A model for the prediction of the thermal conductivity of molten alkali and alkaline earth salts is proposed. The model is a function of simple thermophysical properties of salts. The parameters required in the calculations are density, heat capacity, velocity of sound and melting temperature. Predictions are in good agreement with reliable experimental and molecular dynamics simulation data. The model displays the correct dependence of the thermal conductivity on temperature, and this is a useful method for a first evaluation of future experimental data. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.