The only airport in Malta, Malta International Airport (MLA) serves the entire Maltese archipelago, which consists of three islands just south of the island of Sicily. The island has a long and rich history and some of its temples are among the oldest in the world. This, combined with its gorgeous Mediterranean climate, makes it a popular spot with tourists. It is known particularly for its diving and beach vacations.
The airport serves 3 million passengers each year and is just 3.1 miles (5km) from the capital city Valletta. It's the main hub for Air Malta and serves as a small base for Ryanair. Many international airlines have flights to Malta International Airport from across Europe and beyond, especially in summer.
Although small, the airport is well-equipped – it won Best European Airport of the Year in 2010 in ACI's airport quality survey – so your stay at Malta International should be as pleasant and stress-free as your island vacation.
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Train: There is no train station at the airport.
Bus: There are several buses that serve the airport. The airport operates four express bus services (X1, X2, X3 and X4) between the airport and surrounds. The X4 travels from Valletta to Birzebbuga via the airport and leaves every 15 minutes. X2 and X3 leave every 30 minutes and go to St Julian's and Bugibba respectively, while the X1 goes to Cirkewwa via several stops every hour. There are also several public buses going past the airport on routes 71, 72, 117, 118, 120, 135 and 201, every 15-60 minutes. Between them there can be up to 10 buses going to Valletta every hour, so if that's where you're headed, you shouldn't have a problem.
Taxi: You can catch a taxi to just about anywhere in Malta. Pre-booked tickets are available from the booth in the arrivals hall, which will cost €10-35 depending on your destination.
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There are both short- and long-term car parks at the airport. The short-term car parks are free for the first 10 minutes, €1.60 for the first hour, €2.60 for two hours and €0.50 for every hour thereafter, with a flat rate of €5 for between five and 12 hours. If you need to park for longer, you can head for the long-term car park, which charges €7 for 12-24 hours and €5 for every day thereafter.
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Money and communications: The airport offers banks, ATMs and currency exchange services in the arrivals area. There are phone booths throughout the terminal.
Luggage: There's a baggage-wrapping service and a porter service (€12 for up to five pieces of luggage). There's also a left-luggage facility in the check-in area near the information desk. It costs €2-8, depending on the size of your possessions and how long you plan to leave them or €5 for every day after the first 24 hours.
Conference and business: There are fully equipped conference facilities which can seat up to 80 people in both the arrivals and departures areas. Members of La Valette Club have access to the VIP lounges in the arrivals and departures sections, otherwise the entrance fee is €29. The lounges have complimentary snacks and drinks, newspapers and free Wi-Fi. There are Internet kiosks in the check-in hall.
Other facilities: There is a chapel on Level 1 near the food court. There's also a post office in the check-in hall, as well as several post boxes in the departures area. Children's play areas are located in the departures area.
Wi-Fi: The airport boasts free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
Shopping: There's a good selection of basic stores and eateries at Malta International, considering its size. The arrivals area has a pharmacy and a few electronics stores, and the check-in hall has a book shop, an optometrist and a couple of jewelers. The departures area has everything you'll need, including fashion and accessory boutiques, book shops and newsagents, jewelry stores, gift and souvenir shops, and a few duty-free shops.
Food and drink:Although a small airport, there are enough eateries for you to have a pretty good choice. There are fast-food outlets (McDonald's, Burger King, KFC), an Italian restaurant (Cucina Italiana Mirabelle), a pub (Fat Harry's Pub), an eatery with Indian, Turkish and Chinese cuisine (Noor's) and a juice bar. There are also a few coffee shops, cafeteria-style eateries and a sports bar with a children's play area.
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