Malta Layover Guide (MLA)

What are you looking for in MLA?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Malta Airport (MLA) is an international airport located in Luqa, Malta. It’s situated about 5 km (3.1 miles) from Valletta, the capital city. The airport officially opened in 1992, replacing the old Luqa Airport. Valletta is known for its rich history, Baroque architecture, and Mediterranean charm. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a vibrant mix of cultural attractions, historic landmarks, and scenic coastal views.

Can you leave Malta Airport (MLA) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you may leave the transit area and explore Malta during a layover provided you meet entry requirements. Nationals with visa-free Schengen access or a valid Schengen visa can clear immigration. Others must secure a short-stay visa in advance. Check requirements for your nationality carefully in advance. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon & Sea Caves Day Trip

Set sail on a scenic boat tour exploring Malta’s pristine northern coast. Cruise through dramatic sea caves, visit the secluded Crystal Lagoon, and enjoy free time swimming and snorkeling in the famous Blue Lagoon. Roundtrip transfers from central Malta make this perfect for short stopovers.» book this tour

Sliema: Boat Trip to Comino Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Caves

Depart from Sliema on a powerboat adventure to Malta’s sister islands. Admire St. Paul’s Island, cruise to the Crystal Lagoon for a swim, then head to the iconic Blue Lagoon for snorkeling and relaxation. Return via scenic sea caves and enjoy complimentary snacks onboard.» book this tour

From Sliema: Comino Island and Blue Lagoon Cruise

Join a relaxing cruise from Sliema to Comino Island and the crystal-clear Blue Lagoon. Spend your layover swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing in turquoise waters, then explore Comino’s rugged shoreline. Return to Sliema with stunning coastal views and ample time to catch your next flight.» book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Valletta Walking Tour Explore Malta’s Baroque capital with narrow streets, grand palaces, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens and waterfront views, immersing in rich history, culture and stunning architecture and vibrant local markets. (Time required: 2–3 hours / Airport to here: Bus X2 or taxi)
  • Mdina Silent City Step into the Silent City of Mdina, perched on a hilltop with medieval walls, narrow alleyways, majestic palaces, panoramic countryside vistas, and a tranquil atmosphere steeped in ancient Maltese heritage. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Bus 202 or taxi)
  • Blue Grotto Boat Tour Embark on a boat tour of the Blue Grotto’s sea caves, marveling at crystalline blue waters, dramatic rock formations and vibrant marine life, capturing unforgettable photographs in this coastal wonder. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus 74 or taxi)
  • Marsaxlokk Fishing Village Savour a stroll through Marsaxlokk’s vibrant fishing village, browsing colourful market stalls, sampling fresh seafood specialties, admiring traditional luzzu boats and soaking up laid-back Mediterranean seaside charm bustling harbour atmosphere. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Bus 81)
  • St. Peter’s Pool Dive into crystalline waters at St. Peter’s Pool, a natural limestone inlet perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing on rocky ledges, far from crowds yet easily accessible with picturesque scenery. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi or rental car)
  • Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum Descend beneath the earth into the Hypogeum’s prehistoric necropolis, remarkable for its intricate rock-cut architecture, ancient burial chambers and extraordinary acoustic properties dating back over 5000 years on guided tours. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus X1 and short walk or taxi)
  • Sliema Waterfront Promenade Walk along Sliema’s bustling waterfront promenade, enjoying panoramic views of Valletta’s skyline, chic cafes, boutique shops and vibrant street life, perfect for a leisurely afternoon coffee or light shopping spree. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Bus 201/202 or taxi)
  • Golden Bay Beach Unwind on Golden Bay’s soft golden sands, surrounded by rugged cliffs and clear Mediterranean waters, ideal for sunbathing, swimming and panoramic sunset views offering a relaxing escape during your layover. (Time required: 3 hours / Airport to here: Rental car or taxi)

Things to Do in Malta Airport (MLA)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Malta International Airport features two premium lounges, La Valette Club and the Departures Lounge, offering comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, business facilities and panoramic views. Access is available via membership programs, class upgrades or day passes. Each lounge provides quiet zones, Wi-Fi and boarding announcements for a relaxing pre-flight experience. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Although there is no on-site airport hotel, several accommodations lie within a ten-minute drive of MLA. Options include the Phoenicia Hotel in Valletta, the DB San Antonio Hotel in St. Paul’s Bay and boutique guesthouses near Luqa. Many offer airport shuttle services, flexible check-in/out and soundproofed rooms for restful stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
MLA’s terminal offers seating areas and designated quiet zones ideal for short rests, but no dedicated sleep pods. Comfortable benches and occasional reclining chairs are scattered near gates. Lighting remains on and announcements continue overnight, so travelers should bring eye masks. There are no enclosed nap rooms after security.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Malta International Airport, with no time limits or passwords required. Simply select the “MIA Free Wi-Fi” network on your device. Charging stations and USB outlets are conveniently located in public areas and near departure gates, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for work, entertainment and social media.

SIM/eSIM Card: Travelers can purchase local SIM cards from GO and Vodafone kiosks past customs on the arrivals level, with prepaid plans starting from €10. eSIM profiles are also available online from major carriers before arrival, offering flexible data-only packages. ID and credit card are required for activation at point-of-sale and registration. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Malta International Airport’s 24/7 taxi service operates from the arrivals forecourt. Prepaid tickets can be purchased from the Malta Taxi booth, ensuring fixed fares to key destinations: Valletta (€17), St. Julian’s (€20) and Sliema (~€25). All vehicles are metered, wheelchair-accessible and accompanied by luggage assistance, with bookings via app available today.

Train: Malta has no railway network, so there are no train services to or from the airport. Travelers should plan routes in advance and use road transport—buses, taxis, shuttles or car rentals—for island connections. All public conveyances depart from the arrivals forecourt. (more info)

Bus: Malta Public Transport operates several bus routes linking MLA to major towns. X1, X2, 117 and 218 connect to Valletta, Sliema and the University. Express routes TD2 and Airport Direct offer non-stop services to central hubs. Tickets cost €2 flat, valid on all routes for two hours. (more info)

Shuttle: Various private shuttle operators provide shared and private transfers between Malta Airport and popular destinations. Services can be booked online or at airport kiosks, offering door-to-door drop-off for €5–€12 per person. Vans depart on arrival, with multilingual drivers and luggage help. Advance reservations ensure guaranteed pick-up and fixed pricing.

Car rentals: All major car rental firms—Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt and Enterprise—operate desks in the arrivals hall. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs and vans. Pre-booking online secures best rates and availability; on-site bookings are subject to stock. After-hours returns are allowed at designated bays with key drop-off boxes. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Malta Airport offers short- and long-term parking within walking distance of the terminal. Hourly, daily and weekly rates apply, with covered and uncovered options. Pre-booking through the airport website provides discounts up to 30%. EV charging stations are available in the Blue and Yellow lots; overnight parking is permitted.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

The airport’s 24/7 Luggage Deposit Service is located in the Check-in Hall at the Customer Services Information Centre. Fees start at €5 per bag for 12 hours and increase incrementally. No self-service lockers are available. Collection is possible any time; ID and deposit ticket are required for retrieval. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Malta Airport (MLA) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks