Gozo has no airport and no road bridge to Malta. Every visit includes a sea crossing—either the vehicle ferry from Ċirkewwa or a fast passenger ferry from Valletta, Buġibba or Sliema.
Choose your crossing
Two straightforward ways to reach Gozo
Cars, motorcycles and foot passengers
Gozo Channel vehicle ferry
The traditional ferry runs between Ċirkewwa at Malta’s northern tip and Mġarr in Gozo. It carries vehicles and foot passengers and operates around the clock, subject to weather and operational conditions. Its ticketing arrangement is unusual: tickets are purchased or validated on the Gozo side.
Route: Ċirkewwa ↔ Mġarr
Crossing: approximately 25 minutes
Best for: hire cars, private vehicles and late-night travel
Tickets: if you begin at Ċirkewwa, follow staff directions and board there; purchase or validate the round-trip ticket at Mġarr before your journey back to Malta. Standard tickets can also be bought online, but are still validated at Mġarr.
The fast ferry is convenient when travelling without a car. Current services connect Mġarr with Valletta, Buġibba and Sliema via Buġibba. Tickets can be bought online or at the terminal.
Valletta ↔ Gozo: approximately 45 minutes
Buġibba ↔ Gozo: approximately 30 minutes
Sliema ↔ Gozo: approximately 75 minutes via Buġibba
Best for: foot passengers staying near central or northern Malta
With a car, travel north to Ċirkewwa. Without a car, compare the airport connection to Valletta with the journey to Ċirkewwa.
Allow transfer time
Malta traffic can be slow at busy times. Leave a sensible buffer before any fast-ferry departure.
Cross to Mġarr
Check live operator updates on the day, particularly when strong winds or rough seas are forecast.
Continue across Gozo
Public buses, taxis and booked transfers leave from or close to Mġarr Harbour.
Before you travel
Tickets are handled in Gozo
For Gozo Channel, do not worry if you cannot find a normal ticket desk before boarding at Ċirkewwa. Tickets are handled on the Gozo side at Mġarr. At busy times, vehicle queues can still build, so allow extra time.
Check the weather
Schedules can be delayed, changed or suspended when sea or operational conditions require it. Recheck your sailing before leaving.
Travelling with a bicycle
Gozo Highspeed carries standard bicycles free, but spaces are limited and advance booking is recommended. Check current rules for e-bikes and scooters.
Accessibility and assistance
Both operators provide accessible travel arrangements. Contact the operator ahead of time if you need particular boarding assistance.
