Jump Aboard the Malta To Gozo Channel

Daily 25-Minute Crossings for Cars & Foot Passengers

The Gozo Channel is the ferry link between Malta and Gozo. It carries passengers and vehicles all year, including nights, weekends and public holidays.

What You’ll Find in This Gozo Channel Guide

• 🗓️ Gozo Ferry Schedule
• 💶 Gozo Ferry Fares
• 💡 Quick Tips about the Channel
• ⚖️ Gozo Channel vs Fast Ferry
• 🧭 How to Get to the Harbours
• 🗺️ Helpful Ferry Map
• 🎟️ Things To Do In Gozo
• ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About The Ferry

This guide explains how the Gozo Channel operates including the timetable, costings, recommendations, things to do in Gozo, tips and more.

What and Where is Gozo?

Gozo is part of the Maltese archipelago, a few kilometres from Malta, and only accessible by ferry.

There are two main routes from Malta to Gozo which include the the Gozo Channel from Ċirkewwa or the Gozo Fast Ferry provided from Valletta. They both berth at the same harbour in Mġarr, Gozo.

Page last updated 18th October 2025 - This is not the official Gozo Channel website, this is an independent guide.

The Gozo Channel Line at Ċirkewwa Harbour

Gozo Channel Schedule

The Gozo Channel runs several times a day to and from Malta and Gozo. During the day they run more frequent than during the night. The Gozo to Malta schedule usually changes according to season and during peak periods.

You can check the Gozo to Malta schedule to see what time the ferries leave the terminal. It is recommended that you check the Facebook page for live service announcements.

* 'Typical frequency' is an indication only. The exact departure times are found on the Gozo Channel website and they usually change according to season or adverse weather.

The official schedule is found on the Gozo Channel website, however we have indicated approximately the duration between each fare during the day and night.

On their Facebook page they usually announce certain last minute announcements for example cancelled sailings due to bad weather.

Gozo Ferry Fares

To board the Gozo ferry, you must hold a valid Gozo Channel ticket which can be purchased at the ticket booth from Mġarr Gozo or from their website.

Below are the fares for passengers and vehicles to board the ferry.

• Night fare begins at 08:00 pm until before the first morning trip.
• Senior Citizens (60+) must present a valid local identity card.
• Gozo residents must present their identity cards for Gozitan fares.
• Residents with an EU Disability card travel for free upon presentation of card at ticket booth.
• Tickets are needed for all passenger whether you travel for free or with a paid ticket.

tickets & prices for boarding the ferry

You will NOT buy a ticket on your trip to Gozo from Malta. On arrival to the harbour in Malta, you will immediately be directed to queue to the ferry if you are with a car. If you are a passenger you can board the ferry immediately via the terminal.

How and Where Do I Buy Malta–Gozo Ferry Tickets?

Round-trip tickets are bought on your way back to Malta from the Mġarr terminal in Gozo. A ticket booth is allocated just before the car queue to the boat. As a passenger without a car, you will purchase them from inside the terminal just before getting on the boat.

You can also purchase your tickets online only for standard fares and vehicles. Any other additional ticket (Children, Senior Citizen, Motorcycles etc.) must be bought or collected from the ticket booth or from inside the terminal.

No advance bookings are required.

When boarding the boat from Ċirkewwa Malta, you just keep going straight on the boat without a ticket.

Malta To Gozo Ferry - Mġarr Gozo

Quick Tips About The Gozo Ferry

Simple tips on boarding, timing, paying, busy times, and webcams for a smooth Gozo ferry trip.

🗓️ Service — The ferry operates 365 days a year, including nights.

⏱️ Duration — Crossing time is ≈ 25 minutes each way.

🚗 Vehicles — Cars, vans, trucks, quadbikes, motorbikes and rented cars allowed.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Passengers — Foot passengers welcome. Terminals are available in Malta and Gozo.

🎟️ Tickets — Usually paid on the return from Mġarr (Gozo). No advance booking for standard vehicles/foot.

🪪 ID — Local ID cards needed when travelling as a senior or Gozitan passenger/driver. No passport/visa checks at both terminals. Driving license should be carried at all times.

📈 Frequency — More trips are done during the summer mainly at daytime, however, fewer late at night.

⛱️ Peaks — The Gozo Channel is very busy during holidays and summer weekends. Popular holidays include Carnival, Christmas, Good Friday to Easter Sunday and Santa Marija weekend. Plan early morning or late night trips.

📷 Webcams — On the Gozo Channel website there are harbour webcams to check queue conditions.

🧑‍✈️ Boarding — Crew will instruct where to leave your vehicle in the ferry. You are not allowed to stay in your vehicle while crossing.

🚭 Safety — No smoking in queues and engines must remain off until disembark.

♿ Accessibility — There is accessibility on boats and terminals. The staff can assist.

🌬️ Weather — During bad weather, the ferry might be postponed. Gozo Channel always advices of any cancellations.

Top Deck of the Gozo Ferry

Gozo Channel vs Fast Ferry

There are two ferry services to get to Gozo, the Gozo Channel and the Gozo Fast Ferry. These are two separate companies that operate sea trips from Malta to Gozo and vice versa. Below is a compilation of differences between both ferries to help you choose the best and most efficient way of travelling between the islands.

The seating area inside the Gozo ferry.

How To Get To The Harbours

Easy, practical tips to help you use the Gozo ferry with no stress. Learn when to arrive, how to board, how to pay, what to expect at busy times, and where to check live updates and webcams before you go.

Getting to Ċirkewwa Malta ferry terminal

Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal

Where Is The Ferry To Gozo In Malta? The terminal in Malta is at the northern tip. It is further up than Mellieħa.

The buses below go directly to the ferry terminal in Ċirkewwa.

Getting the bus to Gozo Ferry Terminal in Malta:

• Valletta to Ċirkewwa: 41, 42 (~ 60 - 90 minutes)
• Malta International Airport to Ċirkewwa: Airport Direct 1 (~ 90 minutes)
• Bugibba & Qawra: 221 (~ 40 minutes)
• St. Paul’s Bay: X300, 42, 221, 222 (~ 30 to 40 minutes)
• Sliema & St. Julian's: 222 (~ 90 minutes)
• Gzira: X300 (~ 60 minutes)
• Paceville & Swieqi: X300, 222 (~ 60 to 75 minutes)

All bus routes available at Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal:  41, 42, 101, 221, 222, Airport Direct 1, N11, TD1, X1A, X299, X300

Travelling by Car to Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal:

• Clear road signs point to Ċirkewwa, often with remaining kilometres.
• Use Google Maps ('Gozo Channel Ferry') for turn-by-turn directions.
• There is parking available, however it could be limited. Please check the weather before you leave your car parked near the terminal due to the waves.
• The average duration to get from any major area in Malta to Ċirkewwa is between 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the traffic.

Getting a Taxi To The Ferry Terminal

Taxis are available everywhere at anytime, so it will not be a problem to grab a taxi to the ferry from any part of the island. You can either use one of the available apps found online, or hail a taxi, find a taxi stand or even call one.

If you are heading to Gozo straight from the airport you can do so by getting a taxi to the ferry that will cost around €45 / £40 / $48. Taxis will not go straight to Gozo, meaning they will not come on the boat. They will stop at the harbour. Once in Gozo you can catch another taxi.

Getting to Mġarr Ferry terminal Gozo

Mġarr Harbour Gozo

Where Is The Ferry In Gozo? The Gozo terminal is located at Mġarr-Gozo, near the village of Ghajnsielem.

To get to the Gozo to Malta ferry, you need to pass from the main road of Gozo called Triq L-Imġarr.

Gozo is very small so from almost anywhere on the island, it doesn't take much time to reach the terminal. This always depends on the season and time of day.

How to get to the Gozo Channel in Gozo by bus:

• Victoria/Rabat: 301, 303, 323 (~ 20 minutes)
• Marsalforn: 322 (~ 45 minutes)
• Xlendi: Take 330, 306 to Victoria then 301, 303, 323 to Mġarr Harbour (~40 minutes)

All bus routes available at Mġarr Harbour:  301, 303, 322, 323, N301

Travelling by Car to Mġarr Harbour (Gozo):

• Clear road signs point to Mġarr Harbour; main route through Triq l-Imġarr down to the port.
• Use Google Maps (search “Mġarr Harbour Gozo” or “Gozo Channel – Mġarr”) for turn-by-turn directions.
• Parking is limited, especially at peaks; allow extra time and avoid spots exposed to spray during rough seas.
• Typical drive time: ~10–25 min from most Gozo villages (longer at busy times).

🔗 Read further about getting around in Gozo

taxi to gozo terminal

Taxis in Gozo operate the same as in Malta. The distances are much shorter which means they are cheaper and more time efficient.

Gozo Ferry Map

Use the interactive map below to guide you into how and where the Gozo Channel terminals are and the route the ferries take between each island. The route that goes behind Comino is usually done when we have heavy wind gusts and the ferry usually detours. We also indicate the routes the main buses take.

Can I take my rented car to Gozo?

• Yes, you can take your rented car across on the ferry between the island of Malta and Gozo. You do not have any additional fees in order to travel with your rented car.

Renting a car has its major advantages if you wish to travel across the island freely and go to places where it might be difficult with public transport. Driving in Gozo is much easier than in Malta.

If you are looking around to rent a car, check out Mayjo Car Hire which is located in Gozo.

Things To Do On The Island of Gozo

Ta' Pinu National Shrine Gozo

Gozo is a marvelous island to visit as there are plenty of things to do. it is much quieter than Malta and there is more greenery.

• Beaches are one of the main highlights of the island especially Ramla L-Hamra.
• Visit the villages of Xewkija, Nadur, Xlendi and Victoria also known as Rabat.
• Tour the Ċittadella which was once a inhabited city.
• See the island's highlights on a sightseeing tour.
• Visit Ta’ Pinu National Shrine.
  
• Explore Marsalforn promenade and the Xwejni Salt Pans.
  
• Walk the Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs for panoramic views.
  
• Visit the Ġgantija Temples (UNESCO World Heritage).
  
• Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Blue Lagoon.  Trips depart from Sliema Ferries. Short trips from Ċirkewwa and Mġarr harbour.

The village of Dwejra boasts some spectacular views of the sea. Dwejra is home to the former Azure window that collapsed on 8th March 2017. After its collapse, the location still remained very recognised. Apart from the window, there are other things to see such as the Dwejra Tower, Fungus Rock and the Blue Hole that is very popular to divers.

Frequently asked questions

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By Albert and Benjamin Magro