Gozo Channel Ferry Guide: Ċirkewwa to Mġarr

Gozo Channel operates the vehicle ferry between Ċirkewwa in Malta and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. It carries foot passengers, cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles.

The published crossing time is approximately 25 minutes. The operator runs a daily, year-round service according to its current timetable, subject to favourable weather and operational conditions.

Gozo Channel fares

Common standard fares are:

Ticket	Fare
Standard passenger round trip	€4.65
Child aged 3–12	€1.15
Infant aged 0–2	Free ticket required
Standard car and driver, vehicle up to 5.3 metres	€15.70

Gozo residents, eligible senior citizens and passengers with qualifying disability documentation may have different subsidised or free fares. Larger vehicles, motorcycles and other categories also have separate prices.

The fare pages can change. Check the official Gozo Channel fares before travelling with a vehicle or relying on a concession.

Is the fare one-way or return?

The standard non-subsidised Gozo Channel ticket covers one round trip and is valid for six months from purchase.

The system can be confusing for first-time visitors because tickets are validated from Mġarr in Gozo. Foot passengers starting in Malta are guided through the Ċirkewwa terminal and normally complete the ticket process for their return or start journey at Mġarr.

Vehicle-and-driver tickets are also validated at the Mġarr vehicle booths. Follow staff directions rather than assuming you have missed a payment point at Ċirkewwa.

Child tickets are purchased at the Mġarr ticket booths and have their own validity conditions. Adults travelling with an infant must obtain the infant's free ticket and have it validated at Mġarr.

Can you book a specific sailing?

Ordinary travellers should follow the operator's current ticketing rules rather than assume a saved ticket reserves a specific departure. Eligible frequent travellers can check the separate Gozo Channel commuter portal.

No. Gozo Channel does not operate reservations for a particular departure. Boarding is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Standard non-subsidised tickets can be bought online, but an online ticket does not reserve space on a named ferry. Drivers join the vehicle queue and foot passengers wait for boarding instructions.

Arrive with extra time during:

• Summer weekends
• Public holidays
• Long weekends
• Major events in Gozo
• Sunday return periods

Gozo Channel timetable

The number and timing of sailings vary through the year. Some overnight departures operate, but the exact frequency depends on the timetable in force.

Check the official Gozo Channel schedule on the day you travel. A printed or saved timetable may become outdated after a seasonal or operational change.

Some standard passenger and vehicle fares differ for certain night departures from Mġarr between November and March. Confirm the applicable fare if travelling overnight in winter.

Travelling with a car

Drive to the vehicle marshalling area at Ċirkewwa or Mġarr and follow the lane signs and staff instructions. Keep the vehicle ticket and any proof required for a concession ready.

The standard car-and-driver category applies to vehicles up to 5.3 metres. If your vehicle is longer, towing a trailer or falls into another category, check the specific fare before joining the queue.

Rental-car users should also confirm that their rental agreement permits travel to Gozo. Our driving in Malta guide covers the main road rules and practical considerations.

Foot passengers and onward transport

Public buses serve both ferry terminals. Use our Malta bus routes and timetables guide to check the current connection to Ċirkewwa.

At Mġarr, buses connect the harbour with Victoria and other parts of Gozo. Taxis and app-based rides are also available; compare them in our taxis in Gozo guide.

Accessibility, bicycles and pets

Gozo Channel carries passengers with mobility needs, bicycles and pets, but procedures depend on the passenger and vehicle category. Contact the operator before travelling if you need boarding assistance or are unsure which ticket applies.

Allowing extra time is particularly important when assistance is required.

Gozo Channel or fast ferry?

Use Gozo Channel if you need to take a vehicle. If you are travelling on foot, compare the total journey from your accommodation with Gozo Highspeed, which serves Valletta, Buġibba and Sliema but does not carry cars.

Our Malta to Gozo ferry guide compares both services side by side.

Browse all our Transport guides.