"Is hotel pickup included?" is one of the most common questions we get. The honest answer is it depends on the tour. Here's how pickup usually works in Malta, so you know what to expect before you book.
Which tours include hotel pickup?
| Type of tour | Pickup? |
|---|---|
| Private tours and private driver | Yes, door to door, from any address in Malta |
| Shared day tours (Gozo, South Malta, Mdina) | Usually, from the main tourist areas |
| Jeep safaris and quad tours | Often, so check the listing |
| Boat trips and cruises | Sometimes. Many meet at the harbour |
| Walking and food tours | Rarely. They meet at a central point such as City Gate in Valletta |
| Airport transfers | Yes, meet and greet at arrivals |
Which areas are usually covered?
Most shared tours collect from the main tourist areas:
- Sliema and St Julian's (including Paceville and Gżira)
- Valletta and Floriana
- Bugibba, Qawra and St Paul's Bay
- Mellieħa
Hotels outside these zones, such as in Marsaskala, Marsaxlokk, Birżebbuġa, Mġarr or inland villages, may be asked to meet at the nearest central pickup point or pay a small supplement. Gozo hotels usually need a Gozo-specific tour or a private transfer.
When do you meet at a central point?
Some tours start from a fixed meeting point instead of collecting from hotels:
- Valletta: City Gate or the Triton Fountain bus terminus for walking tours
- Sliema Ferries: harbour cruises and many Comino boat trips
- Bugibba promenade: boat trips from the north
- Ċirkewwa: Comino shuttles and Gozo ferry connections
The meeting point, with a map pin, will be on your booking confirmation.
How pickup works on the day
- Add your accommodation when booking. Hotel name, or the full address for apartments and Airbnbs.
- Check your pickup time. Shared tours collect from several hotels, so you'll usually get a pickup window of 15–30 minutes.
- Be ready early. Wait in the lobby or at the main entrance 10 minutes before your window starts.
- Keep your phone on. Drivers call or message if they can't find you or are running late in traffic.
- Drop-off: usually back at your hotel, although some tours drop off at a central point.
Cruise passengers and airport arrivals
- Cruise port: choose tours that list pickup at Valletta Cruise Port and plan your return time around all-aboard. See Malta cruise excursions.
- Airport: a pre-booked airport transfer meets you at arrivals and tracks your flight.
Want guaranteed door-to-door service?
Book a private driver or one of our private tours. You'll be collected from wherever you're staying, at the time that suits you, with no waiting for other hotels. Pickup details are shown on every listing on Malta tours. If you're unsure, contact us before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Malta tours include hotel pickup?
Many shared tours include pickup from the main tourist areas: Sliema, St Julian's, Valletta, Bugibba, Qawra, St Paul's Bay and Mellieħa. Private tours always include door-to-door pickup. Check each listing for its pickup zones.
What if my hotel is outside the pickup area?
You may be asked to meet at the nearest central pickup point or pay a small supplement. A private driver can collect you from any address in Malta.
Do boat trips in Malta include pickup?
Some do. Many boat trips meet at the departure point, such as Sliema Ferries, Bugibba or Ċirkewwa. If pickup is included, it will be shown on the listing.
How early should I be ready for pickup?
Be in your hotel lobby or at the entrance about 10 minutes before your pickup window starts, with your phone on and your booking confirmation ready.
Can I be picked up from an Airbnb or apartment?
Yes, if the address is in the tour's pickup zone. Enter the full address when booking. Private drivers can collect from any address.
