What is the best way to get from Malta Airport to Valletta?
Quick answer: The best way to get from Malta Airport to Valletta depends on your priorities. A taxi or private transfer is the fastest and most convenient option, taking about 16 minutes without traffic, while the X4 bus is the cheapest at 2€ for a one-way ticket but takes a little longer.
Malta at a Glance
The Maltese archipelago is made up of two main islands, Malta and Gozo, plus a number of smaller uninhabited or thinly populated islands, all washed by the Mediterranean Sea.
Malta’s climate is regarded as one of the most pleasant in the world, with temperatures staying above zero all year round. Winters are mild but rainy, averaging +12 to +14 degrees, while summers are dry and hot at around +30 degrees. You can visit Malta at any time of year, but the beach season runs from May until late October.
Malta’s architecture, restaurants, shops, hotels and even beaches are all distinctive. The islands have sandy, pebbly and rocky beaches, and the sand comes in three different colours: white, pink and even red. The variety of resorts will give even the most unassuming tourist plenty to think about.
Arriving at Malta International Airport (MLA)
Malta has only one airport, Malta International Airport. It is small but convenient, with everything you need:
- A travel agency
- Shops and cafes
- Toilets
- Parking near the terminal
The airport handles flights to and from several European cities, as well as Asia and Africa.
Malta Airport to Valletta: Your Options Compared
There are two ways to get from Malta International Airport (MLA) to downtown Valletta: by bus or by taxi.
| Option | Cost | Journey time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| X4 bus | 2€ one way | Longer than a taxi | Solo travellers and tight budgets |
| Taxi / airport transfer | Varies | About 16 minutes without traffic | Speed and door-to-door convenience |
By bus, how do you go from Malta Airport to Valletta?
Taking the X4 bus from Malta International Airport (MLA) to Valletta is a good alternative if you are travelling alone or on a tight budget. A one-way ticket costs only 2 euros, but the ride to the city centre takes longer than a taxi.
The bus stop is located outside the arrivals terminal. The X4 bus is white with lime green accents, or white with a sky blue background.
Taxi Is the Best Way to Get from Malta Airport to Valletta
The quickest way into the city is a personalised airport taxi transfer. Without traffic delays, the trip from Malta Airport to Valletta city centre takes no more than 16 minutes.
Although the journey from Malta International Airport (MLA) to Valletta is short, an airport transfer to Valletta takes you right to your accommodation door. After a long flight, the last thing you want is to spend time working out public transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Malta Airport to Valletta?
By taxi, the journey takes about 16 minutes without traffic. The X4 bus takes longer.
Which bus goes from Malta Airport to Valletta?
The X4 bus, which leaves from the stop outside the arrivals terminal. A one-way ticket costs 2€.
When is the best time to visit Malta?
Malta can be visited all year round, but the beach season runs from May to late October.
Conclusion
If you are on a budget, the X4 bus is a simple, cheap way to get from Malta Airport to Valletta. If you value speed and comfort after a long flight, a taxi or pre-booked airport transfer is the best way to reach the city in around 16 minutes.
