Malta: 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Harbour Cruise (CMO)

Getting around Malta can seem overwhelming with so many sights packed into this small island nation. That’s where this 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Harbour Cruise package comes in. It promises to make exploring Malta straightforward, flexible, and fun—whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler. We haven’t personally taken this tour but have sifted through reviews, details, and the experience it offers to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

Two things we especially like about this experience are its flexibility—you can hop on and off as you please across two routes over two days—and the scenic harbour cruise, which offers a relaxing way to see the waterfront views that make Malta so special. But a word of caution: the buses are not the newest, and some travelers have had issues with the audio guide working properly. Still, if you’re someone who values independence and a mix of land and sea sights, this tour might be perfect for you.

This experience suits travelers looking for an affordable, flexible way to see key sights like Mdina, Valletta, and the Three Cities without the hassle of public transport or renting a car. It’s especially good if you’re short on time but want a rundown of Malta’s top destinations, with an added scenic cruise to round out the trip.

Key Points

• Flexible schedule: Valid for two non-consecutive days, giving you the freedom to plan your sightseeing at your own pace.
• Includes a harbour cruise: Redeemable within five days, offering beautiful waterfront views from the sea.
• Two routes: The North (Blue Line) and South (Red Line) routes cover major attractions like Mdina, Valletta, and the Three Cities.
• Audio guides: Provided in English, though some reviews mention they don’t work on every bus.
• Wheelchair accessible: Making it a suitable option for travelers with mobility needs.
• Affordable price: For $57, you get a combination of land and water transportation, which is good value considering the sights covered.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Basics and What You Get

This tour package combines an extensive bus network with a scenic harbour cruise, giving you a well-rounded view of Malta. You purchase a single pass for $57 per person, which is quite reasonable considering it covers unlimited travel on two bus routes for two non-consecutive days plus the chance to hop on a harbour cruise within five days of activation.

The bus routes are divided into the North (Blue Line) and South (Red Line), each stopping at important sites. The flexibility to choose which days to explore on each route means you can spread out your sightseeing or concentrate it into a single day if you prefer. The harbour cruise, which is the real highlight for many, offers a different perspective—water views of Malta’s coastlines and historic forts—something you won’t get from land alone.

The Bus Routes: North and South

The North Route (Blue Line) typically includes stops at Mdina, the silent city with its medieval charm, and other scenic stops that showcase Malta’s northern coast. Meanwhile, the South Route (Red Line) tends to cover Valletta, the Three Cities, and other southern attractions, giving you a good overview of Malta’s historic urban centers.

While you might expect a seamless experience, some travelers note that bus branding can be confusing—buses aren’t always the color you’d assume based on the route name. Pay attention to signs and route maps to avoid hopping on the wrong bus. One reviewer pointed out that some buses are not the newest models, and audio guides don’t always work on every bus, which can detract from the experience if you’re hoping for guided commentary. Sitting on the right side of the bus is recommended, as one traveler suggested, to ensure the explanations match what you see outside.

The Harbour Cruise: A Scenic Escape

The harbour cruise is redeemable within five days of your first bus activation, giving you flexibility. It’s described as scenic and offering beautiful waterfront views, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. While the tour provider doesn’t specify the cruise duration or exact route, the reviews highlight that the views from the water are stunning, making it worthwhile.

This is a great way to escape the busy land routes and see Malta’s coastline and forts from a different angle. For many visitors, this cruise is a highlight—the chance to see the city from the sea and enjoy Malta’s maritime charm.

What’s Not Perfect

Despite the many positives, there are some caveats. Some reviews note that the buses are not brand-new, and audio commentary doesn’t work consistently. This can be frustrating if you’re counting on guided explanations to enhance your experience. Plus, because there are two bus providers on the island, it’s important to stay on the correct routes and look for the right signs—not all buses with the same routes are operated by the same company.

Another consideration is the timing—the bus schedules are based on the routes and frequency, but some travelers have found waiting times longer than expected, especially during off-peak hours.

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The Value for Money

At $57, this combined bus and harbour cruise pass offers solid value for travelers wanting a rundown of Malta’s key sights without the need for taxis or car rentals. It’s a cost-effective way to see a lot in a short time, especially for those who prefer independent exploration over guided tours.

Keep in mind that the flexibility of non-consecutive days is useful if you want to split your sightseeing across different days or combine it with other activities. The harbour cruise, included at no extra cost within five days, adds a scenic dimension that many travelers find memorable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for independent travelers, especially those who appreciate freedom of schedule and self-guided exploration. It’s perfect if you want to hit major sights without the hassle of navigating public transport or renting a vehicle. Families, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace and scenic views will find it particularly appealing.

If you’re someone who values authentic experiences and doesn’t mind a few minor inconveniences like older buses or inconsistent audio guides, this tour can be a great introduction to Malta.

Final Thoughts

For a budget-friendly, flexible way to get a broad taste of Malta, this 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Harbour Cruise ticks most boxes. While it’s not without its flaws—like older buses and some technical hiccups—it offers an excellent value with access to major landmarks and stunning water views.

If your goal is to see Malta’s highlights without the stress of planning every detail, and you’re happy to rely on your own curiosity and a bit of patience, this tour could be just what you need. It’s especially suitable for those who want a leisurely, scenic overview of the island’s best spots, with the option to go at your own pace.

How long is the harbour cruise?
The tour provider doesn’t specify the exact duration, but it is designed to offer scenic waterfront views, likely fitting comfortably within a typical afternoon outing.

Can I use the bus and cruise on the same day?
Yes, your pass is valid for two non-consecutive days, and the harbour cruise can be redeemed within five days, so you can plan to enjoy both on the same day if you wish.

Are the buses accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour states that the buses are wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

Do I need to book in advance?
While you can reserve your spot, the pass can also be purchased with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you some freedom to decide closer to your travel date.

Will I get guided commentary?
Yes, the buses include live English guides, but some reviews mention that the audio guides do not work on all buses, so don’t rely solely on them for information.

Is it easy to find the buses?
Most travelers find the buses easy to spot, but since there are two providers and buses aren’t always the same color, paying close attention to signs and route markings is advisable.

Can I hop off at any stop?
Absolutely. The hop-on-hop-off nature allows you to explore major attractions at your own pace and reboard when ready.

Is this tour good for a short stay in Malta?
Yes, especially for travelers with limited time who want a broad overview of the island’s top sights along with scenic bysea views, all in a cost-effective package.

This 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Harbour Cruise offers a practical, flexible way to experience Malta’s highlights, combining land-based sightseeing with a relaxing cruise. It’s a smart choice for travelers who enjoy discovering new places at their own pace, with the added bonus of stunning water views.

You can check availability for your dates here: