How to get from Malta Airport to the City Center

The distance from Malta Airport to the city center is just 10 kilometers. If you’re wondering how to get to Valletta from the airport, you have three options: taxi, private transfer, or bus.

The easiest and smoothest option is to take a Malta Airport taxi or Malta Airport transfer. These provide door-to-door services in comfy, air-conditioned vehicles. You can get a taxi or private transfer 24/7 and the journey shouldn’t take longer than 15 minutes.

For a budget-friendly option, the X4 bus will drop you to Valetta from Malta Airport in around 25-30 minutes. The schedule is more limited but it could work for you.

Read on to learn about each method in detail.

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	€17	15min	24/7
Bus (X4)	€5	20min	05:46–22:53
Welcome Airport Transfer	€22	15min	24/7

How to get a taxi from Malta Airport to Valletta

If you were to ask us how to get from Malta Airport to Valletta, we’d recommend taking a Malta Airport taxi or private transfer. This is because it’s the smoothest, most convenient option to transport you and your loved ones from the curb of Malta Airport to the steps of your hotel.

In normal traffic conditions, the journey shouldn’t take longer than 15 minutes. Plus, taxis are available from Malta International Airport 24/7.

Malta Airport to Valletta taxi prices

You can expect your Malta Airport to Valletta taxi price to be €17. Malta Airport taxis typically calculate their fares using a taximeter depending on the distance travelled. However, rides from the airport can benefit from a fixed price system. You can pre-pay your fare at the taxi counter in the Arrivals Hall.

*You do not have to pre-pay the fixed rate. If you prefer to have a metered ride, you can hop into a taxi outside of the Arrivals Hall and request a metered ride.

The base fare is €3.50. Then, the first kilometre costs €2.50. The next 5 kilometres cost €2.50, and so on. There may be surcharges applied if you have an excess of large luggage items. This is why the fixed price may be a better solution for many tourists.

Cost

€17

Trip Duration

15 Min.

*Rates may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Malta International Airport (MLA).

Where do I get a taxi from?

You can find your taxi from Malta Airport to Valetta outside of the main terminal building, on the ground floor. The official taxis are white with a “TAXI” sign on top of them. Simply join the queue by the taxi stand until it’s your turn.

Remember to pre-pay at the taxi counter on the ground floor of the Arrivals Hall if you want to benefit from the fixed fare to Valetta.

Convenience

Taking a taxi is one of the most convenient and efficient methods for travelling from Malta Airport to the city center. Not only are taxis available 24/7, but they provide comfortable, affordable rides to Valetta. You also have the choice of whether to pre-pay a fixed rate or use the taximeter, which gives you flexibility as a traveller. The only downside of this option is having to wait for an available taxi.

Editor’s Note

Taxis at Malta Airport can hold up to 4 people with small luggage items, so if you are travelling as a group, it will dramatically reduce the price of the journey per person.

Useful Tips

If you choose not to go for the fixed-rate fare, make sure your driver resets the taximeter before your ride begins.

English is an official language in Malta so you shouldn’t have any problems communicating with local drivers. However, it’s good practice to have your accommodation address clearly written down.

Although there is a fixed fare to Valletta, be sure to negotiate your fare with at the booth or with your driver before you begin your journey.

Taxis at Malta Airport don't charge extra for luggage, but it might be limited storage space in the back.

Tipping taxi drivers is not expected in Malta. However, leaving a tip (around 10% or round up) is always a good idea if you particularly enjoyed the service.

How to get from Malta Airport to Valletta by bus (No. X4)

If you’d rather take public transport from Malta Airport to Valletta, the bus is a reliable, low-cost option. While there are a number of buses running from Malta International Airport, the X4 ‘Birzebbuga – Valletta’ bus is the only one that runs directly to the center of Valletta. Therefore, it’s a popular choice for tourists.

The journey takes around 25-30 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions. The X4 departs roughly every 20 minutes from 05:48 to 22:53 on weekdays. On Saturdays, it runs every 20 minutes from 05:45 to 22:56. On Sundays and public holidays, the bus runs every 30 minutes from 05:46 to 22:46. You can see the most updated timetable (in English) here.

The X4 bus will drop you at the Valetta Bus Terminal, a 5-minute walk away from Valletta City Gate. Buses can’t enter the historic center of the city so you’ll need to continue your journey on foot.

How much is the bus from Malta Airport to Valletta?

The cost of a bus from Malta Airport to Valletta is €2.50 for a single adult ticket during the day and €3 at night. You can pay for your fare as you board the bus with your contactless debit or credit card. Alternatively, you can pay the driver in cash and they’ll give you a paper ticket. Once you have your paper ticket, you need to validate it on the ticket machine next to the driver.

Photos (1)

Cost

€2.50

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Waiting time is 20 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, and 30 minutes on Sundays.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The X4 bus is available from 05:46 to 22:53.

Where do I get the bus from?

As you exit the Arrivals Hall at Malta International Airport, stay on the same side of the road and turn right. You’ll see a row of bus stops directly outside of the terminal building. All three of the Malta Airport to Valletta bus stops are used by multiple buses – there is no set bus stop for the X4. Therefore, you’ll need to pay attention to the sign on the front of the bus to ensure you’re getting the right one.

Convenience

The X4 bus from Malta Airport to Valletta is the least convenient option. Though the journey is short and direct, buses can be crowded during peak season. The bus does not originate from the airport either, so it’s rare that there are many empty seats by the time it gets to the airport. If you want convenience and comfort, a taxi, transfer, or shared shuttle are better options. However, if you’re on a budget, the X4 bus is great for those travelling light.

Timetables

X4 bus route and timetable

Editor’s Note

There are a few bus services that run from outside Malta Airport to various destinations across Malta. It’s important you find the X4 as this will take you to Valletta. If you take the wrong bus, getting to the capital city center could be a long journey.

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 €21 / Child €15), or a 12 Single Day Journey Card (€15).

You do not need to book a bus ticket in advance. However, this means you can’t reserve a space on the bus.

There is a designated luggage holding space on board for those travelling from the airport.

Tickets expire within 2 hours of validation.

If you want to pay for your ticket in cash, ensure you have exact change in euros.

How to get from Malta Airport to the city by private transfer

The best way to get from Malta International Airport to Valletta is to take a private transfer. It has all of the benefits of a Malta taxi plus a meet-and-greet service and hand-selected vehicles. That way, you can skip the taxi queue and start your holiday faster.

With a top-rated, professional transfer company like Welcome Pickups, you can expect:

Welcoming meet and greets at Arrivals
Trained English-speaking drivers
On-time pickups due to flight monitoring
Guaranteed fixed fares with zero hidden costs
24/7 customer support via our app

By choosing a private transfer service, you can relax knowing that all of the details will be taken care of on your behalf.

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

One of the best parts of booking a private transfer is that you’ll receive a custom, fixed quote for your journey ahead of time. That way, you don’t even need to carry extra cash when you travel. Your Malta Airport transfer to Valetta is already paid for.

As a guide on pricing, a four-seater sedan will cost €22. Whereas, a minivan for up to eight passengers will cost €34.

You can book via our online portal or mobile app (App Store || Google Play). All we need is your flight number, name, contact details, party size, and destination. You can let us know if you have any special requirements too, such as a baby seat. You’ll receive a fixed quote that includes any surcharges. That way, no matter if you hit nose-to-nose traffic on the day, the price remains the same.

Cost

€22

Trip Duration

15 Min.

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

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Malta Airport (MLA).

Where do I get a private transfer from?

Your friendly, local English-speaking driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall. They’ll be holding a sign with your name on it to help you identify them. After greeting you, they’ll help you with your luggage and lead you to your handpicked vehicle.

Convenience

Taking a private transfer from Malta International Airport to the city center is the most convenient way to travel. You’ll receive a friendly, professional, seamless service from the moment you book to when you pull up at the steps of your hotel in Valetta. With fixed pre-paid fares and professionally trained drivers, you can trust that your journey will be as relaxing and smooth as possible.

Editor’s Note

If you’d like, your driver will give you a mini tour of Valletta to introduce you to city and share some local tips.

Useful Tips

We offer a wide range of vehicles from modern sedans to minivans. Just let us know how many passengers you have in your party and we’ll take care of the rest.

If you’d like to tip your driver, you are welcome to do so using our app.

We recommend setting your collection at least 20-30 minutes after you’re predicted to land. This will give you time to collect your luggage and go through passport control.

24 hours before your flight, you’ll receive an email from us with your driver’s photo, name and contact details.

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 much is a taxi from Malta Airport to Valletta?

The taxi fare from Malta Airport to Valletta is €17 if you choose the fixed price option. You can pre-pay for your taxi fare at the taxi counter in the Arrivals Hall. Alternatively, you can have a metered ride with any taxi. In that case, your fare will depend on the distance travelled to your final destination.

How far is the Malta Airport from the city?

Malta Airport is 10 km away from Valetta city centre. By airport taxi or transfer, it’ll take around 15 minutes in light traffic. By public bus, the journey can take up to 30 minutes.

How to go from Malta Airport to Valletta by bus?

The X4 bus from Malta Airport to Valletta departs from outside of the terminal building every 20 minutes. The tickets cost €2.50 per person and you can pay on board by cash or card. The journey shouldn’t take longer than 30 minutes in normal traffic conditions.

Is there public transport from Malta Airport?

Yes, there are public buses available from Malta Airport to various locations across Malta. The most popular route is the X4 (Birzebbuga – Valletta) bus that you can catch for €2.50 from outside of the airport terminal building.

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How to get a taxi from Malta Airport to Valletta

Malta Airport to Valletta taxi prices

Cost

€17

Trip Duration

15 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Malta International Airport (MLA).

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Malta Airport to Valletta by bus (No. X4)

How much is the bus from Malta Airport to Valletta?

Photos (1)

Cost

€2.50

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The X4 bus is available from 05:46 to 22:53.

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

X4 bus route and timetable

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Malta Airport to the city by private transfer

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

Cost

€22

Trip Duration

15 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Malta Airport (MLA).

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 much is a taxi from Malta Airport to Valletta?

How far is the Malta Airport from the city?

How to go from Malta Airport to Valletta by bus?

Is there public transport from Malta Airport?

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