Car Hire at Malta Luqa Airport

Airport travel guide

Located in the Mediterranean Sea halfway between Italy and Africa, the idyllic island of Malta has long attracted visitors from abroad. Home not only to beautiful beaches but also an incredible culture, it has all the makings for a truly enjoyable holiday. While most of its attractions are located in the capital, Valletta, the island’s small size means that with a rental car, everything is just a short trip away. Here are four other great places on Malta that you should consider visiting:

• Rabat. Although fiercely independent, Malta enjoys a special connection with its much larger neighbour, Italy. The island was part of the Roman Empire, and many relics of those times survive, especially in the historic town of Rabat. There you’ll find the 2,00-year-old ruins of the Domvs Romana structure which also contains a Roman Museum and St. Paul’s Cathedral and catacombs. The latter, while claustrophobic, is one of the most impressive experiences on the island. Home to a special, historic atmosphere that survives to this day, Rabat is just a 30-minute drive from Valletta. The town completely surrounds the walled city of Mdina, the ancient capital of the island.
• Mellieħa. Located on the northern tip of the main island near the neighbouring island of Gozo, Mellieħa is where some of Malta’s most beautiful beaches can be found. Some of the more popular are right in the town, but you can also find relatively more secluded spots by driving up or down the coast from it. Mellieħa is also home to the Għadira Nature Reserve and the Museum of Tuna Fishing which is dedicated to what was historically one of the most important industries of the island. Located about 25 km (16 miles) northwest of Valletta, Mellieħa takes some 40 minutes to reach.
• Paola. Located right next door to the capital, the cosy coastal town of Paola is another popular place to visit. The town boasts the King Christ Basilica and some lovely views of Valletta on the other side of the harbour. Paola’s number one attraction, though, is definitely the Hypogeum. A stunning underground structure that was home to one of the oldest civilizations in Europe, it was built 5-6 thousand years ago. The three levels of underground chambers, labyrinths, and halls are thought to have served a religious purpose. The Hypogeum is also home to a museum which has audio guides in Maltese, English, Italian, French, and other languages. You need to book tickets in advance. 
• St. Julian's. While perhaps lacking something in the cultural heritage that other towns of Malta are famous for (although not completely without history, either), St. Julian’s is one of the party capitals of the island nation and, consequently, one of its most visited destinations. Located on the eastern coast of the main island, it is just north of the capital, Valletta. 

Top international routes

• Rome
• London
• Catania
• Manchester
• Munich
• Frankfurt
• Zurich
• Vienna

Main airlines

Air Malta, Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, Wizz Air, and Turkish Airlines

Terminals

The single passenger terminal hosts flights both inside and outside the Schengen area.

Location

Malta Airport is in the town of Luqa, 5 km (3.1 miles) southwest of Malta’s capital, Valletta. Vjal l-Avjazzjoni / Route 1 and Route 6 are the main roads connecting the airport to the capital.

Most popular types of hire car

• Small cars - starting at £8 per day
• SUVs - starting at £17 per day
• Medium cars - starting at £12 per day
• Large cars - starting at £12 per day
• Station wagons - starting at £18 per day
• Convertibles - starting at £13 per day
• People Carriers - starting at £32 per day
• Premium cars - starting at £87 per day

Car hire desks

Most can be found right after you leave the baggage claim area, on the left side of the arrivals hall.

Services and facilities

You’ll find various shops and a duty-free store, a number of dining opportunities, a currency exchange, ATMs, a number of lounges, a lost and found office, a pharmacy, and a chapel. There’s a luggage storage service inside the check-in hall available 24/7. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest petrol station

F. Bussutil Service Station can be reached in less than ten minutes. Located at Tal Barrani Road, Bir ID Deheb, Ħal Għaxaq ZTN9024, it’s open 24/7. There are many other gas stations close to Malta Airport and on the island of Malta.