✈ Getting from Malta Airport to Sliema

If you are traveling from Malta Airport to Sliema, you can take a taxi, transfer, or bus.

Taking a Malta Airport taxi is popular with tourists as taxis are available 24/7. The journey takes around 20 minutes, and metered fares are reasonable.

Alternatively, you can upgrade your travel to a Malta Airport transfer for added comfort and convenience.

If you’d rather take public transport, the TD3 Express bus can get you to Sliema in 25 minutes. You can also take the indirect route on the X4 and change to the No.13 at Valletta. You’ll reach Sliema in 35 minutes.

Read on for the full breakdown of each option!

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Malta at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€20	20min	24/7
TD3 Bus (direct)	€4	25min	06:15–01:45
X4 + No.13 Bus (indirect)	€8	60min	05:05–22:45
Welcome Airport Transfer	€22	20min	24/7

How to get from Malta Airport to Sliema by taxi

Taking a Malta Airport taxi to Sliema is one of the most convenient and quickest transfer options, as the service is door-to-door. A taxi from Malta Airport to Sliema takes just 20 minutes, and taxis are available 24/7.

How much is taxi from Malta Airport to Sliema?

Airport taxis in Malta operate with fixed fares to certain destinations. Therefore, you can expect your Malta Airport to Sliema taxi to cost €20.

That said, your journey may be subject to surcharges.

Cost

€20

Trip Duration

20 Min.

*Rates may vary unless booked in advance

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Malta Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

The official white airport taxis can easily be found waiting in a line directly outside of the arrivals exit at Malta International Airport (MLA).

Convenience

There’s nothing you want to do more after a long flight than get to your accommodation as quickly and easily as possible. Τaking an airport taxi to Sliema is one of the best ways to do this. All you have to do is strap yourself in and enjoy a smooth 20-minute ride straight to your hotel.

The caveat is that during the busy summer months, there may be a longer wait for an available cab. Especially in summer, you may prefer to book a private transfer in advance and skip the taxi queue.

Editor’s Note

Great for a convenient travel solution on demand.

Useful Tips

Though taxis are all fitted with taximeters in Malta, airport taxis have fixed prices that you can find on the website.

Taxis at Malta International (MLA) Αirport don't charge extra for luggage, however, most drivers won't allow suitcases on the seats, so you will need to make sure yours will fit in the trunk.

You must pay for your taxi at the kiosk in the Arrivals Hall before joining the queue at the taxi stand.

For authorised booth taxis, your driver must turn on the taximeter and switch it to show its a prepaid ride.

How to get from Malta Airport to Sliema by bus (TD3)

If you’re on a budget, the TD3 Express Bus from Malta Airport to Sliema is a great option. The journey takes around 25 minutes in normal traffic conditions and departs every 30 minutes from 06:15 to 01:45, Monday to Sunday.

How much is a bus from Malta Airport to Sliema?

Bus ticket costs vary depending on when you travel. During the daytime, tickets cost €2.50 in the summer and €2 in the winter. At night, tickets cost €3 regardless of the season.

Cost

€2-3

Trip Duration

25 Min.

There is a wait time of up to 30 minutes for the TD3 bus.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

The TD3 bus runs from 06:15 to 01:45, Monday to Sunday.

Where do I get a bus from?

The TD3 bus departs from the Airport Bus 3 bay, which is the right-most bus stop from the Arrivals Hall exit. The Bus is lime green and white with “TD3” written on the front.

Convenience

The TD3 Bus is one of the most convenient options for travelers on a budget. However, you can’t reserve a spot in advance, and you’ll need to arrange further transport to get to your accommodation when you reach Sliema. Also, consider the need to carry your luggage and keep an eye on the bus schedule as it is subject to change.

Timetables

TD3 Bus Timetable

Editor’s Note

Good direct public transportation option for travelers on a budget

Useful Tips

Look out for the Sliema stop, as this is not where the bus terminates.

You can purchase your ticket from the bus driver as you board.

Malta Airport to Sliema bus timetables are subject to seasonal change, so we recommend checking the website before you travel.

How to get from Malta Αirport to Sliema by bus (X4 + No.13)

Taking the X4 and No.13 buses to Sliema is the least convenient way to travel, as you’ll need to change in Valletta. This lengthens your journey to around 40 minutes and requires two single tickets. The X4 bus to Valletta departs roughly every 10-15 minutes from Malta International Airport between 05:34 and 22:37. This leg of the journey takes 20 minutes.

Then, the No.13 bus departs from Valletta every 20-30 minutes between 05:05 and 22:45. You’ll reach Sliema in 15-20 minutes.

How much is the bus from Malta Αirport to Sliema?

Each bus ticket will cost a minimum of €2 per person. This rises to €2.50 in the summer and €3 at night. Therefore, the cost will be between €4 and €6 depending on when you travel.

Cost

€4

Trip Duration

40 Min.

There's a waiting time of up to 20 minutes for the X4. There's a maximum 30-minute waiting time for the No.13 to Sliema.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The X4 bus is available from 05:34 and 22:37. The No.13 bus from Valletta to Sliema operates from 05:05 and 22:45.

Where do I get a bus from?

The X4 bus can be found in the bus terminal located just outside of the Arrivals Hall at Malta Airport. You can easily spot the green and white colours of the bus. Upon arriving at Valletta Bus Station, you can find the buses leaving for Sliema there.

Convenience

Taking the bus from Malta Airport to Sliema works if you’re on a budget, but not the best option if you’re on a tight schedule. Not only is the route not direct, but you could be waiting up to 30 minutes between buses. Plus, there’s not a lot of storage for luggage. If you’re traveling with lots of luggage or as a group, taking an airport taxi or transfer would be a better fit.

Timetables

X4 bus Route and Timetable

Airport to Valletta

Bus 13 Route and Timetable

Valletta to Sliema

Editor’s Note

Backup option for travelers on a budget.

Useful Tips

If you plan on using the bus services frequently throughout your stay, you can purchase an Explore Card which gets you unlimited travel for 7 days (Adult €25 / Child €7), or a 12 Single Day Journey Card (€19).

You can pay for your bus ticket with cash or a contactless card as you board the bus.

It's recommended to travel light as buses in Malta don't have much dedicated luggage storage space.

How to get from Malta Airport to Sliema by private transfer

The best way to get from Malta Airport to Sliema is to take a private Malta Airport transfer. You get the same direct, efficient ride you’d get from a taxi, but you get to skip the taxi queue and hop straight into a vehicle reserved just for you. Private shuttles from Malta Airport to Sliema with a trusted company like Welcome Pickups are specifically designed with travelers like you in mind. We offer plenty of extras to make your journey as stress-free as possible, including:

Meet and greets
Trained English-speaking drivers
Flight monitoring
Guaranteed fixed fares
24/7 customer support
Flexible cancellation

All you need to do is book your airport transfer in advance and everything will be taken care of when you land.

How much is a private transfer from Malta Airport to Sliema?

A private transfer from Malta Airport to Sliema with Welcome Pickups costs €22 for a four–seater sedan. Our prices rise depending on the size of the vehicle. Here is the full breakdown of our fixed rates for this journey:

Sedan (1-4 passengers) – €22
Minivan (5-8 passengers) – €34
Minibus (9-12 passengers) – €49

You can book via our online portal or mobile app (App Store || Google Play) within minutes. Just put in your flight number, contact details, and travel details to get your personalized quote.

Cost

€22

Trip Duration

20 Min.

*Booking your private transfer from MLA Airport in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Private transfer are available 24/7 from Malta International Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer from?

Your friendly driver will be waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name on it. After welcoming you to Malta, your driver can help you with your luggage as they guide you to your pre-selected vehicle.

Convenience

Choosing to take a Malta Airport transfer offers a more convenient and flexible transportation option than taking a taxi or public transport. If you pick a reputable company, private transfers are much more reliable and, therefore, relaxing.

Editor’s Note

Ideal for couples, families, business, and solo travelers who want a convenient, safe, reliable journey.

Useful Tips

We recommend setting your pickup time to at least 40 minutes after your scheduled landing time to allow you enough time to get through baggage reclaim and passport control.

Sedans can seat up to 4 passengers and minivans can take up to 8.

You do not have to tip your driver, however, you can always add a tip via the app if you really appreciate the service.

You will receive an email with your driver's name, details, and vehicle information so that you know what to expect on the day.

If you need a child booster or baby seat, you can request one during the booking process online or using the app.

If your flight is delayed, there's no need to worry as our drivers receive live updates on delayed flights. So no matter what time you land, they will be there waiting.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Malta. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€19

NIGHTTIME

€19

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How far is Sliema from the airport?

The distance from MLA Airport in Malta to Sliema is approximately 11.5 kilometers. By taxi or transfer, the journey shouldn’t take longer than 20 minutes.

How to get to Sliema from Malta Airport?

You can travel from Malta Airport to Sliema in three ways: taxi, private transfer, or bus. Taking an airport taxi or transfer is the best solution as you’ll reach your destination in just 20 minutes. The TD3 bus is a direct route that will get you to Sliema in 25 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a combined trip by hopping on the X4 bus to Valletta and changing to the No.13 bus to Sliema.

Is there a shuttle from Malta Airport to Sliema?

There are no free airport shuttles from Malta Airport to Sliema. However, the TD3 Express bus will get you to Sliema in 25 minutes and costs €2-3 per person. You can also pre-book a private shuttle from Malta Airport to Sliema with a trusted international transfer company like Welcome.

How much is a taxi from the airport to Sliema?

The fixed rate for a taxi from Malta Airport to Sliema is €20. You must pay for your taxi in advance at the kiosks in the Arrivals Hall.

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How to get from Malta Airport to Sliema by taxi

How much is taxi from Malta Airport to Sliema?

Cost

€20

Trip Duration

20 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Malta Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Malta Airport to Sliema by bus (TD3)

How much is a bus from Malta Airport to Sliema?

Cost

€2-3

Trip Duration

25 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

The TD3 bus runs from 06:15 to 01:45, Monday to Sunday.

Where do I get a bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

TD3 Bus Timetable

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Malta Αirport to Sliema by bus (X4 + No.13)

How much is the bus from Malta Αirport to Sliema?

Cost

€4

Trip Duration

40 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The X4 bus is available from 05:34 and 22:37. The No.13 bus from Valletta to Sliema operates from 05:05 and 22:45.

Where do I get a bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

X4 bus Route and Timetable

Airport to Valletta

Bus 13 Route and Timetable

Valletta to Sliema

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Malta Airport to Sliema by private transfer

How much is a private transfer from Malta Airport to Sliema?

Cost

€22

Trip Duration

20 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Private transfer are available 24/7 from Malta International Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How far is Sliema from the airport?

How to get to Sliema from Malta Airport?

Is there a shuttle from Malta Airport to Sliema?

How much is a taxi from the airport to Sliema?

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The best way to arrive in Malta