We’ll be in Valletta for five days and then staying at a spa hotel on the island of Gozo for three. Looking for options to get between the two. We don’t plan to have a car in Malta. There is a bus that goes to the ferry, but unsure of how suitable it is for tourists with luggage...not a lot, mind you, probably a 20 inch rolling bag and tote for each of us.
Ideas?
Thank you!
You only have three options - the bus or a rental car or an expensive taxi. I think a rental (or taxi) is totally unnecessary. Bus works great, but takes a lot longer than I would expect given the very short distance (12 miles or so to the end of the island). While I don't recall if the bus had some kind of internal luggage compartment (like a shuttle to parking terminals at an airport), I don't think you'll have an issue. Many people returning by bus must have stowed their luggage somewhere (maybe on the side of the bus?). Gozo does not have as robust of a bus network (nor do they run as frequently) as in Malta so I would figure out how to get to your hotel beforehand once you disembark the ferry.
I found car rental in Malta to be v cheap (rented at the airport from Avis - approx $25/day) - this was 2 years ago. Other rentals may be cheaper.
I enjoyed having the freedom of a car and didn't find any issues with parking in Gozo or in Malta - though I stayed out of Valletta and took the bus in. (This was in March so outside of the peak tourist season)
catrina,
I don't believe the buses on Malta are equipped with luggage compartments underneath, but that's probably the least expensive and most direct way to get between Valletta and Gozo. This may provide some answers - https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Valletta/Gozo .
You may also find this website helpful - https://www.visitmalta.com/en/getting-around .
EDIT - One of my sons was just in Malta and I asked him what method he used for that trip. He used an Uber type of service for that trip and apparently it worked well.
