If you've ever been to Malta (or stalked your friends’ Europe travel photos), you've probably seen those vintage yellow buses that look like something out of a retro movie… or a well-curated souvenir shop (like ours, ahem!).
For decades, Malta’s buses were run by independent drivers who decorated their vehicles like rolling temples. Crucifixes on the windshield, stuffed animals hanging from the mirror, motivational quotes in wild fonts.
Each bus had its own personality, style, and character. No two were alike. They were chaotic, colorful, and absolutely charming.
In 2011, Malta modernized its public transport system and retired most of these classic buses. Some people mourned the loss, others welcomed the air conditioning and more reliable schedules. But the vintage soul lives on. Some of these buses have been preserved as museum pieces, while others were turned into food trucks, tourist shuttles, or even rolling bars!
Wait... and those colours???
The wide variety of buses found around the island is what makes Malta so unique.
Tal-Linja Blue
This color represents the sea that surrounds Malta.
Malta is an island deeply connected to the Mediterranean, and blue evokes both its geography and its maritime identity. It also symbolizes the connectivity between the islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino).
Tal-Linja Green
This color represents Malta’s commitment to greener, more sustainable transport.
Green speaks of the future: the shift toward electric buses, lower emissions, and a more eco-friendly approach to mobility.
Tal-Linja Yellow
For decades, bright yellow was the most recognizable feature of Malta’s public buses. It wasn’t just an aesthetic choice—it stood for unity, visibility, and tradition.
This striking color made buses easy to spot in the busiest areas, and thanks to its brightness, people could recognize them instantly.
Yellow stands for history, tradition, and visibility. It was the color that made the old buses unmistakable and remains a key part of Malta’s cultural identity.
Find out more on the Te fi-Tazza website
The New Era
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Malta has also begun introducing electric buses into its transport network.
These vehicles are quiet, non-polluting, and part of a long-term strategy to make the mobility system greener and more efficient.
Although they still operate alongside modern diesel buses, more and more routes, especially in urban areas or tourist hotspots are now being covered by fully electric models. So don’t be surprised if you see a nearly silent bus passing by: it’s Malta moving toward the future, without losing its essence!
And now a little advice!!!
If you’re staying for a while, it’s best to get the Tallinja Card, which gives you unlimited bus travel. There are versions for tourists and others for longer stays, so choose the one that suits your plan.
Make sure to request your card in advance and have a local address in Malta, as it will be sent there. The sooner you get it, the sooner you can move around hassle-free.
Check all the options on the official website of Tallinja:
https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/tallinja-card