Malta is located in the southern Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Tunisia. The country forms an archipelago of three islands: Malta (the main island), Gozo and Comino. Known for its clear water coves and abundant historical sites, the Maltese Islands are a popular destination for travellers seeking an affordable Mediterranean getaway. When planning a trip to Malta, knowing how to get there and the best season to book to avoid expensive fares is the first thing you must know.
How to fly to Malta?
Malta International Airport (MLA) is the only airport serving all of the Maltese Islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino). It is located in Luqa, about 10 km from Valletta, Malta’s capital city. It takes about 35 min with the bus from the airport and 20 min by car to reach the centre. You can fly non-stop from most European cities to Malta with low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, Transavia, EasyJet, and Vueling, as well as with regular airlines such as Air France, Air Baltic, Air Malta, Swiss, and Brussels Airlines. It takes, on average, 3 hours to fly to Malta, depending on the departure city in Europe.
For travellers from North America, there’s now a direct seasonal flight from New York City with Delta Airlines, making the Mediterranean just one hop away. If that route isn’t running, you can connect easily through any major European hub. Coming from Asia-Pacific? Flights via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines and Doha with Qatar Airways are the most convenient options. Both airlines have direct routes to Malta and excellent long-haul connections.
How much does it cost to fly to Malta?
The cost of flying to Malta varies depending on the airline, the time of year, and the departure city. Before booking, it’s always a good idea to compare prices and check for any deals or promotions to get the best value for your money. Here are some average prices of return flights to Malta:
From the UK
- London to Luqa: £95 – £200
- Manchester to Luqa: £110 – £270
- Edinburgh to Luqa: £160 – £290
From France
- Paris to Luqa: 120 € – 250 €
- Marseille to Luqa: 100 € – 250 €
- Lyon to Luqa: 160 € – 250 €
From other European cities:
- Romet to Luqa: 100 € – 200 €
- Barcelona to Luqa: 90 € – 200 €
- Bruxelles to Luqa: 200 € – 250 €
- Frankfurt to Luqa: 190 € – 300 €
When is the best time to go to Malta?
The best time to visit Malta is from May to September. However, Malta is at its busiest and most expensive in July and August when European visitors are on summer holidays. The average sea temperature from early June to November remains in the 20°C to reach 26°C in summer. This is why diving in Malta has become so popular in Europe!
Winter can bring occasional storms and rain, early Spring is sunny but still windy, while summer is hot and dry. In Autumn, the weather is still warm and sunny. If you want perfect water conditions and a relaxed pace, mid-September to early October is your sweet spot.
What visa do you need to go to Malta?
Citizens and residents of EU/EEA countries do not need a visa to travel to Malta. They must register with local authorities only if their stay exceeds 90 days.
Citizens of 61 countries and territories are exempt from visas to travel to the European Union, of which Malta belongs to. The maximum stay is 90 days every 180 days. Among these countries are the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand, and Mexico. For all the other countries, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter any country of the European Union.
Do you need more information to plan your trip to Malta?
Check these additional articles about travelling and scuba diving in Malta: