Flying from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Luqa Malta International Airport (MLA): what you need to know
Bilbao and Valletta share the UTC+1 timezone. This means there's no time difference to adjust for.
To ensure you catch your BIO to MLA flight, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
During popular months like June, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
We make it a piece of cake to book a flight with a stopover. To see all your options for tickets from Bilbao Airport to Luqa Malta International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight with a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. Top stopovers between BIO and MLA include:
Barcelona Airport
Valencia Airport
Bari Airport
Handy information about Bilbao Airport (BIO)
Bilbao Airport maintains a strong on-time performance, making delays less likely. Departures from BIO make it to their destination as scheduled 85% of the time.
Bilbao Airport is about 11 kilometers from central Bilbao. If you're ride-sharing, catching a taxi or driving from the centre, it'll take you 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic.
Expect a journey time of around 30 minutes on public transport.
Searching for a handy hotel near BIO? If you've booked an early flight from Bilbao Airport to Luqa Malta International Airport, these accommodation options will have you moments from your departure lounge:
Arriving at Luqa Malta International Airport (MLA)
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a Bilbao Airport to Luqa Malta International Airport flight. Check in to one of these accommodation options near MLA instead:
Go wherever you want, whenever you want with a Luqa Malta International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from MOVIS, BEE Malta or Sun Car Rentals and venture far and wide through Valletta and beyond.
Booking your vehicle from Luqa Malta International Airport about three weeks in advance boosts your odds of scoring a great price.
Getting from Luqa Malta International Airport (MLA) to central Valletta
From Luqa Malta International Airport, Valletta is approximately 8 kilometers away. It takes around 20 minutes to reach the centre by car.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 30 minutes.
When to fly to Luqa Malta International Airport (MLA)
August is the most popular month for flights from Bilbao Airport to Luqa Malta International Airport. For a quieter experience, head to Valletta in March.
The warmest month in Valletta is August, with temperatures ranging between 25ºC (77ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Lock in your flights from Bilbao Airport to Luqa Malta International Airport in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from BIO to MLA in February. Average temperatures are between 11ºC (52ºF) and 16ºC (61ºF) then.
Explore more of Malta
You've done Valletta, now it's time to explore other parts of Malta. Journey around 5 kilometers west to Birkirkara to tick off its popular sights. From St Helen's Basilica to Għar Ħasan Bouldering Crag and Acueducto de Wignacourt, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
If you're eager to discover another major destination in Malta, head for Qormi, about 5 kilometers south-west of Valletta. Collegiate Church of St George, Qormi, San Gorg Church and Knisja Arċipretali ta' San Bastjan Martri are among its highlights.