Malta International Airport (MLA), located near Luqa, is the country’s only international passenger airport and the main gateway to Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s and resorts across Malta. WelcomeTaxi provides pre-booked airport transfers directly to hotels, apartments, cruise terminals and private addresses throughout the Maltese Islands.
Choose a comfortable private transfer, professional chauffeur service or long-distance journey with an English-speaking driver. As Malta has no neighboring commercial passenger airport, MLA serves travellers continuing to destinations across Malta and to ferry terminals for onward travel to Gozo.
How It Works
Choose the route and a vehicle |
| Select service type you need, choose the route (or hourly hire duration), indicate number of passengers and luggage, as well as other necessary details if needed. See the price for different vehicle classes, choose one suitable for you and press Next. |
Choose the payment method |
| Complete the booking form, choose the payment method, press Make Booking button, make online prepayment (if needed) and get email confirmation. When a driver will be assigned to your job, his phone number will be emailed to you. |
The driver meets you with a name tag |
| Your driver will meet you on-site with a name tag at the right time. He will walk you to the car and safely drive you to your destination. At the end of your ride, if needed, you will pay in cash or by card-to-card transfer to your driver. |
Our Benefits
English-speaking drivers
Always available — friendly, professional, and communicative.
Fixed prices — no surprises
Know your fare in advance, with no hidden fees.
Meet & greet included
Your driver will wait at arrivals with a name tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a ride?
We recommend booking your transfer or hourly hire service at least 72 hours in advance. If you don’t have that much time, you can request an urgent transfer — we’ll let you know as soon as possible whether we can confirm it.
What pick-up time should I specify for the transfer?
If your transfer starts from an airport or railway station, please specify your flight or train arrival time as the start of your transfer. This helps the driver organize the meeting more accurately.
If your transfer starts from a hotel to an airport, please indicate the time you wish to be picked up at reception. You’ll need to calculate it yourself, allowing extra time for check-in. We recommend adding about 3 hours before your flight’s departure. For example, if your flight leaves at 14:00 and the trip takes 1 hour, your pick-up time should be 10:00.
How do I know if my order has been accepted?
After submitting your booking, you’ll receive an email with all trip details and your order status as “Waiting”. Once we receive and confirm your payment, the status will change to “Accepted”, and you’ll receive another email confirmation.
If you don’t receive the confirmation email, please contact our support team at office@welcome.taxi.
How do I change my booking?
To make changes to your booking, please contact our support team at office@welcome.taxi.
Important note: Requests for changes made less than 72 hours before your trip may be declined.
How can I cancel my booking?
You can cancel your booking in two ways:
- Via the booking page on our website — use the cancellation number provided in your booking voucher, at least 72 hours before the trip.
- By contacting our support team if it’s less than 72 hours before your ride.
Important note: In case of urgent cancellation, we may not be able to refund your deposit. The free cancellation period is stated in your confirmation email.
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
If your flight is delayed by less than 30 minutes, the driver will adjust their arrival time automatically.
If the delay is longer, please inform the driver directly (their phone number is in your confirmation voucher) or contact WelcomeTaxi Customer Support at office@welcome.taxi. Please include your order number and the new arrival time.
Important note: The driver may charge an additional fee for extended waiting time.
How will I find my driver?
For airport transfers, if you’ve added the meet-and-greet option to your order, the driver will meet you in the arrivals area — right after passport control and baggage claim. You’ll see a name sign with your first and last names (or custom text, if specified in your booking).
Important note: We strongly recommend adding the meet-and-greet option to your airport transfer booking.
For hotel pickups, the driver will wait for you in the hotel lobby. Detailed meeting instructions and your driver’s contact number are provided in your booking confirmation voucher.
How can I be sure that my driver will pick me up?
WelcomeTaxi guarantees that your driver will do their best to meet you on time.
Both you and the driver will have each other’s phone or WhatsApp number. Please keep your mobile phone switched on at the time of pickup. If you can’t reach the driver, contact our support team immediately.
I can’t find my driver. What should I do?
If you can’t find your driver, please double-check the name signs again — the driver may have missed you in the crowd.
Try calling or messaging the driver via WhatsApp. If there’s no response within the meeting time, contact our support team.
If necessary, go to the airport’s Information Desk to arrange a local taxi to your destination.
Important note: If the driver fails to meet you, we will refund your payment.
What Our Customers Say
United Kingdom
Highly recommended taxi service
Airport Transfers and Chauffeur Service from Malta Airport
Malta International Airport (MLA) is the only international passenger airport serving the Republic of Malta. Located near Luqa in the southeastern part of the main island, it provides convenient access to Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s, Mdina, Mellieħa and Malta’s principal holiday resorts.
WelcomeTaxi offers pre-booked private transfers from Malta International Airport to hotels, apartments, villas, business addresses, marinas and ferry terminals. Your vehicle is reserved for your booking, allowing you to travel directly to the requested destination without waiting for other passengers or making unnecessary stops.
Although Malta is geographically compact, journey times can vary considerably. Busy roads, narrow streets, roadworks and seasonal visitor traffic may make a relatively short distance take longer than expected. Arranging your airport transportation in advance provides a more predictable and comfortable start to your stay.
Private Transfers from MLA to Valletta
Valletta, Malta’s capital, lies northeast of the airport and is one of the most frequently requested destinations from MLA. A private transfer takes passengers directly to their hotel, apartment, office or cruise terminal without the need to change buses or carry luggage through busy streets.
Vehicle access within Valletta can be restricted in certain pedestrianised and historic areas. Some accommodation is located in narrow streets where larger vehicles cannot stop directly outside the entrance. In such cases, the driver will use the nearest suitable and legally accessible drop-off point.
Transfers can also be arranged to Floriana, the Valletta Waterfront and the cruise passenger terminal. Passengers joining or leaving a Mediterranean cruise should provide the ship name, terminal details and scheduled embarkation or arrival time when booking.
Transfers to Sliema, St Julian’s and Malta’s Main Resorts
Sliema and St Julian’s are among Malta’s most popular areas for hotels, restaurants, nightlife and business travel. They are connected to the airport by road, but traffic around the harbour and central coastal districts can become heavy, particularly during weekday rush hours and the summer season.
WelcomeTaxi provides direct airport transfers to:
- Valletta and Floriana
- Sliema and Gżira
- St Julian’s and Paceville
- Swieqi and Pembroke
- St Paul’s Bay, Buġibba and Qawra
- Mellieħa and Marfa
- Mdina and Rabat
- Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua
- Marsaskala and Marsaxlokk
- Golden Bay and other coastal resorts
A private airport transfer is particularly convenient when arriving at night, travelling with children or carrying several suitcases. The vehicle takes you to your requested address rather than leaving you at a bus stop that may be some distance from the accommodation.
Transportation Options from Malta International Airport
Passengers arriving at MLA can travel by public bus, regular taxi, hotel shuttle, rental car or pre-booked private transfer. Each option has advantages depending on the destination, group size, luggage and preferred level of convenience.
Public Buses
Malta Public Transport operates services connecting the airport with Valletta and many popular tourist districts. Airport-oriented routes serve destinations such as Sliema, St Julian’s, Buġibba, Mellieħa and Ċirkewwa. Routes and schedules can change, so passengers should check the latest information before travelling.
Buses are generally the most economical option. However, they may become crowded during the summer and can take longer because of intermediate stops and traffic. Travellers may also need to walk from the nearest bus stop to their hotel or change services for less central destinations.
Regular Airport Taxis
Official taxis are available from the airport, with a taxi service operating to destinations throughout Malta. Passengers can arrange a ride after arrival, but demand may be high when several flights land close together.
A pre-booked transfer provides the reassurance that the required vehicle category has been arranged before arrival. This is especially valuable for larger groups, passengers with substantial luggage and travellers requiring child seats or a specific type of vehicle.
Hotel and Shared Shuttle Services
Shared shuttles may provide transportation to selected hotels and tourist areas. They can be less expensive than a private vehicle, but passengers may need to wait for other travellers and visit several properties before reaching their own accommodation.
With a private transfer, the journey is organised exclusively around your booking. There are no scheduled hotel stops unless you have specifically requested additional drop-off points.
Car Rental
Rental cars are available at Malta International Airport and can be useful for travellers planning to explore the islands independently. Malta drives on the left, and many roads are narrow, congested or difficult to navigate for visitors unfamiliar with local conditions.
Parking can be limited in Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s and historic towns. A chauffeur-driven vehicle may therefore be more practical for travellers who prefer not to drive, search for parking or manage unfamiliar junctions and road layouts.
Why Pre-Book a Malta Airport Transfer?
A pre-booked airport transfer allows you to organise the most important part of your arrival before travelling. You can provide the destination address, passenger count and luggage requirements in advance and select a vehicle suitable for your party.
Unlike a shared shuttle, a private transfer takes you directly to the requested destination. Unlike hiring a car, it does not require you to drive on the left, understand local parking rules or navigate busy coastal roads immediately after a flight.
Advance booking is especially useful for:
- families travelling with children;
- groups requiring a van or minibus;
- passengers staying in villas or less central locations;
- late-night and early-morning flights;
- travellers with diving equipment or additional luggage;
- cruise passengers travelling between MLA and Valletta;
- passengers continuing to the Gozo ferry terminals.
Chauffeur Service in Malta
WelcomeTaxi also provides chauffeur service for business travel, private sightseeing, events and customised itineraries. A professional driver can be booked for an individual journey or for several hours, depending on the required schedule.
Chauffeur-driven transportation is suitable for corporate meetings in Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s, as well as conferences, weddings, restaurant visits and private tours. English-speaking drivers are available, which makes communication straightforward for international travellers.
An hourly chauffeur service can include several stops around the island. Popular itineraries may combine Valletta, Mdina, the Three Cities, Marsaxlokk, the Blue Grotto and Malta’s northern coastal areas. The expected duration and route should be provided in advance so that a suitable vehicle can be arranged.
Transfers from Malta Airport to Gozo
Gozo does not have a commercial international passenger airport. Travellers normally arrive at Malta International Airport and continue by road and ferry.
WelcomeTaxi can arrange a transfer from MLA to the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal in northern Malta. From there, passengers take the ferry across the channel to Gozo. Transportation can also be arranged to Valletta for passengers using an available fast ferry service.
When planning onward travel to Gozo, allow sufficient time for the road journey, ferry boarding and possible waiting periods. Ferry schedules may be affected by operational or weather conditions, so travellers should verify the latest departure information separately.
Where available, transportation on Gozo may require a separate vehicle after the ferry crossing. The booking should clearly specify whether transport is needed only to the ferry terminal or as part of a wider itinerary.
Regional and Long-Distance Transfers Across Malta
Malta is a small country, but a direct transfer remains useful for journeys between distant parts of the island. Public transport routes often pass through central hubs, while a private vehicle can travel directly between the requested addresses.
Popular routes from Malta International Airport include:
- MLA to Valletta
- MLA to Sliema
- MLA to St Julian’s
- MLA to St Paul’s Bay and Buġibba
- MLA to Mellieħa
- MLA to Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal
- MLA to Mdina and Rabat
- MLA to Marsaxlokk
- MLA to the Valletta Cruise Port
Longer chauffeur journeys can also connect several attractions in a single day. This is convenient for visitors with limited time who want to explore different parts of Malta without coordinating multiple buses, taxis or rental-car parking.
Family, Group and Luggage Transportation
The correct vehicle should be chosen according to both the number of passengers and the amount of luggage. A standard passenger car may not have enough space for several travellers with large suitcases, pushchairs, wheelchairs or diving equipment.
Minivans, vans and minibuses can be arranged for larger groups. When booking, provide the total number of passengers, the number and approximate size of bags, and details of any oversized items. Child seats should be requested in advance, including the required seat type and the child’s age.
Groups travelling to the same hotel or cruise terminal can usually travel together in one appropriately sized vehicle. This is simpler than dividing passengers among several regular taxis and helps the group arrive at the destination at the same time.
Local Travel Information
Malta’s official languages are Maltese and English, and English is widely spoken throughout the country. This makes communication relatively easy for international visitors and is particularly helpful when arranging hotel check-ins, business meetings and private transportation.
Traffic drives on the left. Roads around Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s and the central harbour area can be busy, while historic towns often have narrow streets and restricted access. Summer tourism, local festivals and major events may increase journey times.
Malta International Airport has one passenger terminal, making arrivals and departures relatively straightforward. Passengers should nevertheless check their airline’s current guidance and allow sufficient time for check-in, security and baggage procedures.
For airport departures, the pickup time should take account of the location of the accommodation, expected traffic and the airline’s recommended airport arrival time. Extra time may be advisable during peak travel periods.
Booking Your Malta Airport Transfer
To arrange a transfer from Malta International Airport, provide the arrival date, scheduled landing time, flight number, destination address, passenger count and luggage details. For journeys to the airport, include the departure flight information and preferred pickup address.
Whether you require a direct transfer to Valletta, a private vehicle to a seaside resort, transportation to the Gozo ferry or an English-speaking chauffeur for a customised itinerary, WelcomeTaxi provides pre-arranged service tailored to your travel plans.


