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There are several ways of getting from Malta airport to Valletta when visiting Malta and on this page, I’ll help you figure out which airport transfer option is best for you.
Valletta is around 10km away from Malta International Airport and driving there by car takes around 20 minutes.
These are four ways to get from Malta International Airport to Valletta:
Here’s a quick comparison of transfer options in terms of time vs cost vs effort for a single trip.
| Journey time | Cost (single) | Effort 1-3 | Provider | |
| Taxi transfer | 20 mins. | €25 | 1 | Welcome Pickups |
| Shuttle bus | 30-60 mins. | €15 | 2 | Suntransfers |
| Public transport | 30 mins. | €2 (summer) | 3 | |
| Car rental | 20 mins. | €15-30/day* | 3 |
*Excluding parking fees
As you can see, public transport is the cheapest option (just €2 for a one-way ticket), though takes longer and is a lot less practical if you’re travelling with luggage. The good thing with your destination is that it’s straightforward getting to the Valletta main bus terminal. You won’t have to worry about which bus stop to get off on.
Taking a taxi transfer is by far the most convenient option if you can afford it. You get picked up and helped with carrying luggage and you’ll have a comfortable and quick trip from Malta airport to Valletta.
By far the most convenient, albeit priciest, way of getting from Malta’s International Airport to Valletta is booking a taxi transfer. At around €25 you’ll have peace of mind that transport will be smooth. You’ll also have a driver waiting for you as you enter the Arrivals terminal (also referred to as Welcomers’ hall).
A plus is that local taxi drivers are often pretty savvy and can be very helpful to source some tips with local knowledge.
When it comes to taxis, there are two options you can choose from
TIP: If you’re travelling with more than three people, it’s good to know that you can easily select a larger vehicle when you book online. That saves you both hassle and cost.
A shuttle bus airport transfer is also an option to get to Valletta and will cost you around €15. Given the relatively short distance though (for example, compared to having to travel to other locations like St. Paul’s Bay), it’s not that much more economical than taking a taxi. Moreover, it’s shared transport.
Should you still prefer this option, this is how these shuttle buses work:
I usually recommend Suntransfers for the most reliable service and best rates.
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Valletta: An Insider’s Guide to Malta’s Capital
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Malta International Airport is serviced by a few bus routes that reach various popular destinations across Malta without needing to change buses.
It’s only a 25-30 minute ride to reach the Valletta main bus terminal.
These are the directions you need to find your way onto the bus:
Valletta’s City Gate is a 5-minute walk away from the main bus station and everything is easy to reach on foot, however, no buses enter the centre of the capital. That makes getting there with luggage less practical, especially in the heat of summer.
TIP: It’s good to know that buses servicing the airport have allocated space on board for you to be able to store large luggage. Usually at the rear of the bus.
The three easiest options to pay your bus fare are
Renting a car is the final option to get from malta airport to Valletta, and if you need the flexibility of a car it’s doable, but not very practical. It does require a bit of effort so let me take you through the steps.
N.B. Parking within Valletta is notoriously difficult and limited, while a paid access system is applied as well. If you decide to rent a car you’ll need to use public or private parking options just outside the city’s main entrance and make your way on foot. Distances are short, but it does make a difference, especially in summer.
The paid access system is referred to as ‘CVA’ and registers license plates entering and exiting the city. Access is charged between 9 am and 2 pm on weekdays, timed stay within the city is measured until 4 pm. In the case of rental cars, the agency will receive any charges and bill you for them. Good to know: The first 30 mins after entry is free, which can come in handy to drop off luggage and passengers at your place of stay after which you can exit the city to park your car.
The car rental agency desks are located at Park East, which is a parking garage located to your right with your back facing the terminal building.
Follow the signs to get there, then get up to Level 1 to rent or pick up your car. Pre-booking is always recommended. More info here: Car hire from Malta airport.
Several rental companies are represented here, including local companies.
After you’ve checked your car for any existing damage (!) and got the paperwork sorted, load up Google Maps on your phone, or set your car’s navigation system to the correct destination.
You’ll need to know at this point where you’ll be parking, keeping in mind my note earlier about parking inside the city’s walls being limited/difficult/costly.
TIP: Rely on your GPS to help you get in/out of the city as there are a number of one-way roads.
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