Malta, a Mediterranean gem rich in history and culture, is well-connected to the rest of the world through various transport options. Whether you’re arriving by air, ferry, or even private yacht, this guide will help you navigate all the ways to reach Malta.
1. Getting to Malta by Air
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel to Malta. The island’s only airport, Malta International Airport (MLA), located in Luqa, is just 5 kilometers from Valletta. With numerous airlines and routes, you can easily plan your trip, no matter where you are in the world. For those curious about Malta’s location, check out “Where is Malta?“ for more geographical context.
Direct Flights to Malta
Malta is well connected to most European cities and can be reached with a direct flight. The following airlines offer frequent flights to Malta:
- From Italy: Major cities such as Rome and Milan have regular flights to Malta with Air Malta, Ryanair, and EasyJet. Flight time is around 1.5 to 2 hours.
- From the UK: Travelers from London, Manchester, and Edinburgh can fly to Malta with British Airways, Ryanair, and EasyJet. The journey takes around 3 hours.
- From Germany: Flights from Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt are available with Lufthansa and Ryanair, taking about 2.5 hours.
- From France: You can fly from Paris to Malta with Air Malta and Ryanair. The flight takes around 2.5 hours.
- From Spain: Madrid and Barcelona offer direct connections to Malta, with a flight time of around 2 hours.
For more details on how flight schedules vary seasonally, check out “Flight Schedule to Malta this Winter 2024-2025: Your Ultimate Guide“. And if you’re looking for ways to save on flights, read “25 Insider Tips to Save Big on Your Next Flight Booking“.
Connecting Flights for Long-Haul Travelers
For those flying from further afield, such as North America, Australia, or Asia, connecting through major European hubs is often the best option:
- From the United States: Flights from cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago typically connect through London, Frankfurt, or Rome, with total travel times ranging between 12 to 16 hours.
- From Canada: Toronto and Vancouver offer similar connections, with flights taking 15 to 18 hours via London or Paris.
- From Australia: Flights typically route through the Middle East (Dubai or Doha) before connecting in Europe, with total travel times ranging from 22 to 24 hours.
Airlines Serving Malta
Malta’s air traffic is serviced by a range of airlines:
- Air Malta: The national carrier connects Malta to many European cities.
- Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air: Budget options for travelers within Europe. For those packing light, consider reading “Rawdogging Light Your Flight” for tips on traveling with minimal luggage.
- Lufthansa, Emirates, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines: These are some of the major international carriers offering long-haul flights to Malta.
Once you arrive at Malta International Airport, it’s only a short 5 km drive to Grand Harbour in Valletta, making transfers quick and easy. Learn more about the best ways to get around Malta in the “Malta Travel Guide“.
Summary of flights to Malta
| Country | Airport | Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | Vienna | Ryanair, KM Malta Airlines |
| Belgium | Brussels, Charleroi | Ryanair, KM Malta Airlines |
| Bulgaria | Sofia | Ryanair |
| Croatia | Zagreb | Ryanair |
| Cyprus | Larnaca | KM Malta Airlines, Emirates |
| Denmark | Billund, Copenhagen | Ryanair, Atlantic Airways |
| France | Lyon, Marseille,Paris (Beauvais, Charles de Gaulle, Orly), Toulouse |
Ryanair, KM Malta Airlines, Transavia France, Air France |
| Germany | Berlin, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Memmingen, Munich | Ryanair, KM Malta Airlines, Eurowings, Lufthansa, Condor |
| Greece | Athens, Thessaloniki | Ryanair, Aegean Airlines, KM Malta Airlines |
| Ireland | Dublin | Aer Lingus, Ryanair |
| Israel | Tel Aviv | Ryanair |
| Italy | Bari, Bergamo, Bologna, Cagliari, Catania, Milan (Linate, Malpensa), Naples, Palermo, Pisa, Rome (Fiumicino), Salerno, Trapani, Treviso, Trieste, Turin |
Ryanair, KM Malta Airlines, Universal Air |
| Latvia | Riga | Ryanair, Air Baltic |
| Lithuania | Vilnius | Ryanair |
| Luxembourg | Luxembourg | Luxair |
| Netherlands | Amsterdam | KM Malta Airlines |
| Poland | Gdansk, Katowice, Krakow, Poznan, Warsaw (Modlin) |
Ryanair, Wizz Air |
| Portugal | Lisbon, Porto | Ryanair |
| Romania | Bucharest | Ryanair, Wizz Air |
| Serbia | Belgrade, Nis | Air Serbia, Wizz Air, Ryanair |
| Slovakia | Bratislava | Ryanair |
| Spain | Barcelona, Madrid, Seville | Ryanair, KM Malta Airlines, Vueling Airlines |
| Sweden | Stockholm (Arlanda) | Ryanair, Norwegian Air Shuttle |
| Switzerland | Zurich | KM Malta Airlines, Swiss International Airlines |
| Tunisia | Tunis | Tunisair Express |
| Turkey | Istanbul | Turkish Airlines |
| UAE | Dubai | Emirates |
| UK | Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds-Bradford, Liverpool, London (Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Stansted), Manchester, Newcastle |
Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2.com, British Airways, KM Malta Airlines |
| Qatar | Doha | Qatar Airways |
Air Taxi
Experience the beauty of Sicily with Malta Wings’ air taxi and sightseeing service. In under an hour, you can fly from Malta to Sicily aboard the Tecnam P2006T twin-engine aircraft. Whether you choose to land in Catania, Palermo, Comiso, or Trapani, this flexible service allows you to explore Sicily for the day, enjoying local sights, lunch, and shopping. With a bird’s-eye view of Mount Etna, lush vineyards, and ancient olive groves, the flight itself offers breathtaking scenery, making it an unforgettable Mediterranean adventure.
2. Getting to Malta by Ferry
For those who prefer a scenic journey, traveling to Malta by ferry is an excellent option. Grand Harbour, located in Valletta, is the primary point of arrival for ferries from Italy and Sicily.
Ferry Routes from Italy
Malta is well connected to Italy through several ferry routes, making it accessible from multiple ports. The key ferry routes are as follows:
- Genoa – Malta Valletta:
- Duration: This is the longest route, with slow ferries taking around 22 hours. Fast ferries can complete the journey in 10 hours.
- Operators: Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) and Grimaldi Lines.
- Best for: Travelers coming from Northern Italy who want a relaxing and scenic sea voyage.
- Catania – Malta Valletta:
- Duration: This route offers various options, from slow ferries (10 hours) to fast ships that make the trip in just 2 hours.
- Operators: Grimaldi Lines and GNV.
- Best for: A quick connection from Sicily.
- Pozzallo – Malta Valletta:
- Duration: The fastest ferry route, with Virtu Ferries offering fast ships that make the journey in as little as 1.5 hours.
- Best for: The shortest and quickest way to get to Malta from Sicily.
To book ferries or get more details on services, you can visit Ferryfinder.com, which provides schedules, pricing, and ticketing options.
Seasonal Considerations
Ferry services from Italy to Malta are most frequent during the summer months (June to September), with reduced services during the off-peak season (November to April). It’s always a good idea to book tickets in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
Onboard Amenities
Ferries departing from Genoa and Catania offer a range of amenities, including restaurants, bars, duty-free shops, and private cabins. The Virtu Ferries service from Pozzallo focuses on shorter journeys and offers comfortable seating and snack bars.
3. Reaching Malta by Car (with Ferry)
For those who enjoy driving, combining a road trip through Italy with a ferry crossing to Malta can be a wonderful experience. Driving through Italy offers scenic views, and once you reach Sicily, you can take a ferry to Malta.
Driving to Sicily
Travelers can drive from anywhere in Europe through Italy, heading south to Sicily, where they can take a ferry from Catania or Pozzallo.
- Pozzallo – Malta: Virtu Ferries operates ferries that can carry vehicles, making this the quickest route, with a travel time of around 1.5 hours.
- Catania – Malta: Grimaldi Lines and GNV also accommodate cars, with a travel time of 5-10 hours.
Car Ferry Booking and Documentation
When planning to bring your car, make sure to book your ferry ticket in advance. It’s essential to check that your car insurance covers international travel and ferry crossings. Don’t forget to bring your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
4. Traveling to Malta by Train (with Ferry)
Another option is to combine a scenic train journey with a ferry trip. Travelers can take the train to Sicily and board a ferry to Malta.
Train Routes to Sicily
- From London or Paris: Take the Eurostar to Paris, followed by a high-speed train to Milan or Rome.
- From Rome to Sicily: An overnight sleeper train will take you to Syracuse, crossing the Strait of Messina by ferry.
- From Milan or Naples: High-speed trains from Milan and Naples provide a comfortable journey to Sicily.
Connecting to Ferries
Once in Sicily, travelers can take a local train or bus to Pozzallo or Catania to board a ferry. The Pozzallo – Malta route offers the quickest and most frequent service.
5. Alternative Travel Methods to Malta
For those seeking luxury or unique travel experiences, Malta offers options like yachting, cruises, and private jet services.
Yachting to Malta
Malta is a popular destination for yacht enthusiasts, with marinas such as Grand Harbour Marina and Msida Marina offering world-class facilities. Yacht charters are available from various locations, including Italy, Spain, and Greece.
- Yacht Charter Companies:
- Alfta Nautica
- Ocean Yacht Charters
- Yacht Charter Fleet
Popular yachting routes include Barcelona to Malta, with possible stopovers in Palma and Cagliari. If you’re looking for more travel tips, check out the “85 Best Travel Tips for Traveling Around the World“.
Cruise Ships
Malta is a common stop on many Mediterranean cruise itineraries. **Grand Harbour
** in Valletta welcomes ships from various major lines, offering a unique way to explore the island.
- Popular Cruise Lines:
- MSC Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Costa Cruises
Some cruise lines offer “cruise and stay” programs where you can disembark in Malta Lesser-known “repositioning cruises” often stop in Malta during season changes
Private Jets
For those seeking the ultimate luxury, Malta International Airport can accommodate private jets. Companies like VistaJet and NetJets offer exclusive services for travelers flying directly to Malta.
Conclusion
Getting to Malta is easy, whether you fly, sail, or take a scenic road-and-ferry trip. With well-connected routes across Europe and beyond, planning your journey to this Mediterranean island is a breeze. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, don’t forget to check out our “Malta Travel Guide” for more comprehensive travel tips and advice.
Malta offers a wide range of experiences tailored for different types of travelers. Couples can enjoy wine tasting tours and explore locations like Manoel Island, or take a stroll through the vibrant streets of Sliema. Families with children can explore historical sites such as the Hypogeum and visit festive Christmas markets, indulging in local treats. Adventurous young travellers can dive into thrilling activities like mountain biking, scuba diving, and rock climbing. History buffs will marvel at Malta’s rich cultural heritage, with the story of the Knights of Malta, ancient Phoenician settlements, and Neolithic temples and imposing forts waiting to be discovered. Malta truly has something for everyone, from scenic walks to festive events and historical landmarks. Whether it’s adventure, culture, or relaxation you’re after, the island has it all.
