The Sliema to Gozo Fast Ferry: Timetable, Fares and How to Board
By Kerry Gaffney | Last Updated 14/10/2026
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Getting to Gozo from Sliema, St Julian’s or Buġibba no longer means a trek to Ċirkewwa or Valletta.
Since May 2026, Gozo Highspeed has run a fast ferry from Sliema via Buġibba directly to Gozo and you’ll find the full timetable and fares below. Not sure which ferry suits you? Take our Gozo ferry quiz, it takes less than a minute to give you the best ferry option for your trip.
Otherwise, here is everything you need to know.
What is the Sliema to Gozo Fast Ferry?
The new service runs from Sliema Ferries terminal in Sliema to a newly built jetty in Buġibba, 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.
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 Buġibba along the way, so if you are joining at Buġibba your journey to Gozo will be around 30 minutes.
- Sliema to Buġibba: approximately 30 minutes
- Buġibba to Mġarr, Gozo: approximately 30 minutes
- Sliema to Mġarr, Gozo (full journey): approximately 75 minutes, includes 15 minute stop in Buġibba
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 Buġibba: A brand new jetty has been built specifically for this service. It is located off the Buġibba promenade. As with Sliema, parking in Buġibba 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 Buġibba rather than Sliema, make sure you are at the terminal before the scheduled Buġibba departure time. The ferry will already have passengers on board from Sliema, so it will not wait.
The Last Ferry Back from Gozo
If you are over for the day, this is the number to remember.
Summer, April to October: the last sailing from Mġarr leaves at 00:15, reaching Buġibba at 00:45 and Sliema at 01:30. Before that there is a 23:15 and a 21:15.
Winter, November to March: the last sailing from Mġarr leaves at 21:15, reaching Buġibba at 21:45 and Sliema at 22:30. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights there is also a 23:15, reaching Sliema at 00:30.
Going the other way, the last departure from Sliema is 00:45 in summer. In winter it is 21:45, or 22:45 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Top Tip: The late boats change in winter. From November to March the 00:15 from Mġarr stops running and the 23:15 only sails on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, so on a weeknight the 21:15 is your last boat. The Valletta Highspeed ferry has a 22:15 every night in winter, so check that timetable if you want a longer evening on the island. If you need to get back later still, the Gozo Channel Ferry from Ċirkewwa runs 24 hours and is your way home.
Getting Around Once You Land
You’ve landed at Mġarr, now what? If you haven’t pre-arranged a tour, there’s usually reps from the two hop-on, hop-off tours (Gozo Sightseeing and City Sightseeing) and they are a great way to see a lot of Gozo in a day.
If you fancy making your own way, our bus guide covers routes from Mgarr, fares and how to pay. It’s worth a look before you board, as it’s much easier to plan on the boat than at the stop.
If you’d rather not wait around, our guides to taxis on Gozo (Bolt and Uber), car hire and scooter hire cover the alternatives.
Top Tip: If you are getting the bus, virtually all routes lead to Victoria and the 301 is the quickest, most direct and most frequent.
Sliema to Gozo Ferry Timetable
The service runs daily throughout the year. Most sailings run all year round, with a few late sailings in summer only or at weekends in winter.
All year, with seasonal late sailings
Sliema to Gozo:
| Depart Sliema | Arrive Buġibba | Depart Buġibba | 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 |
| 21:45 | 22:15 | 22:30 | 23:00 |
| 22:45** | 23:15 | 23:30 | 00:00 |
| 00:45* | 01:15 | 01:30 | 02:00 |
*1 April to 31 October: daily. **1 April to 31 October: daily. 1 November to 31 March: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.
Gozo to Sliema:
| Depart Mġarr | Arrive Buġibba | Depart Buġibba | 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 |
| 23:15** | 23:45 | 00:00 | 00:30 |
| 00:15* | 00:45 | 01:00 | 01:30 |
*1 April to 31 October: daily. **1 April to 31 October: daily. 1 November to 31 March: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. Timetable correct as of 14 October 2026.
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 residents | €2.25 | Gozitan ID or residence permit |
| Students (University of Malta, MCAST and ITS only) | €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 4 to 10 with a Tallinja card | €3.00 | Tallinja card |
| Children aged 3 and under | Free | No |
| Hospital appointment holders | Free | Appointment evidence |
Buġibba to/from Gozo (one way):
| Passenger type | Fare | ID required |
|---|---|---|
| Standard adult | €6.50 | No |
| Gozo residents | €2.00 | Gozitan ID or residence permit |
| Students (University of Malta, MCAST and ITS only) | €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 Buġibba (one way):
| Passenger type | Fare | ID required |
|---|---|---|
| Standard adult | €6.50 | No |
| Tallinja card holders | Free | Tallinja card |
| Students (University of Malta, MCAST and ITS only) | €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 Buġibba 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 Buġibba 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 are 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 the 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 100 films and TV productions? From Game of Thrones to Clash of the Titans, Coronation Street 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.