Uber in Malta: Everything you need to know

To help plan your visit to the beautiful island nation of Malta, we’ve answered all of your questions about Uber Malta right here. Whether you need a transfer to and from the airport or an in-city ride, this guide covers all the information you need including alternative transport options and prices, so that you can make the best choice for you.

Is there Uber in Malta?

Regular Uber services are available across the entire archipelago region of Malta. Since launching in 2022, Uber Malta has slowly been gaining in popularity as more and more drivers join the ride-hailing platform across the main islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

The Uber fleet in Malta consists of UberX, UberXL, Comfort, Green, and Uber Pet vehicles, catering for 4 to 8 passengers. UberX vehicles offer a standard service and are generally the cheapest, alongside Green vehicles, which are either electric or hybrid vehicles. If you’re traveling in a larger group, UberXL should be your go-to, with 8-seater vans and ample space for luggage. 

Comfort vehicles are exactly as the name suggests, providing passengers with extra legroom and newer vehicles that comfortably seat 4 passengers. Lastly, if you’re traveling with a furry companion, you can book an Uber Pet service, which seats 4 passengers and one pet. 

*There isn’t Uber taxi in Malta, which means that all drivers are independent. However, drivers are still expected to meet certain requirements, and as per the local government legislation, any vehicle used for transporting passengers must be bought directly from a showroom, which means they’re all in top-notch conditions!

How much is Uber in Malta?

When taking an Uber in Malta the price will depend on how far you’re traveling, which service you choose, and the demand for drivers at the time of booking. In general, Uber Malta is cheaper than regular taxi services and other ride-hailing apps; however, during periods of high demand, price surging can occur, which raises the price.

In any case, a real-time price estimate for your ride will be available before traveling, allowing you to compare prices across different services. There is also the added convenience of paying for your ride through the app with a credit or debit card (cash payments are not accepted).

If you choose to take a standard UberX service from Malta Airport to the city center, your ride should cost between €10 and €12, depending on the factors mentioned above. The downtown area of Valletta is fairly compact, so a ride to and from your hotel to nearby attractions shouldn’t cost more than €6.

*Tolls and surcharges may be added to your final fare.

Alternatives to taking an Uber in Malta

From the airport

The most convenient and reliable Malta Uber alternative is a private transfer. These rides allow the greatest flexibility and can cater to your group size and destination for a fixed fare rate, without any price fluctuations. When you pre-book your Malta Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups, you’ll be greeted on arrival, taken straight to your air-conditioned vehicle, and dropped directly at your hotel door.

The full suite of Uber services is also available at Malta Airport, which can be booked on arrival. There is a designated passenger pickup area across the road from the main terminal exit, although your driver may request that you meet at a specific location. Keep in mind, since you can only book a driver on arrival, that you will need to wait up to 20 minutes for your driver to arrive.

Alternatively, you can jump in one of the white, metered taxis lined up at the taxi rank in front of the terminal exit. While each taxi is equipped with a taxi meter, it is best to pre-pay for your ride at the taxi booth in the Arrivals Hall to receive a cheaper rate. 

Getting around Malta

Although Uber can be used to get around town, a similar ride-hailing app, Bolt, is more popular amongst tourists and locals since it has been available on the islands for much longer. Likewise, the local taxi app, eCabs, is often used when booking a regular taxi and is especially useful when booking rides to the airport.

Otherwise, it’s also possible to hail a taxi off the street or order one over the phone either through your hotel or by phoning a company directly. You can also walk to a designated taxi rank, which can be found at town squares, shopping centers and other popular tourist hangouts like the waterfront. Or, if you prefer to plan ahead and travel in comfort and style, an in-city ride with Welcome Pickups can also be arranged quickly and easily through the app or online.

Is Uber safe in Malta?

Passengers can feel at ease when taking an Uber in Malta. The app has some great built-in safety features such as transparent driver ratings and the ability to follow along or share your journey with loved ones in real-time. Furthermore, vehicles are expected to meet certain standards in order to pick up anyone.

Similar to Uber, a taxi in Malta is also required to meet vehicle standards, and drivers are regulated by the government so you can trust that you are in safe hands. That being said, it’s important to stick to official white taxis, and to avoid being overcharged, always agree on a price up-front or use the taximeter. 

Traveling around Malta: Uber, Taxi, or Private Transfer?

When it comes to choosing the best transport option in Malta, you should think about the specific needs of you or your group. We’ve gathered some of the most important factors to consider below, so that you can make an informed choice.

FAQs

Is Uber safe in Malta?

Yes, Uber is generally considered safe in Malta and has several safety features in place allowing you to check your driver’s rating based on reviews from previous passengers, share your trip with friends and family, as well as an emergency assistance button.

Is Uber expensive in Malta?

Since Uber is the most recent ride-hailing app to be launched in Malta, prices can often be cheaper when compared to Bolt or regular taxis. For now, this may be an attempt to attract customers to their app, while they continue to gain popularity. Remember that you can always check the price before booking or alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer to lock in a fixed rate fare before traveling.

Does Uber pick up at Malta Airport?

Yes, it’s possible to take an Uber from Malta Airport. After you’ve made your booking, your driver will message you through the app to let you know where to meet them. Typically, the pick-up point is across the road from the main terminal exit.