Valletta to Gozo Ferry: Complete Guide to the Gozo Highspeed Service

What is the Gozo Highspeed Ferry?

The Gozo Highspeed Ferry is a passenger-only catamaran service operated by Gozo Highspeed Ltd, running between Lascaris Wharf in Valletta and Mġarr Harbour on Gozo. It runs all year round, with sailings roughly every hour throughout the day and extended late-night sailings in summer.

The same operator runs the newer Sliema and Buġġiba to Gozo service, so you can expect the same vessels and standard of service on both routes.

The service is foot passengers only. If you are travelling with a car or motorbike, you will need the Gozo Channel Ferry from Ċirkewwa. Although you can take your bicycle by pre-booking on either of the fast ferry services.

How Long Does the Valletta to Gozo Ferry Take?

The crossing from Lascaris Wharf in Valletta to Mġarr Harbour on Gozo takes 45 minutes.

Where Do I Board in Valletta?

The Gozo Highspeed Ferry departs from Lascaris Wharf, at the base of Valletta directly below the city walls. You will find it alongside the Three Cities ferry terminal and the traditional dghajsa water taxis. If you have ever taken a boat across to Vittoriosa or Birgu, you will know exactly where you are.

If you are coming from Valletta, head to the top right-hand corner of the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Here you’ll find the the Barrakka Lift which will bring you down to waterfront level close to the terminal. It costs €1 and runs from 06:30 until late.

Once you leave the lift, head to the road and turn left. Stay on this side of the road, as there the pavement disappears on the other side. You’ll walk through a short road tunnel and as you exit, the entrance to the Gozo Highspeed ferry terminal is on the right-hand side of the road.

To get to it, walk to the far side of the roundabout, and cross over to the Habour Club, then walk around the outside of the Harbour Club to the second pedestrian crossing. Then walk back up towards the tunnel and down the steps to the wharf.

You can also walk down from Valletta, either via the City Gate bus terminus, or through Victoria Gate.

Top Tip: Allow yourself a little extra time on your first visit. Lascaris Wharf is straightforward once you know it, but the lower waterfront level of Valletta is easy to overshoot if you are navigating from above.

On the Gozo side, the ferry docks at Mġarr Harbour, the same port used by the Gozo Channel Ferry. Buses connect from there to Victoria and the rest of the island.

Valletta to Gozo Ferry Timetable

The service runs all year round. Additional late-night sailings operate seasonally and at weekends.

Valletta to Gozo:

Departure Valletta	Arrival Mġarr
06:45	07:30
08:45	09:30
09:45	10:30
10:45	11:30
11:45	12:30
12:45	13:30
13:45	14:30
14:45	15:30
15:45	16:30
16:45	17:30
17:45	18:30
18:45	19:30
19:45	20:30
20:45	21:30
22:15*	23:00
00:30**	01:15

Gozo to Valletta:

Departure Mġarr	Arrival Valletta
05:45	06:30
06:45	07:30
07:45	08:30
09:45	10:30
10:45	11:30
11:45	12:30
12:45	13:30
13:45	14:30
14:45	15:30
15:45	16:30
16:45	17:30
17:45	18:30
18:45	19:30
19:45	20:30
20:45	21:30
22:15*	23:00
23:30**	00:15

• 1st October to 30th April: Fridays and Saturdays only. 1st May to 30th September: daily. ** 1st May to 30th September: Fridays and Saturdays only.

Top Tip: Always check the official Gozo Highspeed timetable before you travel, as schedules can be updated seasonally.

Valletta to Gozo Ferry Fares

All fares below are one way. Return tickets can be purchased at the same time.

Passenger type	One-way fare	ID required
Standard adult or youth	€7.50	No
Gozo residents	€2.25	Gozitan ID or residence permit
Students (University of Malta and MCAST only)	€4.50	Institution card
Senior citizens	€3.00	Valid ID card
Passengers with special needs	€3.00	Blue or yellow card
Children aged 4 to 10	€3.00	No
Infants aged 3 and under	Free	No

How to Book

You can turn up and board on the day, but pre-booking is highly recommended, particularly in summer and at weekends. Tickets can be booked online up to 30 minutes before departure and are valid for 48 hours from the booked departure time, which gives you some flexibility if your plans shift.

You can book directly through the Gozo Highspeed website, or through GetYourGuide if you prefer everything confirmed in advance as part of your wider trip planning.

Is the Valletta to Gozo Ferry Prone to Seasickness?

I can’t lie, the answer is sometimes, yes.

The Gozo Highspeed uses fast catamaran vessels and some passengers do find it a livelier crossing on choppy days, particularly in winter. If you are prone to seasickness, checking the sea state on a site like Maltese Islands Weather before you travel is sensible. If conditions look rough and you would prefer a steadier ride, the Gozo Channel Ferry from Ċirkewwa uses a larger vessel and tends to be calmer.

Top Tip: If the sea state is moderate or above, sit at the back of the vessel and look out of the window rather than at your phone or a book.

Which Ferry Should I Take to Gozo?

There are now three ways to reach Gozo by sea, and the right one depends entirely on where you are starting from and if you are taking a car or motorbike with you.

If you are in Valletta or the Three Cities area, the Valletta Gozo Highspeed is your most convenient option. If you are staying in Sliema, St Julian’s, Buġġiba or Qawra, the newer Sliema and Buġġiba ferry service is likely the better choice. If you are travelling from elsewhere in Malta, have a hire car, or simply prefer the most straightforward crossing, the Gozo Channel Ferry from Ċirkewwa remains the main route.

Not sure which service suits you best? Our Gozo ferry quiz will help you work it out in a couple of quick questions.

You can also read our full comparison on the How to Get to Gozo page, or head straight to our guide to the Sliema and Buġġiba ferry if that route is more useful for you.

Frequently Asked Questions