Sicily To Malta Ferry

Travel Between The Two Islands

The Sicily to Malta ferry operates trips to both the island of Sicily and Malta. If you are planning to spend a day or more on either island and you are travelling by car, then you have to catch a ferry.

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about crossing with the ferry, including why it’s the best travel option, ferry operators, routes, port locations, tickets, onboard facilities, travel tips, car options, highlights of both islands and answers to common questions.

Malta To Sicily Ferry - Book Your Tickets Now

What you need to know about the Malta To Sicily ferry

• Why Choose The Sicily To Malta Ferry?
• Ferry Operators, Routes & Ports
• Sicily To Malta Ferry Port Locations
• Onboard Facilities and Services
• Travel Tips Before Boarding
• Travelling With Your Car Vs Renting A Car
• About Malta and Sicily
• Travel To Sicily And Malta Map
• Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: On our website, you will find affiliate links from which we make a small commission.

Why Choose The Sicily To Malta Ferry?

Virtu Ferries Entering Grand Harbour Malta

The ferry between both islands is more than just a mode of transport, however, an experience which takes you across the Mediterranean Sea for around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Check out some reasons why this type of travel is an ideal choice for travellers:

• Direct Route: From port to port, it takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes depending on the weather.
• Flexibility: The ferry departures daily from each port making it accessible more plenty of travellers.
• Bring Your Car: The ferry allows you to take your car on board, allowing for easier travels in Sicily.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy stunning views of Malta's Grand Harbour, the Mediterranean coastline and the open sea and also while approaching Sicily.
• Baggage Allowance: Unlike on airlines, there is no weight baggage limit on the ferry and you can also carry heavy and bulky items without maximum restrictions.
• No Hassle: Avoid all security lines, baggage claims and also boarding gates when travelling by ferry. The experience is more seamless than with an airline.

Ferry Operators, Routes & Ports

Virtu Ferries is the only company that offers a ferry service from Malta to Sicily and vice versa.

How long does it take to cross to each island?

A one-way trip takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The distance between the two islands is roughly 60 miles (96.5km) or 52.1 nautical miles.

What is the schedule of the Sicily to Malta ferry?

The ferry operates daily trips with the first one leaving Malta early in the morning at 5:00 am and the last trip leaving late evening at 20:30 or 21:30. For the exact ferry departure timings you could check them by checking their availability.

How Do I Purchase The Ferry Tickets?

When it is time for you to purchase your tickets, the process is simple and it only takes a few steps. Ticket prices alter depending on the season, number of passengers and also if you are travelling with a vehicle.

1. Head over to the Direct Ferries website to start your booking.
2. In the search box make sure there is Valletta to Pozzallo.
3. Enter your travel dates, number of adults or children, pets (optional) and vehicle (optional).
4. Select your outbound and return journey.
5. Enter the passenger's details.
6. Make payment to confirm the booking.

To start your booking, you can click the button below which will take you directly to the website or else use the widget below.

Direct Ferries is a secure and user-friendly website.

Book your Ferry from Malta to Sicily

Catania to Malta Ferry

This route is currently not available!

There is no direct ferry that goes to Catania from Malta, but you still take the ferry from Malta to Pozzallo and then take a bus to Catania. Since there is a bus trip involved, the duration of the whole journey will take around 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Do not worry about purchasing a ticket for a bus when arriving in Pozzallo, because using Direct Ferries you pay one price which includes the bus fare. It is a time-saving method.

Note: Do not book the ferry to or from Catania if you are travelling with your vehicle as you will not need the bus fare. In this case, book the ferry to or from Pozzallo which is found above.

Alternative Travel Options Between The Islands

For travellers who aren't interested in using the ferry, there are a few other options. Airlines like Ryanair and KM Malta Airlines offer quick connections, usually flight time is around 30 minutes. Chartering a yacht or speedboat is a more private and luxurious option, although it is a more expensive option. You can choose any alternative depending on your budget and schedule.

Sicily To Malta Ferry Port Locations

The ferry departs and berths at the same port every time. The one in Malta is located in Marsa whilst the one in Sicily is at Pozzallo. Below are additional details about each port including how to get there.

Malta port: Virtu Ferries terminal Valletta

Valletta’s Virtu Ferries Boarding Area

• Virtu Ferries Terminal is located in Marsa around a kilometre from Valletta waterfront.
• Address: Virtu Passenger Terminal, Xatt L-Ghassara Tal-Gheneb Marsa, MRS 1917 Malta
  

How to get to Virtu Ferries Terminal

There is a bus stop near the terminal called 'Hatab'.

• Take Route 130 from Valletta bus terminus which is a circular route.

Those arriving from other parts of the island can take the bus from their villages to Valletta and then take the 130 directly to the terminal.

Other transportation options include:

• Take a taxi to the terminal which in our opinion is the best solution since ferries depart early in the morning.
• Drive down to Valletta and follow the signs to the port or enter 'Virtu Ferries Passenger Terminal' on your GPS.

Sicily Port: Porto Di Pozzallo, Sicily

Pozzallo Ferry Port in Sicily

• Porto Di Pozzallo is the largest of the Free municipal consortium of Ragusa in Sicily.
• Daily catamaran connections connect the island to Malta. Catania is about 120 kilometres away from Pozzallo.
• Address: Via, 97016 Pozzallo Ragusa, Italy

How to get to Porto Di Pozzallo

• There are no public transport buses that come to Pozzallo port.
• The best way to come is by taxi unless you are coming with your vehicle.

Onboard Facilities and Services

Virtu Ferries holds a number of fleet that travels passengers on a daily basis between the two islands. Their fleet offers travellers a comfortable experience with all the necessary amenities.

Several services the boat offers are listed below

• Several seating options from indoor to outdoor.
• Cafeteria and Bars offering a variety of snacks and drinks.
• Shopping: A variety of fragrances, souvenirs, toys, wines, spirits, and jewellery.
• Entertainment: Slot machines and movies.
• Accessibility: Ramps and lifts available.
• Pet-friendly environment
• Spacious areas for children including changing facilities
• Secure Parking
• Designated Mobile charging points
• Smoking area

Virtu Ferries On The Open Sea - Sicily To Malta Ferry

Travel Tips Before Boarding

• Foot passengers must arrive 1 hour before departure. Check-in opens 2 hours before departure.
• Passengers travelling with a vehicle must be at the terminal at least 90 minutes before departure.
• Each passenger can hold a maximum of 3 pieces of personal baggage.
• Accompanied pets must be declared and must have a valid pet passport.
• If the weather conditions are not favourable, please check to see whether the trip will be done.
• Ensure your vehicle is secure before heading to the lounge area.

VISA Information To Travel to Italy

If you are an EU Citizen, you should be able to enter Sicily with only a national identity card or a passport. Note that your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.

For any non-EU citizens (US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK), since you are already travelling from one Schengen country to another, no visa is permitted, however, additional checks might be required.

The following link will give you your answer whether or not you require a VISA to enter Italy. Just answer 4 simple questions and the answer is provided.

Travelling With Your Car Vs Renting A Car

Picturesque Countryside in Sicily

Apart from travelling to Sicily as a foot passenger, you are at liberty to travel with your car or rent one. You can either rent one from Malta and keep going up with it, or rent one from Sicily upon arrival.

Travelling With Your Car

Travelling with your vehicle gives you more liberty and comfort since you are familiar with everything. This strategy also saves you money if you are spending several days. Also if you have a big car you are at the luxury to pack more as you have more space.

Renting A Car

If you are planning on renting a car to reduce the risk of wear and tear on your vehicle, then it is also doable and this also carries plenty of advantages. Our recommendation is to rent a car from Sicily directly as you eliminate a lot of the hassle and also reduce ferry costs. Go ahead and rent your car now for your Sicily adventure.

Get To Know About Malta and Sicily

The distance from Malta to Sicily is very short. Many locals tend to go to Sicily on weekend breaks or for road trips on the island with their own car. Sicily is perfect for a one-day trip by taking a tour and visiting some of their towns and villages.

Gate To The Entrance Of Mdina

The Island of Malta

Malta is an open-air museum with an amazing heritage that goes back over 5000 years. Since our island has been through so much change, you can witness that change with your very own eyes.

You can visit very old cities, Valletta and Mdina, new and more developed places like Sliema and St. Julian's and also seaside villages such as Marsaxlokk, Xlendi, Marsalforn and more. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

The Island of Sicily

Stunning Square in Taormina, Sicily

Surrounded by the beautiful Mediterranean Sea is the island of Sicily, Italy's biggest island. This island brings some astonishing history, ancient ruins and archaeological sites. As you go through and wander the island you will witness extremely beautiful beaches and charming villages and towns.

Travel To Sicily And Malta Map

Use the map below to get an idea of the location and distances of the ferry trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photos Sources

• St. John Paul II Boat: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
• Porto Di Pozzallo: trolvag, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
• Virtu Ferries Terminal: Frank Vincentz, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
• Sicily Countryside: Photo by Enzo Lo Presti on Unsplash
• Taormina: Deposit Photos

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By Albert and Benjamin Magro