Malta Airport Bus
IATA code: MLA
ICAO code: LMML
Passengers: ~7 million
Malta International Airport (MLA) is the only airport in Malta and it serves the entire Maltese archipelago. It is located in Luqa, small village in the Southern Region of Malta, only 5 kilometres from the capital, Valletta.
Compared to other European airports, Malta Airport is not that large in terms of number of passengers, however, the numbers have been increasing over the past few years.
Ever since Ryanair has introduced flights to Malta, the numbers jumped from 3.5 million passengers to 5 million passengers annually in 5 years span.
Table of Contents
How to get from Malta Airport to other places on Malta
Airport bus
If you don’t want to worry how to get from Malta Airport to the rest of the island, the best option is to book a minibus. For 10€ minibus shuttle will take you directly to your destination (public buses take time since there are a lot of stops). Luggage transportation is guaranteed and you can use free Wi-Fi. Here are some of the shuttle buses from Malta Airport:
| Malta Airport to St Julian’s | Malta Airport to St Paul’s Bay | Malta Airport to Gozo |
| Malta Airport to Valletta | Malta Airport to Gawra | Malta Airport to Sliema |
Public bus
Transportation from Malta Airport is operated by Malta Public Transport and there are currently 4 bus lines running to and from the airport. The bus terminal is located in front of Departures Hall:
- X1 – from Malta Airport to Cirkewwa → runs approximately every 30-40 minutes, first departure is at 05:20 and last one at 22:55
- X2 – from Malta Airport to San Giljan → runs every hour from 06:00 to 23:00
- X3 – from Malta Airport to Bugibba → every hour from 05:30 to 22:30
- X4 – from Malta Airport to Birzebugga → the bus departs from bus terminal in Valletta, approximate travel time to the airport is 25 minutes. First bus departs at 10:27 and last one at 22:54
NOTE: You can buy tickets at the airport office or directly from the bus driver. One-way ticket costs €1.50 for all bus lines and it is valid for 2 hours. (€2.00 during summer season). Ticket for night bus lines costs €3.00.
Taxi service
Official airport taxis are available 24/7 and they’re located in front of the airport. The average taxi fare to Valleta is €17, to Mdina €22 and to Mellieha €33.
You can buy pre-paid tickets from the booth at the Welcomers’ Hall on the airport or book your ride via Malta Taxi App which is available on Google Play and the App Store.
Transfer
Private transfer is a good option if you do not prefer public transportation or if you are coming with family or friends. It is advisable to book transfer online so that the driver can wait for you when you arrive at the airport.
Renting a car at Malta Airport
Since Malta is relatively small island, it’s a good idea to rent a car and do a little trip on your own. You can either book your car online or rent it directly at the airport where you will find offices of Budget Car and Aquarius rental companies.
NOTE: In Malta people drive on the left side of the road (like in United Kingdom and Ireland).
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Malta Airport airlines
Malta Airport handles international flights. There are 24 airlines that operate flights here: AirFrance, RyanAir, easyJet, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, etc.
These airlines have connections to a large number of international airports, including Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, Heathrow and Gatwick airport in London, and Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt.
This airport is a hub for Air Malta.
Malta Airport amenities
A range of services and facilities are available for passengers waiting for a layover or their next flight.
- VIP lounges
- pharmacy
- 24 hour luggage deposit service
- free WiFi
- charging stations
- food court
- ATMs
Accommodation near Malta Airport
There are no hotels in the proximity of the airport, check the nearby accommodation below:
Malta Airport FAQs
Currently, no bus night line leads from Malta Airport to the city, so your safest bet is to take a taxi (they’re available 24/7 at the airport) or a private transfer.
There are only few ATMs at the airport but there is no exchange office so you should already have some euros on you before your flight.
Yes, the airport provides free unlimited WiFi internet connection.
Ferry port in Cirkewwa is the main ferry terminal for ferries from Malta to the islands of Gozo and Comino. There is a direct bus line (X1) from Malta Airport to Cirkewwa Port and it departs every 40 minutes.
Hello!
At 15/07 I visit Malta. Can you please tell me with witch bus I can go to Mellieha bay?
Thank you in advance!
Dear Maris,
If you are looking for the direct bus from Malta Airport, I suggest taking bus route X1 to Cirkewwa which also makes a stop in Mellieha Bay. The bus departs from the airport approximately every half hour.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
What is the price for the ride from the airport to mellieha?
Dear Kirsten,
In case you are referring to public transport, all bus ticket prices are the same – €1.50 for a single ticket (€2 during summer).
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
How long does this bus take please
Dear Ryan,
You can see the full bus line timetable in the blog post for more details.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hi
Could you let me know if the x1 bus from airport would stop at solana hotel in Mellieha please. Also how long does the journey last? We are arriving in Malta on 25th February at 22.30. Many thanks
Dear Linda,
X1 bus makes a stop at Adenau bus stop which is only 300m from Solana Hotel in Mellieha. Last departure from the airport is at 22:50 and ride to Mellieha lasts around 1hr and 30 mins.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
We have a flight on the 27 of June departure at 9.15 , What number we have to get from Valletta and at what time depart pls?
Dear Adriana,
The bus line X4 connects Valletta and Malta Airport and it departs every 30 minutes. I suggest taking a bus somewhere between 7 and 7:30 just to be safe.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
We’ll be staying in St John’s Street in Valletta – where should we get off the X4 – main bus terminal?
Dear Julie,
That’s right, you should get off at main bus terminal in Valletta.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Your info says that the X4 buses start at 10.43 – is that correct or a typo ? Also do buses from Valletta all leave from the Bus Terminal ?
Dear Peter,
Actually, this info is valid for X4 buses in direction Birzebbugia – Valletta meaning that bus will be at the airport around 10:43 (the first departs from Birzebbugia at 10:20). The X4 buses from Valetta departs differently and it leaves from the bus terminal. On this link you can check the full timetable – https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/route/X4
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Thanks for that which stop is the airport ?
Dear Peter,
Each stop is shown on display in the bus so you will know when to exit. 🙂
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Hy! I have to take the plane at 8 am saturday morning 04 august 2018. I must be there at 6 am to do the check in and the rest. Can you tell me if the night bus is coming at that fixed program? Or is having delays + -? I must know because i want to arrive at time, not to run from there to there. 😀 thanks a lot! ( In the day i saw a big diference between the paper program and when they arrive).
Dear Gabriel,
Unfortunately, we do not have that kind of information. Delays depend on traffic and considering that we are talking about night line, there shouldn’t be traffic jams at that time of the day.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Hi,
is there a bus from the airport to Sliema, i would arrive around 21.00?
Dear Karen,
You will first need to take X4 to Valletta and exit at the main bus station in Valletta and from there take bus line 13,14,15 or 16 to Sliema.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
How do i come by bus to Grand Hotel Excelsior???
Dear Flemming,
There’s a direct bus line X4 and You should exit at Publiju stop. From there You have additional 4 min walk to You accommodation.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Hello
How I can go to Park hotel Sliema from Malta airport ? Thank you.
Dear Serkan,
There is no direct bus line from the airport to Sliema but You can take X4,71, 72 or TD2 from the airport and then transfer to bus to Sliema once You reach the city. Also, getting a taxi is not that pricey and it shouldn’t cost more than 20€. So if You are travelling with more people it won’t cost too much.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Which bus do I take from MOSTA to the airport
Dear Charlie,
Unfortunately, there’s no direct bus line from Mosta to Malta Airport but You can combine bus lines. The best way is to go first to the bus terminal in Valletta (lines 41, 42, 45) and take X4 line to the airport.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Hi Melani, I will be visiting Malta next week and my flight will be landed at 23:10 at Malta Int. Airport, could you please inform wich bus to take : to get to the bus stop : EXILES, SILEMA?
And how about : from EXILES, SILEMA to the airport? I will need to be back at the airport between 6:00 and 6:30 am.
Thanks in advance,
Best regards,
Paul V.
Dear Paul,
The best option from the airport to Sliema at night is N91 line, and for going back to the airport I advise taking X2 or TD2 bus line.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Dear Melani,
Thank you so much for your precious message. Have a nice day.
Best regards,
Paul
Dear Paul,
It’s no problem, have a nice trip on Malta! 🙂
Best regards
Melani, GBB Team
Hi there
Is any regular bus lines to place of Tal-Pieta from Valletta airport 23 novembar after 20:00 hour and what bus nr should i take.
Thank You in advance
Dear Kosta,
The best option is to take X4 bus to bus stop Bombi 2. When You reach Bombi 2, You will need to walk down the stairs and go to Bombi 4 bus stop (below the bridge) and from there You can take bus line 13,14,16,21 (most frequent) but basically You can take any bus which goes in the direction of Tal-Pieta.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Hello Melani
My flight back on 27th October it´s at 6.40 am. I have no hotel for this night, because I´m not sure how to get to the airport. Do you know if it´s possible to spend the night at the airport or somewhere close? Thank you in advance.
Regards, Mariya ( Spain)
Dear Mariya,
Maybe you could try searching for accommodation in Luqa, since it is the name of town on Malta where the airport is located.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Hello Melani,
could you please tell me how can I get to swieqi from malta international airport. is there any direct bus line to get there
.Thanks a lot for your precious help
Aziz
Dear Aziz,
You can take X1 bus and exit at Pembroke Park & Ride 2 bus stop. It is the nearest stop to Swieqi.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
hi Melani
thank you for the precious help
do you know please how can i get to swieqi from malta international airport
many thanks
Hi,
How long is a drive by bus from Aiport to Valletta?
thx
Ivana
Dear Ivana,
the journey from Malta Airport to Valletta should take around 40-45 minutes.
Best regards,
Maja, GBB Team
Hi Melani
What bus must take from the airport to bayview hotel at the Gzira
Thanks a lot
Dear Marinela,
Take bus line TD2 and exit at Ponsonby stop. Bayview Hotel is just across the stop 🙂
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Hello. Which stop do I get off for the departure terminal at the airport? Is It the last stop, Ajruport? I’m confused because GoogleMap says to get off at the stop before (Avjazzjoni) then walk for 10min.
Dear Sarah,
It depends on which bus line you are referring to, but the majority of bus lines which operate to the airport stop directly in front of the airport (both departure and arrival point).
Best regards,
Melani, GBB Team
Hi..i will be travelling to malta this month..I will be staying at Mellieha resort.Which bus should i take to reach from malta airport and also leave from mellieha to airport around 4:00am.?
Dear Ice,
Take bus X1 from the airport. The bus makes few stops in Mellieha.
Best regards,
Melani, GBB Team
Dear Melani, I kindly ask you for advice 🙂
We are going by bus from the airport – 23.12.2018, Sunday. We´ll arrive to Luqa cca 10:15 p.m. What kind of bus (number, direction…) should we choose to reach the hotel (Roma hotel, Ghar Il – Lembi Street, Sliema)?
Thank you !
Petra
Dear Petra,
There’s no direct route, you will have to either combine buses or book a shuttle transfer which is the safest option. Taxi is also an option but it will cost you around €20.
Best regards,
Melani, GBB Team
cum ajung de la aeroport la hotel Sliema Chalet ?
Dear Abel,
You can take buses 71,72,73 from Malta Airport to Valletta Bus Terminal and then transfer to 13, 13A or 16 to get to your accommodation (exit at Chalet bus stop).
Best regards,
Melani, GBB Team
Hi,
What happened to buses after 14.01.19?
I was trying to find a route from Airport to Portomaso for 18.01 but there was no result.
Hi Bart,
unfortunately we do have any partner offering buses to Portomaso, what you could do is to take the public bus line X2 from the airport, that one stops close to Portomaso as far as we are informed.
Kindest regards
Team GetByBus
How much does a taxi cost from the airport to cirkewwa with 4 people and 4big luggage and 4 small ones.
Dear Sylvia,
I think no regular taxi car can take 4 passengers + that many luggage. If you are looking for a private transfer, it’s best if you do a booking in advance and you might need a larger vehicle like minivan, for example.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hello! Can’t you pleas say, witch bus drive to Qawra Palace hotel Malta form Malta Airport? I il visit Malta 14.02.19
Thank you, Best regards!
Dear Ilva,
You can take TD3 bus line from the airport and exit at Bugibba Bay 1 bus stop. From there you have additional 5 min walk to your accommodation.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
i want to know how to go from the international airport to Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta.
Thanks in advance
Good morning!
You can either take a taxi directly to the hotel or you can take the bus in front of the airport that will take you to Valletta, and then from the bus stop you’ll have to walk for around 5 minutes to reach the hotel.
Best regards,
Kristina GBB Team
How can I get from Malta airport to Gzira by public bus please?
Dear Narges,
First you need to take bus 71,72 or 73 to bus stop Bombi 2A, get off, go down the stairs to Bombi 4 bus stop and take a bus 13A,14,15 or 16 and exit at Ponsonby in Gzira.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hello I arrive on a Thursday evening in May at 22.50pm. I need to get to meliahia. I think the buses will have stopped by the time I get out of the airport?
Dear Laila,
You can reach Mellieha at that time by combining two buses. First you need to catch bus N71 around 23:30 in front of the airport and go to San Giljan where you will arrive no later than 00:15. The bus from San Giljan to Mellieha (N11) departs at 00:35 and will arrive at Melliha around 1:10. Hope I helped!
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hello I arrive at 1st of April at 5 p.m and I have found a bus for 10€ to take me to Sliema. But, on 5th of April I have an early flight around 6:25, and I dont know if there is any bus that can take me to the airport. Can you please help me?
Dear Elionina,
You can catch first departure of local bus line TD2. The bus departs from San Giljan at 04:50m and it will be in Sliema (Chalet) around 05:00 and it will arrive at the airport around 05:50.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hello, I am departuring on 7 of April at about 18:45. I am going to Sliema. Which bus should I take go get from Aeroport to Sliema and from Sliema to Aeroport?
Can I use x2?
Dear Monica,
X2 bus line doesn’t stop in Sliema when it departs from the airport, but it stops in Sliema in the direction to the airport. However, you can buy a ticket for a direct bus from Malta Airport to Sliema on the following link https://getbybus.com/en/bus-malta-airport-to-sliema
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
I arrive Malta 23.40 which bus to San Gwann
Dear Marilyn,
There’s no direct bus line from Malta Airport to San Gwann at this hour. I suggest taking a taxi or booking a private transfer.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hi, on 19.4 I will come to Malta airport at 23:00 so which bus i can take to come to Valletta?
Dear Nut,
There’s a direct shuttle bus departure at 23:15 from Malta Airport to Valletta. You can find bus and ticket details here: https://getbybus.com/en/bus-routes/malta-airport-6515/valletta-8520/2019-04-19#/shuttle-bus
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Our return flight is on Friday at 6:25 in the morning,12-04-2019. How could we get to the airport? We are stay in Gzira, stop of the bus Vilhena.
Dear Frinda,
Unfortunately there are no direct bus lines from Gzira to Malta Airport at that hour so it would be best to order a taxi which costs around €20 (for the drive).
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Is there a bus service we can use to get from the airport to Sprachcaffe International Alamein Road, Pembroke Valletta. Our flight lands at approximately 18.05 on Tuesday 23rd April.
Dear Chris,
You can get on bus line X1 which will be at the airport around 18:40 and it will take you directly to your accommodation. You will need to get off at Pembroke Park & Ride 2 bus stop and from there you will have additional 4-minute walk.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hello,
I arrive the 3rd May at 1:45am. Should there be enough taxis to take one to Sliema without having to wait?
Dear Gonzalo,
Since you are arriving late at night to Malta Airport, I suggest to book a transfer to Sliema just to be sure there’ll be a transport waiting for you. There’s a fixed departure at 02:15am and you can check more details about this route on the following link: https://getbybus.com/en/bus-malta-airport-to-sliema
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hi Melani, our group of 5 will arrive to Malta on June 2nd and the airbnb is at kirkop, what bus/taxi would you recommend to take?
Dear DD,
There’s no direct bus to Kirkop, you can only take local buses from Cintra bus stop which is located 1km from the airport.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Dear Melani
I am planing to come to Malta transit in 22 Jun 2019 my flight arrive at 13:50 and at the same day my second flight leaving 21:45 we are 6 people 2 adults, 4 kids ( 10y, 09y, 07y, and 3 years)
Is there any place i could visit apart from staying in the airport? during these hours 🙂
Kindest Regards
Dear B Morad,
You can visit Valletta, the capital of Malta by buses 71,72,73 which depart every 10 minutes. Journey time from Malta Airport to Valletta is around 20 minutes.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hello,
My flight arrival at Malta airport is on 14th night 11:40 PM. From airport to which area (Valletta or Bugibba) bus will be available so I can book hotel accordingly. I checked all bus route but doubt that google maps does not give any bus route. Let me know if you can help.
Dear Ankursihn,
You can go by shuttle bus at 00:45 from Malta Airport to Valletta, more information on the following link: https://getbybus.com/en/bus-malta-airport-to-valletta
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hi I am arriving in Malta on 4th of August and it’s a Sunday. which is the best option to reach Hotel Primera in St. Paul’s Bay? I am arriving at 18:35.
Thank you!
Dear Rossella,
You can reach your accommodation by lines X1, X3 or TD3. The closest bus stop is Qroll where X3 line stops. All three lines depart frequently from Malta Airport.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hello, could you please tell me what is the price of a ticket ( bus X1) to Cirkewwa, in July? is it 2 euros? and can I use a Explore card ?
Thanks in advance!
Dear Marie,
The price of bus tickets during summertime is 2€ and you should be able to use the Explore Card.
Best regards,
Gabriela GBB Team
Is there a direct bus from the old city area (Hotel Osborne, South Street) to the airport?
Dear Jeff,
You can catch a direct bus line from Valletta Bus Station to Malta Airport (lines 71, 72, 73).
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hey!
I’m arriving in Malta on 9th October in midnight. I have hotel in valleta. Can you tell me please, can I take bus N10 to get in the middle of the night to valleta?
Thanks for respond!
Dear Nika,
unfortunately, the bus N10 does not go directly to Valletta. In this case I would advise you to get a taxi, a private transfer or buy a ticket for one of the night buses from the airport to Valletta under the following link https://getbybus.com/en/bus-malta-airport-to-valletta.
Best regards,
Antonia GBB team
Hi
We plan to travel to Malta, on 22.12.2019, our flight would arrive around 23:30.
Are there shuttle buses operating from the Airport to Valetta or Sliema also around midnight?
Thanks, Mik
Dear Mik,
You can find direct shuttle bus from Malta Airport to Valletta on our website (the link is in the blog post) and you can buy ticket online. There’s a departure at 00:00 on 22nd December from the airport and it will suit you the best.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hello
I need to know if there is a bus from the Malta Airport to the American University of Malta?
Which best and cheap line is available for this route?
Dear Elton,
There’s no direct line from Malta Airport to the American University of Malta, however, you can easily combine bus lines 72 or 73 and line 1 to get there. You can get more info at info desk at the airport.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hi
I spend a few days in Malta in January. My departure is Wednesday, January 15 at 7.15 a.m. is there a bus from buggiba that arrives at the airport in time or should I take a taxi?
Kindest regards
Dear Peter,
Bus line X3 departs every day from Bugibba to Malta Airport, starting from 05:30am. It takes around an hour to get to the airport and that’s the earliest departures of this line. More information about departure times can be found in the blog post. Other option would be ordering a taxi if this bus line doesn’t suit you.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Does TD2 and TD3 take you to San Giljan stop? How crowded are the buses at 17:00 from airport to San Giljans?
Dear Amanda,
That’s correctt, both TD2 and TD3 stop in San Giljan. The crowdedness of buses from the airport depends on flight arrival for that day so it’s really not something that can be easily predicted.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Is N10 route to airport from St Giljan still in place
Dear Bato,
N10 bus line is out of order, however, there’s a new N71 bus line from St Giljan to Malta Airport (you can check the timetable in the blog post).
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Good afternoon, Could you please tell what bus number to get from the airport to go to San Giljan also the cost please? I would also need to get a bus back to the airport to arrive at the airport for 5am. Could you please tell if this possible? Thank you
Dear Su,
as it says in the article, bus lines X2 and TD2 run from the airport to San Giljan. There is also a night line N71.
Just click on the links in article to see the exact route and schedule.
Summer tickets cost around 2 euros, winter tickets around 1.50 euros. Night line tickets cost around 3 euros.
Best regards,
Maja GBB Team
I was studing the bus routes, I want the route x2 to go to Mellieħa(Ajruport – Cirkewwa) but I can only find week days schedulle, not sunday (I need the bus for sunday). Is this route only for weekdays…how ca I go to Mellieħa with bus (the minibus don’t go to Mellieħa either…Do I have to call a cab? Thank you for your help and for this site
Dear Ana,
yes, there is a separate schedule for Saturday and separate for Sundays. When you open the timetable of the bus line, you can click on the “Monday – Friday” button to get the drop-down bar which lets you change to a Saturday or Sunday schedule.
Hopefully, this will help!
Best regards,
Maja, GBB Team
Hello, we are arriving on Sunday 22nd of August around 2pm.
The google map says there will be no buses running, is that true or should I just rely on the schedules provided?
We will be travelling to Mon-Chery hotel in San Gwann. What buses would you suggest? What bus stop should we get off?
Hi,
on the official website of Malta public transport, there are announces for certain road closures on those dates that will affect several bus lines, but there are no mentions about bus lines operating from the airport.
You can first take a bus line no. X1 to Mater Dei hospital and then continue by bus no. 120 to San Gwann. We suggest you ask the bus driver which station in San Gwann would be the best one for you to get off.
Best regards,
Maja, GBB Team
Hello!
I will arrive in Malta on 7/11 at 23:00. Is there any night bus from the airport to Msida, or near?
Thanks a lot!
Dear Afkon,
each of these bus lines mentioned in the text (except X4) passes near or through Msida. We don’t have the info about the exact bus stops, but maybe to consider asking a bus driver to suggest you the nearest stop.
Best,
GBB Team
Hi, I would like to ask, can I get from Silema (Lokali rooms) by bus to the airport after midnight? The flight arrives at 6:35 so I would like to be at 4:00 on the airport. Thanks 🙂
Dear Tereza,
looks like none of the current night bus lines in Malta (N11, N13 and N212) operate at the airport. Maybe to consider a taxi as an option.
Best,
GBB Team
Hello!
I will arrive in Malta on 9th of April at 20.00 Is there any night bus on Saturday from the airport to Valetta?
Thanks a lot!
Dear Viktorija,
Unfortunately, there aren’t any night buses from the airport to Valetta.
However, we advise you to either get a taxi or book a private transfer.
For any further questions and information, we are at your disposal.
Kindest regards,
GetByBus Team
very poor directions to find weekend timetables for the x1 Luqa to Cirkewwa
Hi Simon,
we’re sorry to hear that, hopefully, you found the information you were looking for at last.
Best,
GBB Team