Want to know the best ways to get from Malta Airport to Sliema?
You are in the right place!
I have travelled all across Malta from the airport, including Silema– and no matter if you want to travel by car, taxi, or bus, you will have plenty of options.
Sliema is a fantastic destination to spend your time in Malta. With its blue waters, harbour views and relaxed atmosphere, you can easily see why.
The best way to do the 20-minute journey to Sliema from Malta airport is by car rental, bus or taxi- but which is the best for you?
To help your journey to Sliema be stress-free and easy, let’s look at the best transport options to suit your budget and needs, I’m sure we will find you the perfect one!
Don’t Have Time?
I’ve got you!
The best and quickest way to reach Sliema is private by taxi
✔️ Air- Conditioning
✔️ No Waiting!
✔️ Door-To-Door
Getting To Sliema: Your Quick Guide
Let’s get to the point quickly because I know you are busy and want to start planning your epic trip!
Journey Time: 20 Minutes
Distance: 10 Km
🚌 Getting The Bus– Best for those who are on a budget and don’t mind waiting a bit longer. A single ticket costs around €2
⭐️ Taxi– The more expensive option costs anywhere between €20-€35. However, it is great for anyone who doesn’t want to drive and get to their hotel ASAP (It is usually cheaper than using Uber in Malta).
🚗 Renting A Car– This is how I always get to my next destination from the Airport because it offers you flexibility and transport for your whole trip!
Planning A Malta Trip? Check Out These Resources
🐠 BEST SWIMMING EXPERIENCE: THIS Blue Lagoon Private Boat Tour
✅ Get An Anti-Theft Beach Bag– So you can swim stress-free!
🚖 Need to book an airport transfer?
Get door-to-door service with Kiwitaxi.
📍 How to find the best tours and experiences?
Check out the most amazing tours and activities with Viator.
🚗 How to hire a car?
Road trips are my jam and the only company I use is Discover Cars.
🏨 How to find hotels?
I always find great deals for accommodation with Booking.com.
How Far Is Malta Airport To Sliema?
Malta is a pretty small Island so getting anywhere from the airport will not take you long.
Depending on the traffic and time of day, it should take no more than 20 minutes to reach Sliema from Malta International Airport.
When I first drove the route it took me 25 minutes around mid-day, but I did get slightly lost because I’m not the best at listening to Google Maps 🙃
It is only 10 km away, so you will not struggle for transport options and they should not be too expensive.
However, your journey time will vary slightly depending on how you are planning to get there.
How Do I Get From the Airport To Sliema in Malta?
The airport in Malta is in a great location for reaching any hotel easily. Even if you are staying in Gozo, you can reach the Island from the airport with no issues.
No matter where you are planning on spending your holiday, the best way to reach your final destination is by car hire, taxi or bus.
This includes Sliema!
To help you reach your accommodation in Sliema, these are the fastest and cheapest options from Malta Airport:
How To Get From Malta Airport To Sliema By Taxi
If you’re traveling to Sliema and want to arrive at your destination quickly and in style, using a taxi from Malta Airport is the way to go. This is a great choice if you want to get around Malta without driving!
A taxi will pick you up right outside the airport terminal, meaning no waiting around in long lines or on public transport. Your journey will take about 20 minutes and costs roughly €20-€35.
Plus, it offers door-to-door service that is perfect if you have lots of luggage or are travelling in a large group.
Taxi rides also tend to be much more comfortable than public transport and can keep you out of the sun if you’re arriving during the hotter months.
Having a driver means not worrying about directions so you can sit back and relax in your air-conditioned vehicle!
It’s also a great option for families who don’t want to worry about carrying heavy bags and looking after young children.
There are taxis outside the arrivals hall, but I will always recommend booking one in advance. Not only does booking your taxi in advance work out cheaper, but it also means zero waiting!
🚖 CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY For Taxis From Malta Airport To Sliema Here ⏎
How To Get From Malta Airport To Sliema By Car
Even though you do not need a car to get around Malta, it is my favourite way to explore the Island!
I always like being able to get around on my own terms and not have to wait for public transport.
So if you want a car during your trip to Malta, get one from the airport as soon as you land. It will make your journey to Sliema quicker and cheaper than paying for transfers.
I always rent my car from Malta Airport through Discover Cars because they are just fantastic.
They compare every single rental option available in Malta, so you get the best deal every single time!
✅ Check Out Discover Cars Reviews & Availability Here
There are a few ways you reach Sliema from the airport. However, the quickest and most popular way is via Route 1.
Luqa (Malta International Airport)➡️ Follow signs for Vjal L-Avjazzjoni/Route 1 ➡️ Take Triq San Albert and Triq Rodolfu to Santa Marija in Sliema
You can also go via riq Ħal Qormi and Route 1 or via Triq Ħal Qormi, Triq Ħal Luqa and Route 1.
These two routes do tend to take a bit longer though, especially if there is traffic.
As these routes only take about 20 minutes, you can see other parts of the Island on your way!
How To Get From Malta Airport To Sliema By Bus
A ticket usually costs €2 for a one-way journey. The journey isn’t the quickest option though as it takes roughly 60 minutes.
However, if you are not in a rush and want a budget-friendly option, use Malta’s public transport system!
You can take the X2 bus (San Giljan) that heads towards Sliema every hour between 6 am and 23 pm.
If you do not want to wait around for the X2, you can also get on the X4 bus to Valetta and then another connection service like the A14 or 13A.
Malta Airport To Sliema FAQs
Before landing in Malta, I’m sure you have a few more questions about getting around and Sliema.
To help you out, these are the most asked questions visitors have:
Sliema is a town located in the Central region of Malta. It’s considered one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island, offering plenty of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
It has a bustling nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants to choose from. So whether you’re looking for a relaxed holiday or an action-packed one, Sliema has something for everyone!
Sliema is generally slightly cheaper than Valletta, but not by much!
As Valletta is the capital city and has a lot of historical sights to explore, you will likely be paying more for accommodation.
But Sliema is a popular resort town with plenty of beaches and shopping options so it isn’t that much cheaper.
Buses are the most popular way to travel between Malta’s cities. However, if you hire a car, you will find lots of parking options.
But if you want to see lots of Malta in a short amount of time, book a boat tour!
Yes, there is Uber in Malta, but it is not the most popular way to get around. As taxis and buses are so cheap compared to Uber, their service is not often recommended.
You can reach Gozo from Sliema in an hour by ferry from the harbour.
However, if you want more options you can easily use the other ports around the Island like Ċirkewwa. Gozo is a fantastic place to visit and even spend the night if you get the chance!
Sliema is a very popular destination to visit so you will find a variety of bars, restaurants and nightlife to keep you busy.
However, if you want some peace there are many relaxed areas surrounding the town where you can sit back and enjoy.
It will always depend on what you are planning to do during your stay at Sliema. However, you can expect to pay at most €160 a day.
But you can easily spend less or even more thanks to the amazing things to do in the area!
Malta Airport To Sliema Final Thoughts
So there we have it, the best ways to reach Sliema from Malta airport!
Visiting Sliema is a great way to experience the beauty of Malta first-hand. Stunning beaches, unique architecture, delicious cuisine and much more await visitors of this vibrant town.
And no matter if you want to drive or be driven, there are options for everyone!
Malta Airport Taxi options are great and probably the most popular way to arrive at Sliema.
Not only is it the quickest way, you do not have to drive and they are available 24/7!
There’s nothing worse than scrambling for transport on arrival or waiting in long lines. So no matter which way you want to get there, book your transport in advance!
🚖 Check Out The Best Malta Airport Transfer To Sliema Here ⏎
OR
Book Your Rental Car In Malta With My Fave Company Here 😍
I hope you found this article useful! For the ultimate trip, check out these other posts:
✔️ How To Get From Valletta To Popeye Village
✔️How To Get From Valletta To Blue Lagoon
✔️ The Best Lightweight Luggage For International Travel
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
