Taking a taxi in Malta
Getting from A to B by taxi is definitely the easiest and most comfortable way to see all that Malta has to offer. There are hundreds of official white taxis in Malta, marked with a black and white “TAXI” sign on the roof and black registration details on the front doors.
Malta taxis usually carry up to four passengers. You can hail them on the street, catch them at taxi ranks or prepaid booths, or book them by phone or app. Drivers either charge a prepaid fare upfront or use a meter, and every taxi carries a working taximeter.
How much is a taxi in Malta?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIRPORT TO CRUISE PORT | 20 € | 20 € | 20 MIN |
| AIRPORT TO VALLETTA | 17 € | 17 € | 15 MIN |
| ALBERT TOWN TO BUGIBBA | 30 € | 30 € | 35 MIN |
| LUQA TO VALLETTA | 16 € | 16 € | 20 MIN |
| SLIEMA TO ST JULIAN'S | 13 € | 13 € | 12 MIN |
Malta taxi prices
Malta taxi rates are usually calculated using a taximeter based on the distance traveled. You can also prepay at a taxi booth, depending on where you are. Authorized taxi booths offer fixed rates and are found at Malta Airport, Valletta Cruise Port, in Saint Julian’s (Paceville), and the bus station in central Valletta.
When opting for a metered taxi, your Malta taxi price will be calculated according to government-regulated rates.
Taxi cost in Malta:
- Initial Fare – €3.50
- For the first km – €2.50/km
- Over 1 km up to 5 km – €1.60/km
- Over 5 km up to 10 km – €1.40/km
- Over 10 km up to 15 km – €1.30/km
- Over 15 km up to 20 km – €1/km
- Over 20 km – €0.85/km
There is also a waiting fee of €25 per hour when stationary and €4.20 per hour if your driver gets stuck in traffic. Keep in mind that there may also be extra charges for luggage, traveling on public holidays and at night.
Malta’s authorised taxi booths offer fixed fares, set by the government, to popular destinations around Malta. All you have to do is prepay for your ride at the taxi stand and then hand the receipt to your driver.
Maximum fixed fares for a taxi from Malta’s Airport:
- Airport to Sliema – €20
- Malta Airport to Valletta – €17
- Airport to St. Julian’s – €20
- Valletta to St. Julians – €17
- St. Julians to Sliema – €12
- Sliema to Valletta – €15
*Unsigned black taxis may offer a lower rate than the official white Malta taxis, but they are privately owned, unregulated and considered more of a chauffeur service.
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How to get a taxi in Malta
There are many ways to find a taxi in Malta, but flagging one down on the street isn’t common practice. It’s more common to take a taxi from a designated stand. These are typically marked by a blue and white sign with an image of a taxi and the word(s) “Taxi” or “Taxi Stand”. Taxi ranks can be found at all major hotels, at bus stations in each town, and outside main tourist attractions such as the City Gate and the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta. These rides are metered.
Alternatively, authorized taxi booths are located at Malta Airport, the port, and in the center of most Maltese towns. You can secure a fixed rate and prepay for your ride at the taxi booth before handing the receipt to your taxi driver.
Getting a taxi from Malta Airport
Malta Airport taxis are available 24/7 outside the Arrivals Hall, so you don’t need to book one in advance. You’ll pay a fixed fare at the booth in the Arrivals Hall and be given a ticket that you have to hand to the first driver in line at the taxi rank.
In any case, the price for the approximately 15-minute ride from Malta Airport to the city center should be €17 for 4 passengers. You can also get a fixed fare for other popular routes, such as MLA Airport to St. Julian’s (€20).
How to get a taxi from Valletta Cruise Port
Taxis are lined up at the designated taxi rank along Xatt Pinto, the street that runs parallel to where the cruise ships dock, so you don’t have to walk far once you disembark. Although taxis are generally plentiful, keep in mind that queues can be long after a ship has docked, which isn’t ideal if you’re in a hurry.
How to get a taxi from Valletta Bus Station
The main bus station in Malta handles both local and intercity buses, so if you’re using public transport, you’ll likely pass through here at some point. To catch a taxi from here, head to the A bus station near the Triton Fountain. Taxis should be lined up near the shelters that run parallel to the fountain. The journey from here to St George’s Square in the city center takes 8 minutes by taxi and should cost about €8-€10.
How to get a taxi from the Barrakka Gardens
The Upper Barrakka Lift connects the Valletta Waterfront (Grand Harbour) with the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which can be useful if you’re arriving by boat and then want to take a cab to your hotel in the city center. Taxis from here are limited, and there is only one small taxi rank on the other side of the gardens in front of the Borza ta Malta stock exchange building.
Most popular Malta taxi apps
If the weather is bad, you’re outside the city center or you’re traveling late at night, booking your ride via a Malta taxi app is a great option.
Ride-hailing apps like Bolt, Uber and eCabs are popular choices in Malta. These will connect passengers to either a private or regular taxi service in Malta.
For travel to and from the airport, we recommend opting for a more personalized service by arranging your Malta Airport taxi in advance with a trusted company like Welcome Pickups.
Taxis are limited on the island and the last thing you want is to be left stranded or waiting. When you book with Welcome Pickups, you’re guaranteed a fixed price, an English-speaking driver and on-time pick-ups—so you can relax knowing your journey is taken care of.
How do I call a taxi in Malta?
If you’re not sure if you’ll have access to WiFi or prefer to not download an app, there are several Malta taxis numbers you can call and arrange a pickup.
Here are three top-rated companies by travelers:
- Malta Taxi:+356 (218) 23 017
- Hello Cabs Malta: +356 (990) 34 133
- Hicabs Malta: +356 (213) 72 137
Why you should book your Malta taxi in advance
There’s nothing better than having all your transport needs sorted before you even land for your holiday. Avoid the hassle of navigating public transport or waiting in the hot sun for a local taxi by booking your Malta taxi in advance.
With Welcome Pickups, you can book your Malta Airport transfer in less than 60 seconds and easily manage your reservation using our convenient mobile app. We also guarantee unbeatable prices, 24/7 customer support, friendly English-speaking drivers, and plenty of travel extras.
Malta taxi tips
- Taxis in Gozo have red lettering instead of black and are only allowed to operate in Gozo unless they are going to the airport.
- Malta taxis are not allowed to pick up or drop off passengers from bus stops.
- Make sure your driver resets the taximeter before you begin your ride.
- Airport taxi booths have government-set fixed rates that are non-negotiable.
- For rides hailed from a taxi booth, your driver must switch the taximeter on to prepaid before starting your ride.
- To make sure your driver is taking the fastest route, track your journey on Google Maps.
- Maltese drivers don't always speak English, so be sure to write down your destination to minimize any communication errors due to the language barrier.
- An extra €4.50 will be added to every trip on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
- The airport taxi booth is open 24/7.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Malta
If you or someone you’re traveling with needs a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, you won’t be able to travel in a regular Malta taxi. However, some companies provide specially-equipped vehicles. These vehicles are required by law to have clear signs indicating wheelchair accessibility.
Salina Cab offers 7 and 9-seater vehicles that are fully wheelchair-accessible. These taxis must be booked in advance by calling +356 (791) 12 233 or emailing [email protected].
Malta Taxi has also added wheelchair-accessible vehicles and ensures that only specially trained drivers operate these vehicles.
Malta taxi safety and complaints
Taxis in Malta are generally safe. However, taking an official white taxi or booking with a reputable private company is the best choice. White taxis are regulated and must comply with strict government licensing and safety regulations, whereas other drivers are not bound by these rules.
If you do experience poor service or overcharging, make sure to write down the taxi ID number and ask for your receipt. You can then report it to the taxi company or the Malta Police Union by calling +35 (621) 232 892.