Malta International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (MLA)

Malta International Airport, the archipelago's only terminal, is located approximately 8 km from the capital Valletta.

It is the access point to a country combining megaliths among the world's oldest, a baroque capital UNESCO heritage site, and a vibrant crystalline sea.

Content verified on 04/09/2026

Official source: www.maltairport.com

How to get to Malta International Airport

Valletta city centre is approximately 8 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 20-30 minutes by bus or taxi.

By Car

Driving to the city center of Valletta takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

By Train

It is not possible to reach this airport by train.

By Bus

Express buses X1, X2, X3, and X4 connect the airport to major tourist destinations (X4 to Valletta, X2 to Sliema and St Julian's); fixed fare 2.50 euro in summer, 2.00 euro in winter.

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Tips Buy your bus ticket at the automatic ticket office, from the driver on board, or via the Tallinja app; verify which express line serves your specific destination before boarding.

Average travel time to MLA

TrainNot available

Shuttle bus20-30 minutes (1.50-2.50 euro)

Taxi / Private hire15-20 minutes (15-25 euro)

Parking near Malta International Airport

A multi-level parking structure stands next to the terminal.

Rates are in line with Mediterranean hub standards, with peaks higher during peak summer season.

How to get to Valletta from MLA

By Train

The railway does not reach this airport.

By Bus

Express buses X1-X4 connect the airport to major destinations (€2.50 summer, €2.00 winter).

By Taxi

Official taxis charge fixed zone rates, approximately €15-25 to Valletta or Sliema; apps like Bolt are often comparable alternatives.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Car rental at Malta International Airport

The arrivals area is home to desks from major car rental brands.

Bring a driver's license, passport, and credit card; remember that Malta has left-hand traffic.

Hotels near Malta International Airport

Malta's airport is located in Luqa, just 5 km from Valletta: the X4 express bus covers the route in about 25 minutes for 2 euros, a taxi in 20 minutes for about 10 euros. With such short distances on an island as small as Malta, the choice isn't between the airport and the city but between the historic capital and the island's other tourist bases (Sliema, St Julian's, Mellieħa), still just a few minutes away by the same buses. Those wanting to sleep within Valletta's baroque walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will find seventeenth-century palaces turned into boutique hotels just steps from the bastions and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

City centre

Valletta

About 5 km from the airport; X4 express bus in 25 minutes (2 euros), taxi in 20 minutes (about 10 euros).

Best for: Those wanting to sleep within the baroque walls of the capital, among historic palaces, bastions and the Grand Harbour.

Pros

Upper Barrakka Gardens, St John's Co-Cathedral and the Grand Harbour within walking distance of almost every hotel in the city
Airport transfer among the shortest and cheapest on this list

Cons

The streets of the historic centre are pedestrian or very narrow: luggage has to be carried on foot for a stretch
Few parking spaces for those arriving with a rental car

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport is Malta's sole gateway, handling significant tourist traffic to the Mediterranean, especially during summer months.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers local spirits, chocolate, and Maltese glassware, renowned throughout the Mediterranean.

Lounges & relaxation

Several lounges operate, including those of major airline alliances.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

The free Wi-Fi network is active in every terminal zone.

Families & Children

The waiting areas include children's play areas and dedicated family assistance.

Terminal guide

The terminal is modern and adequately sized for strong tourist traffic, especially in summer.

The recommended margin before boarding for international flights is 2–2.5 hours.

Map of Malta International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is it worth buying a SIM card in Malta right after landing?

Yes, counters for operators like Melita, Vodafone Malta or GO are located in the arrivals area: given the island's small size, a local prepaid SIM or an eSIM activated before departure is usually enough for your whole stay.

Q. Is Malta safe for going out at night?

Yes, overall: nightlife areas like St Julian's and Paceville are busy and well lit, but they do see occasional drunken disturbances and petty pickpocketing during crowded summer weekends. Normal precautions are enough, such as avoiding walking alone through quiet alleys late at night.

Q. Does Malta have ancient megalithic temples?

Yes, some Maltese temples are among the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world, predating even the Egyptian pyramids, and are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Q. Do Italian citizens need a passport to enter Malta?

No, since Malta is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area, a valid ID card is enough; EU citizens can also use the e-gates at the airport for a faster check, skipping the queue at the manual booths.