Malta Hop-On Hop-Off Bus — North Route

See Malta’s coastline the easy way, from the top deck.

The Maltasightseeing Hop-on Hop-off NORTH is an easy way to explore Malta at your own pace. This open-top bus tour offers freedom and flexibility, so you travel through scenic areas without stress. The route focuses on the northern part of Malta, passing coastline, countryside and historic towns, and from the top deck you enjoy wide views in every direction. The experience feels relaxed and comfortable.

From Sliema to Ta’ Qali

The tour starts at Sliema Terminus, opposite Burger King, and the first stop is Valletta Bus Terminus. From there, the bus moves towards San Anton Gardens, once used by the Knights of St John and today a peaceful green space. Next, you pass Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, a centre for local craftsmanship where you can see glass, pottery and handmade products, a good place to understand local culture.

Aviation Museum, Mosta and Mdina

The route continues past the Aviation Museum, which shows restored aircraft and highlights Malta’s role in aviation over time. Further along, you reach Mosta, where you see the famous Mosta Church, its dome one of the largest in Europe, with a wartime story that adds to its importance. The bus then stops at Mdina Gate, the entrance to the Silent City. Mdina is one of the most visited places in Malta, its streets calm and full of history. You also pass the Roman Villa, which shows traces of ancient Roman Malta and adds another layer to the journey.

Countryside, Mgarr and Golden Bay

The route continues through the countryside towards Mgarr, where the church stands on a hill with a wide, impressive view. Later, the bus heads to the coast, and Golden Bay is one of the main stops. This sandy beach is popular with visitors and ideal for a break.

The coastal north

You also pass Bugibba Square and the National Aquarium. Other stops include Splash and Fun Park and St George’s Bay, while Spinola Bay is another highlight with its colourful boats. A bus comes by every hour, so you can hop on and off at any stop, giving you full control of your day. Audio commentary is available in many languages to help you understand each location.

Route map

The map shows the full North route. The bus starts and ends at stop 1 in Sliema and follows the blue line in the direction of the arrows. The main sights are marked in dark blue: Valletta, San Anton Gardens, Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, the Mosta Dome, Mdina and Golden Bay. The numbers on the map match the numbers in the timetable below.

Timetable

The bus leaves Sliema Terminus every hour, from 09:00 until 15:00. It runs every day except Christmas Day. Each column in the table is one bus: read it from top to bottom to see when that bus reaches each stop. Bus 7, leaving at 15:00, does not run on Sunday.

There is no pickup from hotels: you join the bus at any of its stops and hop off wherever you like.

What you can see and do

In one flexible day, this open bus tour covers northern Malta:

Why choose the Hop-on Hop-off North

Explore Malta your way with the Maltasightseeing Hop-on Hop-off North and enjoy a flexible sightseeing experience, with the freedom to stop wherever you like and all the main northern highlights on one easy route. Book your place and see the island from the top deck.

Explore Malta by bus:

• Malta Hop-On Hop-Off Bus — South RouteFrom €25
• Gozosightseeing Hop on Hop off bus tour – GOZOFrom €25
• Night Tour to Valletta, Mosta & MdinaFrom €35
• Maltese Bus Tour to the Aviation Museum, Mosta Dome & World War II SheltersFrom €50