Flights to Malta: Routes and Fares from Athens

For flights from Athens to Malta, a typical economy-class budget is €30–150 one way and €70–280 return, when low fares are available. During holidays, peak summer periods and for last-minute bookings, return fares can reach around €200–450 or more. Direct flights usually take 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours. Aegean and Ryanair serve the route, but check their schedules for your specific dates. Cheaper options are more common from November to March, excluding holidays.

These figures are indicative budget ranges, not live offers. They do not assume that checked baggage, seat selection or other extras are included. Always compare the total amount payable, not just the first price shown in your search.

At a glance

• Route: Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), to Malta International Airport (MLA).
• Typical cost: €30–150 one way and €70–280 return when low fares are available.
• Flight time: around 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours non-stop.
• Direct airlines: Aegean and Ryanair, depending on the available schedule.
• Cheapest time: usually winter, excluding Christmas, New Year and other high-demand dates.
• First step: compare nearby dates and add baggage before deciding.

Which airlines fly from Athens to Malta?

Direct flights

Aegean and Ryanair are the main options to check for direct Athens–Malta flights. Frequencies, operating days and seasonal availability vary. Do not assume an airline flies daily or keeps the same schedule all year: check the route for your departure and return dates.

The choice is not just about the starting fare. For a short trip with a small backpack, a basic ticket may cover your needs. Once you add a cabin bag, checked suitcase and a specific seat, the price difference between airlines may narrow. Check the arrival time too: a very late landing could increase the cost of getting to your accommodation.

Connecting flights

If direct options do not suit you, look for connections through European hubs. You may find Lufthansa itineraries via Germany or Turkish Airlines flights via Istanbul, for example, where schedules allow. For such a short distance, however, a connection often adds several hours without a meaningful saving.

Distinguish between a through-ticket and a self-transfer involving two separate bookings. With the latter, a delay could leave you without protection for your onward journey. Allow for possible baggage collection, another security check and a generous gap between flights.

How much do flights cost by season?

There is no fixed price for flights to Malta. The following ranges are useful for planning, not predictions of available fares. They are per person in economy class, excluding any extras not included in the chosen fare.

• November–March, excluding holidays: around €30–100 one way and €70–190 return.
• April–June and September–October: around €45–150 one way and €100–280 return.
• July–August: around €70–230 one way and €150–400 return.
• Holidays, long weekends and departures with limited availability: around €90–260 one way and €200–450 return, potentially more.

Easter, school holidays and major events can also affect shoulder-season prices. Equally, a special offer may bring fares below these ranges. The length of your stay matters too: cheap fares in both directions will not necessarily line up for a typical Friday-to-Sunday trip.

For a fuller picture, use the flight comparison tool and check baggage costs separately. A cheaper flight does not always mean a cheaper trip, especially if it coincides with expensive accommodation.

When to book for a cheaper fare

As a practical starting point, begin monitoring fares around 6–10 weeks before departure for a typical trip, and earlier,around 3–5 months ahead,for summer or holiday travel. These are planning guidelines, not guaranteed windows for the lowest prices. If your dates are fixed, an acceptable total price is worth more than waiting for an uncertain offer.

• Check departures and returns up to 2–3 days either side of your preferred dates.
• Compare a midweek trip with one covering a full weekend.
• Set up price alerts for this route.
• Try different airlines for the outbound and return flights, taking each booking's conditions into account.
• Budget for any extra nights added by a change of dates.

No particular booking day always guarantees a better fare. Flexibility and careful comparisons help more, as we explain in our 20 tips for cheap flights. For price calendars and alerts, see our guide to using Skyscanner.

Leaving it until the last minute is not a money-saving strategy in itself. Seats at good prices may become available, but on popular departures the opposite often happens. Our guide to last-minute flights explains how to assess your options without relying on promises of bargains.

How long is the flight, and which airports does it serve?

A direct flight from Athens International Airport to Malta usually has a scheduled duration of around 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours. The exact time depends on the service and conditions. With a connection, total journey time can easily stretch to 4–7 hours or more.

Malta is one hour behind Greece. Times on your ticket are local, so simply subtracting the departure time from the arrival time can be misleading. When planning your arrival at Athens airport, follow your airline's guidance and allow extra time if you are checking in a suitcase or travelling during a peak period.

Malta International Airport, near Luqa, handles the country's scheduled international flights and is around 5–8 kilometres from Valletta, depending on the route. Gozo has no equivalent airport for scheduled commercial flights: if you are staying there, you will need to continue by land and sea.

Getting from the airport to town

In Malta, “the centre” could mean Valletta, Sliema or St Julian’s. Check your accommodation's address first. Short distances on the map do not always mean quick journeys, especially in traffic.

• Bus: usually the cheapest option. Budget around €2–5 per person each way, depending on the service and current fares. Allow around 25–45 minutes to Valletta and 40–75 minutes to Sliema or St Julian’s, excluding waiting time.
• Taxi or app-based ride: around €15–35 to the main tourist areas. Valletta is about 15–25 minutes away in normal traffic, while Sliema and St Julian’s take around 20–40 minutes. Demand, route and vehicle category affect the price.
• Pre-booked transfer: useful for families or late-night arrivals. Budget around €20–45 for a standard private transfer to the areas above, and confirm passenger and luggage capacity.

Bus routes, stops and ticket options change, so check the official Malta Public Transport timetable before arrival. If you plan to explore beyond the towns, read our guide to car hire in Malta and driving on the island. Remember that traffic drives on the left.

What to see in Malta and when to visit

For a first visit, 3–4 full days give you time for Valletta, the Three Cities and Mdina without constantly rushing. If you want to include Gozo, beaches and archaeological sites, allow 5–7 days. The main mistake is overloading your itinerary because the island looks small: bus journeys and sea crossings need breathing room.

Start with Valletta, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital. Wander its narrow streets, stop at the Upper Barrakka Gardens for views of the Grand Harbour and set aside time for St John’s Co-Cathedral. Its interior and works by Caravaggio deserve a planned visit rather than a hurried stop. Check opening hours, tickets and dress requirements before you go.

Across the harbour are the Three Cities: Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua. Birgu is ideal for strolling through narrow streets and along the waterfront, at a different pace from the capital's busier thoroughfares. The boat connection from Valletta, when operating normally, is practical and offers lovely harbour views. Allow at least half a day rather than treating the area as a quick photo stop.

Inland, Mdina offers fortifications, narrow streets and views across much of Malta. It is easy to combine with neighbouring Rabat and St Paul’s Catacombs. For an insight into the archipelago's prehistory, the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples are worthwhile additions. The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum needs separate planning, as access is controlled and places are limited. Check availability before finalising your daily itinerary.

Gozo deserves a full day, ideally more. Victoria and its citadel, the Ġgantija temples and the Dwejra coastline provide plenty of reasons to visit. You can travel via Ċirkewwa or take a fast ferry from Valletta, depending on current schedules and the weather. Do not try to squeeze Gozo and Comino into the same short day if you want to explore Gozo properly.

For beach time, Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa and Mellieħa Bay are well-known sandy options. Many other stretches of coast are rocky, which can make access less comfortable. The Blue Lagoon on Comino gets very busy in summer. Before planning a trip, check current access rules, any booking requirements and wind conditions.

For walking and sightseeing, April–June and September–October are usually pleasant, although hot weather can linger. Winter suits a cheaper city break, with a chance of rain and wind. Summer is better for swimming, but you will need shade, water and to avoid hiking in the midday heat. For detailed planning, see our Malta travel guide with sights and itineraries.

Where to stay

Valletta suits travellers who prioritise sightseeing, walking and access to the main transport hub. Sliema has a wide choice of accommodation and places to eat, while St Julian’s is convenient for nightlife. Near Paceville, read reviews carefully for mentions of noise.

Mellieħa is better suited to beach holidays, but means longer journeys for daily visits to Valletta. For a short trip without a car, choose accommodation near a useful bus stop rather than simply the lowest price. Our guide to where to stay in Malta by area and type of trip offers a more detailed comparison.

Baggage and low-cost airlines

Ryanair's basic fare usually includes a small personal item that fits under the seat in front. A larger cabin bag and checked suitcase require an extra service or a different fare package. With Aegean, baggage allowances depend on the fare category. Check both airlines' current conditions rather than relying on a previous trip.

Measure your suitcase including wheels and handles, and weigh it before you leave. Adding baggage at the airport can cost more than buying it online. For a couple or group, compare the cost of one shared checked suitcase with individual baggage options, keeping within the limits of your chosen fare.

Read the change and cancellation terms too. A cheap ticket may be non-refundable, while changes may involve a fee plus any fare difference. Complete online check-in when required and keep your boarding pass accessible.

Practical tips before departure

• Travel documents: Greek citizens can travel with a valid passport or an accepted, valid identity card. Pay particular attention to the validity of older-style identity cards and current requirements. Every child needs their own document.
• Currency: Malta uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted, but a little cash is still useful.
• Electricity: sockets are mainly type G, as in the UK. Bring a suitable adaptor.
• Mobile phones: EU roaming rules apply, subject to your provider's fair-use conditions.
• Health: the European Health Insurance Card is useful, but does not replace comprehensive travel insurance.
• Return journey: allow plenty of time for traffic and queues. If you are staying on Gozo, factor in possible changes to ferry services.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Athens–Malta flight cost?

As a guide, budget €30–150 one way and €70–280 return when low fares are available. During peak periods, return fares can reach €200–450 or more, excluding extras.

How long is the flight from Athens to Malta?

A direct flight usually takes around 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours. Malta is one hour behind Greece, and the times on your ticket are local.

Which airlines fly direct from Athens to Malta?

Check Aegean and Ryanair. Operating days and frequencies vary by season, so confirm the available schedule for your dates.

Which airline is cheapest for Malta?

No airline is consistently the cheapest. Compare the final price including the baggage, seat and services you need, as well as transfer costs based on your arrival time.

When can I find cheaper flights to Malta?

Most often from November to March, excluding holidays, if you can be flexible with your dates. Monitoring fares early and comparing nearby dates helps more than searching for a supposedly ideal day to book.

Do I need a passport to travel to Malta?

For Greek citizens, a valid, accepted identity card or passport is sufficient. Schengen membership does not remove the need for a travel document. Confirm that yours is valid before departure.