Transfer to/from - Malta airport (MLA)

Public transportation services, licensed taxis and rideshare, private transfer companies and car rental services in Malta airport (MLA)

Transportation

The airport is well connected to the rest of the island through public transport services, private transfers and taxis, providing easy access to the main urban and tourist centres.

Buses

The company Malta Public Transport operates four express routes (Airport Direct) connecting the airport with strategic points across the archipelago:

TD1: Connects to Cirkewwa, passing through Rabat, Bugibba and Mellieha.
TD2: Route towards San Ġiljan and Pembroke.
TD3: Runs to San Ġiljan (St Julian's) and Sliema, the main hotel areas.
TD4: Connects the airport with Valletta and the Gozo ferry terminal.

Fares and tickets: The single journey fare is €3.00, except for TD1, which costs €3.50. The use of the prepaid Tallinja Card is recommended, as well as payment by contactless credit or debit card directly on the bus or at the Malta Public Transport office located in the Welcomers’ Hall. Services generally operate between 5:00 am and 11:00 pm, with frequencies varying by route.

Shuttle Service: The company Malta Transfer offers an official shared door-to-door transfer service to the island’s main hotels. You can book the service at the desk located in the baggage reclaim hall or via its website.

Rent a Car

Taxis

The official taxi service is available 24 hours a day. The airport operates a fixed-fare system to ensure transparency. Passengers must purchase their ticket at the Malta Taxi desk located in the arrivals hall before boarding the vehicle.

Reference fares:

Valletta / Floriana: €17.00
Sliema / St Julian's: €22.00
Cirkewwa (Ferry): €35.00
Luqa: €12.00

More information: Transport at Malta Airport

Latest updates: January 12, 2026

Transportation Tips to/from the airport

Although there are issues that seem more than obvious, it is always advisable to take them into account when moving to or from the airport, and especially if we go by public transport.

1- To the airport - It is convenient to leave with a little more anticipation than what is commonly suggested. If you choose a taxi or a private car service, always take into account peak traffic times, demonstrations, strikes or events that may delay the journey to the airport from where you are. It is always good to be informed about what is happening.

If you contract a shared transfer service, have a contact telephone number handy in case of any delay by the company. In these cases they usually already have a scheduled collection time.

If you use public transport (collective, train) take into account the schedules (weekends and holidays tend to have less frequency), if you have to change and also how to board (if you need a card or paying the driver or motorist at the moment ). These are details that seem obvious, but it is advisable to know so as not to have surprises and suffer a delay that could cause complications.

If you rent a car to get to the airport, check where to leave the vehicle. At some airports, there is an exclusive parking lot for rental cars.

2 -From the airport- Here it is a little less stressful since you don't have the pressure of missing your flight. In the worst case, you will arrive later at the place where you are going to stay or at the meeting point where you are trying to arrive.

Once you leave the plane, look for your suitcase and finish with the arrival procedures that are required. Then, follow the directions for public transportation or ask the airport staff.

It is very useful to find out in advance the schedules of the buses or trains in case you arrive late at night. Not all work 24 hours. The same goes for taxis. In case of using an Uber-type service, have the mobile application handy to contact the driver.

On the other hand, if you booked a private transport service, it is likely that they will have a person waiting for you, identified with a sign. If you rent a car to go from the airport to your final destination, for greater peace of mind it is advisable to book it in advance. Rental counters are usually available in the arrivals hall.