Malta is a popular family destination — compact, warm, English-speaking, and with plenty to see. The airport is small and manageable with children. The main planning point is the onward transport, particularly if you need child seats.
The airport with children
Malta Airport is one of the easier airports to navigate with a family. The terminal is single-level for arrivals, distances are short, and there are lifts if needed. Baggage claim is close to immigration, and the walk to the exit takes just a few minutes. Luggage trolleys are available.
If you gate-checked a stroller, collect it at the oversized baggage point near the carousels. Baby changing facilities are available in the terminal toilets.
The entire airport experience — from plane to outside the building — is typically 25–35 minutes, which is short enough that children do not get too restless.
Child seat requirements
As an EU member, Malta follows European child seat regulations. Children must use an appropriate car seat or booster until they are 150 cm tall or approximately 12 years old. The specific seat type depends on the child's weight and height.
White taxis at Malta Airport do not carry child seats. Bolt drivers do not have them either. This is a genuine problem for families with young children. Your options are:
1. Bring your own. Practical if you have a lightweight, portable seat. Inconvenient otherwise. 2. Book a transfer with child seats. Pre-booked transfer providers will supply the appropriate seat if you specify your children's ages and weights at booking time. This is the most reliable option. 3. Risk it without one. Not recommended, both for safety reasons and because it technically violates the law.
Vehicle size
A standard Maltese taxi is a sedan. For a couple with one child and moderate luggage, it works. For a family of four with holiday luggage — two large suitcases, carry-ons, a stroller, and beach gear — it will be a squeeze. A minivan or MPV-type transfer vehicle solves this comfortably.
When booking a transfer, specify your group size and luggage so the right vehicle is assigned. It is better to have slightly more space than needed than to arrive at the curb and realize the bags do not fit.
Traffic and journey times
Malta's traffic is a well-known frustration, especially between the airport and the Sliema/St Julian's area during weekday rush hours. What should be a 20-minute drive can stretch to 40+ minutes. With children in the car, this matters.
If possible, time your arrival to avoid weekday morning (7:30–9:00 AM) and evening (4:30–7:00 PM) rush hours. Weekend and midday arrivals are smoother. Late-night arrivals have the advantage of empty roads — you will reach any destination on the island within 20–30 minutes.
Going to Gozo with children
If your accommodation is on Gozo, the journey involves a 30-minute drive to the Cirkewwa ferry terminal plus a 25-minute ferry crossing. Children generally enjoy the ferry — there is outdoor deck space and a small snack bar. The total journey from Malta Airport to a Gozo hotel is roughly 90 minutes.
Some transfer providers offer door-to-door service from the airport to Gozo, handling both the drive and the ferry. This is significantly less stressful for families than managing taxis on both islands and the ferry with luggage and children.
Practical tips
- Book transport in advance. With children and luggage, figuring it out on arrival adds unnecessary stress.
- Request child seats early. Specify age and weight for each child.
- Bring water and snacks. Maltese traffic means your 15-minute drive might take 35 minutes.
- Confirm your accommodation address. Many Malta rentals are in residential buildings. Have the exact address, floor number, and a contact phone number.
- Sunscreen for the drive. Malta sun is strong, and if your vehicle does not have tinted rear windows, children in car seats can get direct sun exposure.