Getting from Malta Airport to Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s and Gozo
Malta International Airport is located in the centre of the island near Luqa, which means most major towns and tourist areas are within 20–40 minutes of the airport. This makes transfers relatively easy compared to many European destinations.
Travellers arriving in Malta have several transfer options including public buses, taxis, ride apps like Bolt and Uber, shared shuttles, private transfers and car hire. The best option depends on where you are staying, how much luggage you have, and what time your flight arrives.
Valletta is around 20–25 minutes from the airport, Sliema and St Julian’s around 25–30 minutes, and Mellieha and the Gozo ferry terminal around 60 minutes. If you are travelling to Gozo, you will either need to travel to the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal or go to Valletta for the fast ferry.
Because Malta is small, airport transfers are relatively cheap compared to most European destinations, and even taxis are reasonably priced. However, buses remain the cheapest option by far.
Choosing the right transfer at the start of your trip can save both time and money, especially if you are arriving late at night or travelling with luggage.
Bus Connections from Malta Airport
Malta’s bus network offers the most affordable way to travel from Malta Airport to Valletta and other towns across the island. The airport bus stops are located just outside the arrivals hall and are clearly signposted.
Standard bus fares cost €2.00 in winter and €2.50 in summer, and tickets are valid for 2 hours including transfers, which makes the bus excellent value if you need to change routes. The Tallinja Direct (TD) express routes cost €3.00 and are faster with fewer stops.
Tickets can be bought on board using cash or contactless, or with a Tallinja card if you plan to use buses regularly during your stay. Buses are modern and air-conditioned, and most airport routes have luggage space.
Main Airport Bus Routes
- X1A → University
- TD1 → Ċirkewwa (Gozo Ferry Terminal)
- TD2 / TD3 → San Ġiljan (St Julian’s)
- TD4 → Valletta
- TD5 → Buġibba
- 117 → Mqabba
- 119 → Ajruport local circulator
- 135 → Marsascala
- 218 → Mqabba
- 71 → Żurrieq
- 72 → Qrendi
- 73 → Żurrieq
- 201 → Rabat / Mdina
- 208 → Mater Dei Hospital
- 214 → Buġibba
Buses run frequently throughout the day, with most routes running every 20–30 minutes. The journey to Valletta takes around 25 minutes, while journeys to Sliema and St Julian’s usually require a change in Valletta.
Gozo made easy: You can take the TD1 bus directly to Ċirkewwa for the Gozo ferry, or take the TD4 to Valletta and then use the Barrakka Lift to reach the Gozo Fast Ferry terminal.
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Compare ratesMalta Airport Taxis & Ride Apps
Official Malta airport taxis are white taxis with fixed fares set by the government, so you do not need to worry about meters or negotiating prices. Taxi tickets must be purchased at the taxi booth inside the arrivals hall before boarding, and you will be given a receipt to give to the driver.
Typical taxi prices are approximately:
- Valletta – €20
- Sliema – €20–25
- St Julian’s – €25
- Mellieha – €35
- Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal – €35–40
Taxi journeys are usually 20–30 minutes to most tourist areas and are one of the easiest transfer options if you have luggage or arrive late at night.
Ride apps such as Bolt and Uber also operate in Malta, and these are often slightly cheaper than official taxis during off-peak times. However, prices can increase during busy periods, weekends, or late at night.
For most travellers, Bolt is usually the cheapest taxi-style option in Malta, followed by Uber, with official taxis slightly more expensive but very reliable.
Terravision Airport Transfers from Malta International Airport
Terravision operates airport transfer services across Malta, connecting Malta International Airport with many of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. Unlike traditional city-centre airport routes, Terravision’s Malta service focuses on helping visitors reach resorts and accommodation areas throughout the island.
Destinations served include Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s, Bugibba, Qawra and St Paul’s Bay, making the service particularly useful for holidaymakers arriving on the island. Many transfers operate on a convenient door-to-door basis, reducing the need for additional taxis or local bus connections.
The inclusion of luggage and fixed pricing makes Terravision an attractive option for travellers carrying suitcases or visiting Malta for the first time. Rather than navigating the island’s public transport system immediately after arrival, passengers can travel directly towards their accommodation.
Book Your Malta Airport Coach with Terravision
Terravision provides airport coach links on selected routes serving Malta, allowing you to arrange the journey between the airport and city before you travel.
With fixed routes and online booking, it can be a useful alternative when you want something simpler than navigating local transport after your flight.
Shuttle & Private Airport Transfers
Shared shuttle services are a good middle option between the bus and a taxi. These can be booked online in advance or sometimes arranged at desks in the arrivals hall.
Shared shuttles usually cost around €6–8 per person, but they may stop at multiple hotels, so journeys can take longer than taxis or private transfers. They are a good option for solo travellers who want something cheaper than a taxi but more convenient than the bus.
Private transfers can be pre-booked online, and drivers meet you in the arrivals hall holding a name sign. Prices are usually €20–25 to Valletta or Sliema, with fixed prices for other destinations across Malta.
Private transfers are often the best option for families, groups, late-night arrivals or travellers with lots of luggage, and when split between several people they can be similar in price to a taxi.
Many travellers prefer private transfers because you avoid queues, know the price in advance, and go directly to your accommodation without stops.
Car Hire at Malta Airport
If you are planning to explore the island, hiring a car at Malta Airport can be a convenient option, especially if you want to visit places outside Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s. Malta International Airport has several car hire companies located inside the arrivals hall, and the rental car park is just a short walk from the terminal.
Car hire is particularly useful if you plan to visit Mdina, Rabat, Dingli Cliffs, Marsaxlokk, Mellieha, the northern beaches, or if you are travelling to the Gozo ferry regularly. Public transport reaches most places, but it can be slow, and a car gives much more flexibility.
However, a hire car is not necessary for everyone. If you are staying in Valletta, Sliema or St Julian’s and mainly visiting cities, attractions and boat trips, you may find that buses, ferries, taxis and tours are easier than driving.
Driving in Malta is on the left-hand side, and roads can be narrow and busy, particularly around Sliema, St Julian’s and Valletta. Parking in Valletta is restricted, and some historic towns have very tight streets, so drivers who are not comfortable with narrow roads may prefer public transport or taxis instead.
Car hire prices in Malta are usually relatively affordable, especially outside the peak summer season, and hiring a small car for a few days can be a good way to explore the island at your own pace. Many travellers choose to hire a car for part of their trip rather than for their entire stay.
For travellers staying in Gozo, hiring a car is often the easiest way to explore the island, as public transport is more limited there compared to mainland Malta.
Overall, car hire can be a good option if you want flexibility, but for many visitors airport buses, taxis and ferries are often easier than driving, especially for short stays.
Find Car Hire Deals for Malta
A hire car can be useful for exploring Malta and the surrounding area, particularly when the places you want to visit are awkward to reach by public transport.
Using more than one comparison site can help you check prices and rental terms across a wider range of suppliers before deciding which option suits your trip.
Getting from Malta Airport to Gozo
If you are travelling directly to Gozo after landing in Malta, the journey is straightforward but involves either a ferry from Ċirkewwa or the fast ferry from Valletta.
The traditional route is to travel from Malta Airport to Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal, which is at the northern tip of Malta. From there, ferries run frequently to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, with crossings taking around 25 minutes.
There are several ways to reach Ċirkewwa from the airport. The easiest public transport option is the TD1 Tallinja Direct bus, which runs from the airport to the ferry terminal. The journey takes around 60–75 minutes depending on traffic.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi or Bolt directly to Ċirkewwa, which usually takes around 50 minutes and costs roughly €35–40. This is often the easiest option if you have luggage or arrive late at night.
Another option is to travel to Valletta from the airport using the TD4 bus or taxi, then take the Gozo Fast Ferry from Lascaris Wharf. This ferry arrives directly in Mgarr Harbour in Gozo and is often faster overall if your accommodation is near Valletta.
For many travellers staying in Gozo, a pre-booked transfer that includes the ferry crossing can be the simplest option, as the driver will take you to the ferry and another driver will meet you on the Gozo side.
Malta Airport Transfer Prices Overview
Below is a rough comparison of typical airport transfer prices in Malta.
| Transfer Type | Typical Price | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Bus | €2–3 | 25–60 mins | Budget travellers |
| Airport Shuttle | €6–8 | 45–90 mins | Solo travellers |
| Official Taxi | €20–25 | 20–30 mins | Easy door-to-door |
| Bolt / Uber | €15–22 | 20–30 mins | Cheapest taxi option |
| Private Transfer | €20–30 | 20–30 mins | Families / groups |
| Taxi to Gozo Ferry | €35–40 | 50–60 mins | Gozo travellers |
| Car Hire | €20+ per day | Flexible | Exploring Malta |
Prices vary slightly depending on season and time of day, but Malta airport transfers are generally cheaper than many other European destinations.
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Book a transferWhich Malta Airport Transfer Should You Choose?
The best airport transfer in Malta depends mainly on budget, luggage, arrival time, and where you are staying.
If you are travelling on a budget and staying in Valletta, the TD4 airport bus is usually the best option. It is cheap, relatively quick, and runs frequently throughout the day.
If you are staying in Sliema or St Julian’s, a taxi or Bolt is often easier than using the bus, as buses usually require a change in Valletta. For couples or groups, taxis are often not much more expensive than bus tickets when split between several people.
If you arrive late at night, taxis or ride apps are usually the best option, as bus services are reduced overnight.
If you are travelling to Gozo, the easiest option is often either:
- Taxi to Ċirkewwa ferry terminal
- TD1 bus to Ċirkewwa
- Taxi or bus to Valletta fast ferry
Families, groups, and travellers with luggage usually find private transfers the most convenient option, especially if arriving late or staying far from Valletta.
Tips for Using Malta Airport Transfers
There are a few useful things to know before travelling from Malta Airport.
Malta drives on the left-hand side, and roads can be busy and narrow, especially around Valletta and Sliema. Traffic can be heavy during rush hour, so travel times may be longer in the late afternoon.
Airport buses can be busy in summer, particularly the TD4 route to Valletta, so if you are travelling with large luggage, a taxi may be more comfortable.
If you plan to use buses frequently during your trip, it may be worth buying a Tallinja card or travel pass, which can save money compared to buying individual tickets.
If you are travelling to Gozo, remember that the Gozo ferry operates very frequently, including late evening sailings, so even late arrivals can usually still reach Gozo the same day.
Finally, ride apps like Bolt are extremely popular in Malta and often cheaper than taxis, so it is worth downloading the app before your trip.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Arriving at Malta Airport? Here are a few useful tips to make your transfer smoother:
- Use Bolt for cheap taxis: Bolt is often cheaper than official taxis in Malta and very easy to use.
- Buses are cheap but slower: The airport buses are good value, but taxis are often worth it if you have luggage.
- Heading to Gozo? Consider a taxi to Ċirkewwa ferry terminal to save time and hassle with luggage.
- Late night arrivals: Check bus times in advance, as services reduce late at night.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
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Store your bagsFurther Reading & Related Malta Guides
If you are planning a trip to Malta, start with our Malta travel guide, which covers transport, attractions, where to stay and essential travel tips for visiting the islands.
If you want an easy way to see the island, read our Malta hop on hop off bus guide, which explains routes, stops and whether the sightseeing bus is worth using.
Planning to visit Gozo? Our Gozo day trip guide explains ferry options, travel times and the best things to see on the island in one day.
If you are planning a boat trip, read our Malta Cruise Overview Guide or Blue Lagoon & Comino Island Cruise guide, covering Comino, the Blue Lagoon, sea caves and Gozo boat tours.
For indoor attractions and family-friendly activities, see our Malta National Aquarium guide, including tickets, opening times and visitor tips.
If you are planning to visit multiple attractions during your trip, it is worth reading our Malta Attractions Pass guide, which explains how different passes work, what they include, and whether they actually save you money. These passes can bundle together top sights, tours and experiences, making them a convenient option if you want to see more while keeping costs under control.
If you want to visit one of Malta’s most unusual attractions, read our Popeye Village Malta guide for tickets, prices and what to expect.
