Sliema to St Julian's: travel options
Approximate direct distance: 1 km • Travel distance depends on the route and transport you choose.
Choosing your journey
Walk the coast between Sliema and St Julian’s or take ordinary route 13. The bus takes roughly 10–20 minutes from Ferries 5 to San Giljan, before the final walk. The adult day fare is €2 in winter or €2.50 in summer; allow extra time for waiting and traffic.
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Side-by-Side Transport Options
Recorded fares and journey times. Check each operator before booking.
Swipe the table horizontally to compare every option.
| Transport Mode | Operator | Duration | Price guide | Stations / Airports | Key Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Direct | Malta Public Transport | About 15m | €2.00 - €2.50 Published fare |
Dep: Sliema Ferries 5
Arr: San Giljan stop via Spinola
|
Ordinary adult day fare: €2 in winter or €2.50 in summer, valid for two hours. Route 13 from Ferries 5 to San Giljan: roughly 10–20 minutes riding. Add waiting and walking; traffic can extend the trip. Tickets and times |
How long to allow
Route 13 weekday examples take about 16 minutes from Ferries 5 to San Giljan, while Sunday evening examples take about 11–12. Allow roughly 10–20 minutes on the bus, plus waiting and your final walk. These are timetable examples, not guaranteed arrival times. Use the linked operator timetable for your travel day.
Choose a stop, not only a route number
Malta Public Transport's Sliema and St Julian's guide lists routes 13, 13A, 14, 16, 21 and TD13 as choices for the two areas. The current route 13 display shows Sliema Ferries, Balluta, Spinola and San Giljan stops, while route 13A is displayed as Valletta to San Giljan. Read the stop name and direction in the live planner because a bus that reaches St Julian's may pass a different part of Sliema than your accommodation.
Pay the regular local fare
The current MPT table shows €2.50 for a summer Day Routes ticket and €2.00 in winter. The ticket is valid for two hours with transfers during that validity. TD and night products have different fares and coverage, so do not use a TD label simply because it appears on a stop display. Tap or validate the ticket before settling into the ride.
Keep the coast as a walking option
The Sliema promenade, Balluta Bay and Spinola Bay are close enough that a walk can be a useful final connection when you have light bags and daylight. Treat it as a weather and mobility choice rather than a guaranteed timed alternative. If you are carrying luggage or travelling after dark, use the mapped bus stop or arrange a separate local transfer.
Leave airport services separate
TD3 also appears in this corridor because it links the airport with Sliema and St Julian's. It has its own Airport Direct fare and luggage context, so do not treat it as the same product as an ordinary local bus. For a simple Sliema-to-St Julian's ride, compare the ordinary route 13 or 13A stop shown for your address. Read the Sliema guide and St Julian's guide before choosing a hotel whose nearest stop is far from the promenade.
Allow for the whole evening
The short city-centre distance does not guarantee a fixed door-to-door time. Waiting, a busy road, the exact stop and the walk to Paceville, Spinola or your room decide the practical total. Check the return service before a dinner or ferry booking, and keep a valid ticket for the whole journey. The same route can be convenient for one address and awkward for another. The Malta bus article explains the current ticket products.