Step-by-Step guide to reach the meeting spot by bus

Below is a set of easy instructions, including aerial photos and maps, for reaching Xemxija church & the Xemxija civil protection department by bus. First of all here are some important points about the bus transport system in Malta. Please read carefully this page and ideally print it for future reference when you are in Malta.

1. Most bus routes goes to any village or destination from the central main bus terminus at Valletta.
2. Must buses has a 2 digit number that corresponds to the destination village/place.
3. Buses which go through Xemxija are number 44 and 45
4. Public buses have a yolk yellow colour.
5. Transport fee is usually 47c Euro per person for short-medium distances and 54c Euro for longer ones.
6. Buses do not stop on every bus stop but the passenger has to ring the bell so as the driver knows that he has to stop on the next bus stop.
7. Bus schedules are frequent, approximately from 5 to 30mins depending on the destination.

Part 1:

Take the bus from the nearest bus stop of your hotel or flat to Valletta. The bus stops at the bus terminus and you would notice numerous buses around a big fountain - you cant go wrong!

Part 2:

Walk to the area where the bus numbers 44 or 45 are situated (marked on the photo) in the terminus as shown in the picture below. These buses actually goes to Mellieha, but pass through Xemxija. Ideally prepare exact money coins and if possible do not sit far back on the bus.

Part 3:

The bus takes the following route: Valletta, Floriana, Msida, B'Kara, Lija, (Naxxar), Mosta (church with large dome), Burmarrad (steep down-slope road), St.Pauls Bay (plenty of touristic shops), Xemxija Bay (our destination) and keeps going to Mellieha. Below is a map of Malta with the places mentioned.

Part 4:

When you arrive at Saint Pauls Bay, you are just few km from xemxija, though the bus drives slowly from this village. Below is a map of Saint Paul's Bay and Xemxija.

Part 5:

Below is a map of Xemxija Bay, and from where the bus drives through. The bay is easily recognized from its large C-shaped geography with several anchored boats. Sometimes their is a foul smell. The bus drives along the entire coastline of Xemxija bay, and eventually the second part of the way is a sloped-up road with a conspicuous 45km/h speed limit and speed camera. At this point in time you are very near to stop the bus. Keep calm!

Part 6:

Your bus stop is situated at the end of the sloped-up road, so ring the bell when the bus reaches half way or little more this sloped road (somewhere when the slope is very inclined up). Make reference to the map below. If by mistake you ring the bell to early, you will only risk a 5 minute walk up the road, but do not ring the bell too late as the next bus stop can get a bit far away then (10min walk).

Part 7:

When you descend the bus at the bus stop indicated, you need to cross the road (careful, driving is left hand drive in Malta!) You shall arrive near to a small church (Xemxija church). Keep walking up the road and some 20m away there is a side street (to your right) which leads to Xemxija Fire Brigade (aka Xemxija Civil Protection department). In front of this department there is a parking area, which is the spot where the tour group meets.

Step 8:

Please try an be on time as much as possible, since the tour leader is a strictly punctual guy and does not wait more than 5mins over 9:30! Calculate the time as follows:

1. Time for bus journey from your hotel to Valletta (ask reception for an idea) +
2. 10mins waiting in Valletta +
3. 40mins journey from Valletta to Xemxija +
4. 10 min walk in case you stop in the wrong bus stop.