London Gatwick to Malta Guide
KM Malta Airlines operates from Gatwick South Terminal -- particularly convenient for passengers travelling from South London, Surrey and Sussex.
London Gatwick to Malta Guide -- the complete guide for UK visitors to Malta. Malta offers 300 days of sunshine, direct 3-hour flights from London with KM Malta Airlines, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, and an English-speaking culture that makes it uniquely accessible for British travellers. Book with ATOL-protected packages from 299 pounds per person.
Overview
Malta's combination of English language, Mediterranean climate, direct flights and EU membership makes it the most accessible overseas destination for UK travellers. The island packs extraordinary historical density, world-class diving, legendary beaches and a genuinely sophisticated food and nightlife scene into 316 square kilometres. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, prehistoric temples older than Stonehenge, a baroque capital city of extraordinary beauty, and the clearest water in the Mediterranean are all within a 45-minute drive of each other.
Getting There and Getting Around
KM Malta Airlines operates direct flights from London Heathrow and London Gatwick to Malta International Airport. Flight time is approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. The airport is 10km from Valletta and 8km from the main resort areas. Taxis to Valletta cost 20-25 euros. The X2 express bus connects the airport to Valletta in 30 minutes for 2 euros. Public buses reach all parts of Malta with a day pass costing 2.50 euros in summer. Gozo is reached by 25-minute ferry from Cirkewwa in the north.
Flying from Gatwick South Terminal
KM Malta Airlines operates from Gatwick South Terminal, which has a notable advantage over many UK airports: the railway station sits directly inside the terminal, so there is no shuttle or transfer needed after stepping off the train. The Gatwick Express runs non-stop to London Victoria in around 30 minutes, with four trains an hour. Southern and Thameslink services to Victoria, London Bridge and St Pancras International take only a little longer and cost significantly less, making them worth considering unless time is tight.
South Terminal has several airport lounges available before a KM Malta Airlines flight, including the No1 Lounge, Clubrooms and the Aspire Lounge, with paid access typically running from around 24 pounds per adult. The terminal's dining options were refreshed in January 2026 with a new cluster of restaurants near Gates 45-50, including Dishoom's first ever airport site alongside Five Guys and Greggs.
Gatwick's location south of London makes it the more convenient airport for travellers from Surrey, Sussex, Kent and the South Coast, avoiding the M25 congestion that often affects journeys to Heathrow. Drivers should exit the M23 at Junction 9 and follow signs for the South Terminal, where short stay parking starts from around 7 pounds for up to 30 minutes.
Where to Stay
Malta offers accommodation for every budget and style. Sliema and St Julian's are the main resort areas with the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and nightlife. Valletta offers atmospheric boutique hotels in converted baroque palazzos. Mellieha and Gozo suit those seeking quieter, more rural experiences. Five-star options include the Phoenicia Malta and Iniala Harbour House in Valletta, Corinthia in St Julian's, and Kempinski San Lawrenz in Gozo.
Malta is smaller than the Isle of Wight but contains more UNESCO monuments per square kilometre than almost any country on earth.
Frequently asked questions
What terminal does KM Malta Airlines use at Gatwick?+
KM Malta Airlines operates from Gatwick South Terminal, which has its own railway station on site. The flight to Malta International Airport takes approximately 3 hours.
How do I get from Gatwick South Terminal to central London?+
The Gatwick Express runs non-stop to London Victoria in around 30 minutes, with four trains an hour. Southern and Thameslink services also reach Victoria, London Bridge and St Pancras International in a similar journey time at a lower fare.
How do I get to Malta from the UK?+
KM Malta Airlines operates direct flights from London Heathrow and London Gatwick to Malta International Airport. Flight time is approximately 3 hours.
When is the best time to visit Malta?+
April to June and September to October offer ideal temperatures of 22-27 degrees with smaller crowds. July and August are peak season at 30-35 degrees. Winter is mild at 15-18 degrees.
Is Malta good for UK visitors?+
Excellent. Malta is English-speaking, uses the euro, is an EU member state, and is just 3 hours from London by direct flight. It combines Mediterranean sunshine with British-familiar infrastructure.
How much does Malta cost?+
Malta is good value compared to Western Europe. Budget around 80-120 euros per day for accommodation, food and activities. Package holidays from the UK start from 299 pounds per person including KM Malta Airlines flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal does KM Malta Airlines use at Gatwick?
KM Malta Airlines operates from Gatwick South Terminal, which has its own railway station on site. The flight to Malta International Airport takes approximately 3 hours.
How do I get from Gatwick South Terminal to central London?
The Gatwick Express runs non-stop to London Victoria in around 30 minutes, with four trains an hour. Southern and Thameslink services also reach Victoria, London Bridge and St Pancras International in a similar journey time at a lower fare.
How do I get to Malta from the UK?
KM Malta Airlines operates direct flights from London Heathrow and London Gatwick to Malta International Airport. Flight time is approximately 3 hours.
When is the best time to visit Malta?
April to June and September to October offer ideal temperatures of 22-27 degrees with smaller crowds. July and August are peak season at 30-35 degrees. Winter is mild at 15-18 degrees.
Is Malta good for UK visitors?
Excellent. Malta is English-speaking, uses the euro, is an EU member state, and is just 3 hours from London by direct flight. It combines Mediterranean sunshine with British-familiar infrastructure.
Direct flights with KM Malta Airlines from London Heathrow and Gatwick · APEX Four Star 2026