When you land at Malta International Airport, getting around the island by bus is incredibly easy and convenient—no matter where your hotel or accommodation is located.
In our opinion, you don’t need to rent a car to have a great holiday in Malta, though that’s ultimately a personal choice. In this article, we’ve gathered all the key information and tips about Malta airport bus options.
The Most Important Info
Malta International Airport (MLA) is well connected by fast, frequent bus routes to Valletta (the capital) and every region of the island.
Buying a Bus Ticket at Malta Airport
The first step is to purchase your ticket or travel pass—which is very simple and can be done right inside the terminal. Look for the kiosk marked “Malta Public Transport” (MPT) in the arrivals area. The staff will gladly help you choose the best option (in English), and you can buy your ticket or pass on the spot.
Here are the four most commonly recommended ticket options (check the MPT’s official fare list for current prices):
- Single-ride bus ticket (€2)
- 4-day unlimited travel pass for all of Malta (€19)
- 7-day unlimited travel pass for all of Malta (€25)
- Pack of 12 rides (€19)
Start by deciding whether you’ll just take a few rides—then the 12-ticket pack may be the better deal. But if you plan to use buses as your main mode of transport (which we strongly recommend, as it’s fast and efficient), go with the pass that matches the length of your stay.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to visit Gozo Island—or staying there—this is the best and cheapest place to add the Gozo Fast Ferry option to your bus pass.
The pass itself is a credit card-sized paper card, which you tap on the reader next to the driver each time you board. If you’re using a single ticket, you can simply tap your regular bank card when getting on—the fare will be automatically charged.
Malta Airport Bus Lines
When traveling from (or to) the airport, you’ll choose between two main types of bus services. Prices are the same for both—only the level of service differs.
- Airport Express (fast service)
- Standard local routes
If you prefer a more direct or private transfer, shared shuttle buses and taxis are available at the arrivals area, and ride-sharing apps like Bolt also operate in Malta.
Malta Airport Express Buses
There are five express routes departing directly from the airport in various directions. These are labeled “Airport Direct” and numbered TD1, TD2, TD3, TD4, and TD5.
Unless your hotel is directly along a local bus line, we highly recommend taking the express buses. They’re fast, comfortable, and get you to the major tourist areas or transfer points, where you can easily catch a single bus to your final destination. Plus, these buses have dedicated luggage space underneath.
Here are the Malta Airport Direct lines and their destinations (these buses don’t make other stops):
- Airport Direct 1 (TD1): Rabat, Buġibba, Mellieħa, Ċirkewwa
- Airport Direct 2 (TD2): St. Julian’s, Pembroke
- Airport Direct 3 (TD3): St. Julian’s, Sliema, Gżira, Msida
- Airport Direct 4 (TD4): Valletta, Gozo Fast Ferry – this route goes to Valletta’s main bus terminal (with tons of transfer options) and the Gozo Fast Ferry terminal
- Airport Direct 5 (TD5): Rabat, Buġibba
Just a heads-up: even the express buses use the regular roads, and traffic jams are pretty common in Malta. Also, bus schedules are often unpredictable, so plan with a little flexibility.
Local Bus Routes from the Airport
Several regular, numbered local bus lines also stop at the airport. If your accommodation happens to be on one of these routes, they might be the best option for you.
There’s no price difference—local buses cost the same as express lines. But remember, local buses don’t have luggage compartments, so you’ll need to bring your suitcase on board like you would on any city bus.
Airport local routes include: 88, 119, 201, 208, 214
Estimated Bus Travel Times from Malta Airport to Major Areas
- Valletta: ~25 minutes (TD4 or local routes)
- Sliema / St. Julian’s: ~35–45 minutes (TD3 or TD2)
- Buġibba / Mellieħa: ~50–70 minutes (TD1 or TD5)
- Ċirkewwa (Gozo Ferry): ~70–90 minutes (TD1)
You can check real-time schedules and plan your route on www.publictransport.com.mt.
Frequently Asked Questions – Malta Airport Bus
You can take the Airport Direct 4 (TD4) bus, which brings you straight to Valletta’s main bus terminal. From there, you can transfer to dozens of other routes across the island.
Yes. If you’re using a single ticket, you can tap your contactless debit or credit card when boarding. For multi-day passes or bundles, purchase those at the Malta Public Transport kiosk inside the airport.
Yes — but only the Airport Direct (TD) buses have undercarriage luggage compartments. Local city buses do not have dedicated luggage storage, so you’ll need to bring your bags on board with you.
Airport Direct buses usually run every 30–60 minutes, depending on the route and time of day. Local buses may be more frequent. Always check the latest schedule online or at the airport kiosk.
Generally yes, but traffic in Malta can be unpredictable, especially during rush hours. It’s a good idea to leave extra time for your journey—particularly when heading back to the airport for your flight.
Yes, Malta Public Transport bus passes are valid on Gozo as well. Just make sure to add the Gozo Fast Ferry option if you plan to travel between the islands.
Some routes run into the evening, but most don’t operate after midnight. If your flight arrives very late, consider a taxi or rideshare service like Bolt.