Ferry to Gozo, Malta: Cheap & Fast Ways to Get to Gozo
Gozo is a beautiful part of Malta and a tranquil place to visit. When you’re planning your trip you’re going to need to take a ferry to Gozo in order to get to the island.
There are two main ferry routes to get to Gozo from Malta. The Gozo fast ferry service from Valletta means it’s now even easier to visit Gozo, as well as Malta.
I’ve used both the Gozo ferry routes and I’ve travelled without a car throughout Malta and Gozo, so am well practised in researching the best ways to get around.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share all the details about the ferry to Gozo, including how to book tickets, the two options you have to get to Gozo by ferry and the ticket prices.
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How to Get to Gozo from Malta
There are two ways of getting to Gozo by ferry from Malta, making it easy to include on a 5-Day Malta Itinerary, a longer 7 day itinerary, or if you only have one day to spend on Gozo.
The option you choose will depend on where your hotel is in Malta, where you want to visit and whether or not you want to take a car with you.
Once you’re on Gozo, visit the best places for your Instagram photos.
The two routes to get to Gozo are:
- Valletta to Gozo ferry
- Ċirkewwa to Gozo ferry
Both ferry routes from Malta to Gozo arrive at the same port on Gozo, Mgarr Harbour, in the south of the island.
Valletta to Gozo Fast Ferry
The Valletta ferry to Gozo is a fast and efficient way to get from Malta to Gozo. I loved using this service, getting to travel up the Maltese coastline on the sea was an excellent way to arrive on Gozo.
This high-speed ferry journey time is only 45 minutes, making it possible to visit Gozo from the main island of Malta just for a day on the Gozo fast ferry.
Although I would recommend spending much longer, so you have plenty of time to explore Gozo’s beautiful beaches.
Valletta to Gozo Fast Ferry Price
- The price for a return ticket from Valletta to Gozo starts from £15 for adults (correct as at May 2024).
- Tickets for the Valletta to Gozo ferry are cheapest if bought in advance.
- Discounts are available for seniors, people with a disability, children and students (studying in Malta).
- Children up to 3 travel free.
How to Buy Valletta to Gozo Ferry Tickets?
To get the cheapest deal for the Valletta ferry to Gozo, buy your ticket in advance online.
- E-tickets will be scanned at the ferry terminal in Valletta and you’ll be able to skip the queues of people paying on the day.
- Make sure you’re at the ferry terminal at least 20 minutes before departure. The doors to the boat will close 2 minutes before it’s due to leave.
- It is possible to buy tickets on the day from the ferry terminal. However, this is subject to availability and this is a popular route.
Which Ferry Companies Operate the Valletta to Gozo Ferry?
The Gozo fast ferry service from Valletta started in 2021 and was originally operated separately by two different companies, Virtu Ferries Gozo and Gozo Fast Ferry.
Since summer 2023 the two companies collaborated to offer the route as one combined high-speed service to passengers.
Schedule: Ferry Timetable
The Valletta ferry runs frequently, with at least 10 daily services year round.
The number of ferry sailings is higher during the summer season (May to September) than in the winter season (October to April).
Valletta to Gozo Schedule:
- The first ferry from Valletta leaves at 6.45 am
- Summer: the last ferry from Valletta sails at 10.45 pm (00.15 am on Saturdays and Sundays)
- Winter: the last ferry from Valletta sails at 8.45 pm (10.45 pm on Saturdays and Sundays)
Gozo to Valletta Schedule:
- The first ferry from Mgarr, Gozo, to Valletta departs at 5.45 am
- Summer: the last return ferry to Valletta leaves at 00.45 am
- Winter: the last return ferry to Valetta leaves at 9.15 pm (10.45 pm on Saturdays and Sundays)
For up-to-date ferry times from Malta to Gozo check the Gozo High-Speed website.
Valletta Ferry Terminal, Malta
The terminal for the Valletta to Gozo route is located at Lascaris Wharf Terminal, Valletta.
View the map below to see the location of the Valletta ferry terminal.
Don’t confuse the ferry terminal with the cruise terminal, which is further along to the west and is full of gigantic ships. The ferry terminal is a small area, just off the roundabout at Liesse Street.
You can use the Barrakka lift to get up into Valletta town. This is free on the return journey, ask for a ticket at the Mgarr, Gozo fast ferry terminal. If you forget, the ticket only costs €1.
How to Get to the Valletta Ferry Terminal
To get to the ferry terminal in Valletta, take the Barrakka lift from the the Upper Barrakka Gardens and turn left at the bottom.
You can also take an Uber in Malta. Download the app in advance.
How to Get to the Valletta Ferry Terminal from Malta Airport
To get to the Valletta ferry terminal from Malta Airport you take bus #X4.
However, I’ve had mixed experiences with the Valletta airport bus route. If your budget can stretch, it’s one trip where it’s worth taking a taxi or booking an airport transfer.
Discover more details on getting around Malta by public transport.
What’s it Like On Board the Gozo High-Speed Ferry?
My own experiences of the Valetta to Gozo ferry have been smooth and enjoyable trips. One journey did get slightly delayed due to some military manoeuvres but the ferry itself was clean and comfortable. However, in bad weather, the small size of the boat may mean you notice if the sea is rough.
The Wi-Fi works well on board and there’s a little café to grab a drink from.
The high-speed service is a smaller boat than the Ċirkewwa ferry so it can be subject to the weather and does sometimes get cancelled.
Pro Tip: Follow the Facebook page for Gozo High-Speed Ferry to get up-to-date travel information and details of any delays or cancellations.
Luggage
You can take your luggage with you on the Valletta to Gozo ferry.
Officially there’s a limit of one large bag (H 50cm x W40 cm x L80 cm) and one small item (H37 cm x W45 cm x L25 cm).
However, when I travelled this was not strictly adhered to, although it’s always good to be within the guidelines in order to avoid any surprises at the port.
On board the ship there is a luggage area where you can leave your bigger bag.
Can You Take a Car on the Valletta to Gozo Ferry?
It is not possible to take a car on the Valletta to Gozo ferry, as these are small high-speed vessels designed to carry foot passengers. If you need to take a car with you to Gozo you will have to use the car ferry which leaves from Ċirkewwa in the north of Malta, details below.
Can You Take a Bicycle on the Valletta to Gozo Ferry?
Bicycles can be taken on the Valletta to Gozo ferry, for no extra cost.
However, as there is a limit of 9 per crossing, book your ticket in advance so you can secure your spot (select bicycle from the supplements option when on the booking page).
Can You Take a Pet on the Valletta to Gozo Ferry?
Pets are allowed on the high-speed ferry from Valletta to Gozo. The best part about this is that pets travel for free.
Malta Travel Resources
Ready for more Malta inspiration and information? Read and favourite my posts below, so you have them to hand when you’re in Malta.
The Best Blue Lagoon Malta Boat Trip
Ċirkewwa to Gozo Ferry
The Ċirkewwa ferry has been running longer than the high-speed Valletta service and is convenient if you are travelling to Gozo from the northern part of Malta, or are hiring a car in Malta and want to take it to Gozo.
The journey time for the ferry from Ċirkewwa to Gozo is 30 minutes, although it can take longer if the sea is rough.
Ċirkewwa to Gozo Ferry Price
- The price for a return ticket from Ċirkewwa to Gozo is €4.65 for adults (correct as at January 2024). That’s super cheap.
- The night-time fare is even cheaper, at €4.05 return (for departures after 8 pm).
- Discounts are available for children, aged 3 to 12. Children up to age 3 travel free.
- The Ċirkewwa to Gozo ferry is the cheapest way to get to Gozo from Malta by ferry.
How to Buy Ċirkewwa to Gozo Ferry Tickets?
You can’t currently buy an advance ticket for the Ċirkewwa to Gozo ferry, although there are plans to introduce the option of e-tickets in the future.
In fact, you don’t even buy a ticket when you board at Ċirkewwa terminal on Malta. Instead, tickets have to be bought on your return departure from Mgarr terminal on Gozo.
This set-up was quite a surprise for me when I used the Ċirkewwa ferry for the first time, it felt strange entering the ferry at Ċirkewwa without a ticket.
Tickets for those who are travelling with a car or bicycle are also bought on the return journey from Mgarr terminal.
Which Ferry Companies Operate the Ċirkewwa to Gozo Ferry?
The ferry service from Malta to Gozo from Ċirkewwa has been run by the ferry company Gozo Channel since 1979.
Gozo Channel Schedule: Ferry Timetable
- The ferry from Ċirkewwa to Gozo runs daily during the year.
- There are over 40 sailings each way.
Ċirkewwa to Gozo Schedule:
- There is no first and last ferry time for the Ċirkewwa to Gozo ferry route, as the ships run throughout the day and night.
- For up-to-date ferry times check the Gozo Channel website.
Ċirkewwa passenger terminal, Malta
The ferry passenger terminal for the Ċirkewwa to Gozo route is located at Ċirkewwa, in the north of Malta. There are lifts at the passenger terminal and on the ferries.
View the map below to see the location of the Ċirkewwa ferry passenger terminal.
How to Get to the Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal
To get to the ferry terminal in Cirkewwa by bus from Valletta, Mosta, St. Paul’s Bay, Mellieħa or Għadira, take bus #41 or #42. Buses run regularly throughout the day.
Uber operates in Malta, as do Bolt and eCabs. Download the apps before you travel so that you can easily book a taxi when you need to.
How to Get to the Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal from Malta Airport
To get to the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal from Malta Airport you can take bus #X1. However, this is a long journey of one hour.
My experience of this bus route was not great, it was hot, sweaty and very crowded.
It’s much better to take a taxi to Ċirkewwa (45 minutes) or book a highly rated airport transfer.
For more details check out my article on getting around Malta.
What’s it Like On Board the Gozo Ferry?
I enjoyed the short crossing on the Ċirkewwa to Gozo ferry. The ferry is huge and you get great views of the surrounding landscape, including Comino, home to Malta’s famous Blue Lagoon, out on deck. There is some shade available on the outside deck.
Inside the ship, there’s a shop where you can buy food, drinks, reading materials and much more. There is also a good-sized café and a vending machine, plus plenty more seating areas.
Luggage
You can take your luggage with you on the Ċirkewwa to Gozo ferry. I took a suitcase and hand luggage on my trips.
Can You Take a Car?
Yes, you can take a car on the Ċirkewwa to Gozo ferry, as the ship is a large car ferry. The cost of a return ticket from Ċirkewwa to Gozo with a car is €15.70 or €12.80 for departures after 8 pm.
Can You Take a Bicycle?
Bicycles can be taken on the Ċirkewwa to Gozo ferry, for an additional cost of €1.15.
Can You Take a Pet?
Pets are allowed on the ferry from Ċirkewwa to Gozo. They are restricted to the lobby and outdoor spaces on the ship and must be on a leash or in a container.
Tours on Gozo
When you arrive on Gozo there are loads of wonderful places to visit. Why not take a hike around Gozo or book a day trip?
I also recommend you take the ferry over to Comino to visit the incredible Blue Lagoon.
Ferry to Gozo, Malta: FAQs
Find the answers to key questions about the ferry from Malta to Gozo.
Where do You Get the Ferry to Gozo From?
You get the ferry to Gozo from Malta’s capital, Valletta, or from Ċirkewwa in the north of Malta. The Valletta ferry is a high-speed ferry.
How to Get to Gozo Island from Malta
There are two ferry companies which run the route to Gozo island from Malta. One route departs from Valletta to Gozo and the other route departs from Ċirkewwa to Gozo. Both services arrive at the Mgarr ferry terminal on Gozo.
How Much is the Ferry from Malta to Gozo?
The ferry from Malta to Gozo costs from £9.17 for adults on the Valletta to Gozo route, or €4.65 return on the Ċirkewwa to Gozo route (prices correct as at January 2024).
How Long Does it Take to Get to Gozo by Ferry?
The journey from Valletta to Gozo by ferry is 45 minutes. The trip from Ċirkewwa to Gozo on the ferry takes 30 minutes.
Do I Need to Book the Ferry from Malta to Gozo?
It is possible to buy tickets in advance on the ferry from Malta to Gozo if you’re travelling on the Valletta to Gozo ferry. In summer, on weekends and bank holidays, it’s a good idea to book in advance. However, on the Ċirkewwa to Gozo ferry, there is currently no option to book, you pay when you travel back from Gozo.
Is it Worth Going to Gozo?
It is worth going to Gozo. It’s a beautiful island with plenty of natural features to keep you entertained, along with ancient temples, historic buildings and delicious cuisine. The pace of life on Gozo feels slower than on Malta and the huge range of beaches makes it a brilliant destination.
Can You Get Around Gozo Without a Car?
Yes, you can absolutely get around Gozo without a car. I’ve visited Gozo on more than one occasion without a car and had a fantastic time. Check out my article on How to Get Around Malta for details.
Does the Gozo Ferry Run 24 Hours?
The Gozo ferry runs 24 hours, there are ferries running throughout the day and night.
How Do I Pay for The Malta Gozo Ferry?
You pay for the Malta to Gozo ferry from Valletta either in advance online or you can pay in person using cash or card.
For the Malta to Gozo ferry from Ċirkewwa, you pay in person on the return journey at Mgarr ferry terminal on Gozo.
Is Gozo Ferry Free?
Sadly, the Gozo ferry is not free. However, you only pay on the return journey on the Ċirkewwa to Gozo ferry route.
If you’re taking the ferry to Gozo from Valletta you need to pay before you depart the Valletta ferry terminal.
For more information on transport in Malta and Gozo, check out these articles:
Discover more of Europe by ferry with the Dubrovnik to Montenegro ferry.