Transit Options from Malta Airport to Valletta
Valletta, Malta’s capital, lies just 8km/4.9 miles from Malta International Airport. Thus, if you want to reach the fortified, scenic city after landing at MLA, you should expect an overall short journey to your destination. As far as the transit options are concerned, you should make up your mind depending on your preferences and budget. Thus, Malta airport taxis and private airport transfers are the most hassle-free ways to get from Malta Airport to Valletta, whereas car rentals are definitely recommended if you are planning on exploring other regions of the island as well. On the other hand, airport shuttle services and public buses are ideal if you are traveling on a budget.
| Options | Price (€) | Price ($) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 17 | 18.25 | 20 min |
| Bus | 2 | 2.14 | 25 min |
| Shuttle | 6 | 6.40 | 17-26 min |
Malta Airport to Valletta by Taxi
A Malta airport taxi is one of the most popular ways to travel from Malta Airport to Valletta. Taxi Licensed Association -the only company authorized by Transport of Malta- has fleets consisting of white vehicles with black “Taxi” signs on their roofs and black registration tags on their front doors. Taxis are always available at the taxi rank outside the Arrivals hall (on MLA terminal’s Ground level). Please note that private taxi companies also operate in Malta. Their vehicles are black (black cabs), and they offer pre-booked services online or via their app. Thus, they aren’t available at the airport taxi stand.
Although taxis in Malta are metered, they provide fixed fares when caught from a taxi booth’s location. Malta International Airport houses a taxi booth on the Welcomers’ hall (on the Ground level). Thus, you’ll have to reach the taxi booth and pay for a ticket from Malta Airport to Valletta. Although the price is set and independent of the traffic levels, you may have to pay for admin or holiday fees (if traveling on December 25th or January 1st). In any case, the ride from Malta International Airport to Valletta is priced at 17€/18.25$ and lasts around 20 minutes. Payments can be made in cash and via bank cards, and tipping is optional (a 5%-10% tip is customary for pleasant rides).
Our Tip: You can also use the Malta Taxi app to book your airport taxi.
Malta Airport to Valletta by Bus
The express airport bus is the only public transit option from Malta Airport to Valletta (and in general, since Malta doesn’t have a railway system). Thus, passengers who are looking for the most affordable option almost always opt for a bus ride with Bus X4. The Express Bus X4 makes intermediate stops (still, not as many as the ordinary bus lines), yet it doesn’t need more than 25 minutes to reach Valletta Bus Station, which lies within a short distance from the city center.
Please note that X4 runs from Malta Airport to Valletta but also to Birzebbuga (in the opposite direction). So, make sure to catch the right bus.
The MLA bus stop is situated on the terminal’s Ground level, right across the road from Departures. Buses run from 09:12 am to 10:39 pm and from around 05:50 am to 10:40 pm on weekends. They have available routes approximately every 40 minutes.
Tickets and Fares of Malta Airport Bus
To begin with, you can buy your ticket for the bus ride from Malta International Airport to Valletta onboard. Both cash and card payments are accepted, while a single ticket costs 2€/2.14$. Please note that when passengers pay in cash, they are free to travel with Malta buses for the next 2 hours without being extra charged.
Alternatively, if you are planning on using the public buses during your stay in Malta, you should opt for a Tallinja Card. The personalized Tallinja Card isn’t recommended to visitors, but you can make up your mind among the Explore Card, the Explore Flex, and the 12 Single Day Journey Card.
The Explore Card costs 21€/22.50$, whereas children younger than 10 pay just 15€/16.10$. With the Explore Card, you can use the public buses without extra charge for a 7-day time interval from the first validation. Nevertheless, it isn’t valid for Tallinja Direct rides. What’s more, should you want to visit the National Aquarium, you’ll be entitled to a discount on the entrance fees.
Moreover, Explore Flex Cards are rechargeable with money cards that aren’t personalized. Hence, you can pay for your rides as you go (ticket prices are lower in this case) or load them with several packages. For example, you can buy the 39€/41.75$-priced package that offers unlimited bus rides for 4 days as well as a day on the Hop On Hop Off bus. An Explore Flex Card is priced at 6€/6.40$, but its cost is actually a credit for future rides. It is valid for journeys with public buses and Valletta Ferry trips.
On the other hand, the 12 Single Day Journey Card can only be used by one traveler for 12 journeys during the day (in Malta or Gozo), 6 night rides, or a combination of both. It costs 15€/16.10$. Please note that this type of card can also be used at the Tallinja Direct Buses.
Where to Buy the Bus Tickets for the Ride from Malta Airport to Valletta
Tickets and Tallinja Cards are available at several selling points at MLA Airport. Thus, you can buy them from:
- the Malta Public Transport Information and Sales Office. It lies at the Welcomers’ hall and is open on an everyday basis from 08:00 am to 07:30 pm.
- the automatic vendors outside the Sales Office and next to the bus stop.
- WHSmith Outlet. It is located at Welcomers’ hall as well, operating from 10:00 am to 07:00 pm.
Malta Airport to Valletta by Shuttle
Malta Transfer is the official airport shuttle company that connects Malta Airport to various island destinations. Therefore, it also has available routes around the clock linking Malta International Airport to Valletta. Buses depart from the Coach Car Park adjacent to the terminal building, are accessible, and have designated luggage space. Still, each passenger is allowed to carry one piece of baggage and one hand luggage. The ride to the capital of Malta lasts around 17-26 minutes depending on the traffic conditions and the intermediate stops. Tickets are available from the Malta Transfer Desks lying in the baggage claim area. Furthermore, you can buy them online or through the company’s app. You should expect a 6€/6.40$ fare for your ride from Malta Airport to Valletta. Still, prices should be lower if you purchase tickets for more than one passenger.
Car Rental from Malta Airport to Valletta
Malta International Airport houses a wide variety of car rental companies. As a matter of fact, both domestic and international providers are present at MLA, with their desks lying at the Welcomers’ hall and their pickup area located on Level 1 of East Park. Moreover, other car hire agencies operate from off-airport locations, providing shuttle rides from and to the airport. Hence, you won’t face difficulty in ferreting out the ideal Malta airport car rental. However, if you opt for an early-in advance reservation, you’ll be able to choose among a wider variety of vehicles and benefit from lower prices and more tempting offers.
Malta airport car rentals are one of the most hassle-free ways to explore the island of Malta or even reach the adjacent island of Gozo.
Your ride from Malta Airport to Valletta will last around 20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. As soon as you reach your destination, you’ll have to park your Malta car rental. Street parking is usually paid or forbidden, and parking spaces are limited. In any case, please make sure to comply with the parking rules so as to avoid getting fined. Alternatively, you can easily find a parking spot in the surrounding areas or head to one of the public car parks that are out of charge.
Private Airport Transfers from Malta Airport to Valletta
Private airport transfers are the most luxurious way to get from Malta International Airport to Valletta. Your driver will be waiting for you at the Welcomers’ hall, helping you with your luggage, and escorting you to the vehicle of your preference, parked a few steps away. Your journey will, of course, be direct, while you’ll be free to pose all your questions to your local-knowledgeable driver. Moreover, your ride experience will be utterly customized. From the car class to any add-ons, you are the one deciding on all the transit details.
FAQs
How do I get from Malta Airport to Valletta?
There are various options for your ride from Malta International Airport to Valletta. You can catch an airport taxi, book a private airport transfer, or even reserve a handy car rental and reach your destination. Furthermore, local buses and airport shuttles connect the airport to the capital of Malta.
How much is a taxi from Malta Airport to Valletta?
Malta airport taxi rides come with set fares as a taxi booth is to be found in the MLA Welcomers’ hall. Therefore, passengers have to buy their tickets from the taxi booth, paying 17€/18.25$ for the journey from Malta Airport to Valletta.
How much is the bus from Malta Airport to Valletta?
If you opt for a ride from Malta Airport to Valletta with the public Express Bus X4, you’ll have to pay 2€/2.14$ for your ticket (price for tickets purchased inside the bus) unless you prefer buying a Tallinja Card. On the other hand, the official airport shuttle service (Malta Transfer) charges 6€/6.40$ for the journey to Valletta.