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

Traveling through Malta in just a couple of days can seem ambitious, but with the right transport options, you can cover a surprising amount of ground. The 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Harbour Cruise pass promises to make your sightseeing flexible and scenic, blending land explorations with stunning waterfront views. We’re here to give you a detailed look at what you can expect, based on real experiences and honest insights.

What we love most about this tour is its flexibility—you can hop on and off at major attractions, enjoy a scenic harbour cruise, and do so over two non-consecutive days. The routes cover key spots like Mdina, the Three Cities, and Valletta, ensuring you won’t miss the highlights. The harbour cruise adds a special touch, allowing you to see Malta from the water’s perspective. Plus, the live English guides make the experience lively and informative. One thing to consider, however, is that some reviewers found the café/restaurants near certain stops not quite matching the quality they expected, so plan your meals accordingly.

This experience suits travelers who love convenient, all-in-one sightseeing, especially those who prefer a mix of land and sea views. If you’re on a time-limited trip or want the flexibility to explore at your own pace, this package is a solid choice. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy a scenic cruise as part of their adventure. However, if you’re craving deeply curated, insider-guided tours or have specific dietary requirements, you might want to supplement this with other options.

Good To Know

• Flexible 2-day pass allows non-consecutive days for maximum planning.
• Includes both land bus routes (North Blue Line and South Red Line) and a harbour cruise.
• Major attractions covered include Mdina, Valletta, and the Three Cities.
• The harbour cruise is redeemable within five days, giving you extra time to enjoy the waterfront.
• Live English-speaking guides enhance the experience with local insights.
• The bus routes provide easy access to Malta’s key sights, saving you time and walking.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Comprehensive Breakdown of the Tour

How the Itinerary Works

The 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off pass covers two main routes: the Blue Line (North Route) and the Red Line (South Route). You can hop on and off at various stops, making it easier to tailor your sightseeing. The routes are designed to hit Malta’s most popular spots, from historic towns to scenic viewpoints.

North Route (Blue Line)

This route tends to focus on the northern parts of Malta, typically including stops at Mdina, the ancient silent city famous for its narrow, winding streets and medieval atmosphere. The quiet charm of Mdina makes for a slow, relaxed exploration, perfect for architecture lovers and history buffs. The Blue Line also likely covers other scenic spots and viewpoints, offering a good balance of cultural and photo opportunities.

South Route (Red Line)

The South Route generally focuses on the Three Cities—Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua—known collectively as the “Three Towns”. These areas are renowned for their historic fortifications and waterfront views. You’ll get to walk through neighborhoods that feel like stepping back in time, with plenty of photo-worthy vistas from the harbor. Valletta, Malta’s capital, is often included in one of the routes, providing a chance to explore its UNESCO-listed streets and palaces.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Harbour Cruise Experience

The highlight for many is the Harbour Cruise, which is redeemable within five days of your ticket activation. The cruise offers a unique perspective of Malta’s fortified coastline and bustling ports. Expect scenic waterfront views and an appreciation of Malta’s strategic maritime history. The reviews mention that the cruise is a definite upside of the package, offering a relaxing break from bus rides and a chance to see Malta from the sea.

What’s Included and How It Adds Value

The unlimited travel on both bus routes over two days means you can span a full day on each route or split your sightseeing with rest days in between. The live English guides are a plus, providing commentary and answering questions—an aspect many visitors appreciate. The harbour cruise, valid for five days, encourages some leisurely, unhurried enjoyment.

Transportation & Overall Experience

The buses are generally well-organized, with frequent departures, making it easy to hop on and off without long waits. The wheelchair accessibility is an important consideration for travelers with mobility needs. Some reviewers mention that the bus commentary is informative, though specific guides are not named, so your experience might vary depending on the day and guide.

Considerations Based on Reviews

While most aspects are positive, one review pointed out that nearby cafes and restaurants did not meet expectations, describing their evening menu as “substandard.” This highlights the importance of planning meals ahead or exploring local eateries outside the main tourist spots. Another reviewer found the overall experience acceptable, but not extraordinary, which suggests this tour is well-suited for those who want a cost-effective, flexible way to see Malta rather than a luxury, curated experience.

Why This Tour Works for You

If you’re someone who appreciates flexibility and wants to explore Malta at your own pace, this pass offers significant value. The ability to hop on and off over two days, combined with a scenic harbour cruise, maximizes your sightseeing without overwhelming you with rigid schedules. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors eager to get an overview of the island’s main sights and enjoy scenic views.

For those who enjoy water-based perspectives, the harbour cruise provides a refreshing change from land-bound sightseeing. It’s a great way to see Malta’s coastline, harbors, and historic fortifications from a different angle.

However, if you prefer guided tours with in-depth narratives or want to explore more off-the-beaten-path locations, you’ll probably need to supplement this experience with additional tours or private guides.

Final Thoughts

This 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Harbour Cruise is a good value option for travelers seeking convenience, scenic views, and flexibility. It offers a straightforward way to cover Malta’s main attractions while enjoying the beauty of its coastline from the water.

The ability to hop on and off at your leisure means you can spend more time in places that catch your interest, whether it’s wandering the historic streets of Mdina or soaking up the lively atmosphere of the Three Cities. The harbour cruise adds a memorable touch, providing panoramic views that photos simply can’t do justice.

While some might find the food options nearby underwhelming, this doesn’t detract from the overall value of the experience. It is particularly well-suited for first-time visitors, families, or those on a time crunch who want to see as much as possible without fussing over transportation.

Ultimately, this tour offers a practical, enjoyable, and scenic way to explore Malta without breaking the bank, making it a worthwhile addition to your travel plans.

FAQ

Can I use the bus pass on both routes?
Yes, the 2-day pass includes unlimited travel on both the North (Blue Line) and South (Red Line) routes, giving you flexibility to explore different parts of Malta.

Is the harbour cruise included in the price?
The harbour cruise is part of the package and can be redeemed within five days of your ticket activation, adding a scenic water-based element to your sightseeing.

How long is the harbour cruise?
While specific duration details aren’t provided, cruises typically range from 1 to 2 hours, offering scenic views without taking up too much of your day.

Can I hop off the bus at any stop?
Yes, the pass allows you to hop on and off at major attractions at your own pace during the two non-consecutive days.

Is the bus tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs to enjoy the tour.

What attractions are covered?
Key sights include Mdina, Valletta, and the Three Cities, giving you a broad overview of Malta’s historic and scenic highlights.

Do I need to book the harbour cruise separately?
No, it’s included with your pass, but you should redeem it within five days of activation for the best experience.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind if your plans shift.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Absolutely, the bus routes and harbour cruise are family-friendly, and the flexibility makes it easy to accommodate different pace needs.

To sum it up, this Malta combo offers a blend of land and sea sightseeing with enough flexibility to suit most travelers. It’s an efficient way to see Malta’s top sights, enjoy scenic views, and keep your options open. Whether you have just a couple of days or want a relaxed itinerary, this experience delivers good value and memorable moments.

You can check if your dates are available here: