24-Hour Layover in Malta: What To Do

Malta International Airport (MLA) · Malta

Who else is transiting MLA right now?

Key Facts

Airport: Malta International Airport (MLA)
Country: Malta
Layover window: 24 hours
Recommended time outside: 18–20 hours — treat it as a mini trip
Visa & Entry: Schengen — visa-free for US, UK, Canada, AU, JP, KR + 60 nationalities (90/180). Single Schengen visa covers all 27 countries.

Insider Tip

MLA is 8km from Valletta — Bus X1/X2 (EUR 2) is the cheapest; Bolt EUR 16-22. For 3-hour layovers: Valletta + Barrakka Gardens. For 6+ hours: add Mdina (taxi EUR 20). Malta has the shortest distance between airport + UNESCO capital in the EU.

Getting to Malta City Centre

Mode	Cost	Time
Bus X1 / X2 to Valletta	EUR 2	30 min
Taxi (fixed rate)	EUR 22–28	15 min
Bolt / eCabs	EUR 16–22	15 min

Top Malta: Where to Go

Valletta (UNESCO) + Upper Barrakka Gardens

25 min from city centre

16th-century walled Knights of Malta capital — grid streets + saluting battery (cannons fire daily 12pm + 4pm). Free.

St John's Co-Cathedral + Caravaggio

25 min from city centre

Knights of Malta cathedral with Caravaggio's only signed painting (Beheading of St John). EUR 15. 45 min.

Mdina + Rabat (Silent City)

35 min from city centre

Walled medieval city in Malta's centre — film location for Game of Thrones. Free to wander. 1.5 hours.

Blue Grotto + Marsaxlokk fishing village

35 min from city centre

Sea caves with reflective blue water (boat trip EUR 8) + nearby Sunday fish market. Half-day trip for 6+ hour layovers.

Eat Like a Local in Malta

Pastizzi (ricotta + pea pastries). Rabbit stew (fenkata). Ftira (Maltese sandwich). Imqaret (date pastries). Cisk lager + Kinnie soft drink.

24-Hour Itinerary

Day 1 — Morning

Check into hotel near city centre

Book a hotel within 15 min of the main sights. Luggage storage available at most hotels even before check-in.

Day 1 — Midday

Malta signature experience

Use your first afternoon for the city's #1 must-see. Tiredness catches up later.

Day 1 — Evening

Local dinner and evening market or rooftop bar

Evening markets, floating markets, and night bazaars are peak atmosphere. Do this on day 1.

Day 2 — Morning

Second neighbourhood exploration

Mornings offer better light for photos, cooler weather, and fewer tourists at popular sites.

Day 2 — Late Morning

Airport transfer — allow 3 hrs before flight

Build in buffer for morning traffic. International check-in closes 45–60 min before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for a 24-hour layover in Malta?

Visa requirements vary by nationality. Many countries offer free transit visas or visa-on-arrival for layovers under 96 hours. Check your specific passport requirements before travel and confirm with your airline.

Is 24 hours enough to leave Malta International Airport?

Yes — 24 hours is enough to explore the nearest neighbourhoods of Malta comfortably, provided you have transit visa clearance. Allow 2–3 hours total for airport transit (both ways).

What is the best way to get from Malta International to Malta city centre?

Bus X1 / X2 to Valletta is typically the fastest and most affordable option at EUR 2, taking approximately 30 min. Rideshare apps are a convenient alternative.

Is there luggage storage at Malta International?

Yes, Malta International Airport has left-luggage facilities in the arrivals and departures hall. Typical cost is $5–15 per bag for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, many airport hotels offer left-luggage for non-guests.

Connect with other travellers at MLA

Book a transfer or rental from Malta International Airport

Fixed-price airport transfer, licensed drivers, or pick up a rental car — compare and book ahead so you skip the taxi queue.

Welcome Pickups

English-speaking driver, flat fare, flight tracking

GetTransfer

Compare licensed drivers, pre-book a fixed price

DiscoverCars

Compare 500+ rental brands worldwide — free cancellation

Local rent

Localrent — small local providers, often cheapest

Things to do in Malta

Tours, skip-the-line tickets and local experiences — book ahead to skip queues.

GetYourGuide

Largest catalogue, free cancellation on most tours

Viator

TripAdvisor-curated tours and day trips

Tiqets

Skip-the-line attraction tickets

Eatwith

Dinner with locals + food tours, often homes

Trains & buses from Malta

Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.

Omio

Trains, buses & ferries — strongest in Europe

12Go Asia

Southeast Asia trains, buses & ferries

Busbud

Buses worldwide — strong in Americas

Rail Europe

Eurostar + national operators across Europe

Flights from Malta

Compare 400+ airlines departing Malta International Airport

Search flights

Hotels near Malta Airport

With 24 hours, a day-use hotel room is worth it — shower, sleep, and recharge before your next flight.

Other layover guides for Malta

3-Hour Guide 6-Hour Guide 12-Hour Guide

Also useful for your Malta trip

Malta Airport Transport

Bus · metro · taxi costs

Malta Visa Checker

Do you need a visa to enter?

Luggage Storage

Store bags near Malta airport

Events in Malta

Sports · concerts · shows

Mode

Cost

Time

Bus X1 / X2 to Valletta

EUR 2

30 min

Taxi (fixed rate)

EUR 22–28

15 min

Bolt / eCabs

EUR 16–22

15 min

Top Malta: Where to Go

Valletta (UNESCO) + Upper Barrakka Gardens

25 min from city centre

16th-century walled Knights of Malta capital — grid streets + saluting battery (cannons fire daily 12pm + 4pm). Free.

St John's Co-Cathedral + Caravaggio

25 min from city centre

Knights of Malta cathedral with Caravaggio's only signed painting (Beheading of St John). EUR 15. 45 min.

Mdina + Rabat (Silent City)

35 min from city centre

Walled medieval city in Malta's centre — film location for Game of Thrones. Free to wander. 1.5 hours.

Blue Grotto + Marsaxlokk fishing village

35 min from city centre

Sea caves with reflective blue water (boat trip EUR 8) + nearby Sunday fish market. Half-day trip for 6+ hour layovers.

24-Hour Itinerary

Day 1 — Morning

Check into hotel near city centre

Book a hotel within 15 min of the main sights. Luggage storage available at most hotels even before check-in.

Day 1 — Midday

Malta signature experience

Use your first afternoon for the city's #1 must-see. Tiredness catches up later.

Day 1 — Evening

Local dinner and evening market or rooftop bar

Evening markets, floating markets, and night bazaars are peak atmosphere. Do this on day 1.

Day 2 — Morning

Second neighbourhood exploration

Mornings offer better light for photos, cooler weather, and fewer tourists at popular sites.

Day 2 — Late Morning

Airport transfer — allow 3 hrs before flight

Build in buffer for morning traffic. International check-in closes 45–60 min before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for a 24-hour layover in Malta?

Is 24 hours enough to leave Malta International Airport?

Yes — 24 hours is enough to explore the nearest neighbourhoods of Malta comfortably, provided you have transit visa clearance. Allow 2–3 hours total for airport transit (both ways).

What is the best way to get from Malta International to Malta city centre?

Bus X1 / X2 to Valletta is typically the fastest and most affordable option at EUR 2, taking approximately 30 min. Rideshare apps are a convenient alternative.