Malta International Airport (MLA) sits in Luqa, right in the middle of the island and only about 8 km from Valletta. Distances are short, but after a flight, with luggage, children or a late-night arrival, how you get to your hotel makes a big difference to the start of your holiday.
Here is every way to get from Malta Airport to Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s, Mellieħa and Gozo, with honest pros and cons.
Typical journey times from Malta Airport
| Destination | By car (approx.) | By public bus (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Valletta | 15–20 min | 25–40 min |
| Sliema & St Julian’s | 20–30 min | 40–60 min |
| St Paul’s Bay, Buġibba & Qawra | 25–35 min | 45–70 min |
| Mellieħa | 35–45 min | 60–80 min |
| Ċirkewwa (Gozo ferry) | 40–50 min | 60–90 min |
Times vary with traffic. Malta’s roads can be congested at rush hour and on summer evenings.
1. Pre-booked private airport transfer
A driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, helps with luggage and takes you directly to your accommodation. The price is fixed when you book, and good operators track your flight, so a delay doesn’t leave you stranded.
- Best for: families, groups, late-night arrivals, first-time visitors and anyone with lots of luggage
- Pros: no queues, fixed price, child seats on request, door-to-door
- Cons: needs booking in advance
A4 Malta airport transfers are priced per vehicle, not per person: €55 economy, €65 executive and €80 minivan. For a family or group, that often works out cheaper than a taxi queue or two app rides.
Book a Malta airport transfer →
2. Airport taxi
Licensed white taxis wait outside arrivals, and there is a taxi booking desk in the arrivals hall with set fares to the main localities. It’s reliable, but you may queue at busy times, and it is usually one of the pricier options for groups.
- Best for: travellers who prefer not to pre-book
- Pros: available on arrival, no app needed
- Cons: queues at peak times, fares higher than ride-hailing
3. Ride-hailing apps (Bolt, Uber, eCabs)
App-based rides are widely used in Malta and are often cheaper than airport taxis. However, prices surge at busy times, wait times can climb when several flights land together, and you need mobile data on arrival. Larger groups may need two cars.
We compare these options in detail in Private driver vs Uber & Bolt in Malta.
4. Public bus
Malta Public Transport runs express routes (marked with an “X”) from the airport to Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s, Buġibba and Ċirkewwa. It’s the cheapest option, but buses can be crowded, luggage space is limited, and journeys are much slower than by car. Check current routes and timetables on the Malta Public Transport website before you fly.
- Best for: solo travellers and backpackers with light luggage
- Pros: lowest cost
- Cons: slow, can be full in summer, limited late-night service
5. Car rental
Rental desks are in the arrivals area. Driving gives total freedom, especially for Gozo, but remember Malta drives on the left, roads in town centres are narrow and parking in Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s can be difficult. Compare options on our car rentals page.
Getting from Malta Airport to Gozo
There are two main ways to reach Gozo:
- Road + car ferry: transfer to Ċirkewwa in the north (about 45 minutes), then take the Gozo Channel ferry to Mġarr (about 25 minutes). Ferries run frequently around the clock.
- Fast ferry from Valletta: a short transfer to Valletta, then the passenger fast ferry to Mġarr harbour in Gozo.
A private transfer timed to the ferry schedule is the most relaxed option, especially with suitcases. See our Gozo tours if you plan day trips instead.
Which option should you choose?
- Arriving late at night or with kids? Pre-book a private transfer.
- Travelling solo with a backpack? The express bus is the cheapest.
- Group of 4–8? A private minivan transfer usually costs less per person than two taxis.
- Cruise passenger? Book a private driver who can combine your transfer with a tour.
Start your Malta trip stress-free. Book your airport transfer in a few clicks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Malta Airport from Valletta?
Malta International Airport in Luqa is about 8 km from Valletta, roughly a 15–20 minute drive depending on traffic.
How do I get from Malta Airport to Sliema or St Julian's?
The quickest options are a pre-booked private transfer, taxi or ride-hailing app, taking around 20–30 minutes. The express public bus is cheaper but slower, often 40–60 minutes.
Is Uber available at Malta Airport?
Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt, Uber and eCabs operate in Malta, including pickups from the airport. Prices can surge when several flights land at once, so a pre-booked transfer gives you a fixed price.
Is there a bus from Malta Airport at night?
Some bus routes run late, but night service is limited and less frequent. If you land late in the evening, a pre-booked private transfer or taxi is the most reliable option.
Can I get from Malta Airport to Gozo directly?
There is no direct connection. Most travellers take a transfer to Ċirkewwa and then the Gozo Channel ferry to Mġarr, or go to Valletta and take the passenger fast ferry to Gozo.
