how to get to malta

Flights, Ferries and Other Ways to Reach Malta

For most travellers, the easiest way to get to Malta is by plane, with flights arriving at Malta International Airport. If you prefer not to fly or are travelling with your own vehicle, you can also reach Malta by ferry from Sicily.

Malta lies in the central Mediterranean, south of Sicily and north of Africa. Cruise ships and private yachts are other ways to arrive, while there is no direct road or railway connection to the islands.

Last updated: August 2026

Quick guide

✈️ Flying: The easiest option for most travellers.

⛴️ Ferry from Sicily: Best if you are already in Sicily, want to avoid flying or are bringing your own vehicle.

🚢 Cruise: Relevant if Malta is one of the stops on your cruise itinerary.

⛵ Private yacht or boat: An option for travellers arriving with their own vessel.

How to get to Malta by plane, ferry, cruise ship or private yacht.How To Get To Malta – Flights, Ferries, Cruises and Yachts

✍️ Written by Albert and Benjamin Magro, Malta locals sharing practical advice based on living on and exploring the islands.

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Getting to Malta by Plane

The best way of getting to Malta. KM Malta is being loaded with fuel, luggage, and passengers.KM Malta Plane At Airport

Scheduled passenger flights to Malta arrive at Malta International Airport (MLA). The airport is served by KM Malta Airlines, Ryanair, easyJet and other carriers, with direct connections to many cities across Europe and the Mediterranean.

Flight times vary depending on where you are travelling from, so it is best to check the current schedule for your departure airport.

Travelling from the United States? During summer 2026, Delta operates a nonstop service between New York-JFK and Malta International Airport three times a week. Travellers from other parts of the US can connect through New York or through major European airports, depending on their departure city and travel dates.

Travellers from Australia and Canada will usually need one or more connecting flights to reach Malta, depending on their departure city and airline.

For travellers coming from the Gulf, Dubai has a direct Emirates service to Malta. Emirates currently operates flights between Dubai International Airport and Malta International Airport, with schedules varying by season.

Planning the journey in the opposite direction? See our guide to Malta to Dubai Emirates flights for information on travelling from Malta to Dubai.

Before booking flights or ferries, it helps to see exactly where Malta is in the Mediterranean and how close it is to Sicily.

Getting To Malta Without Flying

If you prefer not to fly, the most practical route is to travel through mainland Europe and Italy, continue to Sicily, and then take the ferry from Sicily to Malta.

There is no direct road or railway connection to Malta, so every overland journey must finish with a sea crossing. If you are travelling with your own car, the Sicily ferry also allows you to bring your vehicle to Malta.

The exact route depends on where you are starting from, but for most travellers the final sea crossing is from Pozzallo in Sicily to Malta.

Getting to Malta by Ferry from Sicily

The Virtu Ferries Catamaran porting in Malta.Catamaran Arriving From Sicily

The Sicily to Malta ferry connects Pozzallo in Sicily with the Virtu Ferries passenger terminal in Marsa, Malta. Operated by Virtu Ferries, the crossing takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, although schedules vary according to the travel date.

There is no direct passenger ferry between Catania and Malta. Virtu Ferries operates organised coach transfers between Catania and Pozzallo on selected dates, allowing passengers to connect with the ferry to or from Malta. Always check the current schedule when planning this connection.

You can also bring your own car or motorcycle to Malta on the Sicily ferry, making this a useful option if you are traveling through Italy or Sicily by road. If you plan to bring a vehicle, see our practical guide to driving in Malta before your trip. If your itinerary also includes Gozo and Sicily, our guide to the ferry from Gozo to Sicily explains the current travel options between them.

Check out our translated pages: Italian, French and German.

Check Sicily–Malta Ferry Tickets

Planning to travel between Sicily and Malta? You can check current ferry times and compare ticket prices with Direct Ferries before booking your crossing. This is also useful if you are travelling with your own vehicle.

Arriving In Malta By Private Yacht Or Boat

Yachts moored at Birgu yacht marina.Private Yachts and Boats At Birgu Marina

If you are travelling around the Mediterranean with your own vessel, you can also arrive in Malta by private yacht or boat. Malta has a number of marinas and berthing facilities for visiting yachts, including facilities around the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour.

Before sailing to Malta, check berth availability and the requirements for your vessel with your chosen marina, as facilities and vessel-size limits vary between locations.

Arriving In Malta By Cruise Ship

Cruise Liner berthed at Valletta Port.Cruise Liner berthed at Valletta Port

Cruise ships arrive at Valletta Cruise Port in Malta's Grand Harbour, close to the capital. Malta is used both as a port of call and as a homeport, so you may either be visiting the island for the day or starting or ending your cruise here.

From the cruise terminal, Valletta is within walking distance. You can also walk to the Upper Barrakka Lift and take it up into the city, close to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, for easy access to Valletta's historic centre.

If your cruise starts or finishes in Malta, you may also need to travel between the cruise terminal and Malta International Airport, depending on your flight and cruise arrangements.

Getting Around Malta After You Arrive

Once you arrive, there are several ways to continue to your accommodation. You can arrange an airport transfer, use public transport, take a taxi or collect a rental car. If you are staying in Gozo, remember that your onward journey will also include the sea crossing between Malta and Gozo.

Public buses operate directly from Malta International Airport to a number of popular destinations across the island. For route information and connections to different towns and resorts, see our Malta bus routes by locality guide.

You can also take a taxi from Malta Airport, which can be a convenient choice if you are travelling with luggage or want to go directly to your accommodation.

If you prefer to drive, rental cars can be collected from the airport. Our car rental in Malta guide explains the main options to consider before booking.

If you are travelling on a package holiday, your airport transfer may already be included, so check your booking documents before arranging separate transport.

What is the easiest way to get to Malta?

For most travellers, flying is the easiest way to reach Malta, with scheduled passenger flights arriving at Malta International Airport (MLA). The best option still depends on where you are travelling from and whether you want to bring your own vehicle.

Can you get to Malta without flying?

Yes. You can travel overland through Europe and Italy, continue to Sicily and then take the ferry from Pozzallo to Malta. This is the main practical option for travellers who want to reach Malta without flying.

Can you drive or take a train directly to Malta?

No. Malta has no direct road or railway connection with another country. If you are travelling by car, you need to reach Sicily first and then bring your vehicle to Malta on the ferry.


Which airport do you fly into for Malta?

Scheduled passenger flights arrive at Malta International Airport (MLA). From the airport, you can continue to your accommodation by public bus, taxi, private transfer or rental car.

Can you take a ferry from Sicily to Malta?

Yes. Virtu Ferries operates the Pozzallo–Malta ferry, with the crossing taking approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Schedules vary by travel date, so check the current timetable before travelling.

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Albert and Benjamin Magro, local Malta travel writers

We are Albert and Benjamin Magro, two Malta locals who enjoy exploring the island and sharing practical advice with visitors. Our guides combine local knowledge with first-hand visits to Malta’s towns, beaches, attractions and accommodation areas. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook for more Malta tips, photos and videos.