Gozo Ferry: Guide to New Sliema-Buġibba-Gozo Service
By Kerry Gaffney | Last Updated 22/04/2026
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The wait is almost over. Getting to Gozo from Sliema, St Julian’s or Buġġiba is now a whole lot easier.
A brand new fast ferry service connecting Sliema and Buġġiba directly to Gozo launched on 5th May 2026, you can find the full timetable and fares below.
Previously, visitors staying in the Sliema and St Julian’s area faced a choice between a 45-minute taxi or bus ride north to Ċirkewwa to catch the Gozo Channel Ferry, or heading south to Valletta to board the Gozo Highspeed Ferry. The new service changes all of that, putting Gozo within easy reach of two of Malta’s most popular tourist areas for the very first time.
Here is everything you need to know.
What is the New Sliema to Gozo Ferry?
The new service runs from Sliema Ferries terminal in Sliema to a newly built jetty in Buġġiba, and then on to the existing fast ferry terminal at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. It is operated by Gozo Highspeed Ltd, a joint venture that also operates the existing Valletta to Gozo fast ferry service, so you can expect the same high-speed vessels and standard of service.
Two vessels will operate simultaneously on the route, which is how the service can achieve such a high frequency of sailings throughout the day.
The service is foot passengers only. If you are travelling with a car or motorbike you will still need the Gozo Channel Ferry from Ċirkewwa
How Long Does the Sliema to Gozo Ferry Take?
The full journey from Sliema to Mġarr Harbour in Gozo takes approximately 75 minutes. The ferry stops at Buġġiba along the way, so if you are joining at Buġġiba your journey to Gozo will be around 45 minutes.
- Sliema to Buġġiba: approximately 30 minutes
- Buġġiba to Mġarr, Gozo: approximately 30 minutes
- Sliema to Mġarr, Gozo (full journey): approximately 75 minutes.
Where Do I Board the Sliema to Gozo Ferry?
In Sliema: The ferry departs from Sliema Ferries terminal on the Sliema waterfront. This is a well-known landmark and easy to find. Parking in Sliema is extremely limited and can be very frustrating, so we strongly recommend arriving on foot, by bus or by taxi rather than driving to the terminal.
In Buġġiba: A brand new jetty has been built specifically for this service. It is located off the Buġġiba promenade. As with Sliema, parking in Buġġiba and the surrounding area can be very challenging, particularly in summer. We recommend using public transport or a taxi where possible.
In Gozo: The ferry arrives in Mġarr Harbour a little further along from the existing Valletta Highspeed Ferry terminal. From Mġarr Harbour you can pick up a bus to Victoria, hire a car, or take a taxi.
Top Tip: If you are joining at Buġġiba rather than Sliema, make sure you are at the terminal before the scheduled Buġġiba departure time. The ferry will already have passengers on board from Sliema, so it will not wait.
Sliema to Gozo Ferry Timetable
The service runs daily throughout the year, with more frequent sailings in summer.
Summer (March to October) — 22 trips per day
Sliema to Gozo:
| Depart Sliema | Arrive Buġġiba | Depart Buġġiba | Arrive Mġarr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05:45 | 06:15 | 06:30 | 07:00 |
| 06:45 | 07:15 | 07:30 | 08:00 |
| 08:45 | 09:15 | 09:30 | 10:00 |
| 09:45 | 10:15 | 10:30 | 11:00 |
| 11:45 | 12:15 | 12:30 | 13:00 |
| 13:45 | 14:15 | 14:30 | 15:00 |
| 15:45 | 16:15 | 16:30 | 17:00 |
| 16:45 | 17:15 | 17:30 | 18:00 |
| 18:45 | 19:15 | 19:30 | 20:00 |
| 19:45 | 20:15 | 20:30 | 21:00 |
| 22:00 | 22:30 | 22:45 | 23:15 |
Gozo to Sliema:
| Depart Mġarr | Arrive Buġġiba | Depart Buġġiba | Arrive Sliema |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05:15 | 05:45 | 06:00 | 06:30 |
| 07:15 | 07:45 | 08:00 | 08:30 |
| 08:15 | 08:45 | 09:00 | 09:30 |
| 10:15 | 10:45 | 11:00 | 11:30 |
| 11:15 | 11:45 | 12:00 | 12:30 |
| 13:15 | 13:45 | 14:00 | 14:30 |
| 15:15 | 15:45 | 16:00 | 16:30 |
| 17:15 | 17:45 | 18:00 | 18:30 |
| 18:15 | 18:45 | 19:00 | 19:30 |
| 20:15 | 20:45 | 21:00 | 21:30 |
| 21:15 | 21:45 | 22:00 | 22:30 |
Winter (November to February) — 16 trips per day
Sliema to Gozo:
| Depart Sliema | Arrive Buġġiba | Depart Buġġiba | Arrive Mġarr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05:45 | 06:15 | 06:30 | 07:00 |
| 06:45 | 07:15 | 07:30 | 08:00 |
| 08:45 | 09:15 | 09:30 | 10:00 |
| 09:45 | 10:15 | 10:30 | 11:00 |
| 11:45 | 12:15 | 12:30 | 13:00 |
| 12:45 | 13:15 | 13:30 | 14:00 |
| 14:45 | 15:15 | 15:30 | 16:00 |
| 15:45 | 16:15 | 16:30 | 17:00 |
Gozo to Sliema:
| Depart Mġarr | Arrive Buġġiba | Depart Buġġiba | Arrive Sliema |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05:15 | 05:45 | 06:00 | 06:30 |
| 07:15 | 07:45 | 08:00 | 08:30 |
| 08:15 | 08:45 | 09:00 | 09:30 |
| 10:15 | 10:45 | 11:00 | 11:30 |
| 13:15 | 13:45 | 14:00 | 14:30 |
| 14:15 | 14:45 | 15:00 | 15:30 |
| 16:15 | 16:45 | 17:00 | 17:30 |
Sliema to Gozo Ferry Fares
Fares vary depending on where you are travelling from and your eligibility.
Sliema to/from Gozo (one way):
| Passenger type | Fare | ID required |
|---|---|---|
| Standard adult | €8.50 | No |
| Tallinja card holders | €6.50 | Tallinja card |
| Gozo ID card holders | €2.25 | Valid ID card |
| Students (public education institutions) | €4.50 | Institution card |
| Senior citizens (60+) | €3.00 | Valid ID card |
| Passengers with special needs | €3.00 | Blue or yellow card |
| Children aged 4 to 10 | €4.00 | No |
| Children aged 3 and under | Free | No |
| Hospital appointment holders | Free | Appointment evidence |
Buġġiba to/from Gozo (one way):
| Passenger type | Fare | ID required |
|---|---|---|
| Standard adult | €6.50 | No |
| Gozo ID card holders | €2.00 | Valid ID card |
| Students (public education institutions) | €3.50 | Institution card |
| Senior citizens (60+) | €3.00 | Valid ID card |
| Passengers with special needs | €3.00 | Blue or yellow card |
| Children aged 4 to 10 | €3.00 | No |
| Children aged 3 and under | Free | No |
| Hospital appointment holders | Free | Appointment evidence |
Sliema to/from Buġġiba (one way):
| Passenger type | Fare | ID required |
|---|---|---|
| Standard adult | €6.50 | No |
| Tallinja card holders | Free | Tallinja card |
| Students (public education institutions) | €3.00 | Institution card |
| Senior citizens (60+) | €3.00 | Valid ID card |
| Passengers with special needs | €3.00 | Blue or yellow card |
| Children aged 4 to 10 | €3.00 | No |
| Children aged 3 and under | Free | No |
Top Tip: If you hold a Tallinja card and are travelling from Sliema all the way to Gozo, you pay the Buġġiba fare of €6.50 rather than the standard Sliema fare of €8.50. Make sure you have your card with you.
How to Pay
You can book online using your card details or pay at the terminal using cash, card or contactless payments. If you hold a personalised Tallinja card there is a tap and go option at the terminal as the route between Sliema and Buġġiba is free for card holders.
Is the Sliema to Gozo Ferry Prone to Seasickness?
This is a question worth considering. The existing Gozo Highspeed Ferry from Valletta is operated by the same company using similar high-speed vessels, and some passengers do find it a bumpy ride on choppy days. Several visiting travel influencers have flagged this in recent months, so it is worth being aware of.
If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend checking a local weather site such as Maltese Islands Weather, which includes the sea state in its daily forecasts. If the outlook is rough, or you simply prefer a smoother ride, the Gozo Channel Ferry from Ċirkewwa remains the most stable option. It is a larger vessel and you can step outside on the open deck, which many people find helps.
Top Tip: If you do take the fast ferry and feel unwell, sitting towards the back of the vessel near a window tends to help.
What to Do When You Arrive in Gozo
Arriving at Mġarr Harbour is your first introduction to Gozo and it is a lovely one. The harbour is ringed with colourful fishing boats, overlooked by the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes perched on the hillside above, there’s some great restaurants to try out, and if you are a film fan you may already recognise it from shows like The Madame Blanc Mysteries.
Getting Around Gozo
Once you are off the ferry you will need to decide how to explore the island. Our complete guide to getting around Gozo covers all your options in detail, from public buses and taxis to car hire and the Bolt app. Victoria, the island’s capital, is a short bus or taxi ride from the harbour and makes a great first stop.
Where to Stay in Gozo
If you are planning more than a day trip, Gozo has a wonderful range of accommodation to suit every budget and style, from boutique hotels in Victoria to traditional farmhouses in the countryside and apartments overlooking the sea. Our guide to where to stay in Gozo covers the best areas and options to help you choose.
Things to Do in Gozo
Gozo punches well above its weight for experiences. Whether you are into history, hiking, beaches, diving or food, there is plenty to keep you busy. Browse our Gozo village guides for inspiration, or check out the best tours and experiences on Gozo if you would rather let someone else do the planning.
Gozo Film Locations
Did you know that Gozo has been the backdrop for over 60 films and TV productions? From Game of Thrones to Gladiator II, Troy to The Madame Blanc Mysteries, the island has starred in some of the biggest productions of the last 50 years. Our Gozo filming locations guide is the perfect companion for any film fan visiting the island.
If you are a fan of The Madame Blanc Mysteries in particular, our complete Madame Blanc filming locations guide covers every location used across all four series, with an interactive map to help you find them. Or if you are short on time, our Gozo in a Day guide includes the best filming locations you can visit in a single day trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
We will keep this page updated as new information becomes available. For the latest news on the service follow Gozo Highspeed on Facebook.