Malta to Sicily Ferry Guide: Schedule, Tickets and Vehicles

Virtu Ferries operates a scheduled high-speed passenger and vehicle ferry between Malta and Pozzallo in Sicily. It is the main direct sea connection for travellers who want to take a car or travel to southern Sicily without flying.

Malta to Sicily route and travel time

The ferry leaves from the Virtu Passenger Terminal in Marsa and arrives in Pozzallo. The current timetable schedules the crossing at approximately one hour and 45 minutes.

Departure times vary by date and season, and some days have more sailings than others. Search the official Virtu Ferries schedule for both outward and return journeys before making other arrangements.

The sailing time is not the total journey time. Add check-in, border controls, boarding, disembarkation and onward travel from Pozzallo.

Booking tickets

Tickets can be booked through the Virtu Ferries website, by telephone, by email or through an authorised travel agent. Port sales may be available, but the operator recommends advance booking because passenger and vehicle capacity is limited.

Fares depend on:

• Travel date and sailing
• One-way or return journey
• Passenger age
• Vehicle type and dimensions
• Euro or Club class
• Current offers and booking conditions

For that reason, use the live booking system rather than a price copied from an older guide. Confirm whether a promotional fare allows changes or refunds.

Check-in times

Virtu Ferries instructs foot passengers to arrive one hour before departure. Check-in opens two hours before and closes 30 minutes before the scheduled sailing.

Passengers travelling with a vehicle must arrive 90 minutes before departure.

Allow additional time during summer, public holidays and other busy periods. Late arrival can result in refused boarding even if you hold a valid ticket.

Travel documents

This is international travel between Malta and Italy. Virtu Ferries accepts valid passports and identity cards as travel documents; residence cards and driving licences are not valid substitutes for border travel.

The exact document you need depends on your nationality and status. Check current entry requirements for Italy and Malta before booking, including any rules for minors. Verify the current requirements in Virtu Ferries Conditions of Carriage.

The operator notes that special parental authorisation requirements can apply to some accompanied or unaccompanied minors. Ask Virtu Ferries if the situation is not straightforward.

Taking a car to Sicily

Enter the vehicle's make, model and registration number when booking. Choose the correct vehicle category and provide accurate dimensions for larger vehicles, trailers or caravans.

The vehicle and its passengers must be at the terminal 90 minutes before departure. Loading order is determined by safety and operational requirements, not simply by arrival order.

Passengers cannot remain in the vehicle garage during the crossing. Take medicines, documents, valuables and anything needed onboard before leaving the car.

If hiring a car, obtain written confirmation that the rental company allows it to leave Malta and check insurance, roadside assistance and cross-border documentation.

Foot-passenger luggage

The published allowance is up to three pieces of personal baggage per person. Each item must not exceed 50 × 40 × 80 cm. An additional hand-luggage item up to 37 × 45 × 25 cm and 5 kg may be taken to the seat.

Crew direct larger baggage to a trolley or storage area. There is no left-luggage facility at the port.

Bicycles and pets

Bicycles travel free subject to available space, but they must be declared when making the reservation.

Pets must also be declared during booking and require the correct pet passport, vaccinations and supporting documents. Several onboard arrangements are available, with different size limits and charges. Contact the relevant veterinary authorities before travel when required.

Accessibility

The vessels have ramps, lifts and accessible toilets, although the accessible lounge areas differ by vessel. Tell Virtu Ferries about assistance needs when booking and speak to staff at check-in.

The operator currently offers a passenger-fare discount to eligible disability card holders, excluding charges. Confirm documentation and the final price before payment.

Getting from Pozzallo

Pozzallo is in southeastern Sicily, not in Catania or Palermo. Plan the onward journey before sailing.

Virtu Ferries may offer connecting coach transfers on selected dates, while trains, buses, taxis and rental cars provide other options. Check whether any connection is included in your ticket or must be booked separately.

Before travelling

• Recheck the sailing and latest voyage updates.
• Carry the same valid travel document used for booking and check the operator's travel information for current passenger and vehicle-document requirements.
• Arrive one hour early on foot or 90 minutes early with a vehicle.
• Keep essential items out of checked luggage and vehicle storage.
• Allow for weather-related delays or cancellation.
• Do not book a tight onward connection.

For domestic routes, see our complete guide to ferries in Malta. If driving after arrival or taking your own car abroad, our renting a car in Malta guide covers rental restrictions worth checking.

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