Planning to take the ferry to Gozo Island? In this guide, discover all you need to know including the Gozo ferry ticket prices, the Gozo ferry schedule, and much more.
Traveling to Gozo, Malta’s sister island, is a breeze with frequent ferry services from the mainland.
There are different boats to Gozo departing from Valletta and Cirkewwa in the northern part of Malta, however, they differ in price, departure point, and schedule.
Read on to get the full scope of taking the ferry from Malta to Gozo Island.
OVERVIEW – FERRY TO GOZO ISLAND
Let’s start this guide with the essentials you should know about the ferry from Malta to Gozo Island and where to book your Gozo ferry tickets.
If you have limited time to go through this entire guide, click on the button below to book your Gozo ferry tickets now.
WHAT FERRIES TO GOZO CAN YOU TAKE?
You can take two ferry options: The Valletta to Gozo ferry, which you can book online, and the Cirkewwa Mgarr Ferry to Gozo, for which you must buy the tickets at the terminal.
Unfortunately, there are no direct Sliema to Gozo ferry options, so keep that in mind if you plan to visit both The Three Cities and Gozo Island.
WHERE TO TAKE THE FERRY TO GOZO ISLAND?
If departing from Valletta, head to the Gozo Fast Ferry terminal near Lascaris Port. This terminal offers convenient services for the fast ferry to Gozo, with a journey time of just 45 minutes.
Alternatively, if departing from Cirkewwa, proceed to the Cirkewwa Passenger Terminal. This terminal serves as the departure point for both Comino Island and Gozo ferries, operated by Gozo Channel.
The journey from Cirkewwa to Mgarr, Gozo, is frequent and takes about 25 minutes.
MALTA GOZO FERRY PRICE
The ferry Gozo price varies depending on the departure point.
From Valletta, the average price is around €25, with fares ranging between €12 and €40, depending on the season and demand. This fast ferry service offers a convenient route to Gozo.
In contrast, the ferry from Cirkewwa is significantly cheaper, costing approximately 5 euros for a return trip per person.
That being said, when choosing this option, factor in the additional cost of transportation to Cirkewwa, as a taxi ride from Valletta to Cirkewwa typically costs around €30 one way.
FERRIES TO GOZO OPTIONS
There are two different boats to Gozo departing from Valletta or Cirkewwa, and while we discussed the Malta Gozo ferry price and departure terminals above, we’ll go through more details here below.
VALLETTA TO GOZO FERRY
- Price: €25 on average
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Where to buy: Direct Ferries
The Valletta to Gozo ferry service offers a fast and convenient route for foot passengers. The average ticket price is around €25, with fares ranging from €12 to €40 depending on the season and availability.
The journey takes approximately 45 minutes, providing a quick and scenic trip across the Mediterranean Sea.
You can purchase online through Direct Ferries or at the terminal, but I highly recommend the former, especially during peak season when they always sell out.
Departing from the Gozo Fast Ferry terminal near Lascaris Port, this option is the best for those staying in Valletta or nearby.
The ferry operates frequently throughout the day, making it easy to find a suitable departure time. See the schedule in the following section.
Facilities on board include comfortable seating, a snack bar, and restrooms, and you’re guaranteed a pleasant ride. Note that you cannot bring a car on the ferry Gozo Valletta, and instead, you’ll have to take the one in Cirkewwa.
VALLETTA TO GOZO FERRY SCHEDULE
There are plenty of options to take the ferry to Gozo Island, with one boat to Gozo departing every hour.
Here is the schedule for ferries to Gozo in the morning:
- 6:45 AM
- 8:45 AM
- 9:45 AM
- 10:45 AM
- 11:45 AM
- 12:45 AM
If you plan to go in the afternoon or the evening, this is the schedule:
- 1:45 PM
- 2:45 PM
- 3:45 PM
- 4:45 PM
- 5:45 PM
- 6:45 PM
- 7:45 PM
- 8:45 PM
- 10:15 PM
FERRY CIRKEWWA TO GOZO
- Price: €5 per person
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Where to buy: Cirkewwa Passenger Terminal
The ferry service from Cirkewwa to Gozo is a popular and cheaper option in some cases. The fare is approximately €5 for a return trip per person, making it significantly cheaper than the fast ferry from Valletta to Gozo.
This service is operated by Gozo Channel and runs frequently throughout the day, ensuring convenient and flexible travel plans.
The journey takes about 25 minutes, and you can get your ticket at the Cirkewwa Passenger Terminal, where both ferries to Gozo and Comino depart.
It’s worth noting, that while the ferry itself is inexpensive, you should consider the cost of transportation to Cirkewwa. A taxi from central Malta to Cirkewwa typically costs around €30 one way.
Most people who take this ferry actually rent a car in Malta, which is a great way to get to Gozo.
The terminal offers facilities such as waiting areas, restrooms, and a cafeteria, and that is a comfortable start to your trip.
CIRKEWWA FERRY TO GOZO SCHEDULE
The Cirkewwa Gozo ferry operates daily, with the first boat leaving Cirkewwa at midnight and the next one every 45 minutes until 11:15 PM.
The same schedule applies to Gozo ferries coming back to Cirkewwa, which is very convenient.
FERRY FROM MALTA TO GOZO ISLAND – FAQ
Now that you know everything about the fast ferry Valletta to Gozo, let’s go through some more questions you may have as a first-timer.
CAN YOU TAKE THE FERRY AS A PASSENGER WITHOUT VEHICLE?
Yes, foot passengers can take the ferry to Gozo Island from Valletta or Cirkewwa. The Valletta to Gozo fast ferry service is specifically for foot passengers, offering a convenient and quick journey.
Similarly, the Cirkewwa ferry to Gozo accommodates both foot passengers and vehicles, providing frequent service throughout the day.
CAN YOU TAKE THE FERRY WITH A RENTAL CAR?
Yes, you can take the ferry with a rental car, but only from Cirkewwa. The Gozo Channel ferry service from Cirkewwa to Mgarr allows vehicles, including rental cars, on board.
This option is ideal for exploring Gozo with the convenience of your own transport.
The Valletta to Gozo fast ferry, however, is for foot passengers only and does not accommodate vehicles.
HOW MANY FERRIES TO GOZO DEPART PER DAY?
There are approximately 15 ferries departing daily from Valletta to Gozo, with services running about every hour.
For the Cirkewwa Gozo ferry, there are frequent departures every 45 minutes throughout the day.
HOW LONG IS THE FERRY TO GOZO ISLAND?
The duration of the ferry to Gozo Island varies depending on the departure point.
From Valletta, the fast ferry takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Gozo, whereas the Cirkewwa Mgarr ferry, operated by Gozo Channel, takes about 20 minutes.
GOZO ISLAND TRAVEL TIPS
Now that you know how to take the ferry to Gozo Island from Malta, below are some useful travel tips to plan the perfect trip to the island.
WHERE TO STAY IN GOZO?
Gozo has countless hotels to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay during your visit.
Below you’ll find properties suitable for luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.
LUXURY: KEMPINSKI HOTEL SAN LAWRENZ
MID RANGE: SAN PAWL B&B FARMHOUSE
BUDGET: SPLENDID HOUSE VICTORIA
FOR MORE OPTIONS, SEE THIS GUIDE ON WHERE TO STAY IN GOZO – THE BEST AREAS
BEST THINGS TO DO IN GOZO
Gozo Island is not to be missed on any Malta itinerary, and there are plenty of things to see and do during your visit.
I spent a few days in Gozo, and here below is my complete guide to all the must-see attractions.
READ NOW: 30 BEST THINGS TO DO ON GOZO ISLAND
CONSIDER GETTING THE GOZO COMBO TICKET
The Discover Gozo Combo Ticket allows you to visit most of the key attractions in Gozo and it will save you some hassle paying each entrance fee separately.
Priced at €13 for adults and €7 for children, this ticket offers excellent value as it grants access to:
- The Ġgantija Archaeological Park
- The Ta’ Kola Windmill
- The Citadel Visitor Centre
- The Old Prison
- Gozo Museum of Archaeology
- Gozo Nature Museum
- Gran Castello Historic House.
The ticket remains valid for 30 days from its first use, giving you ample time to explore these attractions in Gozo at your own pace.
Additionally, from March 13 to May 31, the ticket also includes free access to special Malta Biennale exhibition sites located in the Rabat/Victoria Citadel, such as the Gozo Cultural Centre and the Grain Silos.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GOZO ISLAND?
The best time to visit Gozo is during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October).
During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, which is great for exploring the best attractions without the intense heat of the summer.
Plus, you’ll often find great accommodation, similar to the luxury accommodation in Valletta, and that is a massive plus if you want a unique stay.
IS GOZO WORTH VISITING?
Absolutely, Gozo is worth visiting for its countless cultural and natural attractions. The island features beautiful beaches, ancient forts, and remarkable stone architecture.
Malta as a whole is a gorgeous place too, but Gozo is particularly popular for its outdoor activities and its many small villages, each with its own unique character.
HOW TO GET AROUND GOZO ISLAND?
Getting around Gozo Island is easy with different options available and it can be quite an adventure!
For a fun and unique experience, consider joining a tuk-tuk tour from Malta which allows you to enjoy all the things to see in Gozo.
If you prefer independent travel, renting a car in Malta is an excellent option, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Alternatively, the hop-on hop-off bus service is a convenient choice, particularly if you’re interested in visiting the most popular attractions in Gozo easily. The bus covers extensive routes, making it easy to see all the tourist spots on Gozo Malta.
HOW MANY DAYS IN GOZO?
It’s best to spend three to four days to fully experience the island and enjoy all the best things to do in Gozo.
This allows enough time to explore key attractions like Comino, Ramla Beach, and the Blue Hole.
HOW MUCH TO BUDGET FOR GOZO?
Budgeting for a trip to Gozo depends on your travel style. For a comfortable stay, estimate around €100 – €150 per day. This includes accommodation, meals, and local transportation.
Staying in guesthouses or mid-range hotels and dining at local eateries can keep your budget down, while car rentals or guided tours will add to your expenses.
Include some extra for entrance fees to museums and activities like boat tours or buying souvenirs.
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SUMMARY – FERRIES TO GOZO FROM MALTA
I hope you enjoyed reading this article about taking the fast ferry Valletta to Gozo. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
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TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
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