How to Get to Gozo

As it's really only accessible by water, we admit, getting to Gozo can sound like a faff. However, getting to this gorgeous Island is very much worth the effort, read our top ten reasons to visit Gozo if you don't believe us! It's also lot less hassle than you might think and is all part of the adventure!

Here’s everything you need to know about the two main ways to reach Gozo: the Gozo Channel Ferry and the Gozo Highspeed Ferry. While these two ferries depart from different parts of Malta, they both arrive at Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. The same place that the Knights of Malta used to arrive when Gozo was their hunting ground. So you're not just taking a trip, you're following in historical footsteps, more so if you start or finish your trip to Malta with a drink at the Gleaneagles.

Table of Contents

• Gozo Channel Ferry

• Gozo Highspeed Ferry

• Which Gozo Ferry should I take?

• Tips for a Smoother Journey

• Private Transfers from the Airport

• FAQs

• Useful Links

Gozo Channel Ferry

The Gozo Channel Ferry is the traditional way to travel between Malta and Gozo, operating between Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal in Malta and Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. This ferry accommodates both cars and foot passengers, making it a convenient choice if you are driving.

Fares: Tickets for the Gozo Channel Ferry are reasonably priced. Currently, a round-trip ticket costs approximately €4.65 for foot passengers and €15.70 for cars, including the driver and €8.15 for a motorcycle plus its rider. Passengers who are over 60, and children under 12 both enjoy discounted rates. Tickets are purchased at the Mgarr terminal on Gozo and cover both the outbound and return journeys.

Crossing Length: The ferry crossing takes approximately 25 minutes.

How to Get to Cirkewwa Terminal: From Malta International Airport, you can take a taxi, private transfer, or a bus to the Cirkewwa Terminal. The journey takes around 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. There are several bus routes that stop at Cirkewwa, including X1 route which runs directly from the airport.

Frequency: The service runs pretty much 24/7 with sailings usually no longer than 45 minutes apart, although at peak times the gap could be as short as 15 minutes.

In Bad Weather: The Gozo Channel Ferry is generally very reliable, but adverse weather conditions may cause delays or cancellations. It’s always a good idea to check the latest updates on their website or their Facebook page.

On Board Amenities: Inside the ferry, you'll find an onboard café, perfect for grabbing a refreshment during your journey. While the café may not be open for late-night trips, vending machines are available at all times, providing snacks and drinks whenever you need them. There is also free wi-fi available onboard.

For seating, there are chairs and tables set up for a relaxed travel experience. Toilets are also available onboard, ensuring a comfortable journey. If you prefer fresh air and scenic views, head to the deck for a delightful perspective of the beautiful harbours and the picturesque Comino Island. As you sail past Comino from Cirkewwa stand on starboard side (the right-hand side as you look towards Gozo) you can see Santa Marija Tower, which doubled as Chateau D'If in The Count of Monte Cristo.

Additional Info: While you can’t book tickets in advance, the ferry runs throughout the day and night. Usually the longest gap in between sailings is 45 minutes.

Top Tip: The ferry gets very busy on Friday evenings, especially in the summer as well as days before public holidays, as many people from Malta travel over to spend the weekend in Gozo. Sunday afternoons are also peak times as travellers return to the main island. Plan your journey accordingly to avoid long queues. We also recommend checking out the live Gozo Channel webcams so you can see how busy the service currently is.

Gozo HighSpeed Ferry

Launched in June 2021, the Gozo Highspeed Ferry connects Valletta Grand Harbour directly to Mgarr Harbour. This ferry is foot-passenger only but allows bicycles with prior booking. Pets are welcome on board too.

Fares: A one-way ticket on the Gozo Highspeed Ferry costs approximately €7.50 for adults and €3.00 for children and Senior Citizen and Disability Card Holders. Return tickets offer slight discounts. Tickets can be booked online in advance or purchased at the terminal.

Crossing Length: The ferry crossing takes approximately 45 minutes.

How to Get to Valletta Terminal: The ferry terminal is located at the Lascaris Wharf, which is close to the Valletta Waterfront and about a ten-minute walk from the main bus terminus, or you can take the 133 which will drop you a two-minute walk away. If you are travelling straight from the airport, then a taxi is the quickest and most direct method. It is possible to take public transport but you will need to take two buses to reach the terminal. Depending on the time of day, it will take 15-30 minutes by taxi from the airport to the terminal.

Frequency: The first sailing from Valletta is at 06:45, followed by 08:45. After that, there is a ferry at quarter to the hour every hour until 20:45. During summer, the last weekday ferry is at 22:15, and on Fridays and Saturdays, there is an additional late service at 00:30.

Cancellations: This service is more sensitive to cancellations and changes to its schedule. Either due to the weather or events taking place in the Grand Harbour, such as the annual International Firework Festival. Changes to the service are usually announced first on the Gozo Highspeed Facebook page, so we strongly recommend checking that before you travel to the terminal.

On Board Amenities: The Gozo Highspeed ferry has dedicated luggage racks, and the friendly staff are always happy to help you stow it away safely. There are also places to secure bicycles. There is no standing allowed in the main cabin area, so seats are plentiful and comfortable. There are onboard bathrooms, free wi-fi and a vending machine is also available for drinks and light snacks.

Additional Info: During the summer, the service is very popular. We recommend booking tickets in advance online to make sure you catch the ferry you planned. You can book an open return which is valid for a month after the date of the outward journey. We also recommend turning up to the terminal 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Top Tip: Even on seemingly calm days, the trip can be a little bouncy. We recommend sitting at the back of the ferry near a window to reduce the likelihood of motion sickness .

Which Gozo Ferry Should I Take?

Deciding between the Gozo Channel Ferry and the Gozo Highspeed Ferry depends on your preferences and travel needs. Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:

Speed: Despite the longer crossing time of 45 minutes, the Gozo Highspeed Ferry is often considered quicker overall because the Valletta terminal is in the central part of Malta, making it more convenient if you are staying in Valletta, Sliema, St Julians or travelling straight from the airport.

Accessibility: If you’re bringing a car or motorcycle, the Gozo Channel Ferry is your only option, as the Gozo Highspeed Ferry is foot-passenger only. However, the latter allows bicycles with prior booking.

Convenience: The Gozo Highspeed Ferry offers online booking, making it easier to secure your spot. The Gozo Channel Ferry doesn’t require advance booking but operates frequently, so availability is rarely an issue, especially for foot passengers.

Location: Consider where you’re starting from. If you’re closer to Valletta, or towards the south of the island, the Highspeed Ferry terminal is more convenient. From other areas of Malta, such as St Pauls or Buggiba, Cirkewwa Terminal may be easier to reach.

Availability: The Gozo Channel Ferry runs pretty much 24/7. With only a gap in the service during the early hours of the morning. The Gozo Highspeed Ferry does put more services on during the summer (May - September) with the latest trip from Mgarr to Valetta being 23:30.

Weather Sensitivity: The Gozo Channel Ferry is more reliable during bad weather, while the Highspeed Ferry is more prone to cancellations, particularly if it is very windy.

Cost: Both ferries are affordable, but the Gozo Channel Ferry offers lower fares for foot passengers and vehicles.

Experience: The Gozo Channel Ferry provides a classic Mediterranean crossing, offering both functionality and an opportunity to enjoy the stunning Maltese coastline from the open decks. The Gozo Highspeed Ferry offers a quicker, modern ride. For families or those with larger groups, the Channel Ferry may feel more relaxed.

Ultimately, your choice will depend on your travel priorities—whether that’s speed, cost, convenience, or the need to transport a vehicle.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

Travel Off-Peak: For the Gozo Channel Ferry, try to avoid leaving Malta on Friday evenings and returning from Gozo on Sunday afternoons. For the Highspeed Ferry, the early morning ferries tend to be quite busy, but if you book in advance online and turn up in good time, you should be fine.

Pack Smart: Whether on foot or bringing a car, packing light makes boarding and disembarking easier.

Stay Informed: Follow official websites or social media for the latest updates, especially during bad weather.

Private Transfers from the Airport to Gozo

If convenience and comfort are your top priorities, private transfers can take the hassle out of reaching Gozo. Many companies offer door-to-door service that includes both the transfer to the ferry terminal and the ferry crossing itself.

How It Works: Upon arrival at Malta International Airport, your driver will meet you and take you directly to the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, where you will usually board the ferry as a foot passenger, with your luggage staying in the car. Once you arrive at Gozo, you will find the driver waiting for you and they will then drive you directly to your destination.

Time & Cost: Transfers to the Cirkewwa terminal typically take 45-60 minutes. Costs vary depending on the company and the size of your group, but private transfers offer a stress-free and efficient alternative.

Additional Benefits: Many transfer services allow you to pre-book extras like child seats or luggage assistance, ensuring a seamless journey from start to finish.

Top Tip: It's worth asking your hotel if they can arrange a transfer from the airport to Gozo. In the off-peak season, some hotels have been known to offer this for free as an incentive to stay with them.

FAQs

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

For the Gozo Channel Ferry, tickets are purchased at Mgarr terminal in Gozo, and can’t be booked in advance. For the Gozo Highspeed Ferry, tickets can and should be booked online, especially during peak times.

Can I bring luggage on the ferry?

Both ferries accommodate luggage. The Gozo Channel Ferry is ideal for larger items due to its size. However, bear in mind that sometimes you might need to carry your luggage up and down stairs to board and disembark. The Highspeed Ferry works well for travellers with lighter baggage. It has a dedicated storage area and the friendly staff are happy to help. On one trip when I was loaded down with bags and a plastic box, they relieved me of everything on the dockside, with a smile, and returned it once I was safely down the gangplank in Mgarr.

Are the ferries accessible for those with reduced mobility?

Yes, both ferries are equipped with facilities to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility.

What happens if my ferry is cancelled?

Check the operators’ official websites or social media pages for updates. The Gozo Highspeed Ferry’s Facebook page is especially reliable for real-time updates.

Can I bring pets on board?

Pets are allowed on both the Gozo Highspeed Ferry and the Gozo Channel Ferry, please make to check their respective websites for any restrictions.

Useful Links

Gozo Channel Ferry

Gozo Channel Facebook

Gozo Highspeed Ferry

Gozo Highspeed Facebook

Malta Public Transport

With these two ferry options and helpful tips, you’re all set for a hassle-free trip to Gozo. Enjoy the journey!

Ready to Explore More?

Discover everything Gozo has to offer by checking out The Ultimate Guide to Gozo, The Guide to Film Locations in Gozo, or Is Gozo Worth Visiting? These resources, along with our Practical Guide to Gozo and How to Get Around Gozo will help you plan the perfect trip!

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