Malta International Airport (MLA) is the island's only airport, located in Luqa — about 8 km from Valletta and 12 km from Sliema. Over 80 airlines operate here, including Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, and Malta Air (Lufthansa partner). Here's how to get where you're going.
Option 1: Public Bus — Cheapest
Buses depart directly from the terminal (exit arrivals, turn left).
Key routes:
- X3: Airport → Valletta Bus Terminus — 30–40 min, €1.50 (concessions €0.50)
- 13: Airport → Sliema → St Julian's — 40–55 min, €1.50
- X2: Airport → Buġibba — 50 min, €1.50
- X4: Airport → Mellieħa — 60 min, €1.50
Tip: get a Tallinja Card (€1.50 registration, then €0.75 per journey). Pays for itself within a few days.
Option 2: Bolt — Fast and Reasonably Priced
Bolt operates at the airport. Request in the app — driver meets you at the P1 car park area.
- Valletta: €8–12
- Sliema: €12–18
- St Julian's: €14–20
- Mellieħa: €25–35
- Mġarr (Gozo ferry): €30–40
Option 3: Official Taxi — Flat Rate
Official taxis by the terminal have fixed fares (no meter).
- Valletta: approx. €15
- Sliema: approx. €20–25
- St Julian's: approx. €25
- Mellieħa: approx. €35–45
Option 4: Car Rental — Freedom to Explore
Pick up your hire car directly from the airport — Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and local agencies all present.
Prices: €25–60/day for a small hatchback. Deposit required (credit card hold).
Critical note: Malta drives on the left (British-style). The steering wheel is on the right. First few hours can be disorienting — especially roundabouts. And don't drive into Valletta — it's largely pedestrianised. Park at the Valletta Park & Ride.
Option 5: Private Transfer
Hotels and travel agencies can arrange private transfers — comfortable for late flights or large groups. Prices: €25–50 per transfer.
At the Airport
- Free WiFi: available throughout terminal (email registration)
- SIM cards: Vodafone and Go Mobile shops at arrivals — Go Mobile's tourist pack (10 GB + calls, approx. €15) is a good deal
- Currency exchange: better rate than many European airports, but still worse than in town. Exchange only what you need immediately.
- ATM: at arrivals — check your card's foreign transaction fees
- Business lounge: Sky Lounge on departures level — accessible via Priority Pass or €30 walk-in
Getting Back to the Airport
Same methods in reverse. Bus X3/13 from Valletta or Sliema centre. Bolt — book a few minutes early (airport area has queues). For a 7am flight — leave by 5:30am to be safe with public transport.
Large luggage on the bus: technically allowed but tight. Bolt is more practical if you have big suitcases.