How to Get from Malta to Gozo by Ferry, Car, Bus
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Malta to Gozo? Gozo is a beautiful island, so don’t miss it on your Malta Itinerary.
Gozo can only be reached by ferry. However, you can easily get to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal or Grand Harbour by taxi, bus, or rental car. Most people take a day trip to Gozo, but if you have enough time, we recommend spending at least 2-3 days on this stunning island.
In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get to Gozo, such as the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and how much it costs to get to Gozo.
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Malta to Gozo Ferry with Car
The best way to get around Malta is by car, as you can easily reach the best places and hidden gems. We did our 7-Day Malta Itinerary by rental car and enjoyed exploring the sights at our own pace. Once you arrive at Malta International Airport (airport code MLA), you can easily rent a car at the airport or pick up your pre-booked car.
The car rental costs will be different when you travel to Malta in high season or low season and rent a car in advance or at the last minute. In high season, rental cars can run out, so we recommend booking in advance! You will spend around 20-40 EUR daily for a standard car with full coverage.
Book your car in advance to get the best price! Check car rental prices and availability HERE.
We went to the island of Gozo by car. Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal is located about 50-60 minutes from Malta Airport and Valletta and 40 minutes from Sliema.
There may be long car queues, especially on weekends and public holidays. The car & driver ticket costs 15.70 EUR. Between March and November, if you travel after 8 PM and before the first ferry in the morning to Gozo, the standard car & driver night fare is just 12.80 EUR.
If you are crossing to Gozo by car, you must get out of the vehicle during the crossing for your own safety. However, you can enjoy the beautiful views during the ferry ride.
Important note
As in the UK, motorists in Malta drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Book your rental car with Discover Cars here.
Malta to Gozo Day Trip
Explore the island of Gozo by Jeep and see the most beautiful sights on this day trip. The pick-up is available from Valletta, Sliema, St. Julians, Qawra/Bugibba/St. Paul’s Bay, Mellieha, Marfa, and Gozo. Group tours usually depart at 8 AM.
The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, ferry tickets, lunch, a 20-minute boat ride (weather permitting) via the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves, and a jeep driver.
Another fantastic option is to join this top-rated Full-Day Boat Tour to explore Gozo and Comino.
Malta Airport to Gozo by Bus, Taxi, Transfer
The cheapest way to get to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal is by bus. Malta has a very good public transport system. The buses are reliable, affordable, comfortable, and safe.
The buses depart directly outside the arrivals terminal of Malta International Airport. Take the No. X1 bus from the airport to the Ic-Cirkewwa bus stop, then board the ferry and travel to the island of Gozo.
The bus runs every 45 minutes daily between 05:20 and 22:50. Check the current bus timetable HERE. The journey time takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
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The bus fare is 2.50 EUR, and the night fare is 3 EUR one way. You can purchase your ticket from the bus driver. The ticket is valid within two hours, including transfers. Save money and buy a Tallinja Card. The Explore Card costs 25 EUR for adults and 7 EUR for children (up to 10 years old). It is valid for 7 days from the first validation and gives you unlimited travel.
TIP
You can get to the Cirkewwa from Valletta by the No. 41 or 42 bus and from Sliema by the No. 222 bus.
Book a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.
By Taxi, Transfer
One of the easiest and fastest ways to get to Cirkewwa is by taxi. The journey time takes 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
A taxi to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal costs between 30-45 EUR. Be sure you negotiate the price with the driver before you get in the taxi.
Good to know
There is an Uber in Malta. But most people prefer to use the Bolt taxi app.
A shuttle minivan from Malta Airport to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal starts from 4 EUR.
Get Minivan Tickets through Bookaway.
Malta to Gozo by Ferry
The distance between the two islands is about 40 km, and ferry crossing takes approximately 25 minutes. The Gozo ferries have plenty of seats, toilets, an information desk, a waiting room, a café, and free Wi-Fi.
Gozo Ferry Schedule & Ticket Price
Ferries run every 30-45 minutes all day from 00:00 to 23:15 between Cirkewwa (Malta) and Mgarr (Gozo). Timetables change depending on the season. Check the current Gozo ferry timetable HERE.
The standard passenger fare is 4.65 EUR for adults and 1.15 EUR for children (3-12 years old). The car and driver standard fare is 15.70 EUR. The bicycle fare is 1.15 EUR, and the standard motorcycle & rider fare is 8.15 EUR.
Good to know
All fares are on a return basis.
You can buy tickets at Gozo Mgarr Terminal on the way back.
Valletta to Gozo by Fast Ferry
Another option to get to Gozo is to take the Gozo Fast Ferry. It takes approximately 45 minutes to travel between Grand Harbour in Valletta and Mgarr with the Gozo Highspeed.
This is a passenger-only service. Cars are not allowed, but you can bring your bike on board.
Ferries from Valletta to Mgarr Harbour run every hour from 6:45 AM to 8:45 PM from May to September 2024. The last ferry departs at 10:15 PM. You can check the current timetable HERE.
From Valletta to Gozo, the ferry ticket costs 7.50 EUR for adults and 3 EUR for children (4-10 years old).
Where to Stay in Gozo
The island of Gozo has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Gozo
- Luxury: Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz
- Mid-Range: Viewpoint Boutique Living or The Duke Boutique Hotel
- Budget: Quaint Boutique Hotel Xewkija
Recommended post → 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Gozo
Photo credit: Viewpoint Boutique Living
More Travel Guides about Malta
- 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Gozo
- How to Get from Malta Airport to Valletta
- 9 Best Boutique Hotels in Valletta
We hope our post on how to get from Malta to Gozo will help you plan your next trip to Malta. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – Heymondo
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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