the main roads and avoid rambling detours, you might want to explore other options or consider a guided tour with a dedicated guide.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for independent travelers who want to see many sights without fuss, especially those comfortable with a flexible schedule. It’s ideal if you love scenic views, want to explore at your own pace, and appreciate the convenience of hotel pickup. It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy multilingual commentary and don’t mind a route that might occasionally feel a bit loose in focus.

On the flip side, if you prefer a more structured, guided experience with detailed storytelling, or if you dislike rambling routes, you might find this less satisfying.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration is roughly one day, but the actual time can vary depending on how long you spend at each stop and your pace.

What is included in the price?
The price of $32 covers unlimited hop-on, hop-off access and multilingual commentary. Hotel pickup is also included, making it convenient to start your day.

Are there multiple routes?
Yes, there are two: the North (Blue) Route and the South (Red) Route, each covering different top attractions around Malta.

Can I hop off and explore certain sites longer?
Absolutely. The unlimited hop-on, hop-off feature allows you to disembark at stops you’re interested in and reboard when you’re ready.

Is the bus accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible, making the tour inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

What are some of the main attractions on the routes?
You can visit Mdina, Mosta Dome, Ta Qali Crafts Village, the Three Cities, Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotto, and Valletta.

Final Word

In the end, the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Malta offers a practical, flexible way to get a broad overview of Malta’s key sights. It’s best suited for independent travelers who want to manage their own pace and enjoy views without the rigidity of guided tours. While it might feel a bit rambling at times, the opportunity to explore at your leisure and take in Malta’s diverse scenery makes it a worthwhile choice for many.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, easy introduction to Malta, this service could be a good starting point—just keep in mind you might want to supplement it with more in-depth visits or guided experiences for a fuller picture.

You can check availability for your dates here: