Malta Airport: Transport to Valletta, Sliema, and Hotels (2026 Guide)

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

Buy your ticket from the driver (cash or card), from the Tallinja app, or from the terminal kiosk. Night service after 11pm: €3.

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

Prices surge during peak hours and late nights. On summer charter-heavy weekends, Bolt can be expensive — check taxi.

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

More expensive but no surprises. Good for families with large luggage or late-night arrivals when Bolt surges.

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.