Ferries in Malta: Routes, Fares and Operators

Ferries are part of everyday transport in Malta, not only sightseeing. Scheduled services connect Malta with Gozo, cross the harbours around Valletta, carry visitors to Comino and link Malta with Sicily. Verify the latest details with Gozo Channel.

The correct ferry depends on where you are starting, whether you need to take a vehicle and whether your destination is another Maltese island or Italy. Verify the latest details with Gozo Highspeed.

Malta ferry routes at a glance

Route	Main operator	Passengers	Vehicles
Ċirkewwa to Mġarr, Gozo	Gozo Channel	Yes	Yes
Valletta, Buġibba or Sliema to Mġarr, Gozo	Gozo Highspeed	Yes	No
Sliema to Valletta	Valletta Ferry Services	Yes	No
Cospicua in the Three Cities to Valletta	Valletta Ferry Services	Yes	No
Northern Malta or Mġarr, Gozo to Comino	Licensed local boat operators	Yes	No
Malta to Pozzallo, Sicily	Virtu Ferries	Yes	Yes

Routes, operating days and departure times can change with the season. Sea conditions can also delay or cancel a sailing, so check the operator on the day you travel.

Ferries between Malta and Gozo

There are two main ways to travel between Malta and Gozo.

Gozo Channel carries foot passengers, cars, motorcycles and larger vehicles between Ċirkewwa in northern Malta and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. The crossing takes about 25 minutes and the service operates daily, subject to weather and operational conditions.

Gozo Highspeed is a passenger-only service. Its current network includes sailings between Mġarr and Valletta, Buġibba and Sliema via Buġibba. The best option depends on where you are staying and whether you need a vehicle.

Our Malta to Gozo ferry comparison explains the differences in more detail.

Harbour ferries around Valletta

Valletta Ferry Services operates two short harbour crossings:

• Sliema to Valletta
• Cospicua in the Three Cities to Valletta

These routes can avoid a longer road journey around Marsamxett Harbour or the Grand Harbour. Personalised Tallinja card holders can use the services free of charge, provided the card is valid and correctly presented.

See our Valletta ferry guide for terminals, seasonal schedules and current fares.

Ferries to Comino

Comino does not have the same type of large, year-round transport link as Gozo. Local passenger boats operate from departure points including Marfa, Ċirkewwa and Mġarr in Gozo, with schedules varying by operator and season.

A basic ferry ticket is transport to and from Comino. A sightseeing cruise or boat tour may include caves, swimming stops, food or several destinations. Check what is included before paying.

Visitors who intend to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must also reserve the required free landing pass. The ferry ticket and landing pass are separate.

Our Malta to Comino ferry guide explains the options and the Blue Lagoon access rules.

Ferry from Malta to Sicily

Virtu Ferries operates a scheduled high-speed passenger and vehicle service between Malta and Pozzallo in Sicily. The published crossing takes around one hour and 45 minutes, although passengers must also allow time for check-in, security and border formalities.

Unlike a domestic ferry journey, you need the correct travel documents for Italy. Vehicle passengers must also check the documentation, dimensions and check-in rules attached to their booking.

Read our Malta to Sicily ferry guide before booking.

How to choose the right ferry

• Taking a car to Gozo: Use Gozo Channel from Ċirkewwa.
• Staying near Valletta, Sliema or Buġibba: Compare Gozo Highspeed with the journey to Ċirkewwa.
• Crossing a Valletta harbour: Use Valletta Ferry Services rather than travelling around the harbour by road. Use Valletta Ferry Services to reach the appropriate official service.
• Visiting Comino: Choose a licensed operator whose return times suit your Blue Lagoon landing slot.
• Travelling to Italy: Book Virtu Ferries and treat the journey as international travel.

Before you travel

• Check the current schedule on the operator's own website.
• Confirm whether the quoted fare is one-way or return.
• Arrive earlier when travelling with a vehicle or on an international route.
• Allow extra time for summer queues and rough-weather disruption.
• Check accessibility, bicycle, luggage and pet rules directly with the operator.
• Keep enough time for any connecting bus route, taxi or flight.

You can compare buses, ferries and other ways of getting around in our Transport guides.