The Malta Airport Bus Lines
Malta airport bus is the only public transit option from MLA Airport. Verily, Malta doesn’t have a railway network. Thus, if you are looking for a cheap way to travel from Malta Airport to your final destination, you’ll have to settle on a bus journey. Four express bus lines (X1, X2, X3, and X4) connect the airport with various island regions, while Bus 119 heads to Marsaskala.
All buses are air-conditioned and have extra luggage space.
In detail, the Malta airport bus lines are:
- X1 (Airport to Cirkewwa): the bus runs from 05:20 am to 10:50 pm every 40-60 minutes.
- X2 (Airport to San Giljan): it operates from 06:00 am to 11:00 pm on an hourly basis.
- X3 (Airport to Bugibba): available from 05:30 am to 10:30 pm every hour.
- X4 (Airport to Valletta): the bus line also runs toward Birżebbuġa in the opposite direction. Overall, it travels to Valletta from 09:12 am to 10:39 pm on a 40-minute frequency.
- Bus 119 (Airport to Marsaskala): it runs to Marsaskala, making numerous stops on its way (it’s not an express line, being rather time-consuming). Routes are available from 06:00 am to 10:00 pm every hour.
The stop of the Malta airport buses lies right outside the terminal, across the road from the Ground level.
Tickets and Fares of Malta Airport Buses
You can buy your Malta airport bus tickets from various selling points in MLA Airport or even onboard, or opt for a Tallinja Card.
Tickets and Tallinja Cards are available:
- at the Malta Public Transport Information and Sales Office, lying at the Welcomers’ hall (open both on weekdays and during weekends from 08:00 am to 07:30 pm)
- at the 24/7 automatic vendors outside the Sales Office and next to the bus stop (right outside the terminal).
- at WHSmith Outlet, which is to be found at Welcomers’ hall and operates from 10:00 am to 07:00 pm Monday to Sunday.
Alternatively, you can buy your tickets onboard from the bus driver. Please note that both cash and card payments are accepted. However, if you buy your ticket using cash, you should carry the exact amount of money, and you’ll be entitled to free rides with any bus line within the next two hours. Tickets that are purchased inside the bus cost 2€/2.14$.
On the other hand, you can settle on a Tallinja Card. Besides the personalized Tallinja Cards that are primarily used by locals, you can opt for an Explore Card, an Explore Flex Card, or a 12 Single Day Journeys Card.
An Explore Card is priced at 21€/22.50$ for adults and 15€/16.10$ for children up to 10 years of age. It offers unlimited bus rides within a 7-day time interval from the first validation. The card can’t be shared and is valid for day and night routes around Malta and Gozo, as well as for special services. However, it can’t be used in the Tallinja Direct. It also provides a discount for the National Aquarium.
On the other hand, Explore Flex Cards are non-personalized cards that can be topped up with money. Hence, you can pay for your transit fares as you go while enjoying lower rates. They are valid for bus rides, Valletta Ferry journeys, and elsewhere. They cost 6€/6.40$, but this price is actually credit that can be used for onward rides. Explore Flex Cards can also be connected with the Tallinja app. Furthermore, you can load your card with several packages. For instance, you can buy the 39€/41.75$-priced package that allows unlimited bus rides within a 4-day time frame along with a day on the Hop On Hop Off sightseeing bus tour. Moreover, the 45€/48.20$-priced Traveller package offers unlimited bus journeys for 7 days and a day on the Hop On Hop Off sightseeing bus tour, whereas passengers who opt for the Explore Plus package enjoy unlimited bus rides for 7 days in Malta and Gozo, a day on the Hop On Hop Off bus, a Harbour Cruise, and many more benefits paying just 69€/73.90$.
Finally, the 12 Single Day Journeys Card can be used by one person and offers 12 day journeys in Malta or Gozo, 6 night rides, or a combo of both. The 12-journey card costs 15€/16.10$.
The Tallinja Direct Route
The Tallinja Direct Route TD2 directly links Malta Airport to St. Julian’s. It is a circular and fast route that operates from 05:30 am to 00:30 am. Overall, its frequency is 20 minutes during peak hours and 60 minutes at other times. The ticket for the Tallinja Direct Bus from Malta Airport is priced at 3€/3.20$ if bought inside the bus or 2 journey tickets if you opt for a 12-Journey Card.
The Malta International Airport Shuttle Bus
The Malta airport shuttle is a service provided by Malta Transfer. It’s the airport’s official shuttle that links MLA to various popular Malta destinations, such as Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian’s, St. Paul’s Bay, Gzira, Xemxija, etc. Shuttles have luggage racks and are wheelchair-accessible. They provide shared shuttle services from the airport. You can buy your ticket for the Malta airport shuttle bus from the Malta Transfer Desks which are to be found in the baggage claim area, online, or through the app. The price for the ride from Malta International Airport to Valletta is 6€/6.40$ for one passenger. However, if you travel with a company, you’ll be entitled to a discount. The pick-up area lies in the Coach Parking Lot, next to the terminal. You’ll find plenty of signs inside the terminal displaying “Hotel Airport Shuttle”.
Each passenger can carry one piece of luggage and one hand luggage.
FAQs
Is there a bus from Malta Airport?
There are four express buses linking the airport to various destinations in Malta, along with an ordinary bus (Bus 119) that travels to Marsaskala. Moreover, the Tallinja Direct Route TD2d departs from MLA Airport heading to St. Julian’s, while airport shuttles also connect the airport to several popular regions of the island.
How much is the bus fare at the Malta Airport?
If you buy your ticket onboard once you enter the bus, you’ll have to pay 2€/2.14$. However, if you opt for a Tallinja Card, you’ll be entitled to reduced fares and several discounts, depending on the chosen type of card.
Do Malta buses accept cash?
You can pay with cash for your bus fare at Malta Airport. However, you should have the exact amount of money or at least pay with small bills. As a matter of fact, cash payments allow free onward rides within two hours from the purchase time.