How to Get to Gozo from Malta: 3 Options and Tips

Wondering how to get to Gozo? Discover the best routes and travel tips for a seamless journey to this stunning Maltese island.

There are 3 options to get to Gozo from Malta: taking a day trip, or the two companies operating a ferry service: the Gozo ferry from Ċirkewwa or the Gozo fast ferry from Valletta.

In this article, I uncover all the transport options from Malta to Gozo, the essential information about Gozo ferries and ferry operators, as well as the best things to do in Gozo.

You will also learn how you can reach Gozo from Valletta, Sliema/St. Julian’s, Buġibba, and Malta International Airport.

How to get to Gozo from Valletta

Fast ferry from Valletta

The most straightforward way to get to Gozo from Valletta is to take the fast ferry from Lascaris Wharf Terminal. You can reach the terminal by either using the Barrakka Lift, coming from the Valletta Waterfront, or the Victoria Gate.

The fast ferry services are exclusively for foot passengers and are run by Gozo Highspeed.

Gozo ferry from Ċirkewwa

Another option is to go all the way up to Ċirkewwa and take the main Gozo ferry. Although this option takes longer, it is your only option if you want to bring your rental car to Gozo. It is also an alternative if the Gozo fast ferry services are not operating due to bad weather.

To get to the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal by bus, take routes 41, 42, or X300 (1h / 1 hr 30 mins).

By car, you need to exit Valletta and Floriana and go through Msida, Swieqi, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, St. Paul’s Bay, and pass by Mellieħa. The journey takes just under one hour.

Getting to Gozo from Sliema and St. Julian’s

Fast Ferry from Valletta

If you’re staying in Sliema, you’re not far from the capital city. In this case, you can take the ferry to Valletta from Sliema ferries and then catch the fast ferry to Gozo. The crossing takes around 8 minutes to Valletta.

Once in the capital, you’ll need to cross to the other side to get to the Gozo ferry terminal, which can be done by either foot (15 mins) or by taking route 130, which goes around Valletta (10/15 mins).

The journey on board the Malta to Gozo fast ferry takes 45 minutes.

Keep in mind that trips with the Valletta-Gozo fast ferry are more easily cancelled in case of bad weather.

Bus/Car and Ferry from Ċirkewwa

Alternatively, the main ferry operated by Gozo Channel is a safer bet if the sea is rough.

Bus route 222 goes directly to the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal from Sliema (1h 20 mins) and St. Julian’s (1h 10 mins).

If you’re renting a car, a 45-minute drive will get you to the Malta to Gozo ferry terminal, via Swieqi, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, St. Paul’s Bay, and Mellieħa.

The crossing to Gozo takes around 25 minutes.

Getting there from Buġibba

Getting to Gozo from Buġibba/St. Paul’s Bay? That’s pretty simple. Here are the 2 steps:

1. Go to the Gozo Ferry Terminal
   1. Public transport (bus routes TD1, 41, 42, 221, 222, X1A, X300 or N11)
      — 45 minutes / 1 hour trip)
   2. Or by car (20 minutes drive, passing through Mellieħa).
2. Take the Ferry operated by Gozo Channel. The crossing takes about 25 minutes, and you can board your rental car. You don’t need to buy a ticket when going from Malta to Gozo.

Getting to Gozo from Malta International Airport

Because there is no international airport in Gozo, the only option to get there is to land at Malta International Airport and make your way up to Gozo.

Here are the steps to follow:

Get to the Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal

• <strong>By bus: There is a direct bus to the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal (Route TD1). The journey takes 1 hour 40 minutes and tickets can be purchased from the Malta Public Transport outlet or its dispensing machine, both located in the arrivals terminal, or directly from the bus driver.
• By car: Pick up your rental car from Park East and head to Ċirkewwa. It’s a 50-minute drive to the ferry terminal, taking main roads going through Qormi and Żebbuġ, passing near Mdina and Mġarr and crossing Mellieħa.
• By taxi: I recommend you book a private transfer using Welcome Pickups. Otherwise, opt for a regular taxi (the white taxis) at Malta International Airport. You can download the Malta Taxi app or purchase prepaid tickets at fixed rates from the booth located in the arrivals lounge.

Take the Gozo Ferry

Rental cars can be taken on board the main ferry operated by Gozo Channel. Whether you’re a passenger on foot or coming by car, you don’t need to buy a ticket to get from Malta to Gozo.

The Gozo ferry operates all day and night and takes you to Gozo in about 25 minutes.

Arriving in Gozo

Make sure to stick around as I’m going to tell you how to get around Gozo and, most importantly, what to do in Gozo, together with some tour suggestions.

Getting around Gozo

There are four ways to get around Gozo:

• By Public Transport

Taking the bus is the cheapest option to get around Gozo, with bus routes covering most of the island. However, I don’t personally recommend this option as the public bus in Gozo is inefficient. It might be good if you wish to stick to Victoria, with three direct buses coming from Mġarr Harbour (Routes 301, 303 and 323). To reach other destinations, you will need to change buses at Victoria and waste a lot of time, more often than not.

• By Car

Driving in Gozo is easier and more peaceful than in Malta and will offer you the maximum flexibility to find your own way around the island. You can take your rental car on the Gozo Channel ferry or rent one upon your arrival to Gozo.

• By Taxi

Taxis are available outside the Gozo ferry terminal. You can also download ride-hailing service apps like Uber and eCabs.

• On a Tour

Want to make the most of your day in Gozo? Taking a tour saves you the hassle of public transport while letting you explore the best of the island of Gozo. More on that below.