Getting to and Around Gozo

Planning a trip to Gozo? Start here.


Getting to Gozo is not difficult, but the best route depends on where you are staying in Malta, whether you have a car, how much luggage you are dragging around, and whether you are visiting for one day or staying longer.
This page brings together all our practical Gozo transport guides, from ferries and airport transfers to buses, taxis, car hire and getting around once you arrive. Use it to choose the right ferry, avoid unnecessary faff and plan a smoother trip across the water.

Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, where ferries from Malta arrive.

Start Here

If you are…Start with this guide
Coming from Malta AirportHow to get to Gozo from Malta Airport
Staying in VallettaValletta to Gozo Ferry
Staying in Sliema, St. Julian’s or BuġibbaSliema-Buġibba-Gozo Ferry
Travelling with a carGozo Channel Ferry
Not sure which ferry to takeWhich Gozo Ferry is Right for You?
Already on GozoHow to Get Around Gozo
Travelling on a budgetHow to Travel Gozo on a Budget
Planning to use busesGetting Around Gozo by Bus
Thinking of hiring a carHiring a Car on Gozo
Visiting Gozo without a carGetting around Gozo without a car
Planning a one-day visitComing Soon

Getting to Gozo

Gozo is only accessible by ferry, so your first decision is which crossing makes the most sense.

If you are travelling with a car, you will need the Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa. If you are travelling on foot from Valletta, the Gozo Highspeed ferry is usually the simplest option. If you are staying around Sliema, St Julian’s or Buġibba, the newer fast ferry routes may be more convenient when operating.

If you are arriving at Malta Airport, your best route depends on your arrival time, budget, luggage and how much patience you have left after the flight.

How to Get Around Gozo

Once you arrive at Mġarr Harbour, the next question is how you are actually going to move around. Gozo is small, but not everything is easy to reach without some planning. Buses are cheap, taxis are useful for flexibility, and car hire gives you the most freedom, especially if you want beaches, villages, viewpoints and filming locations in one trip.

If you are only visiting for a day, choose your route before you arrive and download the Tallinja App. Gozo is not the best place to freestyle your way across the island by bus unless you enjoy turning lunch into a logistics exercise.

Top Tips for Getting to and Around Gozo

SituationBest Option
Travelling with a carUse the Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa. It is the only car ferry to Gozo.
Staying in VallettaUse the Gozo Highspeed Ferry from Valletta
Staying in Sliema, St Julian’s or BuġibbaUse the Staying in Sliema-Buġibba Highspeed Ferry
Prone to seasicknessThe Gozo Channel Ferry is usually the more stable crossing.
Travelling on a budget. Use the public buses and ferries. A Tallinja card can make bus travel cheaper.
Want maximum flexibilityHire a car, especially if you want to reach the more secluded spots easily.
Travelling on a Friday evening or before a public holidayAllow extra time, especially if you’re heading to the Gozo Channel Ferry.

Only on Gozo for a Day?

Gozo is small, but it is very easy to lose half your day to ferry timings, buses and “we’ll just quickly go there” decisions.

Gozo in a Day: Film & TV Location Guide gives you a practical route through Dwejra, Victoria and Mġarr Harbour, with Madame Blanc, Game of Thrones and other filming locations built in.

Plan Your Trip

Once your transport is sorted, the rest of the trip gets much easier. These guides and planning links can help you decide where to stay, what to see, whether to book a tour, and how to make the most of your time on Gozo.