Valletta cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: From the Valletta Waterfront cruise terminal serving Pinto Quays, head for Upper Barrakka Gardens via the Barrakka Lift; bus 130 instead reaches Valletta's main bus terminus.

• Walk: realistic via the waterfront to the Barrakka Lift at Lascaris Wharf, about 500 m from the terminal; the lift avoids the main climb to Upper Barrakka Gardens and costs €1 same-day return.
• Public transport: Malta Public Transport bus 130 from the Waterfront stop to Valletta's main bus terminus, €2.50 one way per person at the summer fare, about 15 minutes; buy on board with cash or a contactless card.

Prices checked 2026-09-08. Sources: Transport Malta's Barrakka Lift, cruise-port transport, Malta Public Transport fares, route 130.

Orientation, not a walking route

Valletta Cruise Port lists alongside berths at Pinto Quays, Wine Wharf and several additional quays, including Deep Water Quay, LAB Wharf and Boiler Wharf. Establish your actual berth and passenger exit before following directions for Valletta Waterfront: the port's berth list does not imply the same walk from every quay.

For a Waterfront departure, follow the waterfront towards Lascaris Wharf and the Barrakka Lift. It reaches Upper Barrakka Gardens, above the harbour. The lift ride itself takes about 23 seconds; the approach from your gangway and the queue take additional time.

Keep time for queues on the descent as well as the walk back to your ship.

About this port

Valletta's main shore-day choice is how to get from harbour level into the fortified city. From the Valletta Waterfront berths, the Barrakka Lift makes a city visit practical without the full uphill approach. A short call works well with the gardens and one substantial interior visit, rather than adding journeys across Malta.

The City of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its fortifications and buildings reflect the city developed by the Order of St John.

Getting Around

The lift removes one major climb; onward streets and attraction entrances still need a route suitable for your mobility.

Bus 130 and the taxi booking office on the Waterfront promenade are alternatives if the lift approach does not suit you. From other quays, use the passenger exit and transport arrangements for that berth.

Things to Do

• A flexible city walk: begin at Upper Barrakka Gardens, then explore inside the fortifications. This keeps you close to the route back down to the Waterfront and allows an early return if queues build.
• St John's Co-Cathedral: make this your main interior visit if religious art and architecture interest you. The cathedral requires appropriate clothing and prohibits narrow heels; check its visitor page before setting out. Tourist visiting and worship have different arrangements.

For a short call, choose the cathedral plus a limited walk, or a slower outdoor visit. Do not count time spent waiting for the lift as sightseeing time available in the city.

Getting back to your ship

Keep time for queues on the descent as well as the walk back to your ship.

Practical Information

• Currency: euro.
• Languages: Maltese and English.
• Emergencies: call 112.
• Consult the cathedral and transport pages for the day's opening and service arrangements.

Frequently asked

Can you walk from Valletta cruise port to the city centre? Yes, from the Waterfront terminal you can walk about 500 m to the Barrakka Lift and ride up to Upper Barrakka Gardens. This avoids the main climb; other quays have different passenger exits.

How much is the Barrakka Lift in Valletta? €1 for a same-day return. The ride itself takes about 23 seconds, with extra time needed for walking and queues.

How much is the bus from Valletta Waterfront to the city centre? €2.50 one way at the summer fare on Malta Public Transport bus 130. The journey from the Waterfront stop to Valletta's main bus terminus takes about 15 minutes.

Do cruise ships dock or tender in Valletta? Ships normally dock alongside. Pinto Quays serve the Waterfront, while the port also uses other quays around the harbour.