Valletta Ferry Guide: Sliema and Three Cities Routes

Valletta Ferry Services operates passenger ferries across the two harbours beside Valletta. One route links Sliema with Valletta, while the other links Cospicua in the Three Cities with Valletta.

Both can be quicker and more pleasant than travelling around the harbour by road, especially when traffic is heavy.

Valletta ferry routes

Route	Departure point outside Valletta	Valletta side
Sliema–Valletta	The Strand, Sliema	Marsamxett Harbour side of Valletta
Three Cities–Valletta	Cospicua	Lascaris Wharf below the Upper Barrakka Gardens

The Three Cities ferry is commonly described as the Valletta–Cospicua route even though it serves the wider Three Cities area.

The two routes do not operate as one continuous through-service. Check the correct terminal if you intend to cross Valletta and continue on the other ferry.

Current ferry fares

The operator's schedule page currently displays:

Passenger	Day single	Day return
Adult	€3.00	€5.00
Child	€1.00	€1.50

Night service begins at 19:30 under the published fare structure. The adult night fare is €3.50 single or €5.20 return.

The operator has previously displayed different prices elsewhere on its website, so use the live schedule or confirm at the booth before purchasing.

Is the ferry free with a Tallinja card?

Confirm current eligibility and exclusions on the official fares and tickets page for Tallinja card holders.

Yes. Malta Public Transport states that holders of a valid personalised Tallinja card can travel free on the Sliema–Valletta and Three Cities–Valletta ferries.

This benefit applies to the personalised card bearing the holder's name and photograph. Present or validate the card as directed by ferry staff.

Visitor bus passes and other non-personalised cards do not automatically carry the same free-travel entitlement. Check the product's terms before relying on it for the ferry.

Our Tallinja card guide explains who can apply and which journeys are included.

Valletta ferry timetable

The timetable is divided into:

• Winter: 1 November to 31 May
• Summer: 1 June to 31 October

Services generally run from morning until evening, with later departures during the summer period. Sunday and public-holiday operating hours differ from the normal weekday timetable.

Do not rely on a time copied from an old blog or map listing. Check the official Valletta ferry schedule for your date and route.

Using the Sliema ferry

The Sliema terminal is on The Strand in an area used by several harbour-cruise and boat operators. Look for Valletta Ferry Services rather than joining a sightseeing-cruise queue.

On the Valletta side, the landing is on the Marsamxett Harbour waterfront. Valletta's streets rise steeply from the shore, so check your walking route if travelling with luggage or limited mobility.

Using the Three Cities ferry

The ferry leaves Cospicua and crosses the Grand Harbour to Lascaris Wharf in Valletta.

The Barrakka Lift connects the waterfront with the Upper Barrakka Gardens. A valid personalised Tallinja card also includes use of the lift, according to Malta Public Transport. Check lift operating hours if you plan to depend on it for an early or late crossing.

Tickets and practical tips

• Confirm whether you need a single or return ticket.
• Keep the ticket until the return journey is complete.
• Arrive a few minutes early; boarding can close before the departure time.
• Allow for queues during summer and major events.
• Check the operating status during strong winds or rough harbour conditions.
• Ask the operator in advance about bicycles, bulky luggage, pets or boarding assistance.

If a sailing does not suit your timing, use our Malta bus routes and timetables guide to compare the road journey.

For other crossings, see our complete guide to ferries in Malta.

Browse all our Transport guides.