How to get to Malta

By | May 3, 2022

Overview

Malta is a country in Europe according to internetsailors. Malta – a small country with big character – that means bright blue water, hidden bays, medieval citadels and magnificent baroque churches. Year after year tourists flock to Malta to see its stunning coastline, enjoy fresh seafood and explore the many historic buildings and colorful villages. The archipelago of the State of Malta is located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea and consists of Malta, Gozo, Comino, Comminotto and Filfla. These sunny islands are one great open-air museum, offering ample opportunity to delve into Malta’s mysterious prehistoric past,

Getting there

Arriving by plane

Air Malta (KM), Malta’s national airline, flies non-stop from Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Frankfurt am Main, Vienna, Geneva and Zurich to Malta. Direct flights to Malta are also offered by Lufthansa (LH) from Munich and Frankfurt/M., Swiss (LX) from Zurich; Austrian Airlines (AA) and Wizz (W6) from Vienna and Eurowings (EW) from Stuttgart. Ryanair (FR) connects Berlin and Cologne with Malta. Eurowings (EW) flies from Stuttgart to Malta.

Flight times

Frankfurt – Malta: 2 hours 25 minutes; Vienna – Malta: 2 hours 10 minutes; Zurich – Malta: 2 hrs 10 mins

Arrival by car

Tolls: There are no toll roads in Malta. Documents: The national driving license is sufficient.

Arrival by ship

The main ports are Grand Harbour/Valletta, Marsaxlokk on Malta and Mgarr on Gozo.

Cruise ships

Valletta is an integral part of almost all Mediterranean cruises. Cruise lines such as Seabourn, MSC, TUI Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Costa and Norwegian Cruise Line call at Malta.

Ferry provider

There are regular ferry services between Malta and Italy. Virtu Ferries and Tirrenia operate ferries between Catania and Valletta (journey time: 4 hrs 45 mins); Virtu Ferries also operates between Pozzallo and Valletta (journey time: 1 hour 45 minutes). Advance booking is strongly recommended for most ferries.

Transportation

Traveling by plane

Harbourair Malta operates a 14-passenger seaplane service between Grand Harbour/Valletta (Malta) and Mgarr Harbor (Gozo), as well as sightseeing flights over both islands.

Traveling by car/bus

The road network is well developed. Toll: There are no toll roads. Petrol stations are generally open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and are equipped with automatic fuel dispensers for around-the-clock supply.

Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic

Left

Condition of the roads

The roads are almost exclusively paved, but some are in poor condition. Since there is largely no sewage system outside of the Valletta metropolitan area, the streets there can become flooded during heavy rains.

Car rental

Rental Cars: Companies such as Hertz, Dollar-Thrifty, Avis, Sixt, Europcar and others have offices at the airport. The driver must be at least 21 years old and have held a driver’s license for at least two years. Drivers under the age of 25 often pay a young driver fee on site. The rental car should be checked for previous damage and it should be clarified whether additional insurance is required by the rental car company. Limousines, mini-vans or buses with chauffeur service are also available.

Taxi

Taxis can be recognized by their white color. All taxis are equipped with fee meters. Taxi rides from the International Airport have fixed rates to anywhere in Malta.

Bicycle

In Malta there are a variety of bike rental and repair shops as well as providers of guided bike tours. There are three main routes for cycling tours: – in the north-west of Malta, from Rabat to Mdina (approx. 34 km, easy); – in the southwest of Malta, from Rabat to Siggiewi (approx. 27 km, moderate); – on Gozo, along the coast (approx. 42 km, for the experienced).

Coach

Malta Public Transport bus services connect most towns in Malta and Gozo daily between 05:30 and 23:00. Average travel time is 20-30 minutes, maximum 50 minutes. The express lines marked with an “X” commute between the airport and various locations in Malta. Detailed information on timetables and routes is available online at Malta Public Transport. To get to Gozo from Malta, take the bus to Cirkewwa, change to the ferry to Gozo and then take the bus to the island’s capital, Victoria.

Regulations

Traffic regulations: – left-hand traffic; – Overtaking takes place on the right, but the right of way rule still applies. Unless otherwise indicated, vehicles in the roundabout have the right of way; – alcohol limit: 0.8 ‰; – Helmets are compulsory for cyclists. Speed ​​limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – Country roads: 80 km/h.

Roadside Assistance

The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; In the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (89) 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (89) 76 76 76. The ADAC partner club in Malta is the Touring Club Malta (TCM), Tel. +356 (79) 00 01 16

Documentation

The driving license of the home country is sufficient. For citizens of EU and EFTA countries, the license plate number is valid as proof of insurance. Nevertheless, EU and EFTA citizens are recommended to take their international motor insurance card with them in order to be able to enjoy full insurance cover in the event of damage. Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance coverage applies. In addition, the international motor insurance card can make it easier to record accidents.

Traveling in the city

Valletta: Due to its small size, the city is very easy to visit on foot. A horse-drawn carriage can also be hired, although the price should be negotiated in advance. Exploring by car is not recommended due to the large number of narrow one-way streets and hardly any parking spaces.

Traveling by ship

A passenger/car ferry operates between Cirkewwa (Malta) and Mgarr (Gozo) every 30 and 45 minutes (journey time: 25 minutes). There is also a ferry service between Mgarr and Sa Maison (Malta). For further information contact Gozo Channel Company Ltd. Tel. +356 (22) 10 90 00. It is not possible to reserve car spaces. It is therefore advisable to be at the departure point as early as possible.

How to get to Malta