Finally, a simple and shorter change of destinations for me. I am moving places, leaving beautiful Malta and heading to Sicily. I have been to this Italian island just last year, and am now back to explore the other side. My travel day Malta to Trapani Sicily on Ryanair is a smooth one.
Leaving Cospicua
I have chosen an Uber yet again, to take me from my home to the airport. Before my arrival in Malta, I had read on the internet and even been told by my host, to use Bolt because the Uber prices are notoriously high. Only one time during my month long stay here, have the Bolt prices been just a hair less than Uber.
The ride is smooth, however the traffic in Malta is at an all-time frustrating level, so leave extra time if you are in doubt.
Malta MLA
The airport here is small and easily navigated. I wait only ten minutes before my Ryanair desk opens up for the baggage drop. I have checked in online so it’s a quick and painless process up at the desk with the friendly staff.
Now that I am free of that suitcase, I make my way first downstairs to see the food court. Its really pleasant here, nice sofa’s, clean dining areas and relaxing décor. I decide to have a coffee and croissant for €5, less expensive than in town!
I’ve noticed an observation lounge, so I take the elevator up to the third and highest level and follow the hallways. It deposits me outside into a lovely and clean area with which to see the runway. Being such a small airport, there are very few flights, but I do see an EasyJet taxi towards the terminal. The observation deck is accessible before security, so theoretically one could come here just for this experience.
MLA to TPS
After walking from the terminal to the aircraft, I board the Boeing 737 through the rear door. I have a window seat as I know these views have the potential to be amazing. The plane is full but it’s only a short jaunt, less than one hour.
Just for reference, this flight, if I did not have my suitcase was only €22! With my case my total was €53. What a great price! The flight itself is short and sweet. I watch as we depart beautiful Malta, knowing I may never return, prices are prohibitive for me now.
Trapani TPS
Arriving into Trapani is scenic with agricultural fields and wineries. This airport is a tiny regional one. A simply walk into the terminal and the luggage carousel is right there. Wahoo! Suitcase has arrived. I am taking the bus into Marsala, a town nearby, so now I sit, have a coffee and google the timetable.
Bus Ride
To catch any bus from Trapani, even the ones headed for Palermo, simply exit the terminal and walk to the left. Follow a painted red line on the pavement through the parking lots and you will reach a wide and empty parking lot. This is the bus stop.
It is confusing for me here. There seem to be three different bus companies that all have schedules posted, but each differs from what google maps is telling me and what the websites inform me are the departure times.
Best I can do is hang out and just ask each bus as it pulls up, if its heading to Marsala. Eventually after an hour and twenty minutes, I get a nod from one driver. I load my suitcase underneath and hop on board. Cost is €2.50.
Just to note, before leaving Malta I had checked what an airport transfer would cost me and the cheapest I found online was €63. I had read that a taxi would be between €45-50. Hence the persistence with the bus option. 😁 On board I procure a double seat to myself and enjoy the views all the way. The ride is only 25 minutes and consists mostly of wineries along the coast. How lovely!
After I get off the bus, I bag drag through the streets for 20 minutes to reach my new Airbnb. I can’t enter the unit for over an hour, so perch myself on the dirty sidewalk and wait. I’m here in beautiful, easy going, sunny Sicily. I’m excited to explore this new part of the island. It seems vastly different than the enchanting area I was in last time. A completely different vibe. Bring it on.
