How to Get from Malta International Airport to Sliema Using Public Transportation

Sliema is one of Malta’s most popular neighborhoods because of its wide choices of accommodation. Fortunately, it is easy to get from Malta International Airport to Sliema using public transportation, particularly the public bus.

All international flights to Malta land on Malta International Airport. You can get to Malta from major European cities like London, Amsterdam and Brussels.

In our case, we flew from Athens to Malta using the budget airline RyanAir.  Flight time is only two hours, which is super convenient and RyanAir flights are relatively cheap.

On our first few nights in Malta, we decided to stay in Sliema for a couple of reasons. The first reason is Sliema offers a  wider range of hotels and accommodation compared to other neighborhoods in Malta. It caters to travellers of different budget.

We decided to stayed at the Sliema Hotel for the value and great location.

Another reason to stay in Sliema is its accessibility to public transportation. There is a port in Sliema that facilitates the public ferry to the capital Valletta.

So if you are like us and would want to stay in Sliema, here is a step-by-step guide on how to get from Malta International Airport to Sliema  using public transportation.

How to get to Sliema from Malta International Airport Using Public Transportation

Renting A Car

Although you can always rent a car from the Malta airport and drive around Malta, it is not really necessary as Malta cities are small and it has a good network of buses that cater to commuters and tourists.

But if you insist in driving everywhere in Malta, then you have a good selection of car rental companies at the Malta International Airport. We do recommend that you book your car rental online way ahead of  your arrival date.  So when you arrive at the airport, all you need to do is pick up  your car.

Taking a Taxi

You can easily take a taxi from Malta International Airport to Sliema. Taking a taxi is a good idea if you have a lot of luggage and if you would want to get drop off at your hotel’s doorsteps.

Taking the Bus ( Recommended)

Taking the public bus is a good option if you have time, can carry your luggage, and would want to save some money. You can also sight-see while on the bus.

Here is a step-by-step on how to get from the Malta International Airport to Sliema Using the Public Bus:

Step 1. Clear Immigration and Customs and make your way to the Arrival Hall of the Malta International Airport.

Step 2. Look for the Information and Sales Office of the Malta Public Transport.  

You can buy the bus ticket or multi-day pass from here.

If you only want a single journey ticket, you can buy this on the bus.   

Step 3. Walk to the public bus bay across the road from the Departures Hall.

There are FOUR express bus service routes available from the Malta International Airport. They are are X1, X2, X3, and X4. Each bus route has a dedicated bay.

 Step 4. Go to X2 Bay and wait for the X2 bus, since you are going to Sliema.

X2 Bus Route: San Giljan – Sliema – Gzira – Mater Dei Hospital – Msida – Marsa – Paola – Luqa – Sta. Lucija – Airport

Step 5. If you have not paid your ticket, you may pay the driver as you get in. One way ticket prices are as follows:

Winter – €1.50
Summer €2.00
Year-round  night rate- €3.00

Make sure you have small change as it is considered a nuisance for drivers to get big notes for a one-way ticket.

Step 6. Arrive in Sliema and enjoy your stay in Malta.

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If you are going to a hotel that is close to the Sliema waterfront like the Sliema Hotel, consider this other route from Malta International Airport to Sliema:

 Step 1. Go to the public bus bay, which is just across the road from the Departures Hall of the Malta International Airport.

Step 2. Take the X4 Bus, which goes to Valletta. Take note that each Airport Express Bus Service has its own bay.

There are FOUR express bus service routes available from the Malta International Airport. They are are X1, X2, X3, and X4. Each bus route has a dedicated bay.

Step 3.  Get off at Valletta Main Bus Stop. This bus terminal is the first stop of the X4 Express Bus, so it is going to be a short ride.

Step 4. From the Valletta Bus Stop, you need to walk to Marsamxett Harbour.

The walk from Valletta Bus Stop to Marsamxett Harbour is around 12 minutes with a distance of around 850 meters.

Step 5. Arrive at Marsamxett Harbour and proceed to Boat Street.

Here you will find a dedicated kiosk and dock for the public ferry going to and from Valletta and Sliema.  You need to line up to board the public ferry to Sliema.

Step 6. Pay the one-way ticket when you board the ferry. There’s a staff that sells the tickets.

Sliema Ferry price:

Adult: €1.50  (one way)
Child/Pensioner :  €0.50 (one way)
Adult Night Service: €1.75  (one way)

Cheap right?

Public Ferry Schedule

Winter: 7 am to 7: 15 pm
Summer: 7 am to 12:45 am

Step 7. Arrive in Sliema Ferry Terminal on Triq Ix – Xatt. Enjoy!

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Important Malta Transport Information:

The bus service on Malta is operated by Malta Public Transport.  This service runs from 5:30 am to 11 pm. Take note of these times as this will determine whether you need to take a taxi from the airport if you are arriving late at night.

There is a bus night service but it only runs from Friday to Saturday nights and on public holidays.

Buying the Bus Ticket

As mentioned earlier, you can buy a one-way ticket from the driver on the bus. Please have small change ready as bus drivers don’t usually like giving change to  big notes.

You can also buy multi-day bus cards  from sales offices or booths run by the Malta Public Transport. Some retail shops (7-eleven style) also offer these cards.

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So there you go, the step-by-step guide on how to get from Malta International Airport to Sliema Using Public Transportation.

If this guide is helpful, please like it so that other travelers can benefit from this travel information.

Happy travels… Keep chasing places!