Local Guide
This Sliema transport guide explains the practical ways to get around town and on to the rest of Malta — buses, the Valletta ferry, walking, taxis, and parking. For live timings, always check the relevant operator or Google Maps, because routes and schedules change with roadworks, events, and the season.
Ways to travel
Sliema is well connected by Malta's public bus network, with frequent links to Valletta, St Julian's, and other main destinations. Bus routes and frequencies change periodically, so check Malta Public Transport or Google Maps transit mode for the current route and stop before you travel.
The harbour ferry between Sliema and Valletta is often the fastest and most pleasant way to reach the capital, skipping road traffic entirely. It runs regularly through the day, with reduced sailings in the evening and winter.
Sliema is compact and flat along the coast, so walking is usually the easiest way to get between the promenade, shops, and restaurants. The seafront also connects on foot to neighbouring waterfront areas.
App-based ride-hailing services operate across Malta and are widely used in and around Sliema, alongside traditional taxis. They are useful late at night or when carrying luggage to or from the airport.
FAQ
The two easiest ways from Sliema to Valletta are the harbour ferry, which is quick and scenic, and the bus, which runs frequently. The ferry usually avoids road traffic, while the bus is useful when the ferry is not sailing.
Parking in Sliema is limited and busiest near the seafront, especially in summer and at weekends. There are paid car parks and on-street parking, but spaces fill quickly, so arriving by bus or ferry is often simpler.
Not for the town itself. Sliema is walkable, and buses and the ferry cover most local trips. A car is mainly useful for reaching parts of Malta that are less well served by public transport.
From Malta International Airport you can reach Sliema by bus, taxi, or ride-hailing app. See the dedicated getting-to-and-from guide for route options and live directions.
