🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Malta
✈️ Flying to Malta
Main Airport
Malta International Airport (MLA) - Located in Luqa, about 8km south of Valletta. Modern, efficient, and the only commercial airport serving Malta.
Flight connections: Excellent connections from major European cities. Popular routes include London (3 hours), Rome (1.5 hours), Paris (2.5 hours), Frankfurt (2.5 hours), and Barcelona (2 hours).
💡 Insider Tip
Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air frequently serve Malta with cheap fares. Book 2-3 months in advance for best prices, especially for summer travel.
🚌 From Malta Airport to Valletta & Other Areas
Airport Direct Bus (TD4) - Best Option
Express bus service to Valletta's central bus terminus near Castille Place. Air-conditioned with extra luggage space, USB charging, and free WiFi. Journey time: 25-30 minutes. Fare: €3 (or €1.50 with personalised Tallinja card).
Regular Bus (Route X4)
Alternative route to Valletta. Runs 09:12-22:39 with 40-minute frequency. Fare: €2 cash (valid for 2 hours including transfers). Fully air-conditioned with luggage space.
Taxi
Fixed-price taxis available at airport. Journey time: 15-20 minutes to Valletta. Cost: €15-20 to Valletta, €20-25 to Sliema/St Julian's. White pre-booked taxis often cheaper than black cabs.
💡 Money-Saving Tip
Buy a 7-day Explore Card for €21 at the airport. It includes unlimited bus travel across Malta and Gozo, plus ferries (Sliema-Valletta, Valletta-Three Cities) and the Barrakka Lift. Pays for itself in 4-5 trips.
⛴️ Other Ways In
Ferry from Sicily—Pozzallo to Valletta (1.5 hours) or Catania to Valletta (3 hours). Virtu Ferries operates year-round. Passenger tickets €50-100, cars extra. Scenic Mediterranean crossing.
Ferry from mainland Italy—Salerno or Civitavecchia (near Rome) to Valletta. Longer crossings (10-14 hours). Grimaldi Lines operates these routes with cabins available.
Cruise ships—Many Mediterranean cruises stop in Valletta. The cruise terminal is in the Grand Harbour, walking distance from the city center.
Private yacht—Malta has several marinas including Ta' Xbiex, Msida, and Portomaso. Popular stopover for Mediterranean sailors.
No land borders—Malta is an island nation. You must arrive by air or sea.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Malta is part of the Schengen Area and European Union. US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and many other passport holders can enter visa-free for tourism up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Schengen visa rules apply—your 90 days cover all Schengen countries combined, not per country. English is an official language in Malta alongside Maltese, making communication easy.
Check visa requirements for Malta →🚗 Getting Around Malta
Buses (Comprehensive Network)
Malta Public Transport operates an extensive bus network covering the entire island. All buses are air-conditioned. Fares: €2 for Day Routes (€2.50 in summer), valid 2 hours with free transfers. Get a personalised Tallinja card (€25 registration) for free unlimited bus travel. App available for route planning.
Ferries (Inter-Island)
Malta-Gozo ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr runs every 45 minutes. Journey: 25 minutes. Fare: €4.65 return per passenger, €15.70 per car. Gozo Highspeed fast ferry from Valletta to Gozo: 45 minutes, €6-12. Sliema-Valletta harbour ferries: frequent crossings, €1.50 (free with Tallinja card).
Hop-On Hop-Off Buses
Tourist buses covering Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, and Blue Grotto. Expensive (€20-25) but convenient for first-time visitors hitting major sights quickly.
🎫 Travel Pass Tip
The 7-day Explore Card (€21) is the best value for tourists. Unlimited bus travel, ferries between Sliema-Valletta-Three Cities, and the Barrakka Lift. Covers both Malta and Gozo.
🚋 Local Transportation in Valletta
Valletta is compact and best explored on foot. The entire city is walkable in 30 minutes end-to-end.
Buses & Ferries
- Valletta bus terminus: Outside city gate, connects to all major areas
- Harbour ferries: Sliema-Valletta ferry every 30 min (€1.50, free with card)
- Three Cities ferry: Valletta to Vittoriosa/Senglea (€2.80, free with card)
Walking is the best way to experience Valletta's narrow streets, baroque architecture, and harbour views. The city is hilly—wear comfortable shoes.
🚙 Renting a Car
Useful if you want to explore Malta's beaches, temples, and countryside at your own pace. Not essential—buses reach most places.
Things to Know
- Drive on the LEFT side of the road (British system)
- Roads are narrow and winding—drive cautiously
- Parking is challenging in Valletta and Sliema (limited spaces)
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (urban), 80 km/h (rural)
- International Driving Permit recommended alongside home license
- Small cars recommended—easier to navigate narrow streets
- Major rental companies available at airport and main towns
⚠️ Driving in Malta
Maltese driving can be aggressive. Roads are narrow with tight corners. Consider buses for Valletta/Sliema and rent a car only for day trips to beaches, Gozo, or temples.
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Malta
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Buy Tallinja Explore Card: €21 for 7 days unlimited buses and ferries—pays off quickly
- Book flights early: Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air offer cheap fares months ahead
- Visit shoulder season: May-June or September-October for lower prices and fewer crowds
- Walk Valletta: No need for taxis—the city is tiny and walkable
- Use buses over taxis: €2 bus vs €15-20 taxi for same routes