Transit Options from Malta Airport to St. Julian’s
Well-known for its tourist facilities and its wild nightlife, St. Julian’s (San Giljan) has its share of not-to-be-missed sites and attractions. Lying 11km/6.8 miles from Malta International Airport, St. Julian’s attracts many of the passengers who land at the airport. Are you one of them? Are you worried about how to get from Malta Airport to St. Julian’s? Your options are numerous. Airport taxis and private airport transfers are the most convenient alternatives, whereas airport car rentals are recommended if you want to explore other Malta’s areas as well. On the other hand, public buses and airport shuttles also link MLA Airport to the cosmopolitan St. Julian’s.
| Options | Price (€) | Price ($) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 20 | 21.50 | 22 min |
| Bus | 2-3 | 2.14-3.20 | 23-51 min |
| Shuttle | 7 | 7.50 | 32 min |
Malta Airport to St. Julian’s by Taxi
The white taxis with the black Taxi signs on the roofs and the black registration marks on their front doors are always available at the MLA taxi rank, located just outside the Arrivals area. Verily, the white airport taxis -the vehicles belonging to the licensed-by-Transport-of-Malta Taxi Licensed Association- provide safe and fast rides from Malta Airport to St. Julian’s. Alternatively, black taxis -the vehicles of private taxi companies- also circulate in Malta. However, they aren’t lining up at the airport taxi stand, as they can be booked only online or through their app.
Malta taxis offer both metered and fixed-priced services. Thus, when they are caught at a taxi rank where a taxi booth is located, they offer set fares. That being said, Malta International Airport hosts a taxi booth on the terminal’s Ground level (at the Welcomers’ hall). Hence, your ride from Malta Airport to St. Julian’s won’t be metered, but you should expect a 20€/21.50$ fare. Nevertheless, admin fees or holiday fees (for taxi journeys on December 25th and January 1st) may apply. Cash and card payments are accepted, and tipping isn’t obligatory (yet it is highly welcomed). Overall, your taxi ride will last approximately 22 minutes.
Malta Airport to St. Julian’s by Bus
Malta’s only public transit mode is the bus. Therefore, if you are in search of the most affordable option, you should definitely opt for a bus ride from Malta Airport to St. Julian’s. Bus X2 -an express bus line that makes few intermediate stops- travels from the bus stop lying across the road from the terminal’s exit doors on the Ground level to St. Julian’s. It has available routes from 06:00 am to 11:00 pm every hour and takes 51 minutes to reach its destination.
If you opt for an onboard bus ticket, you’ll pay 2€/2.14$. You can use cash or bank cards. However, if you pay in cash, you should carry small notes. Please note that cash tickets allow free bus rides within a 2-hour time frame.
Alternatively, you can buy a Tallinja Card. Tickets and Tallinja Cards are sold via the automatic machines adjacent to the bus stop and outside the Sales Office, at the Malta Public Transport Information and Sales Office which is situated at the Arrivals area and is open from 08:00 am to 07:30 pm, and the WHSmith Outlet lying at the Welcomers’ hall and operating from 10:00 am to 07:00 pm.
Explore Cards allow free bus journeys for 7 days and are priced at 21€/22.50$ for adults and 15€/16.10$ for children (up to 10 years of age). However, they can’t be used for rides with the Tallinja Direct Bus. On the other hand, Explore Flex Cards can be charged with money while providing lower ticket fares (pay-as-you-go system) or be loaded with travel packages, offering free bus rides, journeys with the Hop On Hop Off bus, etc. They cost 6€/6.40$, but their fare is actually a credit for upcoming rides. They are valid for journeys with public buses, Valletta ferry, etc., but not for Tallinja Direct Routes. Finally, 12 Single Day Journey Cards can be used for 12 journeys during the day, 6 rides during the night, or a combination of both. Still, they can be used by only one person, but also for rides with Tallinja Direct Buses. Their cost is 15€/16.10$.
The Tallinja Direct Route
Apart from the express bus, TD2 (Tallinja Direct Route 2) also links Malta Airport to St. Julian’s. The direct bus departs from MLA from 05:30 am to 00:30 am on a 20-minute frequency and reaches St. Julian’s in about 23 minutes. However, during non-peak hours, it has available routes every hour. One-way tickets for TD2 cost 3€/3.20$ and are available from the driver inside the bus. On the other hand, 12 Journey Cards can also be used. As a matter of fact, you’ll need 2 journey tickets for the TD2 journey to St. Julian’s.
Malta Airport to St. Julian’s by Shuttle
Besides the public buses, the official airport shuttle company (Malta Transfers) also connects Malta Airport to St. Julian’s. Coaches are wheelchair-accessible and have luggage racks. Still, each passenger is allowed to have one piece of luggage and one carry-on. The bus stop of airport shuttles lies at the Coach Car Park, the parking lot right next to the terminal building. The ride from Malta Airport to St. Julian’s lasts around 32 minutes and costs 7€/7.50$. Nevertheless, if you buy more than one ticket, you’ll benefit from lower ticket fares. In any case, tickets are available at the Malta Transfer Desks situated at the baggage claim zone, online, or via the company’s app.
Car Rental from Malta Airport to St. Julian’s
If you are a DIY type of traveler, you’ll certainly opt for a Malta airport car rental once you land at MLA. In that way, not only will you reach St. Julian’s at your own pace, but you’ll also be able to travel around the island of Malta or even Gozo hassle-free, planning your daily schedule as you like. You’ll find plenty of car hire providers at Malta International Airport. Still, if you want to benefit from the top deals, you should book your Malta rental car as early as possible.
Your ride from Malta Airport to St. Julian’s will last around 22 minutes. As soon as you reach your destination, you’ll have to park your vehicle. If your accommodation offers parking services, your problem is solved. Otherwise, you’ll have to use one of the parking lots scattered around the city. Street parking is possible yet hard as parking spaces are limited.
Private Airport Transfers from Malta Airport to St. Julian’s
Travelers who value luxury during their travels usually settle on a private airport transfer for their ride from Malta Airport to St. Julian’s. There are various reasons behind that choice. To begin with, private airport transfers guarantee lavish and tailored services. Indeed, you can customize every aspect of your journey, from the car class to any side amenities. You’ll be welcomed at the airport by your personal driver, who will assist you with your luggage, you’ll enjoy a smooth ride on the vehicle of your choice to the exact location of your destination, and you’ll be free to ask all your questions. Your area-knowledgeable and friendly driver will have all the answers!
FAQs
How to get from Malta Airport to St. Julian’s?
You can catch a taxi, book a private airport transfer, or rent a car at MLA Airport to travel to St. Julian’s. On the other hand, the public Express Bus X2 and the Tallinja Direct Bus 2 are the most affordable ways to get from Malta Airport to St. Julian’s, whereas the airport shuttles provide somewhat more convenient but also costlier services.
How much is the bus from Malta Airport to St Julian’s?
The ticket fare varies depending on the chosen bus line. Thus, the public Express Bus X2 costs 2€/2.14$, and the TD2 is priced at 3€/3.20$. On the other hand, the airport shuttle services are slightly more expensive, as a one-way ticket from Malta Airport to St. Julian’s costs 7€/7.50$.
How much is a taxi from Malta Airport to St. Julian’s?
The Malta airport taxis offer set prices. Thus, the ride from Malta Airport to St. Julian’s costs 20€/21.50$, no matter the day or the time. Still, admin fees may also apply, slightly raising the final fare.