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Getting Around Sliema with a Dog
🇲🇹Sliema, Malta·Updated 21 June 2026
Sliema is compact and walkable, which is just as well, because Malta's public buses only carry pets in a closed carrier on your lap. The scenic Sliema-to-Valletta ferry is the most dog-friendly option, and remember Malta drives on the left.
| Mode | Policy | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Public bus (Tallinja / Malta Public Transport) | Only assistance dogs travel freely. All other pets are allowed only if placed in a suitable closed carrier and held on the owner's lap, and only if they cause no danger or nuisance to other passengers. | 💡 Large dogs effectively cannot use the bus. Walk, taxi or use the ferry instead. |
| Sliema-Valletta ferry | Leashed dogs are generally welcome on the open-deck Sliema-Valletta ferry, which crosses Marsamxett Harbour in about 10 minutes. Keep your dog on a short leash and away from the boarding ramps. | 💡 Confirm with the crew on the day, and pick a sailing outside the busiest commuter times with a nervous dog. |
| Taxis & ride-hailing (Bolt/eCabs) | Pets are accepted at the individual driver's discretion. On Bolt you can flag that you are travelling with a pet, and small dogs in a carrier are most readily accepted. | 💡 Message the driver before the trip and bring a towel or blanket to lay on the seat. |
Useful transport links
Malta Public Transport (Tallinja) app and journey planner: publictransport.com.mt. Check routes, live times and the full conditions of carriage for pets. Sliema Ferries (Valletta and Three Cities crossings): vallettaferryservices.com. Remember Malta drives on the left, so cross roads facing the right direction with your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog on Malta's public buses?
Only in a closed carrier held on your lap, and only assistance dogs travel free and unrestrained. In practice large dogs cannot use the bus, so walk, taxi or take the ferry.
Are dogs allowed on the Sliema-Valletta ferry?
Yes, leashed dogs are generally welcome on the open-deck ferry across Marsamxett Harbour. Keep your dog on a short leash and confirm with the crew on the day.
Does Malta drive on the left?
Yes. Malta drives on the left, a legacy of British rule, so look right first when crossing roads with your dog and stay alert around the busy Strand.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Sliema
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Eleven by Warren Collection
★★★ · 8.6/10
€105/night
Charming Rooms with a Seaview
★★ · 8.4/10
€70/night
Iprime Suites
★★★ · 8.2/10
€90/night
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