How to Get from Malta Airport to St Julian’s & Paceville

St Julian’s is one of the most popular destinations after arriving in Malta – mainly because of its hotels, restaurants, beaches, and the nightlife in the Paceville area. There are several ways to get there from Luqa International Airport, and the right choice mainly depends on how much time you have, how much luggage you are carrying, and whether you prioritise a lower price or comfort. The fastest options are a taxi or a private transfer, the cheapest is a regular public bus, and a sensible compromise is the direct Airport Direct bus.

If you have a hotel or apartment directly in the Paceville area, a taxi or private transfer is especially worth considering in the evening or at night. Paceville is built on a slope, pavements can be narrow in places, and the final stretch can be uncomfortable with suitcases. Buses often drop you slightly further away, meaning you may need to walk the last part on foot.

Below you’ll find an overview of all common transport options, including approximate prices and realistic travel times.

Overview of Transport Options from Luqa Airport to St Julian’s (Paceville)

Prices are indicative and may vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Regular Public Bus (Malta Public Transport)

The public bus is the cheapest option, but also the slowest. You often need to allow for at least one transfer, and during peak hours the journey can take significantly longer. It is best suited to light travellers who are not in a hurry and want to save money. In practice, travelling by bus is usually much slower than travelling by car, often several times slower, especially during rush hour.

A typical route involves travelling first towards Valletta and then continuing to the St Julian’s area on local routes (for example 13, 14, or 15, or other routes depending on the time of day and direction). The exact combination may vary according to the current timetable.

A detailed explanation of how public bus services, tickets, and current routes work can be found in a separate article about public transport in Malta.

Direct Bus from the Airport (Airport Direct TD2 and TD3)

Two Airport Direct routes operate from the airport to the St Julian’s and Paceville area – TD2 and TD3. Both are direct, with no transfers, and are more comfortable than regular bus routes, as they offer more space for luggage and make fewer stops along the way.

The TD2 route is the best option if you are heading directly to Paceville or the upper part of St Julian’s. It stops at locations such as Ganado and Dragonara and continues towards Pembroke. For hotels and apartments in Paceville itself, it usually means a shorter walk than other bus routes.

The TD3 route runs along the coast and serves areas such as Spinola, Balluta, Sliema, and Gżira. It is mainly suitable for travellers staying along the seafront or those located along the route between St Julian’s and Sliema. It only skirts Paceville via the Spinola area (on the edge of Paceville) before continuing along the coast.

Both routes operate approximately every 30 minutes, but exact times may vary depending on the day and time of day. It is therefore worth checking the current timetable on the official Malta Public Transport website before travelling – especially for late-night or early-morning services. Current TD3 timetable here and current TD2 timetable here.

App-Based Taxi (Bolt, eCabs)

Taxis booked via an app are among the most popular ways to get from the airport. The price is known in advance and is usually cheaper than white airport taxis. The journey to St Julian’s typically takes around twenty to thirty minutes, depending on traffic.

App-based taxis do not wait directly outside the terminal. After exiting the arrivals hall, you need to walk to a designated pick-up area near the car parks, around 2–4 minutes from the main exit. The driver usually arrives only after the booking is confirmed – under airport rules, only white taxis are allowed to park directly at the terminal.

A detailed comparison of taxi types, prices, and practical tips can be found in the article about taxis in Malta.

White Airport Taxis

Official airport taxis have fixed prices and operate reliably. However, they are usually more expensive than app-based taxis, and card payment is not always guaranteed – some vehicles do not accept cards or have technical limitations. They are particularly useful for late-night arrivals or if you do not have mobile data.

Private Transfer or Driver

A private transfer is the most comfortable transport option from the airport. The driver waits for you in the arrivals hall with a sign displaying your name, helps with your luggage, and takes you directly to your accommodation in St Julian’s or Paceville. It is especially worthwhile for families with children, larger groups, or late arrivals.

You can book a private transfer with a driver waiting in the arrivals hall here.

Which Transport Option Would I Choose?

• Travelling alone or as a couple: an app-based taxi is the most convenient option – fast, clear, and hassle-free.
• Want to save money and are not in a hurry: the regular public bus is the cheapest option, but you need to allow for a longer journey and possible transfers; the size or weight of your luggage can also be a disadvantage.
• Travelling with children, lots of luggage, or arriving late in the evening: an app-based taxi or a private transfer is the calmest option, without stress or searching for connections.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions