Malta Airport Transport: Buses, Taxis, Transfers and Car Hire

Malta International Airport can be reached by public bus, licensed taxi, pre-booked transfer, app-booked car or rental vehicle. The best choice depends on arrival time, destination, group size, luggage and whether you want to drive during your stay. For current official information, see Transport.

Compare the main options

Option	Best for	Main limitation
Airport Direct bus	Budget travel to a listed direct destination	Fixed stops and timetable
Regular bus	Lowest-cost access to more localities	More stops or a transfer may be required
Official airport taxi	24-hour, no-app travel at a fixed prepaid rate	Usually costs more than the bus
Ride-hailing or private transfer	Door-to-door travel and advance booking	Price and availability vary
Car hire	Flexible travel throughout the stay	Driving, parking and rental conditions

Airport buses

Airport Direct routes connect the terminal with selected destinations including Valletta, St Julian's, Sliema, Buġibba, Mellieħa and Ċirkewwa. Regular routes also serve the airport and may be better for destinations outside the direct network.

Airport Direct costs €3 per passenger, except TD1 at €3.50, when paid on board. Eligible unlimited offers include the service. No advance booking is required. Check the current Airport Direct routes and fares before travelling.

Read our Malta Airport buses guide for current routes, fares and planning advice.

Official airport taxis

The official taxi service is available 24 hours a day. Buy a prepaid ticket at the taxi booth in the Welcomers' Hall, where the rate is fixed according to the destination. Malta International Airport explains where to find the taxi service.

This suits passengers arriving without a local data connection or wanting a straightforward door-to-door option. Read our Malta Airport taxis and transfers guide before choosing between the official taxi, an app-booked vehicle and a private transfer.

Ride-hailing and private transfers

App-booked cars and pre-arranged transfers also collect airport passengers. The quoted price, meeting point, waiting policy, luggage allowance and cancellation terms depend on the provider.

Confirm the pickup instructions in advance. The driver may use a designated meeting area rather than the official white-taxi rank. Our Bolt, Uber and eCabs guide explains Malta's main ride-hailing options without relying on unstable sample prices.

Renting a car

Car-rental companies have desks and offices at Park East. Pre-booking lets you compare deposits, insurance, excess, fuel policy and after-hours collection before arriving.

A car can be useful for rural accommodation or a multi-stop itinerary. It may be unnecessary for a stay focused on Valletta, Sliema or St Julian's, where parking can be difficult and buses, ferries and taxis are available.

Read our renting a car in Malta guide and driving in Malta guide before booking.

Travelling from the airport to Gozo

There is no bridge or road link to Gozo. You must combine land transport with either the Ċirkewwa-Mġarr ferry or a fast passenger ferry.

Our Malta Airport to Gozo guide compares the direct bus, taxi, rental-car and Valletta fast-ferry combinations.

Choosing the right option

• Solo traveller with light luggage: check the bus first.
• Several passengers: compare the total taxi or transfer price with individual bus fares.
• Late arrival: confirm the final bus before flying; taxis operate 24 hours.
• Mobility requirement: reserve suitable assistance or an accessible vehicle in advance.
• Remote accommodation: ask the property for the nearest bus stop and realistic last connection.
• Early departure: allow extra time and pre-book when public transport does not fit the flight.

Schedules, fares and pickup arrangements can change. Recheck both your flight and ground transport on the day of travel.

Browse all our Transport guides.