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Valletta · Malta

Malta International Airport (MLA)

Malta International Airport (MLA) is the sole international airport serving the Maltese islands, located near Luqa, approximately 8 kilometres south of the capital city, Valletta. All commercial flights operate through a single, compact passenger terminal divided into Schengen and non-Schengen zones. The airport provides direct access to public transport, taxi stands, and car rental facilities immediately outside the arrivals exit.

Terminals

Main Passenger Terminal

Arriving

Arriving passengers step into a streamlined single-terminal layout that guides travellers efficiently from disembarkation to the public exit.

  • Follow designated walkways or apron transfer buses into the arrivals corridor.
  • Passengers arriving from non-Schengen countries must present a valid passport or travel document at passport control.
  • Proceed to the baggage reclaim hall to collect checked luggage from the designated carousel.
  • Pass through the customs channel; choose the green channel for nothing to declare or the red channel if carrying goods exceeding duty-free allowances.
  • Exit into the main public arrivals hall, where ground transport counters, currency exchanges, and information desks are located.

Getting to the city

  • Train

    Public Bus (Express Route X4)

    Direct express bus connecting the airport directly to the Valletta central bus station.

    Time:
    roughly 25-40 minutes depending on traffic
    Typical cost:
    typically €2.00–€3.00 per single journey ticket
  • Taxi

    Official Airport Taxi

    Fixed-rate pre-paid taxis available around the clock to all destinations in Malta.

    Time:
    roughly 20-30 minutes to Valletta
    Typical cost:
    typically €15.00–€20.00 to Valletta (fixed tariff)
  • Ride-hailing

    Ride-Hailing Services

    App-based rides requested via mobile platforms such as Bolt, Uber, or eCabs.

    Time:
    roughly 20-30 minutes to Valletta
    Typical cost:
    typically €12.00–€22.00 depending on demand
  • Car rental

    Car Rental

    Self-drive vehicles available from major international and local operators.

    Time:
    roughly 20-30 minutes driving time to Valletta
    Typical cost:
    varies according to vehicle type, season, and rental duration

Connections & transfers

Transferring between flights at Malta Airport is straightforward due to the single-terminal configuration.

  • Passengers with a onward boarding pass for Schengen-to-Schengen transfers can proceed directly via airside transit channels.
  • Non-Schengen to Schengen transfers require undergoing passport control and security screening prior to entering the departures zone.
  • If luggage is not checked through to the final destination, passengers must collect bags landside and re-check at the departures hall.

Wi-Fi & staying connected

Complimentary Wi-Fi coverage is provided throughout all public and gate areas of the terminal.

  • Select the network named MIA Seamless Wi-Fi on your device.
  • Accept the standard terms and conditions on the portal splash screen to connect.
  • No mandatory user registration or fee is required for basic internet access.

Money, cards & tipping

Banking, currency exchange, and automated teller facilities are accessible landside and airside.

  • Malta uses the Euro (€) as its official currency.
  • Automated teller machines (ATMs) operated by local banks are located in both arrivals and departures areas.
  • Bureau de change counters offering currency exchange services operate within the main arrivals hall.

Food & drink

A selection of quick-service food outlets, cafes, and sit-down dining options is available.

  • Landside options include cafes and casual dining near the arrivals exit and main check-in hall.
  • Airside departures host grab-and-go food outlets, international coffee chains, and bar service.
  • Special dietary options (such as vegetarian or gluten-free items) are available at selected outlets.

Lounges & rest

Executive lounge facilities provide quiet space, refreshments, and business services prior to flight departure.

  • The La Valette Club Lounge is located in the airside departures area.
  • Access is granted to eligible premium class passengers, status holders, and members of recognized lounge programs.
  • Single-entry pay-per-use passes can be purchased online or at the lounge entrance subject to space availability.

Airport hotels

Accommodation options are situated nearby within the surrounding towns of Luqa and Gudja.

  • There are no hotels physically inside the terminal building itself.
  • Several boutique guesthouses and business hotels are located within a 5-to-15 minute drive or taxi ride.
  • Travellers arriving on late-night flights can arrange short shuttle transfers or taxis directly from the terminal.

Baggage & customs

Baggage reclaim carousels and lost property support services are situated landside near customs.

  • Reclaim carousels are clearly signposted immediately past passport control.
  • Baggage handling and missing luggage enquiries are managed by ground handling agent desks inside the baggage hall.
  • Left luggage and storage services are available near the main check-in area.

Family & accessibility

Amenities for passengers travelling with children are provided throughout the passenger terminal.

  • Baby changing facilities are integrated into most set of public restrooms across landside and airside areas.
  • A dedicated children's play area is available in the departures zone.
  • Strollers are permitted up to the boarding gate, after which they are loaded into the hold.

Facilities

  • ATMs
  • Currency Exchange
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Duty Free Shops
  • Executive Lounge
  • Car Rental Desks
  • Pharmacy
  • Tourist Information Desk

Emergency & safety

Local emergency number: 112 (National emergency service line).

  • The national emergency services line throughout Malta is 112.
  • First aid assistance inside the terminal can be requested via any airport staff member or information desk.
  • In the event of lost passports or identity documents, report to the Malta Police station post within the airport.

Before you leave home

  • Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
  • Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
  • Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
  • Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
  • Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
  • Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
  • Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
  • Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Official sources

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

Guide last reviewed October 29, 2026

Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.

Land connected

Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.

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Travel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.