Malta to Gozo Ferry 2026: Routes, Prices, Times & Mġarr Boat Tours
There are two ferry services to Gozo and four useful departure points: the Gozo Channel vehicle ferry from Ċirkewwa, plus passenger fast ferries from Valletta, Buġibba and Sliema. This guide compares the verified 2026 journey times, standard fares and the best route for where you are staying—then explains how to reach the Blue Lagoon from Mġarr Harbour in around ten minutes by private boat.
Updated 20 July 2026 by the family team behind iMalta Boat Trips and Outdoor Explorers Malta. Always check the official live timetable before travelling.
Getting to Gozo: Quick Facts for 2026
Malta to Gozo Ferry Routes Compared
| Departure | Arrival | Journey time | Adult fare | Cars? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ċirkewwa | Mġarr | Approx. 25 min | €4.65 foot passenger | Yes | Cars, north Malta and 24-hour flexibility |
| Valletta | Mġarr | Approx. 45 min | €7.50 one way | No | Valletta, cruise visitors and Three Cities |
| Buġibba | Mġarr | Approx. 30 min | €6.50 one way | No | Buġibba, Qawra and St Paul’s Bay |
| Sliema | Mġarr via Buġibba | Approx. 75 min | €8.50 one way | No | Sliema and nearby hotels |
Swipe left and right to view the full table.
These are the standard published figures checked on 20 July 2026. Schedules and fares can change, especially during rough weather, public holidays and seasonal timetable updates.
Option 1: Gozo Channel Ferry From Ċirkewwa
The Gozo Channel ferry is the traditional Malta to Gozo crossing and the only practical option for taking a rental car, motorcycle or vehicle to Gozo. It travels from Ċirkewwa at Malta’s northern tip to Mġarr Harbour.
How long is the Ċirkewwa to Gozo ferry?
The official crossing time is approximately 25 minutes once underway. The complete journey takes longer because drivers may need to queue, board and wait for unloading. Gozo Channel provides a 24-hour service throughout the year, subject to favourable weather and operational conditions.
Gozo Channel ferry prices
| Ticket | Standard fare | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Car + driver | €15.70 | Vehicle up to 5.3 metres |
| Adult foot passenger | €4.65 | Standard passenger fare |
| Child aged 3–12 | €1.15 | Ticket validated in Mġarr |
| Infant aged 0–2 | Free | A free infant ticket is still required |
Swipe left and right to view the full fare table.
Why do visitors normally pay in Gozo?
Standard vehicle-and-driver tickets are sold online or at the Mġarr vehicle booths and validated from the Gozo side. Foot-passenger tickets are also validated at Mġarr for the return or starting journey. When boarding at Ċirkewwa, follow Gozo Channel staff instructions rather than looking for a normal outbound ticket gate.
For parking, buses, beaches and facilities, read our complete Ċirkewwa Malta guide.
Option 2: Valletta to Gozo Fast Ferry
The Valletta fast ferry is a passenger-only service from Lascaris Wharf to Mġarr Harbour. The published journey time is approximately 45 minutes, and the current standard adult fare is €7.50 one way.
This is normally the easiest route for visitors staying in Valletta, Floriana or the Three Cities, and it can be convenient for cruise passengers who do not need a car in Gozo.
- Passenger-only service; cars are not accepted
- Tickets are available online or at the terminal
- Boarding closes shortly before departure
- Fast ferry services can be disrupted by rough sea conditions
- Plan how you will travel around Gozo after arriving
Option 3: Buġibba to Gozo Fast Ferry
The direct Buġibba to Gozo high-speed route takes approximately 30 minutes. The current standard adult fare is €6.50 one way.
This is particularly useful for visitors staying in Buġibba, Qawra or St Paul’s Bay. It avoids the road journey to Ċirkewwa and is faster on the water than the Sliema route.
Option 4: Sliema to Gozo Fast Ferry
The Sliema service travels to Gozo via Buġibba. The published journey time is approximately 75 minutes, and the current standard adult fare is €8.50 one way.
It is convenient because it departs from Sliema, but it is not the fastest option. Compare its departure time with travelling to Valletta or Ċirkewwa before deciding.
Which Malta to Gozo Ferry Is Best?
Choose Ċirkewwa
Gozo Channel carries cars and runs throughout the night, making it the most flexible option.
Choose Valletta
The direct 45-minute passenger crossing avoids travelling to northern Malta first.
Choose Buġibba
The 30-minute route is the most convenient direct service for St Paul’s Bay.
Compare Sliema and Valletta
Sliema is convenient but takes about 75 minutes. Valletta may be faster depending on transfers.
Walk On at Ċirkewwa
At €4.65 for a standard adult passenger, Gozo Channel is usually the cheapest crossing.
Check Live Operations
Never assume the timetable is operating normally. Check the official operator before leaving.
Arriving at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo
Every route arrives at Mġarr Harbour on Gozo’s south-eastern coast. The harbour has restaurants, bars, bus connections, taxis, a marina and the main slipway used by our private boat tours.
Bolt, Uber and eCabs operate in Gozo. If your boat trip begins soon after the ferry, leave enough time to walk from the passenger terminal to the meeting point.
Read our detailed Mġarr Harbour Gozo guide for food, parking, swimming and things to do.
How to Get From Gozo to the Blue Lagoon
Once you arrive in Gozo, there is no reason to return to Malta for a Comino boat trip. Private boats depart directly from Mġarr Harbour and normally reach the Blue Lagoon in about 10 minutes when sea conditions allow.
| Destination | Approximate time | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Lagoon | About 10 min | Swim from the boat away from the busiest shore |
| Crystal Lagoon | About 13–15 min | Swim, snorkel and visit caves when safe |
| Ħondoq Bay | Short Gozo-coast crossing | Clear water and Comino views |
| South Gozo coves | Varies by route | Żrieżaq, Ħalfa Rock and quiet swim stops |
Swipe left and right to view the full table.
Private Boat Routes From Mġarr Harbour
Comino and Both Lagoons
Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto, sea caves and quiet swimming areas. Best for two- or three-hour tours.
Comino and South Gozo
Add Ħondoq, Qala Point, Żrieżaq and Ħalfa Rock. Best for four- or six-hour charters.
Complete Gozo Circuit
A full day can include Ramla, San Blas, Marsalforn, Xlendi, Dwejra, the Inland Sea and northern Gozo, depending on conditions.
Custom Family Route
Prioritise shade, calm swimming, shorter crossings and flexible stops rather than a rigid group schedule.
Can You Visit Gozo in One Day?
Yes, but the best Gozo day trip is selective. Trying to visit Cittadella, Ġgantija, Ramla, Dwejra, Xlendi, Marsalforn and Comino in one day creates more driving than enjoyment.
A realistic day-trip plan
- Take an early ferry to Mġarr
- Choose one inland area, such as Victoria and the Cittadella
- Choose one coastal area, such as Dwejra, Ramla or Xlendi
- Leave proper time for lunch
- Return before the busiest Sunday vehicle rush where possible
Staying at least one night gives you time for the quieter Cittadella, sunset and dinner without watching the ferry clock. See our Malta and Gozo Insider Guide.
Book a Private Boat Tour From Mġarr Harbour
The family team behind iMalta Boat Trips and Outdoor Explorers Malta offers private departures from Mġarr Harbour on request. Standard skippered-tour prices are per boat, not per person.
1-Hour Express
€99 per boat
Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon highlights for visitors short on time.
3-Hour Full Comino
€289 per boat
Full Comino circuit with lagoons, caves, snorkelling and quieter coves.
6-Hour Private Charter
€539 per boat
Multiple swims across Comino and Gozo, tailored to your group.
Mġarr Harbour Gozo Departure Point
The map shows the Outdoor Explorers Malta meeting location. Exact instructions are sent after booking.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Malta to Gozo Ferry
How do you get to Gozo from Malta?
Take the Gozo Channel vehicle ferry from Ċirkewwa, or a passenger fast ferry from Valletta, Buġibba or Sliema. All routes arrive at Mġarr Harbour.
How long is the ferry from Malta to Gozo?
Ċirkewwa takes approximately 25 minutes, Valletta about 45 minutes, Buġibba about 30 minutes and Sliema about 75 minutes via Buġibba.
How much is the Malta to Gozo ferry?
Standard fares include €15.70 for a car and driver and €4.65 for an adult foot passenger on Gozo Channel. Fast-ferry adult one-way fares are €7.50 from Valletta, €6.50 from Buġibba and €8.50 from Sliema.
Can you take a car to Gozo?
Yes, on the Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa. The fast ferries are passenger-only.
Does the Gozo ferry run at night?
Gozo Channel provides a 24-hour service, subject to weather and operations. Fast ferries follow scheduled departures and do not provide an all-night service.
Do you pay for the Gozo Channel ferry in Malta or Gozo?
Standard tickets are normally validated from the Mġarr, Gozo side. Follow staff instructions at Ċirkewwa.
Is there a ferry from Buġibba to Gozo?
Yes. The high-speed passenger ferry takes approximately 30 minutes and the standard adult fare is €6.50 one way.
Is there a ferry from Sliema to Gozo?
Yes. It travels via Buġibba and takes approximately 75 minutes. The standard adult fare is €8.50 one way.
How do you reach the Blue Lagoon from Gozo?
Private boats depart from Mġarr Harbour and normally reach the Blue Lagoon in about ten minutes, depending on the boat and sea conditions.
Can you book a private boat tour from Gozo?
Yes. iMalta Boat Trips and Outdoor Explorers Malta offer private Mġarr departures on request, from one-hour lagoon trips to full-day Gozo and Comino circuits.
Is one day enough for Gozo?
One day is enough for a selective introduction, but staying overnight gives you more time for villages, beaches, sunset and a boat trip without rushing.
Is Mġarr Harbour the same as Mġarr in Malta?
No. Mġarr Harbour is in Gozo. Mġarr village is in northern Malta.
Official Ferry Information
Arrive in Gozo, Then Explore From the Water
Meet your local skipper at Mġarr Harbour and reach the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Comino caves and the Gozo coastline without travelling back to Malta.
