hop on the malta to Gozo Channel

A 25-Minute Journey To The Charming Island Of Calypso

The Gozo Channel is a ferry that links the islands of Malta and Gozo together. It is a passenger and vehicle service provided all year round including during the night for all weekends and public holidays.

Table of contents - gozo channel

A Gozo Channel line arriving at the Cirkewwa ferry terminal in Malta.The Gozo Channel Line at Cirkewwa Harbour

In this guide we will give you a better understanding of how the Gozo Channel operates including the timetable, costings, recommendations, things to do in Gozo, tips and more.

There are two main ways of getting to Gozo from Malta, by the Gozo ferry from Cirkewwa or the fast ferry provided from Valletta. They both berth at the same harbour in Mgarr, Gozo.

Gozo Ferry Schedule & Prices

schedule of the gozo ferry

You can check the schedule to see what time the ferries leaves the terminal. It is recommended that you check the Facebook page for live service announcements.

During Christmas and New Year's Day there are trips that do not operate as employees of the Gozo channel enjoy a festive lunch with their families. The cancelled trips for 2022/23 are as follows:

  • Mgarr Gozo to Cirkewwa Malta: 11:30 to 15:15
  • Cirkewwa Malta to Mgarr Gozo: 12:00 to 15:00

tickets & prices for boarding the ferry

You will NOT buy a ticket on your trip to Gozo from Malta. On arrival to the harbour in Malta you will immediately be directed to queue to the ferry if you are with you car. If you are a passenger you can board the ferry immediately via the terminal.

how and where do I buy Malta Gozo ferry tickets?

  • Tickets are are bought on your way back to Malta from the Mgarr terminal in Gozo. A ticket booth is allocated just before the car queue to the boat. As a passenger without a car, you will purchase them from inside the terminal just before getting on the boat.

It is important to know that you cannot purchase tickets online and that you only purchase a ticket on your way back to Malta from the island of Gozo.

gozo ferry fees

Car And Driver

  • Standard - €15.70
  • Night Fare - €12.80
  • Maltese Senior Citizen - €11.05
  • Gozitan Resident - €8.15
  • Gozitan Senior Citizens - €6.95

Passenger

  • Senior Citizen - Free
  • Standard - €4.65
  • Children (3 to 12 years) - €1.15
  • Night Fare - €4.05
  • Gozitan Resident - €1.15
  • Gozitan Senior Resident - Free

Motorcycle And Rider

  • Standard - €8.15
  • Night Fare - €6.95
  • Maltese Senior Citizen - €3.45
  • Gozitan Resident - €4.65
  • Gozitan Senior Citizen - €3.45

Others

  • Bicycle - €1.15
  • Towed Trailer up to 5 Meters - €13.95
A view of Gozo on arrival to the island via the Gozo Channel.Malta To Gozo Ferry - Mgarr Gozo

Quick Tips About The Gozo Ferry

  • The ferry operates 365 days a year.
  • There are 4 boats in the fleet.
  • Trip duration is around 25 minutes each way between the islands.
  • You can board the ferry with your car, van, truck, motorbike and rented car.
  • A visa or passport or any identification is not required to cross from one island to another.
  • No advanced bookings or online bookings are required to go on the boat due to the frequent trips all through the year.
People sitting on the deck on the Gozo ferry.Top Deck of the Gozo Ferry

what you Should Know Before and When Boarding the Ferry

The boat is pretty spacious so there is quite a bit of space to walk around and we highly recommend keeping you camera with you to take some pretty magnificent shots while crossing the islands. There is indoor and outdoor seating.

During the summer season the ferry is more frequent while in the night they are less frequent. Before catching the ferry, check the Gozo channel schedule to see what time the next ferry departs.

During the months of winter, there are days when our islands experience very bad weather including high winds. Ferry trips could be cancelled due to this. We recommend you keeping an eye on the weather and any ferry cancellations from the Gozo channel.

People sitting down inside the Gozo ferry boat en-route to Gozo.The seating area inside the Gozo ferry.

You need to wait in a queue before boarding the boat. Gozo channel officials will indicate when it is time to board the boat.

You are not allowed to stay in your vehicle after boarding the boat due to safety reasons. You can go upstairs to the lounge area while the boat is travelling between the islands.

No smoking is allowed when you are in your vehicles before disembarking the ferry.

Also engines should be switched off until you start disembarking.

On special weekends such as Carnival, Christmas, Good Friday to Easter Sunday and Santa Marija weekend the Gozo ferry gets very busy. It is recommended to plan early or take a night ferry.

Night Fares start from 20:00 till before the first morning trip between the months of November and March.

How To Get To The Harbours

A view of the Cirkewwa terminal onboard the Gozo ferry.Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal

malta cirkewwa ferry terminal

Where Is The Ferry To Gozo In Malta? The terminal in Malta is at the far end of the island being Cirkewwa. It is passed the village of Mellieha.

Most main roads on the island lead to Cirkewwa with signs to guide you. It would be useful to use Google Maps to help you get there without getting lost. Just write 'Gozo Channel Ferry' on the maps and it will guide you there.

Car journey duration to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal:

  • St. Paul’s Bay/Bugibba/Qawra area takes around 25 minutes.
  • Sliema, St. Julian's, Valletta Gzira, Paceville area takes around 45 minutes.

Travelling by bus

getting the bus to gozo ferry terminal in malta

  • Valletta to Cirkewwa: 41, 42
  • Malta International Airport to Cirkewwa: X1, X1B
  • Buses to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal:  41, 42, 101, 221, 222, X1, X1A, X1B

Bus journey duration to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal

  • St. Paul’s Bay/Bugibba/Qawra area takes around 40 minutes.
  • Sliema, St.Julian's, Gzira, Paceville area takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.
A view of Mgarr Gozo harbour where the Gozo ferry embarks.Mgarr Harbour Gozo

mgarr ferry terminal

Where Is The Ferry In Gozo? The Gozo terminal is located at Mgarr-Gozo, near the village of Ghajnsielem.

To get to the Gozo to Malta ferry, you need to pass from the main road of Gozo called Triq L-Imgarr.

Gozo is very small so from where ever you are on the island, it doesn't take much time to reach the terminal. This always depends on the season and time of day.

How to get to the Gozo Channel in Gozo by bus:

  • Victoria/Rabat to Mgarr Harbour: 301, 303, 323

Renting a car

If you are wondering whether you can take your rented car on the Gozo ferry, then here is the answer:

  • Yes, you can take your rented car across on the ferry between the island of Malta and Gozo. You do not have any additional fees in order to travel with your rented car.

Renting a car has its major advantages if you wish to travel across the island freely and go to places where it might be difficult with public transport. Driving in Gozo is much easier than in Malta.

If you are looking around to rent a car, check out Mayjo Car Hire which is located in Gozo.

Taking A Taxi To Gozo Ferry

If you are going to Gozo straight after the airport you can do so by getting a taxi to the ferry that will cost around €45 / £40 / $48. Then you take the ferry from Malta to Gozo Mgarr harbour and then either you take another taxi or public transport.

Transport In Gozo

Getting around in Gozo is exactly the same as in Malta. You find public transport, rental car services, taxis, rental bikes and sightseeing tours. Getting round the island is much easier than in Malta since there is less traffic and the island is much smaller.

Gozo Ferry Map


What Can I Do On The Island of Gozo

Ta' Pinu National Shrine.Ta' Pinu National Shrine Gozo

Gozo is a marvelous island to visit as there are plenty of things to do. it is much quieter than Malta and there is more greenery.

  • Beaches are one of the main highlights of the island especially Ramla L-Hamra.
  • Visit the villages of Xewkija, Nadur, Xlendi and Victoria also known as Rabat.
  • Tour the citadel which was once a inhabited city.
  • Go round the beautiful island with the sightseeing tour to see all the highlights of the island.

The village of Dwejra boats some spectacular views of the sea. Dwejra is home to the former Azure window that collapsed on 8th March 2017. After its collapse, the location still remained very recognised. Apart from the window, there are other things to see such as the Dwejra Tower, Fungus Rock and the Blue Hole that is very popular to divers.

Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Blue Lagoon. Trips depart from Sliema Ferries. Short trips from Cirkewwa and Mgarr harbour.

Frequently asked questions about travelling to Gozo from Malta

Is the gozo ferry working today?

To check about whether it is working especially during rough weather conditions, there are constant updates on their Facebook page.

How to get to Gozo from Malta Airport?

Malta International airport is located on the island of Malta so to get to Gozo you will need to take the ferry to the island. On arrival to Malta you will find the bus terminus and also a taxi stand. The direct bus route that leaves from the airport to Cirkewwa ferry terminal is the X1. 

If you are lots of people and carrying lots of baggage we highly recommend you take a taxi as it will be easier and eventually cheaper.

If you are renting a car, you can pick your car from the airport and drive straight to Cirkewwa.

How Long does it take to cross with the ferry?

It take approximately 25 minutes.

Where does the ferry to Gozo leave from?

The Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal in Malta. Then to get the ferry to Malta it leaves from Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.

How to get the ferry from Gozo to Sicily?

We have a dedicated guide explaining how to get from the island of Gozo to the island of Sicily.

Can I go on the Gozo ferry with my car or rented car?

Yes, you can travel to Gozo with your rented car. You still pay the usual fare but there are no extra fees or documentations is needed.

Is there a ferry from Valletta to Gozo?

Yes, you can travel via the Gozo Fast Ferry which departs from Valletta and goes straight to Gozo. The ferry is not accessible to vehicles and can only be embarked on foot. It is a 45 minutes trip. Read more about the Gozo Fast Ferry.

Is the Gozo ferry free? 

No, you can check out prices here.

What do I find at the Malta and Gozo Terminals?

At the terminals only the necessities are found there such as a cafeteria, toilets, a ticket booth (Gozo terminal only) and a waiting/seating area.

Can I get on the boat with a wheelchair?

Yes, all boats are accessible for persons with disability. There are crew and terminal staff ready to give extra assistance.

How and where do I buy Malta Gozo Ferry tickets?

Tickets are only bought from the Mgarr Gozo ferry terminal. There is a ticket booth just before you get on the boat. If you are embarking from Malta, you just go to the queue and board the boat. Same goes for the passengers.

Is there a Gozo Channel family pass?

Yes, there is a family pass but it is only issued to persons having grandparents, parents and brothers/sisters born and residing in Gozo.

In this case if you are not applicable for a family pass, each individual is charged according to the regular fees.

How to get to Gozo from St. Julian's?

There is a direct route that goes from St. Julian's to Gozo which is the 222. The last stop for this route is at the Cirkewwa ferry terminal. Once you get off the bus, you then walk in the terminal and catch the ferry.

Alternatively you can get routes 13, 13A, 14, 15 or 16 to Valletta then catch the 41 or 42 straight to Cirkewwa terminal.

How to get to Gozo from Sliema?

Either you get the 222 straight to Cirkewwa or get the 13, 13A, 14, 15 or 16 to Valletta and then catch the 41 or 42 straight to Cirkewwa terminal.

How to get to Gozo from Valletta?

The only direct buses that go to Cirkewwa are the 41 and 42 which are caught from the Valletta Bus Terminus.

The last stop for both these routes is at the Cirkewwa ferry terminal. Once you get off the bus, you then walk in the terminal and catch the ferry.

How to get to Gozo from Bugibba?

There is a direct bus to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal which is the 221 which leaves from Bugibba Bus Terminus.

There is also the X1 that goes directly to the Gozo ferry terminal in Malta but this passes from outside Bugibba and not from the terminus.

How to get to Gozo from St. Paul's Bay?

There is a direct bus to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal which is the 221 which leaves from Bugibba Bus Terminus.

There is also the X1 that goes directly to the Gozo ferry terminal in Malta but this passes from outside Bugibba and not from the terminus.

Can I board the Gozo Channel with my car?

Yes, this is both a passenger and a vehicle ferry.

Check out Gozo Channel Line queues live.

If you are concerned whether you will find a queue, you can check out the Gozo Channel's live webcams.

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Avatar By Albert and Benjamin Magro