Gozo Ferry Schedule, Fares and Tickets

Planning the Ċirkewwa–Mġarr crossing by car or on foot

The Gozo Channel car ferry operates daily between Ċirkewwa in Malta and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes and carries foot passengers and vehicles.

Services operate during the day and at night, but departure times vary by date and season. Check the official timetable before travelling: Check the current Gozo Channel ferry schedule

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Last reviewed: 4 August 2026. Ferry schedules, fares and transport information can change, so verify time-sensitive details through the official links provided. Malta Info Guide is an independent travel guide and is not the official Gozo Channel website.

Gozo Channel ferry arriving at Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal in MaltaThe Gozo Channel Line at Ċirkewwa Harbour

✍️ Written by Albert and Benjamin Magro, Malta locals sharing practical advice based on living on and exploring the islands.

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Gozo Ferry Schedule

The Gozo Channel ferry operates daily between Ċirkewwa in Malta and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes.

Departure times and the number of sailings vary according to the date, season and operating conditions. For that reason, check the official timetable for the exact departure you intend to use.

View the current official Gozo Channel ferry schedule

Before travelling

  • Check the official timetable for your chosen date and direction.
  • During bad weather, check for service announcements before leaving.
  • If travelling with a vehicle, use the official harbour webcams to check queue conditions.
  • Allow additional waiting time during summer weekends and public holidays.

Schedule information was checked against the official Gozo Channel website on 3 August 2026. Departure times can change, so always confirm them with the operator before travelling.

Gozo Ferry Fares and Tickets

Gozo Channel tickets cover the round trip between Malta and Gozo. The principal passenger and vehicle fares are shown below.

CategoryStandardNight fareMaltese SeniorGozitan ResidentGozitan Senior
Car + Driver€15.70€12.80€11.05€8.15€6.95
Motorcycle + Rider€8.15€6.95€3.45€4.65€3.45
Passenger (Foot)€4.65€4.05Free€1.15Free
Children (3–12)€1.15----
Bicycle€1.15----
Towed Trailer (≤ 5 m)€13.95€13.95---
Vehicle exceeding 5.3 m but not exceeding 5.5 m€20.70-€16.05€13.15€11.95
  • Night fare: Applies to eligible sailings departing from Mġarr, Gozo, after 8:00 pm and before the first morning sailing between November and March.
  • Senior citizens aged 60+: Eligible permanent residents must present a valid local identity card. Although qualifying foot passengers travel free, they must still obtain a free ticket.
  • Gozo residents: A valid identity card must be presented to obtain subsidised Gozitan fares.
  • EU Disability Card holders: Passengers presenting a valid EU Disability Card travel free, but must obtain a free ticket from the ticket booth.
  • Tickets are required for everyone: Every passenger must hold and validate a ticket, including infants and passengers entitled to travel free.

How do Gozo Channel tickets work?

Gozo Channel does not operate a ferry reservation system. Boarding is first-come, first-served, and an online ticket does not reserve a particular departure or provide priority boarding.

Standard non-subsidised tickets can be purchased online. Tickets can also be obtained from the appropriate passenger or vehicle ticket booths in Mġarr, Gozo.

Tickets are validated when departing from Mġarr. Passengers beginning their round trip from Ċirkewwa, Malta, should follow the instructions provided by Gozo Channel staff at the terminal.

Every passenger must have a ticket, including anyone entitled to travel free. Infants aged 0–2 travel free, but a free infant ticket must still be collected and validated. Tickets for children aged 3–12 cost €1.15 and must be obtained from a Gozo Channel ticket booth in Mġarr.

Standard online tickets are not tied to a particular date or sailing and are generally valid for six months from purchase.

You can buy eligible tickets online or read the official Gozo Channel ticketing FAQs for the complete conditions.

Fares and ticketing information checked against the official Gozo Channel website on 3 August 2026.

A view of Gozo on arrival to the island via the Gozo Channel.Malta To Gozo Ferry - Mġarr Gozo

Gozo Ferry Quick Facts

Planning to travel between Malta and Gozo? These essential Gozo ferry facts cover the route, crossing time, vehicles, tickets and what to check before leaving.

🗺️ Route — Ċirkewwa, Malta ⇄ Mġarr Harbour, Gozo.

⏱️ Crossing time — Approximately 25 minutes.

🌙 Service — Operates 24 hours a day throughout the year, subject to weather and operating conditions.

🚗 Vehicles — Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, vans and other vehicles are accepted, together with foot passengers.

🎟️ Reservations — Sailings cannot be reserved; boarding is first-come, first-served.

💳 Tickets — Tickets are validated when departing from Mġarr, Gozo.

📷 Vehicle queues — Check the official harbour webcams before travelling during busy periods. Vehicle queues can be longer during summer weekends, Carnival, the Easter period from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, Santa Marija weekend and Christmas.

🌬️ Bad weather — Check the official service updates for delays or disruptions.

♿ Accessibility — Gozo Channel vessels are accessible to passengers with disabilities.

Passengers seated on the outdoor deck of a Gozo Channel ferry.Top Deck of the Gozo Ferry

Gozo Channel vs Gozo Highspeed

The best ferry depends on where you are staying in Malta and whether you want to take a vehicle to Gozo. Both services arrive at Mġarr Harbour, but their departure points, journey times and ticket arrangements are different.

Gozo Channel operates the car and passenger ferry from Ċirkewwa, while Gozo Highspeed operates the fast passenger-ferry routes from Valletta, Buġibba and Sliema.

Comparison of Gozo Channel car ferry and Gozo Highspeed passenger ferry routes.Compare Gozo Channel and Gozo Highspeed routes at a glance
Key aspect Gozo Channel (Car Ferry) Gozo Highspeed (Passenger Ferry)
🗺️ Route Ċirkewwa, Malta ⇄ Mġarr Harbour, Gozo Valletta ⇄ Mġarr
Buġibba ⇄ Mġarr
Sliema → Buġibba → Mġarr
⏱️ Typical duration Approximately 25 minutes 45 minutes from Valletta
30 minutes from Buġibba
1 hour 15 minutes from Sliema via Buġibba
🚗 Passengers and vehicles Carries foot passengers, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, vans and other vehicles Passenger-only service; cars and motorcycles are not accepted. Bicycles are subject to space and operator conditions.
🌙 Operating pattern Operates 24 hours a day throughout the year, subject to weather and operating conditions Scheduled departures vary according to the route and season
🎟️ Tickets and boarding No sailing reservations. Boarding is first-come, first-served, and tickets are validated when departing from Mġarr. Tickets are booked for a selected journey. Passengers should arrive before check-in closes.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Best suited to Travellers taking a vehicle, visitors staying in northern Malta and people travelling overnight Foot passengers staying near Valletta, Buġibba or Sliema
♿ Accessibility Accessible vessels and terminals; assistance is available from ferry staff Accessible passenger service; contact the operator when booking if assistance is required
💡 Before travelling Check the official schedule, service updates and harbour webcams Check the route timetable, booking details and service updates

Which service should you choose?

🚗 Choose Gozo Channel if you are taking a car, motorcycle or other vehicle to Gozo.

📍 Choose Gozo Highspeed if you are travelling on foot and staying close to Valletta, Buġibba or Sliema.

🌙 Choose Gozo Channel for overnight travel, as it operates a 24-hour service subject to weather and operating conditions.

⏱️ Compare the complete journey, not only the sailing time. Travelling to Ċirkewwa by road can take longer, while Sliema’s fast-ferry journey takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes because it travels via Buġibba.

Before leaving, check the operator’s current schedule, ticket conditions and service updates, particularly during bad weather.

If Sicily is part of your onward journey after returning to Malta, see our Sicily to Malta ferry guide for the current operators, ports and crossing times.

People sitting down inside the Gozo ferry boat en-route to Gozo.The seating area inside the Gozo ferry

How to Get to the Gozo Ferry Terminals

The Gozo Channel car ferry departs from Ċirkewwa in northern Malta and arrives at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. Both terminals can be reached by public transport, car or taxi.

Getting to Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal in Malta

View of Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal from a Gozo Channel ferry.Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal

Where Is the Ferry to Gozo in Malta? 

Ċirkewwa is located at the northern end of Malta, beyond Mellieħa. Follow signs for Ċirkewwa or Gozo Ferry.

🚌 Travelling to Ċirkewwa by bus

The principal direct bus connections are:

  • Valletta: Routes 41, 42 and X300
  • Sliema: Route 222
  • Buġibba: Route 221
  • Malta International Airport: Airport Direct 1 (TD1)
  • Mater Dei: Route X299
  • St Julian’s: Route N11 night service
  • Għajn Tuffieħa and Ġnejna: Route 101

Bus routes and departure times can change. Check the Malta Public Transport journey planner before travelling, particularly if you need to connect with a specific ferry.

For more help planning your journeys beyond the ferry terminal, see our guide to getting around Malta and Gozo, covering buses, ferries, taxis and car hire.

🚗 Travelling to Ċirkewwa by car

Follow the main road north through Mellieħa and continue towards Ċirkewwa. Clear road signs direct drivers to the ferry’s vehicle-marshalling area.

Allow additional time for traffic and ferry queues, especially during summer weekends and public holidays. If leaving your vehicle in Malta, parking near the terminal can be limited during busy periods.

🚕 Travelling to Ċirkewwa by taxi

Taxis and ride-hailing services can take you directly to the Ċirkewwa terminal. If you are continuing through Gozo without a vehicle, you can take a separate bus or taxi after arriving at Mġarr Harbour.

Getting From Mġarr Ferry Terminal in Gozo

Mġarr Harbour and the Gozo ferry terminal.Mġarr Harbour Gozo

Where Is The Ferry In Gozo? 

The Gozo Channel and Gozo Highspeed passenger services both arrive at Mġarr Harbour. Buses, taxis and car-hire services are available nearby.

🚌 Travelling from Mġarr by bus

The principal bus connections from the ferry terminal are:

  • Victoria: Routes 301, 303 and 323
  • Victoria night service: Route N301
  • Marsalforn: Route 322
  • Xlendi: Travel to Victoria using routes 301, 303 or 323, then connect with route 306 or 330

Check the current timetable before travelling because routes and connection times can change.

🚗 Travelling from Mġarr by car

Follow the signs from the harbour towards Victoria or your chosen Gozo destination. Most parts of the island can be reached by following the main road from Mġarr.

When returning to Malta with a vehicle, follow signs for the Gozo Channel vehicle queue and have the required passenger and vehicle tickets ready for validation.

🔗 Read further about getting around in Gozo

🚕 Travelling from Mġarr by taxi

Taxis and ride-hailing services operate from Mġarr Harbour. During busy ferry arrivals, booking ahead can reduce your waiting time.

Gozo Ferry Map

Use the interactive Gozo ferry map to locate the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal in Malta, Mġarr Harbour in Gozo and the Gozo Channel routes between the islands. The map also highlights important transport points and selected locations around Malta and Gozo.

The map is intended for general orientation. Bus routes and services can change, so check the Malta Public Transport journey planner before travelling.

For passenger-only connections from Valletta, Buġibba and Sliema, see the Gozo Channel vs Gozo Highspeed comparison above.


Can I take my rented car to Gozo?

Yes, you can normally take a rental car to Gozo on the Gozo Channel ferry. Rental cars join the same vehicle queue at Ċirkewwa and travel across to Mġarr Harbour like other standard cars.

The published Gozo Channel fares are based on the vehicle’s type and length, rather than whether it is privately owned or rented. A standard rental car measuring up to 5.3 metres therefore uses the applicable car-and-driver fare.

Before travelling, check your rental agreement to confirm that:

  • Driving the vehicle in Gozo is permitted
  • The insurance and roadside-assistance coverage also apply in Gozo
  • No additional conditions have been imposed by the rental company

You do not reserve a particular Gozo Channel sailing. On arrival at Ċirkewwa, join the vehicle queue and follow the ferry staff’s boarding instructions. Remember that passengers travelling inside the rental car require their own tickets.

For more practical advice, read our guide to renting and driving a car in Malta and Gozo.

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

Things to Do in Gozo After Arriving by Ferry

Ta’ Pinu National Shrine in Gozo.Ta' Pinu National Shrine Gozo

After arriving at Mġarr Harbour, you can explore Gozo by bus, taxi, rental car or organised tour. The island is compact, but its attractions are spread across different villages and coastal areas.

Some of the most popular things to do in Gozo include:

🏰 Explore the Ċittadella — Walk around Victoria’s historic fortified centre and enjoy panoramic views across Gozo.

🏖️ Visit Ramla Bay — Relax on one of Gozo’s best-known beaches, recognised for its distinctive reddish-golden sand.

🌊 Discover Dwejra — See the dramatic coastline, the Blue Hole, Fungus Rock, Dwejra Tower and the site of the former Azure Window.

⛪ Visit Ta’ Pinu National Shrine — Explore one of Gozo’s most important churches, surrounded by open countryside.

🏛️ Explore the Ġgantija Temples — Visit Gozo’s UNESCO-listed prehistoric temple complex near Xagħra.

🌅 Spend time in Xlendi or Marsalforn — Enjoy waterfront walks, swimming spots, restaurants and coastal views.

🚐 Take a Gozo sightseeing tour — An organised tour can be convenient if you are visiting for one day and do not have a car.

If you plan to visit several locations in one day, decide how you will travel around Gozo before boarding the ferry. Public buses are available, but a rental car, taxi or organised tour can provide more flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Gozo Ferry

Is the Gozo ferry running today?

The Gozo Channel normally operates every day, but weather or operational conditions can affect individual crossings. Check the current official ferry schedule and the official service updates before travelling.

Does the Gozo ferry operate 24 hours a day, and how often does it run?

Gozo Channel operates 24 hours a day throughout the year, subject to weather and operating conditions. The number of departures varies by date and time, with fewer services generally operating overnight. Check the official schedule for exact departure times.

How long does the ferry to Gozo take?

The Gozo Channel crossing between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr takes approximately 25 minutes.

Gozo Highspeed journeys take approximately 45 minutes from Valletta, 30 minutes from Buġibba and 1 hour 15 minutes from Sliema via Buġibba.

How much does the ferry from Malta to Gozo cost?

The standard Gozo Channel round-trip fare is currently €4.65 for an adult foot passenger and €15.70 for a standard car and driver. Night, child, senior and Gozo-resident fares differ.

Check the official Gozo Channel fares because prices and conditions can change.

Where does the ferry berth in Malta and Gozo?

The Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal in Malta and the Mġarr Harbour in Gozo.

Do I need to pre-book the ferry to Gozo?

No. Gozo Channel does not operate a reservation system. Boarding is first-come, first-served, and an online ticket does not reserve a particular departure or provide priority boarding.

Gozo Highspeed uses tickets for selected journeys, so check availability and booking conditions before travelling.

Where do I buy Gozo ferry tickets, and can I buy them online?

Standard non-subsidised Gozo Channel tickets can be purchased online. Tickets are also available from the appropriate passenger and vehicle ticket booths in Mġarr, Gozo.

Tickets are validated when departing from Mġarr. Passengers beginning their journey at Ċirkewwa should follow the instructions provided by Gozo Channel staff.

Do I need a passport to travel from Malta to Gozo?

A passport is not normally required specifically for the ferry journey between Malta and Gozo because it is a domestic crossing within Malta.

You should still carry appropriate identification. A valid identity card or qualifying document is required when claiming senior, Gozo-resident or disability-related fares.

Is the Gozo Ferry free? 

The standard Gozo Channel service is not free. However, infants aged 0–2, eligible senior permanent residents and passengers presenting an accepted EU Disability Card can travel free under the operator’s conditions.

Even when the fare is free, every passenger must obtain and validate a ticket.

Can I take a car or a rental car on the ferry to Gozo?

Yes. Gozo Channel carries cars and other vehicles between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr. Rental cars can normally be taken to Gozo, but check the rental agreement, insurance and roadside-assistance conditions first.

Read our guide to renting a car in Malta and Gozo for additional advice.

Is the Gozo ferry accessible to wheelchair users?

Gozo Channel vessels and terminals are accessible to passengers with disabilities. Ferry staff can provide assistance. Contact the operator before travelling if you require specific help.

How do I get to Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal?

Direct bus connections include:

  • Valletta: Routes 41, 42 and X300
  • Sliema: Route 222
  • Buġibba: Route 221
  • Malta International Airport: Airport Direct 1 (TD1)
  • Mater Dei: Route X299

Bus services can change, so check Malta Public Transport’s current journey planner before travelling.

How do I get from Malta Airport to the Gozo ferry?

For Gozo Channel, take Airport Direct 1 (TD1) from Malta International Airport to Ċirkewwa. You can also travel by taxi or drive a rental car to the terminal.

Foot passengers using Gozo Highspeed can take Airport Direct 4 (TD4) to its Valletta ferry connection.

Is there a ferry from Valletta to Gozo?

Yes. Gozo Highspeed operates a passenger-only ferry between Valletta and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. Cars are not accepted. Passenger services also operate from Buġibba and Sliema.

Read our Gozo Highspeed ferry guide for more information.

How can I check the vehicle queues at the Gozo ferry terminals?

Use the official harbour webcams to inspect queue conditions at Ċirkewwa and Mġarr before travelling. Allow additional waiting time during summer weekends and public holidays.

How do I contact Gozo Channel?

The official Gozo Channel telephone number is (+356) 2210 9000. For current schedules, fares, ticketing assistance and service information, visit the official Gozo Channel website.

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Albert and Benjamin Magro, local Malta travel writers

We are Albert and Benjamin Magro, two Malta locals who enjoy exploring the island and sharing practical advice with visitors. Our guides combine local knowledge with first-hand visits to Malta’s towns, beaches, attractions and accommodation areas. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook for more Malta tips, photos and videos.