Ferry to Gozo from Sliema

Tickets, prices & schedules

You can travel by ferry to Gozo from Sliema seasonally, from May to October, with 11 daily crossings. The journey normally takes 1 hr 15 min and ticket prices start at € 8.5.

Gozo Highspeed serves the ferry connection between the islands of Gozo and Malta with high-speed catamarans. Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices for 2026, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

Discounts

When planning your trip on the Sliema - Gozo ferry, you can take advantage of the fixed discounts available to specific passenger categories. 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.

On-board services and amenities

Gozo Highspeed operates the Sliema - Gozo ferry route with high-speed catamarans for a speedy and comfortable journey. On board, you can expect a basic range of amenities and services, including an air-conditioned passenger lounge with sea views and a café/snack bar with light snacks, coffee and drinks.

Accessibility

The ferries serving the route to Gozo from Sliema are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities and wheelchair users with adapted amenities.

Gozo Highspeed also offers boarding assistance upon request and prior notification before the journey.

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

No, due to the short length of the journey from Sliema to Gozo, there are no cabins on the ferries.

Can I book business-class seats?

No, Gozo Highspeed does not offer any premium or business-class seats on the Sliema - Gozo ferry route. Standard deck/lounge seats are included in the ticket price.

Luggage

When traveling with Gozo Highspeed, you can 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.

Pet travel

You can bring your pet on the ferry to Gozo from Sliema, provided you include it in your booking. Pets normally travel for free.

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 from Sliema to Gozo, you can keep your pet with you. Keep in mind that pets are not allowed to occupy passenger seats. During the trip, dogs must be kept on a leash (no longer than 1.5 m), while a muzzle may be required for the safety of passengers or other animals.

Certified guide and assistance dogs are welcome on board and are exempt from the muzzle requirement, provided they wear the appropriate identification harness.

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Gozo from Sliema

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Sliema to Gozo:

  • The small port of Sliema can get very busy during the summer, so it’s best to be there at least 1 hr ahead of your ferry’s departure.
  • Although the trip is short, the sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness medication for the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
  • If you are headed to Gozo on a day trip, book tickets on the Gozo - Sliema ferry in advance, for peace of mind.
  • From Sliema, you can also travel by ferry to Valetta and Buġibba. For more details on all ferry routes, companies and ticket prices, check out the Sliema ferry schedules.

Where to take the Sliema - Gozo ferry

Ferries to Gozo normally depart from the Sliema Ferry Terminal at The Strand, which is right on Sliema’s main seafront. The ferry port of Sliema is directly across from Valletta in Malta and around 11 km from Malta International Airport.

In the area around the ferry terminal, you will find plenty of traveler amenities, including hotels, waterfront cafés, restaurants and shops.

How to get to the port of Sliema

  • 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.

Where does the ferry arrive in Gozo?

Ferries from Sliema typically dock at Mġarr Harbour, the main ferry port of Gozo. The port is near Għajnsielem, on the southeastern coast of the island and around 6 km from the main town of Gozo.

In the port area, you will find cafés, restaurants, a marina, taxi services, car-rental options, and regular bus connections to Victoria (Rabat) and other parts of Gozo.

How long is the ferry ride from Sliema to Gozo?

The Sliema - Gozo ferry trip normally takes around 1 hr 15 min.

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FAQs

Yes, with 11 daily crossings and a travel time of 1 hr 15 min, you can easily plan a day trip to Gozo from Sliema in Malta. The earliest ferry to Gozo normally leaves at 05:45, while the last ferry back to Sliema leaves at 21:15. That means you can be very flexible with your plans, whether you plan to spend an entire day exploring Gozo, or just a few hours.

For more practical information and ideas, check out our blog on planning a day trip to Gozo from Malta.

No, the ferries serving the Sliema - Gozo route do not have car decks, so it is not possible to transport any cars, motorbikes or campers. You can, however, bring along your bicycle for free - the ferry generally has room for up to 9 bicycles.

You can also bring your e-bike or e-scooter, however these are transported on the outer deck at your own responsibility.

Yes, the Sliema - Gozo ferry route is mainly served by high-speed vessels. The fastest ferry needs 1 hr 15 min to cover the distance.

The distance between Sliema and Gozo is 14 nautical miles (about 26 km).

No, ferries from Sliema to Gozo generally travel during the day. The last crossing from Sliema is usually scheduled at 22:00.

When booking your Sliema - Gozo 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.

Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.

Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.

Related ferry schedules

More ferry routes

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