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.
Start Here
| If you are… | Start with this guide |
|---|---|
| Coming from Malta Airport | How to get to Gozo from Malta Airport |
| Staying in Valletta | Valletta to Gozo Ferry |
| Staying in Sliema, St. Julian’s or Buġibba | Sliema-Buġibba-Gozo Ferry |
| Travelling with a car | Gozo Channel Ferry |
| Not sure which ferry to take | Which Gozo Ferry is Right for You? |
| Already on Gozo | How to Get Around Gozo |
| Travelling on a budget | How to Travel Gozo on a Budget |
| Planning to use buses | Getting Around Gozo by Bus |
| Thinking of hiring a car | Hiring a Car on Gozo |
| Visiting Gozo without a car | Getting around Gozo without a car |
| Planning a one-day visit | Coming 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.
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.
| Service | Departs From | Duration | Fare | Frequency | Pre-booking | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gozo Channel Ferry | Ċirkewwa | 25 minutes | €4.65 return (foot passenger) | Every 15–45 minutes, 24 hours a day | Not needed, just turn up | Yes, only ferry that takes cars |
| Valletta Highspeed | Lascaris Wharf | 45 minutes | €7.50 one-way | Roughly hourly, 06:45–20:45 | Recommended, especially summer and weekends | No, foot passengers only |
| Sliema/Buġibba Highspeed | Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty | 75 minutes from Sliema, 30 from Buġibba | €8.50 (Sliema) / €6.50 (Buġibba) one-way | Around 22 sailings a day in summer | Not essential, but sensible in peak season | No, foot passengers only |
FAQ
How to Get to Gozo from Malta Airport: Buses, Taxis & Transfers
Valletta to Gozo Ferry: Timetable, Fares & Gozo Highspeed Guide
Gozo Channel Ferry: Fares, Timetable & the Only Car Ferry to Gozo
Gozo Ferry: Guide to New Sliema-Buġibba-Gozo Service
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.
How to Travel Gozo on a Budget
Getting Around Gozo by Bus: Routes, Fares and the Tallinja App
Taxis on Gozo: Bolt, Uber, White Taxis and What to Know
Gozo Car Hire: Costs, Rules and What to Know Before You Drive
Hiring a Scooter, Quad or E-Bike on Gozo: Costs, Licences and What to Know
Gozo Without a Car: Buses, Taxis & Where to Stay
Top Tips for Getting to and Around Gozo
| Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Travelling with a car | Use the Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa. It is the only car ferry to Gozo. |
| Staying in Valletta | Use the Gozo Highspeed Ferry from Valletta |
| Staying in Sliema, St Julian’s or Buġibba | Use the Staying in Sliema-Buġibba Highspeed Ferry |
| Prone to seasickness | The 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 flexibility | Hire a car, especially if you want to reach the more secluded spots easily. |
| Travelling on a Friday evening or before a public holiday | Allow 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.