Ferries Malta

When planning your trip on the ferry to Malta, you can take advantage of the regular discounts available to specific passenger categories. These discounts may differ from one company to another, but typically, you can expect cheaper ferry tickets for:

• Children under 11
• Seniors (60+)

Note: infants and toddlers up to 3 years old normally travel for free.

What documents do I need?

For the international crossing from Sicily to Malta, you will need:

• EU/Schengen citizens: a national ID card or valid passport.
• Non-EU citizens: a valid passport, and depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa.

If you’re travelling with a vehicle, make sure you bring your driver’s licence, as well as vehicle registration and insurance documents.

For the internal ferry routes in Malta, you do not normally need a passport or visa to travel, but it is a good idea to carry a valid ID.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to Malta on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select Malta as your destination, along with your port of departure destination and travel dates.
2. Add passengers, pets and vehicle, if you are traveling from Italy.
3. Compare travel times, ferry operators and ticket prices.
4. Complete your booking securely online.

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper lets you manage your booking, check for updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

It is best to be at the port at least 30 to 45 min before departure, or around 1 hr before departure during weekends, major holidays, and the busier summer months.

Once you arrive at the port, follow the crew’s instructions when boarding and keep your ticket handy throughout the trip.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

Yes, when booking your Sliema ferry trip on Ferryhopper, you can easily check in online, get your tickets on your phone, and board the ferry directly with your e-ticket without collecting any paper tickets at the port.

Ferries from Italy to Malta

There is a year-round ferry service from Sicily to Malta, operated by Virtu Ferries.

Pozzallo - Valletta

You can travel by ferry from the Sicilian port of Pozzallo to Valletta in Malta with up to 3 daily crossings. The journey takes around 1 hr 45 min and ticket prices range from about €78.

Internal & interisland routes

There are year-round and seasonal ferry routes from Malta to Gozo, as well as crossings between the ports of Buġibba, Sliema and Valletta.

Valletta - Gozo

There are up to 16 daily crossings from Valletta to Gozo, with a typical travel time of 45 min. This route is operated by Gozo Highspeed with high-speed hydrofoils all year round and tickets cost from €7.50.

Sliema - Gozo

The ferry route from Sliema to Gozo operates from May to October, with 11 daily crossings. The journey on the high-speed hydrofoils operated by Gozo Highspeed normally takes 1 hr 15 min and tickets cost from €8.50.

Buġibba - Gozo

Gozo Highspeed serves the ferry connection from Buġibba to Gozo seasonally, between May and October, with 11 daily crossings on high-speed hydrofoils. The ferry trip lasts about 30 min, while tickets are priced from €6.50.

Buġibba - Sliema

The ferry connection from Buġibba to Sliema is seasonal (May to October) with Gozo Highspeed serving the route 11 times a day. The journey on the high-speed hydrofoils lasts about 45 min and tickets cost from €6.50.

Sliema - Valletta

Valletta Ferry Services serves the ferry connection between Sliema and Valletta all year round, with around 30 daily crossings. The ferry trip takes about 15 min and tickets usually cost about €3.

Valletta - Cospicua

The route from Valletta to Cospicua is served year-round by Valletta Ferry Services with up to 30 daily ferries. The journey takes around 15 min and tickets are priced from about €3.

• Gozo Highspeed mainly operates routes from the Maltese ports of Valletta, Sliema and Buġibba to Gozo, as well as the connection between Sliema and Buġibba.
• Virtu Ferries serves the international Italy - Malta ferry route from Pozzallo to Valletta.
• Valletta Ferry Services mainly serves the domestic routes from Sliema to Valletta and from Valletta to Cospicua.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry to Malta?

Each ferry company serving the routes to Malta has its own luggage policy:

• Gozo Highspeed allows you to bring 1 piece of hand luggage (max. size 37×45×25 cm, max. weight 5 kg) and 1 bag (max. size 50×40×80 cm), which must be stowed in the vessel's storage area.
• When traveling with Virtu Ferries, you can bring 3 bags (up to 50×40×80 cm each), which must be stowed in the vessel's designated areas, as well as 1 piece of hand luggage (up to 37×45×25 cm and 5 kg).
• On Valletta Ferry Services crossings, there are no strict weight or piece limits, but you must be able to carry the luggage onboard yourself, and it cannot obstruct walkways or safety gear.

The journey to Malta takes from as little as 15 min for internal harbor hops to around 1 hr 45 min for international routes. Here are indicative travel times for all ferry routes to Malta:

• Pozzallo - Valletta: 1 hr 45 min
• Valletta - Gozo: 45 min
• Sliema - Gozo: 1 hr 15 min
• Buġibba - Gozo: 30 min
• Buġibba - Sliema: 45 min
• Sliema - Valletta: 15 min
• Valletta - Cospicua: 15 min

Which is the fastest route to Malta?

• From Italy: the Pozzallo - Valletta hydrofoil is the fastest connection from Italy to Malta, taking only 1 hr 45.
• To Gozo: the fastest route is from Buġibba to Gozo, with the journey lasting about 30 min.
• Internal: the Sliema - Valletta and Valletta - Cospicua ferry crossings are the speediest domestic options, taking about 15 min.

What is the cheapest ferry route to Malta?

• From Italy: the crossing from Pozzallo to Valletta is the most cost-effective international option, with standard adult tickets starting at around €78.
• To Gozo: the most budget-friendly option is the Buġibba - Gozo route, with tickets costing from €6.50.
• Internal: the short commuter routes from Sliema to Valletta and from Valletta to Cospicua are the cheapest overall, costing only €3 per single trip.

What other factors should I consider?

• Seasonality: the Pozzallo - Valletta and Gozo - Valletta routes normally operate throughout the year, but connections involving Sliema and Buġibba are often seasonal, usually running between May and October.
• Travel time and price: high-speed ferries offer shorter journey times, while ticket prices may increase during summer and around popular travel dates.
• Departure times: some routes offer several daily crossings, while others have fewer departures. Check the timetable carefully, particularly when planning connecting transportation or a day trip.
• Vehicle transport: high-speed domestic ferries between Gozo, Valletta, Sliema, and Buġibba are generally passenger-only, while the Pozzallo - Valletta ferries have car decks, but spaces are limited.
• Luggage and pets: baggage allowances and pet-travel rules vary by operator, so check the details before booking.
• Summer availability: book early for crossings between Sicily and Malta, especially when traveling with a car, as passenger seats and garage spaces can sell out during the high season.

How much does it cost to bring my car to Malta?

You can only travel with your vehicle on the international route from Pozzallo to Malta. Prices start at around €105 to transport a car, €78 for a motorbike and €155 for a camper van, while bicycles are usually free.

Can I take my campervan on the ferry to Malta?

Yes, the ferries from Pozzallo to Malta have car decks that can accommodate larger vehicles, such as caravans.

The international route from Sicily to Malta is served by high-speed ferries with modern amenities and services, including:

• Comfy seats in air-conditioned lounges and spacious outer decks to enjoy the sea view
• Cafeterias and bars serving hot and cold drinks, as well as sweet and savory snacks
• Luxury shops and kiosks with everything from the essentials to high-end gifts
• Onboard entertainment, including TVs and casino games
• Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected during the trip

On the shorter, internal routes that are served by hydrofoils, you can expect basic amenities and services, such as an air-conditioned passenger lounge with sea views and a café/snack bar with light snacks, coffee and drinks.

Are there cabins on the ferries?

No, the vessels serving the international and domestic ferry routes to Malta do not have cabins, due to the short duration of the crossings.

What type of seats can I book?

On all ferries to Malta, you can typically book standard deck/lounge seats. Depending on the route and ferry, you can sit where you please in the air-conditioned lounge or enjoy the sea view on the outer deck.

Can I travel first class?

Yes, on ferries serving the international route from Pozzallo to Malta, you can book a business-class seat in the Club Lounge. These reclining seats offer extra legroom and include complimentary drinks and priority disembarkation.

Accessibility

The ferries operating the routes to Malta are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and elevators to move between decks, as well as adapted seating areas and amenities.

The ferry operators offer boarding assistance upon request and prior notification before your journey.

Note: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company for further details.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Malta?

Yes, pets are generally welcome on international ferries from Italy to Malta, as well as domestic ferry routes, so long as you include them in your booking.

Make sure you bring along your pet’s health and travel documents, as well as tickets and pet supplies you may need for the trip.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

When traveling with Virtu Ferries on the route from Pozzallo to Malta, you can either keep your pets with you, book a place in the onboard kennels, or keep them in your vehicle.

On the shorter ferry routes operated by Gozo Highspeed and Valletta Ferry Service, you can keep your pet with you.

During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in a suitable carrier, while dogs must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

The vessels serving the Sicily - Malta route have a Wi-Fi hotspot, which you can use to stream and message during the trip, with a range of data bundles available to suit your needs.

Wi-Fi is generally not available on the vessels operating the shorter, domestic routes.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

On the international crossing from Sicily to Malta, you will find TVs in passenger lounges, as well as duty-free shops and kiosks where you can purchase gifts, snacks and souvenirs. On the domestic routes, you can enjoy the spectacular sea view.

The island nation of Malta is a true Mediterranean gem that stands out thanks to its eclectic mix of history, natural beauty, and culture. From the bustling streets of Valletta to the serene beaches of Gozo, Malta has become one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe.

For more information and recommendations, check out our Malta travel guide.

Best time to book

If you are planning to travel on the international route between Pozzallo and Valletta during the summer (June to September) or major holidays like Easter, you should aim to book your tickets at least 1 to 2 months in advance. This is especially critical if you are traveling with a vehicle, as the car deck spaces sell out very quickly.

For domestic routes, like the fast ferry to Gozo, tickets are highly flexible and you can usually afford to book closer to your departure date.

Arrival

The international crossing between Italy and Malta has strict check-in requirements:

• Foot passengers: you must arrive at the terminal for check-in at least 1 hr prior to the scheduled departure time.
• Passengers with vehicles: you need to be at the terminal at least 1.5 hr before departure to ensure smooth loading into the vehicle garage.

For local internal ferries, there is no rigorous check-in process, but it is recommended to arrive at least 30 min before the ferry is scheduled to depart.

Ferry travel tips

• Consider taking seasickness medication before boarding if you are sensitive to motion. High-speed catamarans can move more noticeably in choppy conditions.
• Sicily - Malta crossings are operated by high-speed ferries rather than conventional vessels, so cabins are not normally available. You can instead choose standard seating or upgrade to the operator’s premium lounge.
• Allow additional travel time when using public transportation, especially during summer, as traffic around Valletta, Marsa and Ċirkewwa can be heavy.

How many ports does Malta have?

There are 5 main ports in Malta, which handle both international sea voyages and domestic inter-island and coastal commuter crossings: Valletta, Gozo, Buġibba, Sliema and Cospicua.

• Valletta is Malta’s primary international and regional hub, managing large vehicle catamarans from Sicily, fast passenger services to Gozo, and commuter boats across the Grand Harbour.
• The port of Gozo is centered at Mġarr Harbour and is the essential maritime gateway for the island, receiving year-round ferries from Valletta as well as seasonal crossings from Sliema and Buġibba.
• Buġibba is a newly developed coastal landing point in northern Malta serving seasonal fast ferry connections to Sliema and Gozo.
• Sliema, a waterfront terminal on the northeast coast, handles high-frequency daily commuter ferries to Valletta and seasonal routes to Gozo and Buġibba.
• Cospicua is located in the historic Three Cities region, this terminal operates a direct commuter ferry link to Valletta across the Grand Harbour.

Where are the ports in Malta?

• Valletta: the main international and domestic terminal facilities are situated along Lascaris Wharf (Grand Harbour), right below the city's historic bastions.
• Gozo: the main port is at Mġarr Harbour on the southeastern coast of Gozo.
• Buġibba: the terminal jetty is located directly along the main seafront promenade of St. Paul's Bay in northern Malta.
• Sliema: the ferry landing is centrally positioned along The Strand (Sliema Promenade), surrounded by cafes and shops.
• Cospicua: located at the inner dock area water edge, beautifully connecting the historic maritime cities directly to the capital.

How to get to the ports in Malta

Valletta Port (Grand Harbour / Lascaris Wharf)

• By car: follow signs for Valletta and park at the MCP Car Park or other nearby public parking facilities. From there, you can walk to the Barrakka Lift and descend to Lascaris Wharf in about 5 min.
• By bus: numerous Malta Public Transport routes connect Valletta Bus Terminus with the rest of the island. The terminal is about a 10-min walk from the bus station via the Barrakka Lift.
• By taxi: a journey from the airport takes around 20 to 30 min.
• From Malta International Airport: direct buses, including the X4 and TDX routes, reach Valletta in about 25 to 35 min.

Gozo Port (Mġarr Harbour)

• By bus: bus 301 runs every 30 min between the Victoria terminus and Mġarr Harbour, while routes like 323 and 322 connect other villages directly to the terminal.
• By taxi: you can easily reach the port from Gozo town and other areas on the island by taxi.

Sliema Port (The Strand)

• By bus: you can reach Sliema with local bus lines 13, 14, 15, and 16 from Valletta or St. Julian's, or line 222 if traveling from northern coastal areas. From Malta International Airport, the TD3 Airport Direct bus connects the airport with Gżira, Sliema and St. Julian’s.
• By car: simply follow the signs toward The Strand and Sliema. Keep in mind that parking in the area is very limited, especially during the high season.
• By taxi: a taxi ride from the airport to Sliema usually takes around 20-30 min.

Buġibba Port (St. Paul's Bay Jetty)

• By car: you can easily reach the port via the Coast Road, with several public parking areas available near the promenade.
• By bus: frequent Malta Public Transport routes connect Buġibba with Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian's, Mellieħa and other parts of Malta. The bus ride from the airport usually takes 1 hr to 1 hr 15 min.
• By taxi: a taxi ride from the airport to Buġibba usually takes 35 to 45 min.

Cospicua Port (Dockyard Creek)

• On foot: if you are staying in neighboring Birgu (Vittoriosa) or Senglea (Isla), you can easily stroll down to the inner dock area along the marina walkways.
• By bus: local bus routes like 1, 2, 3, and 4 connect Valletta to the Three Cities. Get off at the main stops near Bormla or the Cospicua waterfront, which leave you just a 5-min walk from the ferry dock.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Malta, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.