Sicily To Malta Ferry

Ferry Routes, Crossing Times, Ports and Travel Advice

The Sicily to Malta ferry connects Malta with two ports in southern Sicily. Virtu Ferries operates between Malta and Pozzallo, with crossings taking approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, while Ragusa Xpress operates between Malta and Marina di Ragusa, with crossings taking approximately 2 hours. Sailing times and frequency vary depending on the travel date.

This guide explains the current ferry routes and operators, where the ferries depart and arrive, approximate crossing times, schedules, tickets and vehicle options. You will also find practical information about boarding, baggage, onboard facilities and getting to the ferry ports.

Ferry information last checked: August 2026

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What you need to know about the Malta To Sicily ferry

• Why Travel Between Sicily And Malta By Ferry?
• Ferry Operators and Routes
• Alternative Travel Options Between Malta And Sicily
• Sicily To Malta Ferry Ports
• Onboard Facilities and Services
• Travel Tips Before Boarding
• Travel Documents And Visa Requirements
• 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 Travel Between Sicily And Malta By Ferry?

Virtu Ferries Entering Grand Harbour Malta

Travelling by ferry can be a convenient way to combine Malta and Sicily in the same trip, particularly if you want to take your own vehicle or travel directly to southern Sicily.

• Direct sea connection: Travel between Malta and southern Sicily without needing to fly. Crossing times depend on the ferry route you choose.
• More route choice: You can compare the available Sicily ports and sailing times to find the route that works best for your itinerary. Schedules vary by date, so always check your exact travel day before booking.
• Bring your car: Both current ferry services allow vehicles, making it easier to continue exploring Sicily or Malta by road after you arrive.
• Scenic journey: The crossing gives you views across the Mediterranean, including Malta's coastline and the approaches to Sicily.
• Travel with luggage: Passenger tickets include baggage, although allowances and size or weight limits vary between ferry operators. Travellers taking a vehicle may have different luggage conditions, so check the rules for your chosen ferry before travelling.
• Convenient for onward travel: Travelling by ferry avoids airport baggage reclaim and can be especially practical when taking your own vehicle. Normal check-in and boarding requirements still apply.

Ferry Operators And Routes

There are currently two ferry operators connecting Malta and Sicily. Virtu Ferries operates between Malta and Pozzallo, while Ragusa Xpress operates between Malta and Marina di Ragusa. The best option depends on your travel date and which part of Sicily you plan to visit.

Virtu Ferries — Malta to Pozzallo

Virtu Ferries operates between Malta and Pozzallo in southern Sicily, with the crossing taking approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. The service is available for both foot passengers and travellers taking a vehicle.

Pozzallo is a practical arrival point if you are travelling towards places such as Syracuse or Catania, although the amount of onward travel required will depend on your final destination in Sicily.

Ragusa Xpress — Malta to Marina di Ragusa

Ragusa Xpress operates between Malta and Marina di Ragusa in southeastern Sicily, with the crossing taking approximately 2 hours. The service carries both foot passengers and vehicles, although sailing days and frequency vary during the year.

Marina di Ragusa can be a convenient arrival point if you plan to explore Ragusa, Modica, Scicli or other parts of southeastern Sicily. Check the timetable for your exact travel date before choosing between Marina di Ragusa and Pozzallo.

Schedules vary by date and season, so check the latest sailing times before choosing your ferry.

How Long Is The Ferry From Sicily To Malta?

The crossing time depends on the route you choose. Virtu Ferries takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes between Malta and Pozzallo, while Ragusa Xpress takes approximately 2 hours between Malta and Marina di Ragusa.

Malta and Sicily are relatively close, but the exact distance travelled by ferry depends on the departure and arrival ports. For trip planning, the crossing time and chosen Sicily port are more useful than one general island-to-island distance figure.

What Is The Sicily To Malta Ferry Schedule?

Ferry schedules vary by operator, travel date and season. Virtu Ferries operates regular sailings between Malta and Pozzallo, while Ragusa Xpress operates scheduled services between Malta and Marina di Ragusa on selected days of the week, with additional sailings during some periods.

Before booking, check the timetable for your exact travel date and direction, especially if you are planning a same-day return trip or relying on the ferry to connect with another part of your journey.

How To Book Sicily To Malta Ferry Tickets

Ferry fares vary depending on your travel date, number of passengers and whether you are taking a vehicle. Before booking, first decide whether you want to travel via Pozzallo with Virtu Ferries or Marina di Ragusa with Ragusa Xpress.

For the Malta ⇄ Pozzallo route, you can check availability and book through Direct Ferries:

• Select Malta/Valletta and Pozzallo as your route.
• Enter your outbound and return dates.
• Add the number of adults and children travelling.
• Add any pets or vehicle if applicable.
• Compare the available sailings and select your preferred departure.
• Enter the passenger details and complete payment to confirm the booking.

Check Malta–Pozzallo Ferry Availability

For the Malta ⇄ Marina di Ragusa route, check the latest sailing availability and ticket options directly with Ragusa Xpress before booking.

Catania to Malta Ferry

There is no direct passenger ferry between Catania and Malta. The usual option is to travel between Malta and Pozzallo with Virtu Ferries, then continue between Pozzallo and Catania by coach, bus, taxi or car.

If you are booking as a foot passenger, you can check available Malta–Pozzallo sailings and combined onward options through Direct Ferries. If you are travelling with your own vehicle, book the Malta ⇄ Pozzallo ferry and continue to Catania by road after disembarking.

Getting To Malta From Taormina, Syracuse Or Palermo

There are no direct ferries from Taormina, Syracuse or Palermo to Malta. If you are starting from one of these places, you will first need to travel overland to Pozzallo or Marina di Ragusa, depending on which ferry service you choose.

Pozzallo is usually the more practical option for travellers coming from Syracuse or Catania, while Marina di Ragusa can be convenient for parts of southeastern Sicily. From Taormina or Palermo, allow extra time for the road or rail journey to the ferry port before your sailing.

Alternative Travel Options Between Malta And Sicily

If the ferry does not suit your itinerary, flying into Malta International Airport (MLA) is the main alternative. You can compare flights between Malta and Sicily through your flight-booking partner, but remember to allow extra time for airport transfers, check-in, security and baggage collection when comparing the total journey with the ferry.

Private yachts or speedboats are another option for travellers looking for a more flexible or private crossing, although they are generally more expensive and are not the practical choice for most visitors.

Sicily To Malta Ferry Ports

The Sicily–Malta ferry services use different ports depending on the operator you choose. Virtu Ferries operates between Marsa in Malta and Pozzallo in Sicily, while Ragusa Xpress operates between the Grand Harbour area in Malta and Marina di Ragusa in Sicily. Below you will find practical details about each port and how to get there.

Virtu Ferries Terminal In Malta

Valletta’s Virtu Ferries Boarding Area

Virtu Ferries departs from the Virtu Passenger Terminal in Marsa, close to Valletta and the Grand Harbour area.

Address: Virtu Passenger Terminal, Xatt L-Għassara Tal-Għeneb, Marsa, MRS 1917, Malta.

How to get to Virtu Ferries Terminal

There is a bus stop directly outside the terminal called Il-Furjana – Ħatab, served by Route 130. Travellers coming from other parts of Malta can first travel to Valletta and then continue to the terminal.

If your ferry departs very early, a taxi or pre-booked transfer may be the easiest option, particularly if public transport connections are limited at that time.

Ragusa Xpress Departure Point In Malta

Ragusa Xpress departs from the Grand Harbour area near the Valletta Waterfront. The operator describes the ferry point as approximately a 10-minute walk from Valletta, making it relatively convenient for travellers staying in or near the capital.

Check your booking confirmation for the exact check-in and boarding location before travelling, as the two Sicily ferry operators do not use the same Malta terminal.

Pozzallo Ferry Port, Sicily

Pozzallo Ferry Port in Sicily

Pozzallo is the Sicily port used by Virtu Ferries for its Malta service. The ferry terminal is located at Porto di Pozzallo, on the southeastern coast of Sicily.

Address: Porto di Pozzallo, 97016 Pozzallo RG, Sicily.

How to get to Porto Di Pozzallo

If you are travelling from elsewhere in Sicily, allow enough time to reach Pozzallo before check-in. Travellers coming from Catania or Syracuse can continue to Pozzallo by coach, bus, taxi or car, depending on their itinerary.

Virtu Ferries also operates organised coach transfers between Pozzallo Port and Catania, which can be useful for foot passengers.

Marina di Ragusa Ferry Port, Sicily

Marina di Ragusa is the Sicily port used by Ragusa Xpress for its ferry service to Malta. The port is in southeastern Sicily and can be particularly convenient if you are staying around Ragusa, Modica, Scicli or the surrounding coastal area. Ragusa Xpress

The ferry arrives close to Marina di Ragusa's beach, restaurants and shops, making the area practical for visitors staying locally or continuing farther into the Ragusa region.

How To Get To Marina di Ragusa Ferry Port

If you are travelling from another part of Sicily, plan your road or public-transport connection around your ferry departure time. Check the exact embarkation point shown on your Ragusa Xpress booking confirmation before travelling, especially if you are unfamiliar with the marina area.

Onboard Facilities and Services

The onboard experience depends on the ferry operator and vessel used, but both services provide passenger seating and facilities for the crossing between Malta and Sicily.

On Virtu Ferries services, facilities may include:

• Indoor and outdoor passenger seating
• Cafeteria and bar facilities with snacks and drinks
• Onboard shopping
• Entertainment on selected vessels
• Accessibility features including ramps and lifts
• Facilities for passengers travelling with pets
• Family and baby-changing facilities
• Mobile-device charging points
• Designated smoking areas

Facilities can vary by vessel, so check your operator's current information if a particular service is important to you.

Baggage Allowance On Sicily–Malta Ferries

Baggage allowances differ between Virtu Ferries and Ragusa Xpress, so check the rules for the operator you are travelling with before packing.

Virtu Ferries: passengers may take one hand-luggage item of up to 5 kg into the passenger area, within the operator's stated size limit. Other luggage must be placed in the designated storage area as directed by the crew.

Ragusa Xpress: each passenger ticket currently includes a small bag of up to 5 kg, a carry-on bag of up to 10 kg, and one checked item of up to 30 kg, subject to the published size restrictions.

Virtu Ferries On The Open Sea - Sicily To Malta Ferry

Travel Tips Before Boarding

• Arrive at the ferry terminal early, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle. Check the operator's required check-in time on your booking confirmation before travelling.
• Keep your passport or other required travel document, and your booking confirmation, easy to access during check-in and boarding.
• If you are prone to seasickness, consider preparing before the journey and choose a seat where you feel most comfortable.
• If travelling with a pet, check the operator's current pet rules before departure, including any documentation or designated onboard areas.
• If taking a vehicle, make sure the vehicle details on your booking are correct and allow extra time for vehicle check-in and embarkation.

Ferry procedures can vary between Virtu Ferries and Ragusa Xpress, so follow the instructions provided for your specific sailing.

Travel Documents And Visa Requirements

The travel documents you need depend on your nationality and immigration status.

• EU nationals: you can normally travel between Malta and Italy using a valid passport or national identity card. Your travel document must be valid on the day of travel.
• Non-EU nationals: you will need a valid passport and may also require a visa, depending on your nationality and circumstances. Check the official entry requirements that apply to you before travelling.

Both Virtu Ferries and Ragusa Xpress require passengers to travel with an accepted passport or ID card. A driving licence or residence card should not be relied upon as the travel document for the ferry crossing.

Always check the latest official entry requirements before travelling, particularly if you are a non-EU national or travelling with children.

Travelling With Your Car Vs Renting A Car

Picturesque Countryside in Sicily

Apart from travelling as a foot passenger, you can take your own vehicle on the ferry or rent a car for part of the journey. You may choose to rent a car in Malta and take it across to Sicily, or travel as a foot passenger and rent a car after arriving in Sicily.

Travelling With Your Car

Taking your own vehicle on the ferry can be a good option if you want maximum flexibility once you arrive in Sicily, particularly if you are planning a road trip or staying in places that are easier to reach by car.

Both Virtu Ferries and Ragusa Xpress carry vehicles, but vehicle fares, dimensions, check-in times and booking conditions vary by operator. Make sure the vehicle details on your booking are correct and allow extra time for vehicle check-in before departure.

Taking your own car can also save you from arranging another vehicle after arrival, but remember to consider the extra ferry fare, fuel, tolls and parking when comparing the total cost.

Renting A Car

Renting a car after arriving in Sicily can be a simpler option if you do not need your own vehicle during the ferry crossing. It can also reduce the ferry fare because you will be travelling as a foot passenger rather than booking a vehicle.

This option can make sense if you are staying in Malta without a car and only need a vehicle for the Sicily part of your trip. Compare the rental price, insurance, fuel and ferry fare before deciding which option works best for you.

If this option suits your trip, you can compare car rental options in Sicily here.

About Malta and Sicily

The distance between Malta and Sicily makes short breaks and road trips between the two islands popular with many Malta residents. A day trip can also be possible with the right ferry schedule, especially if you choose a tour and visit some of Sicily’s towns and villages.

Gate To The Entrance Of Mdina

The Island of Malta

Malta is often described as an open-air museum, with a history stretching back more than 5,000 years. Across the island, you can see how different periods of Maltese history have shaped its cities, towns and villages.

You can explore historic places such as Valletta and Mdina, more developed areas such as Sliema and St. Julian’s, and seaside villages including Marsaxlokk, Xlendi and Marsalforn. These are only a few examples of what you can visit during a stay in Malta.

The Island of Sicily

Stunning Square in Taormina, Sicily

Sicily is much larger than Malta, so where you arrive can make a real difference to your itinerary. Pozzallo is useful for southeastern and eastern Sicily, while Marina di Ragusa can work particularly well for travellers exploring the Ragusa area and nearby towns.

If you are travelling farther across Sicily, factor the onward driving or public-transport time from the ferry port into your plans before choosing your sailing.

Travel To Sicily And Malta Map

Use the map below to see the locations of the Malta and Sicily ferry ports and get a clearer idea of the two ferry routes between the islands.

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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We are Albert and Benjamin Magro, two Malta locals who enjoy exploring the island and sharing practical advice with visitors. Our guides combine local knowledge with first-hand visits to Malta’s towns, beaches, attractions and accommodation areas. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook for more Malta tips, photos and videos.