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Malta Airport to Valletta: Best Taxi or Bus Transfers

There are four ways to get from Malta Airport to Valletta, which I’ll present and compare in this guide to help you choose the best transfer option. Once you have chosen, you can book your transfer directly on this page.

Contrary to what you might first think, Malta International Airport isn’t in or near Valletta but near the village of Luqa, to the South of Malta’s capital city. To cover the roughly 10 km distance, an airport taxi transfer is the best option if your budget allows. If you are on a budget, you can take a shuttle bus or simply the public transport bus.

Apart from taxis, shuttle buses, and public transport, car rental is a transport solution not only to your place of stay in Valletta but also for all of your holiday in Malta. As an expat living in Malta for many years, I’ve navigated the route from Malta Airport to Valletta countless times, and I’m happy to share some locals’ tips to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Comparison of Available Options

Taxi Shuttle Bus
Cost From €26 Around €10-15 (for one adult plus luggage) €2.50 (night-time fare: €3; multi-day cards from €6)
Trip
Time		 20 minutes 50 minutes 25 to 30 mins
Hours 24/7 24/7 From 5:50 a.m. to 10:35 p.m.

Taxi from Malta Airport to Valletta

Cost From €26
Trip Time 20 minutes
Availability 24/7
Convenience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Value for Money ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Safety ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Best Private Transfer from Malta Airport to Valletta

I don’t know about you, but after a long journey, I don’t like worrying about my hotel transfer. Especially when I’m travelling with heavy luggage. The last thing I want to do is run after a bus. That’s why taking a private transfer from Malta Airport to Valletta is by far the most convenient option if you can afford it.

I have tried several taxi services from Malta International Airport and found the most reliable to be Welcome Pickups, because:

  • The professional drivers are hand-picked and speak English fluently.
  • They wait for the passengers in the Arrivals hall, so I don’t have to search to find my driver.
  • The drivers monitor the flights so they are always on time.
  • There are no hidden fees.

Ride-hailing Services

Ride-hailing companies like Uber, Bolt, and eCabs also operate from Malta International Airport and can take you to your hotel. To book a ride with them, download their app and enter your destination.

The price displayed on the app may be around 20% cheaper, but those taxis are not always reliable. Moreover, expect to wait and pay more when the demand is high, especially with the large number of people you’ll be travelling with on the plane. Locating your driver can also be a challenge because pick-up points at this small airport are not always easy to find.

Tips

  • Want to skip the line when you arrive in Malta? Book in advance so you don’t need to worry about anything!
  • Eager to explore Malta? Ask your taxi driver for some tips and recommendations for activities, restaurants, and more.

Cost-effective Transfer Options from Malta Airport to Valletta

Shuttle Buses from Malta Airport

Cost Around €4 (for one passenger plus luggage)
Trip Time 50 minutes
Availability 24/7
Convenience ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Value for Money ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Safety ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cost-effective Transportation from Malta Airport to Valletta

If the ‘best transfer option from Malta Airport to Valletta’ means the most cost-effective one for you, then I recommend booking a shuttle bus. They offer a convenient service for a cheap price. Here is how it works:

  • Book your transfer from Malta Airport to Valletta with Suntransfers.
  • When you arrive at the arrivals terminal of Malta International Airport, you will find your driver waiting for you.
  • The shuttle bus driver will wait for all the other booked passengers to arrive.
  • Your driver will stop around one to four times at various hotels to drop off the other passengers. Since the capital city of Valletta, is relatively close to the airport, you’ll likely be dropped off early in the journey.

Tips

  • Book your Malta Airport to Valletta transfer in advance to secure a seat. Seats are sold out quickly, especially in the summer.
  • Don’t forget: Since this is shared transportation, you’ll have less privacy and comfort compared to a private taxi.

The Public Bus: The Cheapest Option

Cost €2.50/person (night-time fare: €3; multi-day cards from €6)
Trip Time 25 to 30 mins
Availability From 5:50 a.m. to 10:35 p.m.
Convenience ⭐️⭐️
Value for Money ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Safety ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

How to take the bus from Malta Airport to Valletta?

If your priority is to save on your Malta Airport to Valletta transfer, look no further than the bus service, operated by Malta Public Transport.

Taking the bus from Malta International Airport to Valletta is quite easy:

  1. Buy bus tickets:
    • At the Malta Public Transport outlet located in the arrivals terminal;
    • At the dispensing machine located in front of the outlet;
    • At some Malta International Airport outlets: WHSmith Express (arrivals terminal) and Agenda Bookshop (departures terminal).
    • Or directly from the bus driver (where you can pay by cash or a VISA debit/credit card only).
  2. Step out of Malta International Airport. The bus stop is located just outside the arrivals terminal.
  3. Know which bus routes to take. Bus route TD4 goes directly to the Valletta main bus terminal. You can also opt for Route 88, but the journey is slightly longer since the bus passes through other towns and villages.
  4. Stop at the Valletta main bus terminal. The bus will drop you near the Tritons’ Fountain.

Tips

  • Buy a bus card: If you’re staying in Valletta and are not renting a card, I recommend you buy a multiday pass to explore Malta during your stay, such as the Explore card (Adult €25 / Child €7). You can reach all the popular destinations and get pretty much everywhere on the island since most routes depart from the main bus station at the capital city’s entrance.
  • Good to know: You can only purchase a one-way ticket directly from the driver so if you’re planning to buy a bus card, do so before getting on the bus.
  • Keep in mind: The bus stops at the entrance of the city, so you will need to walk to the Valletta city centre and your nearby accommodation, which is not convenient if you’re carrying luggage. In that case, consider booking a taxi.

Malta Airport to Valletta by Rental Car

Cost From €15-30 per day (depending on the vehicle type and time of year)
Trip Time 20 minutes
Availability During car hire office opening hours, in some cases, out of the opening hours. Speak to your car hire company beforehand. Additional fees can apply.
Convenience ⭐️⭐️
Value for Money ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Safety ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Renting a car and driving it from Malta Airport to Valletta is the last transfer option. Though it is actually not the transportation I would personally recommend if you’re staying in Valletta (I’ll explain why), you might plan on visiting Malta on a self-drive vehicle for maximum flexibility.

Driving to Valletta

You can book a rental car in advance or do so upon your arrival (although I recommend the first option to ensure availability). In either case, the vehicle is to be picked up at Park East, near the Malta International Airport terminal.

Before you start driving, remember that in Malta we drive on the left.

The way to Valletta is pretty short and goes through Luqa, Marsa, and Floriana. You will drive on a main road with clear signs, but don’t hesitate to use a navigation tool such as Google Maps to help you navigate Maltese roads.

Tips

  • The car may not be the best option if you’re staying in Valletta. Furthermore, you can’t use the car to visit Valletta, as the city centre is only accessible on foot. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Valletta can be easily visited on foot.
  • Make sure you are a confident driver; navigating Maltese roads isn’t easy, and heavy traffic is a reality.
  • Driving inside Valletta: Access to the city itself is controlled by a paid system called the ‘CVA’. The license plates are registered when the cars enter and exit Valletta. For rental cars, any charges will be billed to you by the agency. However, the first 30 minutes after entry is free, so you can drop the luggage at your hotel and exit Valletta to park.
  • Parking is notoriously difficult: Forget about parking inside Valletta. You will need to park just outside the city’s main entrance in one of the private or public car parks, and then walk to your accommodation.

Pro Tips for your Malta Airport to Valletta Transfer

  • Book in advance: A little planning can go a long way to ensure your airport transfer is as smooth as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute to book, or you might not find any available taxi or seat on a shuttle bus. My recommended provider is Suntransfers.
  • Travelling in a group: Pre-book with Welcome Pickups to get a larger vehicle instead of multiple taxis. You will save money and arrive together at the hotel.
  • Currency: Always carry some Euros with you, as not all services accept credit cards and mobile payments.

FAQs

There are four ways to get from Malta Airport to Valletta: by taxi, shuttle bus, public bus or rental car. The taxi is the quickest and the most convenient option as the driver will drop you in front of your hotel. If you choose any of the other options, you will need to walk from the main bus station to your accommodation.

A taxi from Malta Airport to Valletta costs around €26 if you book in advance with Welcome Pickups. The journey usually takes 20 minutes.

The bus fare at Malta Airport is €2.50. The bus ticket prices are the same all over the Maltese Archipelago. The bus number TD4 goes directly to your destination and takes 25-30 minutes.

Valletta is around 10 km away from Malta Airport. The journey takes 20 minutes by taxi, 50 minutes by shuttle bus and 30 minutes by public transport.

Do you have any questions?

Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you shortly!

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About the author
Picture of Marie-Astrid Bridelance
Marie-Astrid Bridelance
I’m a French expat who arrived in Malta in 2017 and immediately fell in love with it. Ever since I have been spending my free time exploring every nook and cranny of the Maltese Islands and now know it inside out. Its historical cities, colourful streets, turquoise waters and laid-back lifestyle no longer hold any secrets from me! I’m always on the lookout for new things to do, secret corners to explore, events to attend and local specialities to taste. I also enjoy taking pictures of this highly photogenic country I’m proud to call my second home. I’m happy to pick up my pen (or better said, my keyboard) to share my experience and my best tips here with you.

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