For the trip from Malta International Airport to Xemxija, you can take a taxi or use Malta Public Transport’s TD1 Airport Direct bus, which stops at Ix-Xemxija. The drive to Xemxija Bay Hotel takes about 39 minutes; the bus offers a public-transport option, with fares and schedules to check before setting out.
- Taxi: available from the airport 24 hours a day; fixed-rate prepaid tickets are sold at the airport taxi booth.
- Bus: TD1 links the airport with Ix-Xemxija and costs €3.50 per passenger.
- Bus departure point: the airport bus terminal, signposted as you exit arrivals.
Distance and journey overview
If you want to travel directly after landing, a taxi is a straightforward option: airport taxis operate around the clock, and prepaid fixed-rate tickets are available at the taxi booth. The TD1 bus connects the airport with Ix-Xemxija. It has a regular timetable, but check its current schedule before you plan around a particular departure.
Once you’ve settled in, use this guide to nearby sights and stops in Xemxija to plan outings.
Taxi and pre-booked transfer options
Taxis from Malta International Airport are available 24 hours a day, and you can buy a fixed-rate prepaid ticket at the taxi booth in the Welcomers’ Hall on arrival. That gives you a straightforward airport option without needing to arrange a taxi before your flight.
Transport Malta says you can hire a taxi at a designated stand or taxi booth, use a taxi app, hail one where it is safe to stop, or pre-book by phone, email or internet.
Licensed taxis are white, with a black taxi sign on the roof and black registration marks on the front doors. They may travel to and from any location in Malta.
For trips hired outside an authorised taxi booth, the maximum metered fares are: an initial €3.50, then €2.50 per kilometre for the first kilometre; €1.60 per kilometre from 1 to 5 km; €1.40 from 5 to 10 km; €1.30 from 10 to 15 km; €1.00 from 15 to 20 km; and €0.85 beyond 20 km.
These are maximum fares, and drivers may offer discounts. Metered fares also include a waiting charge of €25 per hour (€0.42 per minute) when a taxi is stationary for at least 3 consecutive minutes, and a traffic charge of €4.20 per hour (€0.07 per minute) if it travels less than 1 km during 3 consecutive minutes.
There is a €4.50 additional flat charge for each taxi trip on 25 December and 1 January. Fares increase by 50% when a taxi legally carrying more than 6 people is hired for more than 5 passengers, excluding the driver.
Taxis must have a taximeter capable of printing fiscal receipts, a tracking device, emergency buttons and a two-way communication system.
Public transport from the airport
TD1 is the Airport Direct bus route from Malta International Airport to Ix-Xemxija. The route links the airport with Rabat, Buġibba, Mellieħa and Ċirkewwa, and the Xemxija stop is named Roti on the service map.
TD1 runs every 60 minutes, Monday to Sunday, with airport departures from 05:00 to 00:00. The timetable identifies Xemxija Roti as stop 968 and includes example airport-direction arrival times of 05:52, 06:52, 07:55, 09:03 and 10:03. Schedules can change, so check the tallinja app for the latest Airport Direct times before you travel.
Airport Direct buses leave from the Malta International Airport bus terminal. Follow the signs as you exit the arrivals area. A TD1 single fare is €3.50 per passenger; other Airport Direct routes have a single fare of €3.
You can pay onboard with cash or contactless payment, and there’s no need to pre-book. Airport Direct is included at no extra cost for holders of an Unlimited Travel Card.
The buses have luggage space, free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports. The X300 route also stops at Xemxija, stop 1011, with early-morning departures from 05:32. Confirm the service and its timetable before relying on it for your journey.
Arrival details for Xemxija
The TD1 service map calls the Xemxija stop Roti and names Damare Resort & Spa, Seaview Stays and Porto del Sol as nearby recommended destinations. Use the stop name Roti when checking the TD1 map and timetable, and confirm your onward arrangements before boarding.
For a first day in the area, you can pair your arrival planning with a one-day itinerary around Xemxija. Keep the airport connection and your planned stops in view when deciding whether a taxi or bus best fits your arrival.
Before you go: Malta Public Transport advises checking the tallinja app for current Airport Direct schedules; check Transport Malta’s official information for current taxi fares and charges.
FAQs
Does a bus go from Malta International Airport to Xemxija?
Yes. Malta Public Transport’s TD1 Airport Direct route stops at Ix-Xemxija, at the stop identified as Roti on its service map.
Can you get a taxi at Malta International Airport at night?
Yes. The airport says taxis to destinations in Malta are available 24 hours a day, and fixed-rate prepaid tickets can be bought at the taxi booth in the Welcomers’ Hall.
Do you need to book the TD1 bus in advance?
No pre-booking is needed for Airport Direct. You can pay onboard with cash or contactless payment.