How to Get to Malta? Airplane, Boat & Ferry Options in 2026

Planning a trip and wondering how to get to Malta? You’re in the right place!

As an island nation in the Mediterranean, the only ways to get to Malta are by plane or boat.

Most travelers arrive via Malta International Airport (MLA), while ferries connect Malta to Sicily and other nearby destinations.

After traveling to over 46 countries and planning every detail ourselves, we know how important it is to choose the best route before booking. Our trip to Malta was no different.

In this guide, we break down the easiest and most efficient ways to get to Malta, compare transportation options, and share insider tips to help you plan your trip smoothly.

Let’s dive in!

Where is Malta?

Malta is a small country in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, nestled between Sicily, in southern Europe, and Tunisia, in northern Africa.

It is comprised of three islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

Although it may be farther than other European destinations, the beautiful country of Malta is definitely worth visiting!

We love to plan and are here to help with your travel logistics.

Now, it’s just a matter of figuring out how to get you to Malta. Of course, the cheapest and easiest way will depend on where you are coming from.

The Islands of Malta

Malta is the largest main island and home to the Malta International Airport (MLA). Most travelers will start their journey here, as it has the largest range of transportation options.

You can reach Malta by either air or sea from various countries around the world.

Gozo is the second largest island and contains some of the most incredibly beautiful landscapes and coastlines in the entire Mediterranean.

Largely uninhabited, Comino is the smallest of the three islands. This little gem is home to the famous Blue Lagoon – a tourist hot spot and a must when joining a Malta boat tour.

Together, these 3 islands have a total land area of 316 square km (121 square miles) and are home to approximately 500,000 citizens.

And can you believe this tiny country sees 1.6 million visitors per year?

Fun Facts about Malta:
✔️It gets over 300 days of sunshine a year
✔️The Maltese drive on the left side of the road
✔️It has a rich, fascinating history with 11 foreign rulers
✔️Maltese is a unique language only spoken in Malta

How to Get to Malta

➡️You can get to Malta by plane, ferry, cruise or yacht.

Method	Best For	Notes
Plane	Most travelers	Fastest & easiest
Ferry	From Sicily	Scenic option
Cruise	Mediterranean trips	Seasonal
Private Yacht	Sailors	Niche option

Since Malta is an island chain, the cost and length of your journey will depend on where you are coming from.

Most visitors end up flying, but for the more adventurous travelers out there, there are other exciting options to consider.

Getting to Malta By Airplane

Flying is the easiest and fastest way to get to Malta, and there are several flights from many popular cities throughout Europe.

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Canada, the USA, or Australia. If you hail from one of these countries, expect to take a connecting flight from somewhere in Europe to Malta.

All flights arrive at the Malta International Airport, which is the only airport in the country. It is approximately 18 minutes away from the capital city of Valletta.

There are no flights to Gozo or Comino.

Flying to Malta from Italy

The best country to fly to Malta from is Italy as it offers the shortest and cheapest flights. Therefore, it is our #1 recommendation for travelers.

The distance between Rome, Italy, and Valletta, Malta is only 677km (421 miles).

Since these countries are so close, you could add a visit to Malta onto a 2-week trip to Puglia, for instance. Then you can experience 2 distinct countries in one trip!

Flying from Italy is also the cheapest way to get to Malta. Most flights are under $100 CAD and take 1 hr 25 minutes.

Flights depart from multiple Italian cities, including Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan.

If you are flying from Canada or the USA, why not consider a stopover in Italy?

Breaking up a long travel day and exploring an additional country is always an option. This might be something to consider when planning your trip.

Flying to Malta from France

Flying to Malta from France is an excellent option, especially for travelers from Canada or the United States.

Flights from North America to France can vary between 7 – 11 hours in length. This can be excruciatingly long, and you want to be rested for your vacation in Malta.

One of the best ways to survive an international flight is to add a layover to your itinerary.

What better place to do this than in Paris, the city of love! Consider taking a couple of days to relax and see what Paris has to offer, before heading to Malta.

Direct flights from Paris to Valletta are frequent and take approximately 2 hr 40 minutes. And prices are very affordable, especially if you choose a discount airline like Ryan Air.

Flying to Malta from Greece

Now, some of you might be wondering… why would I fly from Greece to Malta?

If you start your trip from Canada or the US, however, it may not be as convenient. Nevertheless, that is exactly what we did!

We love to scour the internet for deals, and when we discovered a special with Air Canada from Canada to Greece last year, we jumped on it! Then we booked a separate connecting flight from Greece to Malta for cheap.

Why not take a trip to the Greek islands after an unbelievable vacation in Malta? Flights between these two countries are relatively cheap and easy from Athens.

Our flight was 1 hr 45 minutes and we paid $235 CAD ($175 USD) per person.

Flying options don’t stop here, as multiple airlines fly to Malta from other countries too. Most European countries will offer direct flights to and from Valletta. 

Of course, the further you are from the Maltese Islands, the higher the costs will be.

This is why it’s good to know about discount European airlines like RyanAir and EasyJet.

Finding the Best Flights to Malta

I love searching for flight deals on Skyscanner. You can search by specific dates and compare different airlines to find the best deal for you.

Skyscanner also lets you set up a price alert, you can track price changes and book when fares drop.

The platform is easy to use, and allows you to filter by airlines, layovers, flight duration and more to customize your search.

Once you decide on a flight, Skyscanner takes you to the actual provider’s website, so you can view and read the necessary fine print, and make an informed decision on your travel plans.

Getting to Malta By Cruise Ship

Looking for a more relaxed way of getting to Malta? Why not consider a cruise?

Cruise ships provide an array of exciting and relaxing activities to enjoy while you slowly sail to Malta.

If you ever consider taking a Mediterranean cruise, you will be pleased to know that a stop in Valletta is usually included. And there are many activities and things to do in Valletta from port.

If you prefer to travel by cruise ship, this option is a perfect fit!

Taking a cruise ship is an excursion of its own, and will obviously be more expensive than traditional modes of transportation. However, don’t let the cost sway you from enjoying this of kind vacation.

Malta is included on many cruise line itineraries that depart from Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, and Greece.

Prices range from $750 – $3000 CAD ($560 – $2300 UDS) based on your reservation, where/when you depart, and which operator you choose. 

Of course, that means you will need to get yourself to one of these countries first. It’s important to note that cruise prices do not include any flights.

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Getting to Malta By Ferry

Cruise ships aren’t the only sea-worthy transportation choice. If you happen to find yourself in Sicily, consider taking a ferry to Malta.

This option is perfect for those wondering how to get to Malta on a boat for cheap.

Sicily has a direct ferry for just under $100 CAD ($75 USD) each way per person. The ferry from Italy to Malta takes around 4.5 hours.

Check out Direct Ferries for times and booking information.

⛔It’s important to note that if you have a rental car, you will need to ask the rental company if you will be covered under the insurance policy before driving onto that ferry.

In our experience, ferries tend to pack cars on so tight that they can get damaged. Therefore, some car rental companies don’t cover ferry crossings. Make sure you ask when making your reservation.

Be aware that some ferry operators allow cars, while some are pedestrian-only. Make sure to find out before booking your ferry ticket.

Getting to Malta By Yacht

Sailing or yachting to Malta may just be the most interesting and adventurous way to get to Malta. And perfect for the ocean-loving sailor.

With multiple docks around the island, sailing or yachting might just be the experience of a lifetime. Not surprisingly, traveling to Malta by personal yacht is quite popular.

But even if you don’t have your own, you can rent a sailboat or yacht with or without a guide to take you there! Some might just say you are “living the dream.”

Did you know that you can charter a boat from Spain? The tour takes around 10 hours. Although that may seem long, you will see so much along the way making your “travel” day more like an excursion day.

If you depart from Barcelona, we suggest hitting up the ports of Palma and Cagliari in Sardinia!

You can do this round trip or just one way… either to or from Malta.

Prices range depending on the crew, time or year, and boat selection. Feel free to explore and discover what best fits you and your travel companions.

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⛵A Few Sailing Companies to Consider:
Alfta Nautica
Ocean Yacht Charters
Yacht Charter Fleet

How to Travel to Malta from the USA

Traveling from the USA or Canada to Malta can be a little more difficult. As we already mentioned, you will need to catch a connecting flight.

However, we don’t consider this a negative and recommend combining Malta with another country in Europe.

When we visited Malta, we combined it with a trip to Greece and the island of Sifnos. It made for a truly magical experience. 

The best way to do this is to book two separate flights if possible. One round trip from your home to Europe, and then another roundtrip between that country to Malta.

Or you could even add a third country to your travel itinerary!

Example Itinerary:
👉Fly from Canada to Rome: Colosseum & pasta
👉Fly from Rome to Malta: amazing 10-day vacation
👉Fly from Malta to Amsterdam: canals & cute Dutch towns
👉Fly from Amsterdam to Canada

By being flexible and creating a stopover instead of a layover, you eliminate the connecting flight and long travel day.

This is extremely helpful in today’s world as more and more airline passengers are experiencing flight delays or missed flights altogether.

✅Helpful Tip: Add a stopover and reduce the total time you travel in one day. This benefits travelers with chronic pain or fatigue, like me.

Best Way to Get to Malta from the UK

The United Kingdom is one of the most popular and busy travel hubs in Europe. As such, several direct flights to Malta are cheap, efficient, and available.

Although we have mixed feelings when it comes to Ryan Air, we can’t deny it is one of the most affordable options for discount flights throughout Europe.

Direct flights to Malta with Ryan Air depart from multiple cities in the UK, including Manchester, Bournemouth, Birmingham, Liverpool, and London.

The Cheapest Way to Get to Malta

Are you on a shoestring budget? The cheapest flights to the Maltese islands are from Italy. Palermo in Sicily takes the cake on budget-friendly flight options.

Round-trip flights from Palermo, Sicily to Valletta, Malta on Ryan Air can cost as little as $78 CAD ($58 USD/53€)! Crazy… considering you can barely get a meal for that these days.

Visa Information

As Malta is a member of the European Union, those traveling from the EU or UK will not need a visa.

However, non-EU visitors must present a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.

Malta is part of the Schengen Agreement, which means Canadians and Americans can enter and stay in the country for up to 90 days. Both tourists and business travelers benefit from this.

Check out the visa requirements for Malta for updated and accurate info.

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Getting Around Malta

Once you’ve arrived, there are a variety of options to get you around Malta, including public transit, private transport, taxis, and rental cars.

You will also want to take the Malta ferry to Gozo when you are ready to explore this gorgeous island.

We recommend renting a car in Malta, as it allows for more flexibility and freedom during your travels. You aren’t restricted to a schedule and can reach off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Check out this post for additional Malta driving tips to help you plan your journey!

🚗Need a rental car? Check availability & prices:
➡️Reserve your rental car here!

What to Do in Malta?

Malta is a magical country with so many unforgettable things to see and do on the islands.

It is full of unique landscapes, stunning coastlines, and beautiful towns to visit.

Therefore, it is important to plan your trip ahead of time, and book tickets in advance to some of the popular indoor activities in Malta.

We designed this 10 – 12 day Malta itinerary that includes information on where to go, and what to see while you are in Malta.

🤔Wondering where to stay in Malta?
➡️Check out the best Adult Only Hotels here!

FAQ: How Do You Get to Malta

Final Thoughts: How to Get to Malta

We hope we answered all your questions on the best way to get to Malta.

From flights to ferries, sailing to yachting, there are so many ways to reach the beautiful Maltese Islands.

Choosing which form of transportation is best for you really depends on where you are right now in the world.

If you’re in Europe, you are bound to find a cheap, direct flight. Of course, if you hail from North America, then a connecting flight is the option for you.

Select a cruise ship if you want to relax and visit other countries in the Mediterranean. Or catch the ferry from Italy to Malta.

Whatever way you choose to get to Malta, just don’t plan on driving. Plan ahead and enjoy your journey!

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