Car Hire Malta Airport

Car Hire

Many call this airport Valletta Airport as it is just over three miles southeast of Malta’s capital city. The island nation’s only airport is the gateway to the country and its many beaches and attractions. Local buses operate routes between the airport and Valletta, as well as other destinations on the island, while shuttle buses run to the ports and a number of popular hotels. The quickest and easiest way to reach the beaches, cities and hotels, however, is with car rental in Malta Airport, with Valletta being a 15-minute drive away.

Who to Book With
There are a number of car hire suppliers at the airport, including big name companies such as Hertz, Sixt and Avis, and local agent First Car Rental. All car hire suppliers have counters in the Welcomers’ Hall, yet vehicles are collected from the designated car rental car park, which is accessible from the terminal on foot.

Need to Know Essentials
The following documents are needed at vehicle collection:

- Both parts of your UK driver’s licence
- Confirmation of ID
- The credit card that was used to book the vehicle
- Verification of booking

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
Parking restrictions are regularly enforced, with clamps and towing of vehicles common. Timed parking is limited to a maximum of one hour, while double yellow lines means there is no parking allowed. Most petrol stations are open 24 hours and accept credit cards for payment. Still, UK drivers should carry cash, as not all fill stations accept UK-issued cards. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, even if accompanied by a hands-free kit.

See our guide to Malta for more information on driving here.

Transport

Self-drive is the best way for passengers to arrive at their Maltese destination from the airport. Shuttle buses operate between the airport and major hotels, while local buses run on fixed routes and take longer. Night buses operate between 23:00 and 04:00 but they terminate in Saint Juliana, making an expensive taxi the only other option.

Taxis
Pre-paid tickets for taxis can be purchased in the airport’s Welcomers’ Hall. Taxis depart from the taxi stand situated directly outside of the terminal entrance.

Taxi prices:
Malta Airport to Valletta is around £12
Malta Airport to Mdina is around £15
Malta Airport to Golden Bay is around £20
Malta Airport to Ċirkewwa is around £25

Buses
Bus tickets for local Arriva Malta buses to various destinations on the island can be purchased at the Arriva bus ticket machine or the Arriva Malta counter, both of which are found in the Welcomers’ Hall. Bus X1 takes passengers from the airport to Ċirkewwa, bus X2 serves Saint Julians, while bus X3 terminates in BuÄ¡ibba. Valletta is served by buses X4, X5 and X7, which run every 15, 30 and 60 minutes, respectively. Airport shuttle buses operate from the airport to various hotels and are run by Malta Transfer.

Facilities

Terminals
One terminal which caters to over 3.5 million passengers each year can be found at Malta Airport. The airport operates flights to a number of destinations within Europe as well as to Middle Eastern, Northern African and Russian destinations. The airport’s busiest route is to London-Gatwick, while London-Heathrow is its fourth-busiest route.

Parking
There are six car parks on site, with one dedicated to coaches, one dedicated to car hire, one for valet parking and two for Sky Parks Business customers. The largest car park, which is located directly in front of the terminal, is for public use and is the closest to the terminal. Prices to park here are around £1.50 for one hour, £4 for up to 12 hours and about £6 for a day.

Wi-Fi
Complimentary wireless internet is available in all areas of the terminal except for in the Arrivals area, before passport control.

Information Services
There are information desks on Departures Level 1 and in the Check-in hall.

Useful Numbers
General Enquiries: +356 2124 9600
Flight Information: +356 5230 2000

Accessibility
There are service call points near the transport drop-off area, at the main terminal entrance, in the Check-in hall and upon entering the terminal after disembarking an aircraft. Passengers with reduced mobility can get assistance by using these phones to call for aid. Alternatively, they can present themselves at the check-in counter of their airline.

Restaurants and Bars
Sportsfans Diner (Level 3) is a full-service restaurant that serves family favourites such as pizza, pasta, burgers and steak, while Corinthia Cafeteria (Departures Level 1) serves up salads, pastries and cake. There are also two bars on site; one that serves traditional pub grub and ale, and one that has a wide selection of wine, beer and spirits. The airport also houses three fast-food chains, a coffee shop and a juice bar.

VIP Lounges

Departures:
La Valette Club Lounge

Arrivals:
La Valette Club Lounge

Money and ATMs
ATMs are available for use 24 hours in the Welcomers’ Hall, in the Check-in hall and in the Arrivals Passengers area. There are no bank branches in the terminal; however, there are currency exchange services available 24 hours in the public area and the Welcomers’ Hall.

Shopping
Duty-free shopping is available in both the Schengen and non-Schengen areas of Departures Level 1 for passengers wishing to purchase tax-free spirits, tobacco, perfume and cosmetics. Cosmetics can also be purchased at Singular, while Spirit of Malta stocks local Maltese spirits and wines. Fashionistas can leave with bags filled from Style Junkie or Hugo Boss. Passengers looking for last-minute souvenirs can find them in the Agenda Bookshop along with books, magazines and newspapers.