The quickest cheap way from Malta International Airport to Valletta is the Airport Direct TD4 bus, which costs about €3 and runs roughly every 30 minutes. If you arrive late, travel with heavy bags or are a group of three or four, a taxi or Bolt is usually easier. The airport is only around 7 to 8 km from the capital, so whichever you choose, you will be in the city within an hour.
Below is a plain comparison of each option, what it costs, where to find it and a few mistakes to avoid. If this is your first trip, our complete Malta travel guide for first-time visitors covers the wider picture.
Quick answer: which option should you pick?
- Solo or couple, light luggage, daytime: take the TD4 bus. It is the cheapest option by far.
- Three or four people, or late at night: a taxi or Bolt often costs little more per person than the bus and drops you closer to your door.
- Very early flight, young kids, lots of bags: pre-book a private transfer so there is no waiting.
Option 1: Airport Direct bus TD4
Malta’s public transport network has special “Airport Direct” routes that start at the terminal. The route for Valletta is TD4, which also carries on to the Gozo Fast Ferry terminal. According to Malta Public Transport, TD4 runs every 30 minutes.
Fare and how to pay
The Airport Direct fare is €3 per person (the TD1 route to the north is €3.50). You can pay the driver in cash or by contactless card or phone, and there is no need to book ahead. Holders of an unlimited travel card ride at no extra cost. Bring coins in case you pay cash, because drivers carry little change.
Ordinary day-route single tickets are cheaper, at €2 in the winter period (18 October 2026 to 12 June 2027), but the Airport Direct routes have their own fare, so expect to pay €3.
Where to find the bus
The bus stop is just outside the terminal entrance, and there is a ticket machine beside it that works 24 hours. Follow the signs for buses after you leave arrivals.
How long it takes
Expect roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and stops. In summer and at rush hour it can be slower. Check the tallinja app for the exact timetable on the day you travel, including the first and last departures, because these are not fixed in stone.
Good to know
- The bus ends in the Valletta area near the main bus terminus by City Gate, and from there it is a short walk into the old town. Confirm the stop in the tallinja app.
- Large suitcases can be awkward on a busy bus. Keep your bags with you.
- Other normal bus routes also serve the airport, such as 201 towards Dingli and Rabat and 214 towards Marsa and Buġibba, but TD4 is the simple one for Valletta.
Option 2: Official white taxi
The airport names Malta Taxi as the official taxi service of the Maltese Islands. White taxis use fixed, zoned fares that you agree at the taxi desk inside or just outside arrivals, before you get in the car. Published figures online vary. For Valletta, expect to pay somewhere in the region of €17 to €25 per car, and ask the desk for the exact price before you go.
A taxi takes about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Because the price is per car and not per person, this works out well for small groups.
Avoid unofficial offers
Politely ignore anyone who approaches you inside the terminal offering a ride. Use the official desk or rank, and agree the fare first. Holidays can add a supplement, so check if you land on 25 December or 1 January.
Option 3: Bolt and other ride apps
Bolt works well in Malta. Install the app and add a payment method before you fly, and make sure you have mobile data or airport Wi-Fi. Prices depend on demand, so the same trip can cost noticeably more on a busy Friday or Saturday evening. As a rough guide, many travellers report paying in the low to mid teens in euros for Valletta at quiet times, but treat that as an estimate and check the price in the app.
Pickup rules at an airport can change, so follow the signs for taxi and ride-share when you arrive, and check the app for the pickup point it gives you.
Option 4: Pre-booked private transfer
Many companies offer a driver waiting with your name on a sign. A quote seen in October 2026 for a private sedan to Valletta was around €26, but prices differ by date and company. This is worth it if you land at an awkward hour, travel with children, or simply want no stress after a long flight. Always book with a company that shows reviews and a clear price.
Option 5: Car hire
More than 30 rental companies operate from the airport. If you pick up a car, remember Malta drives on the left. Valletta itself is a poor place to park, so many visitors leave the car outside the city and walk in. Our Valletta guide explains parking options.
Arriving late at night
The official pages do not list a late-night Airport Direct service, and we could not confirm one. If your flight lands very late, plan on a taxi, Bolt or pre-booked transfer, and check the tallinja app before you decide to rely on the bus.
Going to somewhere other than Valletta?
- Sliema, Gżira and St Julian’s: TD3 serves Sliema, Gżira and St Julian’s, while TD2 serves St Julian’s and Pembroke.
- Buġibba, Mellieħa and Ċirkewwa: take TD1, which also connects to the Gozo ferry at Ċirkewwa. See our Gozo guide for what to do once you cross.
- Gozo Fast Ferry (Valletta): TD4 continues to the Fast Ferry terminal, which is handy if you are heading straight to Gozo.
Tips for a smooth arrival
- Download the tallinja app and the Bolt app before you travel.
- Carry a little cash as well as your card.
- Look up your hotel’s exact address and the nearest street you can be dropped at. Many Valletta streets are narrow and some are closed to normal traffic.
- Check the weather and sea conditions on Malta this week, since heavy rain slows traffic and affects what you will want to do on day one.
Prices and times change, so check the official sites (publictransport.com.mt, maltairport.com and maltataxi.mt) before you go.
FAQ
How much is the bus from Malta airport to Valletta?
The Airport Direct TD4 costs €3 per person, paid to the driver by cash or contactless. Holders of an unlimited travel card ride without an extra charge.
How long does it take to get from the airport to Valletta?
A taxi or Bolt usually takes 15 to 25 minutes. The bus takes longer, roughly 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and stops.
Is Bolt cheaper than a taxi in Malta?
Often it is, especially at quiet times, but Bolt prices rise when demand is high. White taxis from the airport have fixed fares, so there are no surprises. Compare both before you ride.
Can I take the bus with a large suitcase?
Yes, but buses can be crowded and space is limited. If you have large or several bags, a taxi or transfer is more comfortable.
Is there a night bus from the airport?
We could not confirm a late-night airport bus on the official pages. Check the tallinja app for the last departure, and plan a taxi or Bolt if you land late.
In short
For most visitors the €3 TD4 bus is the best value, and a taxi or Bolt is the comfortable choice for groups, late arrivals and heavy luggage. Whichever you choose, check the latest fares and times before you travel, and enjoy your first view of Valletta.
Planning further ahead? Read our guides to Malta in November and Malta in December.