Malta Gozo Ferry: Prices, Schedules & Tickets

The Malta Gozo ferry as it crosses the Mediterranean from Malta to Gozo.

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Looking for info on the Malta Gozo ferry? Well, you’re in the right place!

During our 12-day Malta road trip, we successfully took our rental car onto the Malta Gozo ferry — no dings, no stress. Yay!

Whether you’re traveling on foot, with a car, or just want the fastest route, this guide has all the latest info you need: terminal locations, ferry schedules, ticket prices, travel tips, and even summer-only speed ferry options.

We’ll also cover day trips to Gozo, ferry alternatives to Sicily, and where to stay on either island. By the end, you’ll be ready to hop on the ferry like a pro.

Let’s dive in!

Plan Your Trip with My Favorite Resources

🔹Book the best hotels: Booking.com
🔹Find great flight deals: Skyscanner
🔹Reserve a rental car: Discover Cars
🔹Purchase travel insurance: InsureMyTrip
🔹Book a day tour: Viator
🔹Easily stay connected: Airalo
➡️Check out all our Travel Resources here!

A close up of the starboard side of the Malta Gozo ferry on its way to Gozo island.

Malta Gozo Ferry Overview

Gozo is easy to reach from Malta and worth adding to your Malta itinerary.

Malta and Gozo are connected by a reliable, convenient ferry service operated by the Gozo Channel Company.

This ferry service runs 365 days a year and offers both foot passenger and vehicle transportation.

The Malta Gozo ferry is the most popular, efficient, and cost-effective option for traveling from Malta to Gozo. The ride is a short 25 minutes and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and Maltese coastline.

✅HELPFUL TIP: Once you get to Malta, we recommend spending 3 days exploring Valletta and the 3 Cities before renting your car and heading to Gozo. The must-see capital of Valletta is one of the most beautiful towns in Malta.

Malta to Gozo Ferry Info: Schedules, Prices & Tickets

Ferry Type	Adult	Child	Car	Time	Notes
Standard Ferry	€4.65	€1.15	€15	25 min	Regular service, all year
Gozo Speed Ferry	€10	€5	N/A	20 min	Summer only, faster, foot passengers only

Ferry Schedule

The ferry service operates 365 days of the year between Malta and Gozo, with frequent departures throughout the day.

Ferries run between Cirkewwa Terminal in Malta and Mgarr Terminal in Gozo approximately every 30 minutes during the day and every 45 minutes at night.

Times do change slightly during off-peak season. It is always best to check ferry times directly with Gozo Channel Ferry Schedule..

The duration of your journey is 25 minutes.

If you are driving, we recommend arriving early to secure a spot on the ferry and avoid any delays to your trip.

✅HELPFUL TIP: Visiting Gozo is a popular thing to do in Malta, especially during peak season. There may be delays due to long queues and heavy traffic, so be prepared.

Ticket Prices

Malta Gozo ferry tickets vary in cost depending on the type of passenger, type of vehicle, and time of day. Please see the table below.

👉Standard Ticket Prices:
🧍Foot Passenger – (child €1.15 / adult €4.65)
🚗Vehicles (car & driver) – €15.70
🏍️Motorcycle (& rider) – €8.15
🚴‍♀️Bicycle – €1.15
🚜Towed Trailer – €13.95

Buses and trucks can expect to pay up to €50 or more.

Discounts are available for seniors, frequent travelers, residents of Malta and Gozo, and large groups.

Check out the Gozo Fare Page for additional information.

Gavin standing on the Malta Gozo ferry wearing a face mask.

Purchasing Ferry Tickets

Malta Gozo ferry tickets can only be purchased from the Mgarr Ferry Terminal on Gozo.

That means when you take the ferry from Malta to Gozo, you will not be charged until your return trip to Malta.

So yes, you will be boarding your first ferry “for free”. They assume you will take the ferry instead of swimming back to Malta.

*We do not recommend swimming back to Malta… obviously.

👉Ferry Ticket Important Info:
✔️Tickets must be purchased in person at the terminal.
✔️You cannot purchase or reserve tickets in advance.
✔️Payments can be made in cash or by credit card.

We explored Malta for 12 days during peak season and had no issues purchasing tickets or boarding our ferry on time with our rental car. Just plan accordingly.

Arriving at the terminal the day you want to return to Malta is sufficient.

✅Helpful Tip: Choose an early departure time to avoid large crowds. If you are worried about time, check the Malta Gozo ferry webcam for live terminal video feeds.

Malta Gozo Ferry Terminals

A Google map of Malta showing the ferry crossing from the northern part of Malta to the southeastern side of Gozo.

Malta and Gozo have their own ferry terminals that are easily accessible by car, bus, or taxi. This Malta Gozo map shows the ferry terminal on both islands.

In this section, we go into the location of each terminal and the best way to get there.

Malta: Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal

A Google map showing the 40 minute drive from Malta International Airport to the Ferry Terminal in Cirkewwa.

The ferry to Gozo departs from Cirkewwa Terminal in Malta, located in the northern part of the island.

The terminal has a ticket office, restroom, shops, a seating area, and a cafe. There are information boards that display the latest ferry schedules with any updates or delays.

If you choose to rent a car in Malta, you can drive yourself to the ferry terminal, or you can take a bus or taxi.

✅HELPFUL TIP: You don’t pay for your ferry crossing until your return trip to Malta. Keep that in mind when planning your trip.

How to Get to the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal

🚗Rental Car

The Cirkewwa ferry terminal is a 45-minute drive from Valletta or a 40-minute drive from Malta International Airport.

To get there, take Highway 1. It runs along the northern coast of the island. The road is paved and there is good signage. All signs are written in English, as it is one of the official languages in Malta.

If you are comfortable driving on the left side of the road and follow traffic rules, driving in Malta should be easy.

If you haven’t booked your rental car yet, you may want to do so. This is especially important if you are traveling during peak tourist season, as prices tend to increase.

We recommend using Discover Cars because they offer the best selection for price, comfort, and customer service.

Their site compares prices between local and international Malta rent-a-car companies. They have additional features you can add to your booking, like insurance, GPS, car seats, etc.

Plus, you can choose the type of insurance you want ahead of time and avoid additional stress at the counter.

They really make renting a car an easy process!

🚗Need a rental car? Check availability & prices:
➡️Reserve your rental car here!

Plan to arrive at the terminal well in advance of your scheduled ferry departure. There are designated lanes for cars, buses, and trucks. Staff will direct you to the appropriate lane.

If you prefer to leave your car at the terminal, a large car park is available for short- and long-term parking. Fees are payable upon exit.

🚌Bus

For a budget-friendly option, take the local bus.

The X1 bus takes passengers from the Malta Airport to the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal. The journey takes 65 minutes and costs 2€ ($2.18 USD).

Malta’s main bus operator is Malta Public Transport. You can use their Journey Planner tool to plan your trip and find the most convenient bus route for your dates.

The ferry terminal bus stop is located a short walk from the ferry embarkation area.

Always check the bus schedule in advance. Schedules vary depending on the time of day and the season.

Several bus routes connect the ferry terminal to other parts of the island.

🚕Taxi or Private Transfer

Unfortunately, there is no direct airport shuttle service to the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal. However, there are other options available.

Taxi: A taxi from the airport to the ferry terminal takes 40 minutes and costs 30€ ($33 USD).

Private Transfer: You can pay a little more for a private transfer service as well. This can be arranged in advance or booked upon arrival at the airport.

🚓Need an airport transfer to the Ferry Terminal?
➡️Book your private transfer here!

Gozo: Mgarr Ferry Terminal

A Google map showing the 16 minute drive from Mgarr Ferry Terminal to Xlendi Bay on Gozo.

The ferry to Gozo arrives at Mgarr Terminal on the southeastern side of Gozo Island.

From the terminal, you can easily access other parts of the island, including popular tourist destinations such as Victoria and the Azure Window.

The terminal is a 12-minute drive to Victoria, the capital of Gozo. It is a 17-minute drive to Xlendi Bay, a cute seaside town we used as our base to explore Gozo.

✅HELPFUL TIP: Before you catch the ferry to return to Malta, you will have to purchase and pay for your journey. Remember to allow extra time to process this transaction before boarding.

Does the Malta Gozo Ferry Allow Cars?

🚗 Yes, the Malta Gozo Ferry allows cars – but booking in advance during peak summer months is recommended.

The vehicle deck of a ferry. The Malta Gozo ferry does allow cars on board.

Most rental car companies expect you to take your vehicle to Gozo, so no additional insurance is required. But, as always, check with your rental agency in case they have a different policy.

It is important to note that the number of vehicles allowed on each ferry is limited. During peak season, there can be long queues and delays, especially on weekends and public holidays.

Therefore, we recommend arriving early at the terminal to ensure you can board your desired ferry with your rental car.

Before boarding the ferry, ensure you have all the necessary documentation for your rental car, including your driver’s license, insurance, and registration papers.

Once on board, follow the crew’s instructions and park your rental car in the designated area.

Gozo Speed Ferry: A Summer Option

A view of gorgeous Valletta Harbor with the Gozo Speed ferry docked.

If you are short on time or only want to visit Gozo for the day, you may want to consider the Gozo Speed Ferry.

The Gozo Fast Ferry company offers a high-speed catamaran for walk-on passengers from the Valletta Jetty in Malta to the Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.

Gozo Speed Ferry only departs from Valletta Harbour. The journey is 45 minutes, and there are hourly departures.

To get there, make your way to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, one of the top attractions in Valletta. From there, take the elevator down to water level, and line up for the speed ferry.

You will be dropped off at the Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.

The Gozo Speed Ferry is an excellent option for those who want to maximize their time on the islands and avoid spending too much time in transit.

Gozo Speed Ferry Ticket Prices

The standard fare for the Gozo Speed Ferry is €7.50 ($8.18 USD).

Although this is more expensive than the traditional ferry, the convenience and speed are well worth the additional cost for many travelers.

They offer a discount if you purchase a return ticket at €9.50.

👉Gozo Speed Ferry Ticket Prices:
Standard Fare (one way) – €7.50
Gozo Residents – €2.25
Seniors & Disabled Card Holders – €3.00
Children (4 -10 years) – €3.00
Infants – Free

You can download the mobile App here to purchase tickets in advance.

Make sure to bring your sea sickness wristbands as the fast ferry can get a bit bumpy!

Day Trips to Gozo by Boat

A view of boats anchored near the rocky coastline of Gozo.

Taking a day trip to Gozo or Comino by boat tour (not the ferry) is a popular option for visitors to Malta who want to explore the sights and attractions of this charming island in a single day.

Several boat and tour operators offer day trips to Gozo.

On a day trip to Gozo, you can visit popular attractions such as the Citadel in Victoria, the Azure Window in Dwejra, and the beautiful beaches of Ramla Bay and Xlendi Bay.

It is important to plan your day trip and book your tickets in advance, particularly during tourist season when demand is high.

⛵Need a day tour of Gozo? Reserve your spot here!
➡️Private Tour – Gozo and Blue Lagoon
➡️Group Tour – Gozo and Blue Lagoon

Why Visit Gozo on a Trip to Malta?

Beautiful natural swimming spot on Gozo surrounded by towering cliffs.

Visiting Gozo on your Malta vacation is highly recommended as it offers a completely different experience to the main island.

Gozo is smaller, quieter, and more laid-back than Malta. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. Gozo is a big part of what makes Malta worth visiting!

The island is home to some of the oldest temples in the world, including the Ggantija temples, which date back to 3600 BC.

Plus, some of the best towns in Malta are on Gozo, and the Gozitan cuisine is delicious!

Check out these restaurants on Gozo for an incredible seaside meal.

Malta to Sicily Ferry: Virtu Ferries

Gavin gazing out on the deck of a ferry. You can ferry from Malta to Sicily too.

Interested in traveling between Sicily and Malta on a ferry? Yup… you read that right!

Virtu Ferries is a Maltese company that operates high-speed ferry services between Malta and Sicily, Italy.

It is one of the more scenic ways to get to Malta from Italy. The journey takes around 2 hours and costs approximately €50 return per person. ($54.60 USD)

They even allow vehicles (and pets) for an additional charge. However, we do not recommend taking your rental car on this journey.

You can download the mobile app for more information.

Where to Stay in Malta?

Robyn and Gavin standing in front of Xlendi Bay on Gozo at sunset.

For Family & Friends

Whether you are traveling as a couple, with family or friends, we strongly recommend the Valletta Lucente Hotel in historic Valletta.

This family-run BnB is quiet, charming, and close to restaurants and attractions. Rooms are thoughtfully decorated and breakfast is delicious!

👉Read our full Valletta Lucente Hotel review here!

For Couples or Solo Travelers

If you are craving a more romantic vacation, and prefer an intimate stay, then check out these amazing adult-only hotels in Malta!

FAQs: Ferry from Malta to Gozo

Do students get a reduced ferry price?

No, students do not get a reduced rate on the Malta Gozo Ferry. See the Gozo Channel website for more info on rates.

Do seniors get a reduced ferry price?

Seniors and locals get a discounted rate for the Malta Gozo Ferry operated by the Gozo Channel Ferry service.

Do you need to purchase tickets in advance?

Tickets cannot be purchased in advance. Only residents of Malta and Gozo can purchase prepaid cards and tickets to reduce waiting in queues.

Is there a ferry from Sliema or St. Julian’s to Gozo?

No, there is no direct ferry service between Sliema or St. Julian’s and Gozo. You must take a bus or taxi to the Cirkewwa ferry terminal.

Is it better to stay in Malta or Gozo?

If you have limited time, we recommend staying in Malta and experiencing Gozo as a day trip. However, if you are spending 7 days in Malta, we recommend staying on Gozo for at least 2 nights. This allows you to experience the best of both islands.

Is Gozo enough for one day?

In one day, you will get a taste of what Gozo has to offer. However, you need to spend more time there to fully experience Gozo’s laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, stunning coastline, and delicious cuisine. Gozo has a lot to offer, including amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities too.

Is the Blue Lagoon in Malta or Gozo?

The Blue Lagoon is a stunning natural lagoon on the island of Comino. It is often considered one of the most scenic spots in all of Malta, with its vibrant blue hues contrasting against the natural limestone landscape. Visitors can access the Blue Lagoon by boat from the nearby island of Comino or by taking a ferry from Malta.

The beautiful landscape and coastline of Gozo island.

Final Thoughts: Malta Gozo Ferry

Going in between the mainland of Malta to the island of Gozo couldn’t be easier with the Malta Gozo ferry.

You can walk or drive on and off with ease. You can spend as much or little time exploring Gozo as you want, giving you a unique perspective on Maltese culture.

The Malta Gozo ferry is a reliable, convenient, and budget-friendly form of transport. The journey is a short 25 minutes, and is smooth and comfortable, ensuring a motion sickness-free experience.

Plus, the views of the rocky coastline and the Mediterranean are gorgeous!

Whether you use the Malta Gozo ferry service or one of the alternatives we suggested, you won’t be disappointed.