Travelling by Comino ferry from Malta or Gozo is a convenient way to visit the Blue Lagoon without joining a large organised boat trip.
Small passenger ferries depart from Ċirkewwa and Marfa in Malta, and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, with services depending on the operator and weather conditions.
Below, you can compare ferry operators, departure points, timetables and ticket prices, together with practical advice from our own visits to Comino.
✍️ Written by Albert and Benjamin Magro, Malta locals sharing practical advice from living in and exploring the Maltese Islands.
Your local guide to Comino ferries from Malta and GozoHere is what you should know before taking an independent ferry to Comino.
| Departures from Malta | Ċirkewwa and Marfa, depending on the ferry operator. |
|---|---|
| Departures from Gozo | Mġarr Harbour. |
| Journey time | Approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on the service and sea conditions. |
| Main destination | Blue Lagoon, Comino. |
| Tickets | Available online or at selected ferry ticket points, depending on the operator. |
| Return journeys | Check the return timetable and last ferry before travelling. |
| Blue Lagoon access | A separate free landing pass is generally required when visiting the Blue Lagoon on land. |
Small passenger ferries normally arrive at the Blue Lagoon landing jetties, where you can get off and walk towards the lagoon. Some services may use other landing points or serve Santa Marija Bay, so always confirm your arrival and return locations with the ferry operator.
The beautiful Blue Lagoon in Comino with Gozo in the backgroundVisitors taking a ferry to Comino who plan to spend time ashore at the Blue Lagoon must normally book a free Blue Lagoon Access Pass before arriving. This provides a QR code for a selected visiting time slot.
The access pass is separate from your ferry ticket. Book your pass in advance, and make sure your chosen ferry departure and return times fit within your allocated visit time.
Book your free pass: Official Blue Lagoon Booking Website
Not sure which cruise to choose? Compare four selected options for different departure points and travel plans. All four offer a 5% discount when booked through our links using the applicable code.
We may earn a commission from bookings through these links, at no extra cost to you. Tour schedules, facilities and availability may change. Check details before booking.
Several operators offer ferry and boat services to Comino, letting visitors travel independently rather than join a full-day organised excursion.
Comino Ferries Co-op operates passenger ferries from Ċirkewwa and Marfa in Malta, while Ebsons Comino Ferries connects Ċirkewwa and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo with the Blue Lagoon.
Other services may offer different routes or arrangements, so always check the departure point, timetable and return journey before booking.
Below, we explain the individual services to help you choose the most convenient option for your visit.
A small passenger ferry travelling between Malta, Comino and GozoEbsons Comino Ferries operates passenger ferry services to the Blue Lagoon in Comino, departing from Ċirkewwa in Malta and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo.
If you are staying in Gozo, our Gozo Island guide will help you discover more places to visit during your holiday.
The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes, making it a convenient choice for visitors planning an independent day trip.
Ferry departure times vary between Malta and Gozo, and some services run only in summer. Certain return journeys also include a short trip past the Comino sea caves, weather permitting.
Check the latest departure and return times directly with the operator before travelling.
Official timetable: Ebsons Comino Ferry Schedule
Ticket prices depend on the departure point, passenger category and selected options. Check current prices and buy your tickets online.
Tickets: View Ebsons Ferry Tickets
Our tip: Confirm your return ferry time and boarding point before leaving for Comino, especially if you plan to spend several hours at the Blue Lagoon.
Comino Ferries Co-op operates small passenger ferries from Ċirkewwa and Marfa in Malta to the Blue Lagoon in Comino. The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes.
It is a convenient option if you want to visit Comino independently, without joining the larger organised boat excursions.
A Comino Ferries Co-op boat crossing the channel between Malta and Comino.We have travelled with Comino Ferries on several occasions, departing from both Ċirkewwa and Marfa, and have always been very satisfied with their service.
We found the smaller passenger boats quick and convenient, especially when we wanted to reach Comino without travelling with the larger tour groups. We bought our tickets at the jetty and found boarding straightforward.
We travelled in summer, with good sea conditions. Smaller boats can be more affected by choppy seas than larger vessels, so we recommend checking the weather before travelling.
Comino Ferries Co-op operates scheduled services from Ċirkewwa and Marfa to Comino, with return departures throughout the day.
Ticket prices and departure times may vary, so we recommend checking the operator's official website before travelling.
You can also buy tickets at the departure point, where it is worth confirming the return timetable and last ferry.
Official timetable: Comino Ferries Schedule
Tickets and prices: Comino Ferries Ticket Booking
When buying your tickets, ask about the return departures and boarding point. This is especially important if you want to spend several hours swimming or exploring the island.
We also recommend allowing extra time to park at Ċirkewwa or Marfa, particularly during the busy summer months.
Bella Comino Ferry Service operates passenger ferries between Mġarr Harbour in Gozo and the Blue Lagoon in Comino.
The service is a convenient option for visitors staying in Gozo who want to explore Comino independently.
Ferries operate on a daily timetable, with return departures from the Blue Lagoon.
The operator also offers selected trips that include a visit to the Comino sea caves, depending on sea conditions.
We recommend checking the latest departure times, return arrangements and ticket prices before travelling.
Official timetable: Bella Comino Ferry Schedule
Tickets and prices: Bella Comino Ferry Tickets
Blue Lagoon Ferry offers passenger boat services from Mġarr Harbour in Gozo to Comino's Blue Lagoon.
It is another option for visitors who want to explore Comino independently, without joining a full-day organised excursion.
The operator advertises scheduled departures from Gozo, with return journeys from the Blue Lagoon.
Some tickets also let visitors return to Ċirkewwa in Malta instead of Gozo, and some trips include a visit to the Comino sea caves, depending on sea conditions.
Before travelling, check the latest departure times, ticket prices and return arrangements directly with Blue Lagoon Ferry – Ozzi Cruises. Confirm whether your ticket allows you to return to Gozo or continue to Malta, as arrangements may differ between services.
Tickets and prices: View Blue Lagoon Ferry Tickets on GetYourGuide
You can also book an independent return ferry from Ċirkewwa or Marfa in Malta to the Blue Lagoon in Comino.
This service is particularly useful for visitors who want to explore Comino independently, with an optional onward journey to Gozo.
The ferry offers scheduled departures from northern Malta, with return arrangements depending on the selected booking option.
Some tickets include an option to continue to Gozo after visiting Comino, rather than returning directly to Malta.
We recommend checking the latest departure times, ticket prices, Blue Lagoon access arrangements and return options before travelling.
Tickets and prices: View Comino Ferry Tickets on GetYourGuide
The Comino Hop-On Hop-Off boat service provides another way to reach the Blue Lagoon, with departures from Sliema and Buġibba.
Unlike the smaller passenger ferries departing from northern Malta, this service uses a larger catamaran with indoor seating, making it an option for visitors who prefer a bigger vessel.
Passengers can board at Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty, depending on the selected service.
The operator advertises scheduled departures and return journeys, although routes and times may change. Some coastal services also connect with Gozo, so check the itinerary carefully before booking.
We recommend confirming the departure point, return time and ticket arrangements directly with the operator.
Official information and booking: Comino Hop-On Hop-Off
You can usually buy Comino ferry tickets online or at the departure point, depending on the operator. During the busy summer months, we recommend checking ticket availability and booking arrangements before setting off.
On our visits, we bought our Comino Ferries tickets at the jetty before boarding. We found the process straightforward and convenient.
Buying tickets in person also lets you confirm the departure point, return timetable, and boarding location with the operator.
Passengers boarding a Comino ferry at the Marfa jetty, MaltaIndependent ferries operate scheduled return services, allowing you to plan how long to spend on Comino.
Before leaving, check the last return ferry and where you need to board for your journey back.
If you departed from Ċirkewwa or Marfa, make sure your return ferry takes you back to the correct location.
Comino ferry timetables and ticket prices can change depending on the season, demand and weather conditions. Always check the operator's latest schedule and confirm your last return ferry before setting off.
Both options are popular ways to visit Comino, but the best choice depends on how you want to spend your day.
An independent ferry to Comino is ideal if you want a straightforward crossing and prefer to explore the island at your own pace.
Small passenger ferries are particularly convenient when you want to reach the Blue Lagoon quickly without joining a larger group excursion.
However, you will need to arrange your own food, drinks and other essentials, as facilities on Comino are limited.
An organised boat trip to Comino may suit you better if you prefer a longer excursion with more facilities.
Depending on the operator, larger boats may offer sun decks, refreshments, swimming stops and onboard facilities. Some trips also include visits to the sea caves or other coastal attractions.
These excursions usually follow a set itinerary, so check how much time you will actually spend at the Blue Lagoon before booking.
We have enjoyed visiting Comino both on organised boat trips and by independent ferry.
For a quick, convenient crossing, we particularly like the smaller passenger ferries. If you prefer more time on the boat and additional facilities, an organised excursion may be a better choice.
🚤 Prefer an organised boat trip?
If you would rather enjoy a longer excursion with onboard facilities and extra swimming stops, explore our Comino boat trips and cruises as an alternative to the independent ferry.
The sea between Malta, Comino, and Gozo can get choppy, especially in strong winds. Smaller passenger ferries are generally more affected by waves than larger excursion boats.
Although the crossing is relatively short, rough sea conditions can make the journey uncomfortable and may delay or cancel ferries.
We have travelled to Comino during the summer in good weather and found the ferry crossings comfortable and enjoyable.
However, we would recommend checking the weather and sea conditions before travelling, especially if you are uncomfortable on smaller boats.
Ferry operators may change departure times, adjust routes or suspend services when sea conditions are unsuitable.
Before setting off, check with your operator that the ferry is running and that return services are operating as planned.
If you are prone to seasickness, consider whether a larger vessel would suit you better, although bigger boats can also be affected by rough seas.
If you are driving to catch a Comino ferry from Malta, the main departure areas are Ċirkewwa and Marfa in the north of the island.
Parking is available in both areas, but finding a space isn't guaranteed, especially during the busy summer months.
In our experience, parking around Ċirkewwa and Marfa gets busy in summer, especially when more visitors travel to Comino.
We recommend allowing extra time for parking so you can reach the correct jetty without rushing.
From our experience, dropping off passengers at Ċirkewwa and Marfa is straightforward, with space available to stop briefly before boarding the ferry.
If someone is dropping you off, make sure you know the correct departure point and ferry operator, as boats leave from different locations.
You can reach Ċirkewwa and Marfa by public transport from several locations across Malta, so you can visit Comino without hiring a car.
Most bus services go to Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal, but the most convenient stop depends on your Comino ferry operator.
The following are useful routes for visitors travelling to the Comino ferries:
| Bus Route | Main Connection |
|---|---|
| 41 and 42 | Valletta to Ċirkewwa |
| 221 | Buġibba to Ċirkewwa |
| 222 | Sliema to Ċirkewwa |
| 101 | Mġarr (Malta), via Golden Bay and Mellieħa, to Ċirkewwa |
| X300 | Valletta to Ċirkewwa via Mater Dei and northern Malta |
These routes are listed by Malta Public Transport, although individual stops and operating times can change.
If you are travelling directly from the airport, Tallinja Direct route TD1 connects Malta International Airport with Ċirkewwa, travelling through several northern localities.
The former airport route X1 was discontinued in April 2025, so avoid relying on older travel information.
Before travelling, check whether your ferry departs from Ċirkewwa or Marfa. These are separate departure areas, so the nearest bus stop may differ.
Allow sufficient time to reach your jetty, particularly during busy summer periods.
Official bus routes and timetables: Malta Public Transport
📍 Two important things to remember
1. Mġarr in Malta is not Mġarr Harbour in Gozo.
Bus route 101 serves Mġarr village in Malta, not the ferry harbour in Gozo. Make sure you are travelling to the correct location.
2. Marfa and Ċirkewwa are different departure points.
Although some buses pass through both areas, the nearest stop depends on your ferry operator. Check your departure point and bus stop before travelling.
Where do ferries to Comino depart from?
Ferries to Comino depart from Ċirkewwa and Marfa in Malta and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, depending on the operator. Check your departure point before travelling.
How long does the ferry to Comino take?
The crossing generally takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the departure point, operator and sea conditions.
Can I buy tickets for the Comino ferry at the jetty?
Yes, some operators sell tickets at the departure point, while others also offer online booking. We have personally bought tickets at the jetty when using Comino Ferries.
Can I choose when to return from Comino?
Independent ferries operate on scheduled return times. Depending on your ticket and operator, you may have a choice of departures. Always confirm the last return ferry before setting off.
Is an independent ferry better than an organised Comino boat trip?
An independent ferry is convenient for visitors wanting a quick crossing and more freedom to explore. An organised boat trip may be better if you prefer additional onboard facilities, swimming stops and a planned excursion.
Disclaimer — We may earn a commission if you book via certain links on the website. No extra cost to you.
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