How much it costs to get from Malta Airport to destinations across Malta

Malta is a small island — no destination is more than about 30 km from the airport. This keeps transport costs modest compared to most European airports. Here is what you will pay for each option.

Cost by destination

Valletta (8 km, 15–25 min)

• White taxi: 15–20 EUR
• Pre-booked transfer: 15–22 EUR
• Bolt: 10–14 EUR
• Bus: 1.50–3.00 EUR

Sliema (10 km, 20–30 min)

• White taxi: 20–25 EUR
• Pre-booked transfer: 18–28 EUR
• Bolt: 12–17 EUR
• Bus: 1.50–3.00 EUR

St Julian's / Paceville (12 km, 20–35 min)

• White taxi: 20–25 EUR
• Pre-booked transfer: 20–30 EUR
• Bolt: 13–18 EUR
• Bus: 1.50–3.00 EUR

Three Cities / Birgu (6 km, 10–15 min)

• White taxi: 12–18 EUR
• Pre-booked transfer: 12–20 EUR
• Bolt: 8–12 EUR

Bugibba / Qawra (18 km, 25–35 min)

• White taxi: 25–30 EUR
• Pre-booked transfer: 22–32 EUR
• Bolt: 16–22 EUR

Mellieha (25 km, 30–40 min)

• White taxi: 30–38 EUR
• Pre-booked transfer: 28–38 EUR
• Bolt: 20–28 EUR

Cirkewwa ferry terminal / for Gozo (28 km, 30–45 min)

• White taxi: 30–40 EUR
• Pre-booked transfer: 30–40 EUR
• Door-to-door to Gozo (including ferry): 50–75 EUR

Why the time ranges vary

Malta has one of the highest car densities in Europe, and it shows. The distance from the airport to Sliema is only 10 km, but during rush hour that can take 35 minutes or more. Late at night, the same drive takes 15 minutes. Traffic is the single biggest variable in both journey time and rideshare pricing.

White taxi and pre-booked transfer prices are fixed regardless of traffic. Bolt prices may increase slightly during peak demand.

The budget option: buses

Malta's bus system is the cheapest way to leave the airport. The airport is a major bus hub with direct routes to most destinations. Fares are 1.50 EUR in winter and 3.00 EUR in summer (using the Tallinja card or contactless payment). A 7-day unlimited card costs 21 EUR, which can be excellent value if you plan to use buses throughout your stay.

The trade-offs: buses are slow (30–45 minutes to Valletta for a trip that takes 15 minutes by car), can be crowded in summer, and managing luggage on board is inconvenient. But for solo travelers or couples with one bag each, the savings are real.

The Bolt advantage

Bolt is typically the cheapest car-based option in Malta. During normal hours, rides are 20–30% cheaper than white taxis. The app works well, payment is cashless, and the experience is familiar to anyone who has used ride-hailing elsewhere.

The limitations: availability can be thin at the airport during off-peak times, late at night, or during bad weather. If you arrive at 11 PM and no Bolt drivers are nearby, you are back to the taxi rank.

Per-person math

Since taxis and transfers charge per vehicle, groups benefit significantly:

• Solo traveler to Valletta: 15 EUR per person (taxi) vs 1.50 EUR (bus)
• Couple to Sliema: 10–13 EUR per person (taxi/transfer)
• Family of four to St Julian's: 5–7 EUR per person (taxi/transfer)
• Group of six to Mellieha: 5–6 EUR per person (minivan transfer)

For groups of three or more, a taxi or transfer becomes comparable to bus fares on a per-person basis while being significantly faster and more comfortable.