Taxi in Malta: Guide to Services, Prices and Apps
- Damian Brzeski
- 3 days ago
- 10 min read
Want to know how to get around Malta and Gozo in the most convenient way? Taxi is an option that combines comfort, safety and availability at any time of day or night.
But which taxis to choose, how much you’ll pay for a ride, and which apps work best on the island? You’ll find the answers in our guide – before you get in the car, learn the rules, prices, and tricks that will make your trip easier.
Types of Taxis Available in Malta
Are you planning your first trip to the island and wondering what transport is like in Malta ?
Taxis are one of the most convenient ways to get around – whether you’ve just landed at the airport , are returning from the beach or want to hop from Valletta to St. Julian’s without the crowds on the bus.
Below you will find an overview of the available options to help you choose the best means of transport for your situation.
White and black taxis: differences and operating principles
If you’re planning on getting around the island, taxis in Malta are one of the most convenient options. Here’s what you need to know about them:
Official taxis are white and have a "Taxi" sign on the roof - this is their distinguishing mark.
Depending on the island, the colors of the license plates change:
Black plates in Malta,
Red plates on Gozo.
Every malta taxi licensed taxi is licensed and must meet certain requirements:
taximeter with fiscal receipt printer,
GPS device tracking the route,
passenger emergency button,
two-way communication system with the headquarters.
Some vehicles have internal CCTV cameras that:
are not accessible to the driver or passenger,
may only be used by the police in the event of an investigation.
Transport in Malta using taxis is not only convenient, but also a guarantee of safety.
Private and local taxis: what you need to know
In addition to classic city taxis, there are also private companies offering transport - both on request and in advance. An example is Kiwitaxi , which gives you the option of choosing a specific type of vehicle - from a passenger car to larger options, such as Minibus 13PAX , Minibus 19PAX or the comfortable Premium Minibus .
This is a great option if you are traveling in a group or you want convenience. Additionally, with such services, taxi prices are known in advance, so there are no surprises. Booking an individual transfer is also a good idea for airport transfers or longer routes around the island.
Night Taxis: Availability and Safety
Returning from dinner in Valletta or partying in St. Julian's in the evening? Don't worry - taxis are available 24 hours a day. The most convenient way is to book a ride through an app such as eCABS , Bolt or Malta Taxi App , where you can see the estimated cost, waiting time and driver details right away.
After dark, it is worth checking whether the vehicle is marked and licensed. Official Malta Taxi licensed cars have a "Taxi" sign, a registration number and a clearly defined fare. With apps, you have full control over your ride - from choosing the route to rating the driver, which increases the sense of security.
Regardless of the time of day, taxi-based transport in Malta is a fast and comfortable alternative to public transport – especially if you value convenience and independence.
Organisations and regulations of the taxi industry in Malta
The Malta Licensed Taxi Organisation is responsible for the smooth operation of taxis. This institution controls the quality of services, ensures safety standards and licenses drivers. This way, you know that choosing an official vehicle means you are not taking any risks.
The organization deals with, among other things:
licensing of drivers,
checking the technical condition of vehicles,
control of the operation of taximeters and payment systems,
responding to reports from passengers.
Licensed Taxis in Malta: How to Recognize Them
If you’re not using an app but just want to hail a taxi on the street, it’s worth knowing what to look for. Here are a few things to help you make sure you’re dealing with a legitimate taxi operator:
white body and "Taxi" sign on the roof,
license plates:
black in Malta,
red on Gozo,
visible license number,
a working taximeter that prints a receipt.
Thanks to these elements, you can be sure that your journey is carried out in accordance with the rules and under the supervision of the appropriate services.
Night Taxis: Availability and Safety
Returning in the evening from dinner in Valletta or partying in St. Julian's? Don't worry - taxis are available 24 hours a day.
The most convenient way to order a ride is through an app such as eCABS , Bolt or Malta Taxi App , where you will immediately see the estimated cost, waiting time and driver details.
After dark, it is worth checking whether the vehicle is marked and licensed.
Official Malta taxi licensed cars have a "Taxi" sign, a registration number and a clearly stated tariff.
Thanks to the apps, you have full control over your ride – from route selection to driver rating, which increases your sense of security.
Regardless of the time of day, taxi-based transport in Malta is a fast and comfortable alternative to public transport – especially if you value convenience and independence.
Taxi booking apps available in Malta
More and more visitors to the island are using apps to hail rides. They’re quick, convenient, and often cheaper than hailing a taxi off the street.
There are several proven platforms in Malta that will make it easier for you to move around the island – regardless of the time of day or where you are.
Bolt, eCabs and Uber: Features and Prices Compared
The list of the most popular apps is dominated by Bolt and eCabs – these are the most popular choices for tourists and locals. Although Uber does not operate in Malta, these two solutions are more than enough.
Bolt : offers dynamic pricing that depends on demand and time. You can find a great deal, but prices can jump during peak times – for example, a ride from the airport to Sliema can cost anywhere from €17 to €38.
eCabs : often more predictable, with the possibility of using promotional codes (e.g. "HEYMALTA" gives you a 5 euro discount). Prices start from 14 euros.
Both apps offer options for people with limited mobility and the ability to track your route in real time. This is a huge convenience, especially if you want to keep track of where you are and how long your ride will take.
Malta Taxi App and Malta Taxi App: Official Local Solutions
If you prefer to go local, it’s worth downloading the Malta Taxi App – it’s an official app that works with licensed drivers across the island. It offers a clear interface and the ability to book a ride in advance, for examplefrom the airport or to Valletta.
What makes it stand out?
cooperation only with licensed drivers,
no dynamic price changes,
fixed rates, similar to pre-paid booths at the airport,
option to select a vehicle and find out the price before ordering.
All these apps make transport in Malta simple, accessible and tailored to your needs – whether you are travelling alone, with your family or with a larger group.
Reservation and payment of the ride
Once you’ve decided to take a taxi ride , it’s worth knowing how the whole process works – from booking to paying. In Malta, everything works smoothly, but a few tips can save you a lot of stress and unnecessary costs.
Online Taxi Booking: How It Works and When It's Worth It
Ordering a taxi online or using an app is the surest way to avoid surprises – especially during peak season or when arriving at night. Apps like eCabs , Bolt or the Malta Taxi App allow you to book a ride in advance – even for a specific time and day.
The most common situations when it is worth booking in advance:
arrival or departure from the airport,
a trip to an important event (e.g. a wedding or conference),
travel at night or on holidays,
need for a special vehicle (e.g. Minivan 4PAX or Minibus 7PAX ).
With a reservation, you can be sure about the vehicle, driver and price. In the case of companies like Kiwitaxi , you also know in advance how much you will pay - regardless of traffic jams or delays.
Payment methods: cash, card, online payment
In Malta, paying for a taxi ride is flexible – you can choose the method that suits you best:
cash (still popular in traditional taxis),
payment or credit card,
payment directly through the app.
Some apps save your card details so you don't have to worry about anything - the ride is paid automatically after you finish your ride.
Taxi Waiting Times: What Affects Availability
Although taxis in Malta operate 24 hours a day, it is worth being patient during rush hour or in bad weather. Waiting time may depend on:
time of day (peak times are usually between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.),
location – in the centre of Valletta it will be faster than on the outskirts,
driver availability, especially in applications,
special events (e.g. concerts, national holidays).
Pro tip: if you see long wait times, check another app or choose an alternative like public transport – sometimes it's faster!
How much do taxi fares cost in Malta?
How much does a taxi ride in Malta actually cost? It depends on a few things: where you’re going, how you book, and whether you’re using an app or a traditional taxi rank. Here are some specifics to help you budget.
Taxi prices: what do they depend on and how to check them
There are two settlement systems in Malta:
fixed rates – mainly for trips from the airport or via pre-paid booths,
taximeter – charging a fee depending on the distance traveled.
For taximeter rides it looks something like this:
Initial fee: 3.50 euros,
first kilometer: 2.50 euros,
1–5km: 1.60 euros/km,
5–10 km: 1.40 euros/km,
10–15 km: 1.30 euros/km,
15–20 km: 1.00 euro/km,
over 20 km: 0.85 euros/km.
Additionally, the following may be charged:
25 euros per hour of waiting,
4.20 euros per hour of standing in a traffic jam,
4.50 euro surcharge on public holidays (e.g. Christmas, New Year).
Taxi prices can be easily checked in apps – the exact price will be displayed before you order. It’s also worth remembering that prices in apps like Bolt and eCabs are dynamic and can change depending on demand.
Airport Transfer Prices: Rates & Locations
From Malta Airport you can use a pre-paid booth or the app.
Here are some sample prices for fixed rates:
airport – Valletta: 17 euros,
airport – Sliema: 20 euros,
Airport - St. Julian's: 20 euros,
airport – Mellieħa: 33 euros,
airport – Mdina: 22 euros,
airport – Bugibba: 28 euros.
In turn, when using the app, you may find lower or higher prices – depending on the availability of drivers and the time of day.
For larger groups, it is worth considering traveling with a company like Kiwitaxi – they offer vehicles such as Minibus 10PAX or Minibus 16PAX , with a guaranteed price agreed in advance.
Taxi or bus: which is more profitable?
It depends on your priorities. If convenience, comfort and time matter, a taxi ride definitely wins. Especially if you are with family, have a lot of luggage or land late at night.
On the other hand, if you want to save money, it’s worth considering public transport . Buses are cheap and fairly well-connected, although they can be crowded – especially in the summer.
An alternative may also be Malta Public Transport , which serves most popular tourist routes.
For short distances, a taxi can be more convenient, but if you plan on sightseeing all day and making many stops, it is better to choose an all-day bus ticket.
Malta Airport Transfers
Arriving on the island is usually the moment you want to get to your hotel as quickly as possible. Fortunately, transport in Malta from the airport is efficient and you have several options to choose from - including convenient taxis , mobile apps and private transfers.
Airport Taxis: How to Order and How Much They Cost
Right after leaving the arrivals hall, you will find a so-called pre-paid booth – a stand where you pay for your ride in advance. It is a simple and transparent way to avoid misunderstandings or surprises when paying. Just say where you are going, pay and collect your ticket – the driver will be waiting outside.
Sample prices:
to Valletta – 17 euros,
to Sliema – 20 euros,
to St. Julian's – 20 euros,
to Mdina – 22 euros,
to Bugibba – 28 euros,
to Mellieħa – 33 euros.
If you prefer apps, try eCabs, Bolt or Malta Taxi App. Their big advantage is the ability to track the driver and pay cashless. Prices can be competitive – especially outside peak hours – but they can also change dynamically.
Alternative: Kiwitaxi and individual transfers
For larger groups or people who want everything taken care of, Kiwitaxi is the perfect solution. You can choose a vehicle that suits the number of passengers and luggage – from Minivan 4PAX , through Minibus 7PAX , to larger buses like Minibus 19PAX .
Advantages of such a transfer?
you know the price in advance,
the driver is waiting with a sign with your name,
you don't have to worry about the availability of the car,
option to book before arrival.
Regardless of whether you choose a classic taxi in Malta , an app or a private transfer – it is important to choose the option that suits your needs and travel plans.
Taxis as a form of sightseeing
Not everyone knows that a taxi in Malta is not only a way to get from A to B quickly - it is also a great option for sightseeing! If you don't feel like running after buses and want to see more in a shorter time, a private tour with a driver can be a great idea.
Private Taxi Tour: Sightseeing with Driver
Some taxi companies, such as Kiwitaxi , offer a private tour service. You choose the places you want to visit, set a stopover time, and hit the road. You can count on local advice, flexibility, and no stress related to transfers.
This form of exploring the island will be especially useful when:
you have limited time,
you are traveling with children or elderly people,
you want to visit lesser known corners of the island,
You care about comfort and an individual approach.
There are various vehicles to choose from - from regular cars, through Minivan 4PAX , to larger options like Minibus 16PAX . It is an ideal solution for couples, families and small groups.
Taxis in Gozo: Availability and Differences to Malta
If you’re planning a trip to Gozo, it’s worth knowing that the taxis there are different to those in Malta. They have red license plates and operate on a smaller scale – there are about 50 of them, so it’s best to book in advance during the high season.
There are also apps on Gozo, but availability may be limited. Alternatively, you can take private transfers or arrange a tour with a driver. Prices are comparable, and comfort is equally high.
No matter which island you choose, taking a taxi can be not only a means of transport, but also a way to discover Malta and Gozo at your own pace, without the rush and crowds of tourists.
Comments