Malta's two smaller neighbours — Gozo and Comino — are only reachable by sea, and the ferries that connect them are frequent, straightforward and genuinely part of the travel experience. Whether you are heading to Gozo for a few days or taking the boat to the Blue Lagoon on Comino, here is how to do it.
Gozo Channel Line: the main crossing
The Gozo Channel Line runs the Ċirkewwa to Mġarr crossing between northern Malta and Gozo almost around the clock, with sailings departing every 45 minutes to an hour during the day and less frequently through the night. The crossing itself takes about 25 minutes, making it one of the shortest ferry crossings in the Mediterranean.
Tickets are sold on the quayside at Ċirkewwa, and on most sailings you can simply walk up and board without booking ahead. The fare is modest by any standard — foot passengers pay a small charge, and vehicles pay by size. Importantly, the return leg from Mġarr back to Ċirkewwa is free of charge; all costs are collected on the outbound journey. This is worth knowing if you arrive in Gozo having not paid — you will not be charged on the way back.
The ferries carry cars, motorcycles, cyclists and foot passengers. If you are taking a car across in summer, come early for the first sailing of the day to avoid queues; the midday sailings are the busiest. Travelling by foot or bicycle, you can board any crossing without waiting.
What to expect on board
The Gozo Channel Line operates a small fleet of roll-on/roll-off ferries, each with a passenger deck above the vehicle deck. There is seating inside and a small snack bar on most vessels. The crossing is short enough that there is rarely time to get comfortable before you are arriving in Mġarr harbour, which is a handsome little port with a fishing village atmosphere and a clear view up to the Victoria Citadel on the ridge above.
The crossing runs in almost all weathers — the Gozo channel is sheltered enough that cancellations are unusual, though rough winter conditions occasionally cause delays. Check the Gozo Channel Line's website or social channels in winter if conditions look uncertain.
Alternative routes to Gozo
The Ċirkewwa–Mġarr crossing is by far the most practical route, but there are occasional alternative options worth knowing about:
- Valletta to Gozo direct: A faster passenger-only catamaran has operated on and off between the Valletta ferry terminal and Gozo (landing at Mġarr or Marsalforn). Services on this route have varied over the years, so check current timetables before relying on it.
- Private water taxis: For groups, private boat transfers from various Malta harbours can be arranged, though at considerably higher cost than the scheduled ferry.
Getting to Comino
Comino has no permanent car road access and no scheduled year-round ferry service in the conventional sense. Instead, small local boat operators run frequent trips from both Malta (usually from the dock near Cirkewwa or Golden Bay) and from Mġarr in Gozo, particularly during the summer season.
The crossing from Malta or Gozo to Comino takes around 15–25 minutes depending on the departure point. Boats run most frequently between May and October, with some services ceasing entirely in winter. Fares are collected on the boat and include a return trip, though return timings are usually flexible — you tell the boatman which departure you want on the way back.
Blue Lagoon timing: Comino's Blue Lagoon is at its most beautiful early in the morning before the tourist boats arrive in numbers. The first departures from both Malta and Gozo reach the island before the crowds; mid-afternoon is the busiest time. If you want a quieter swim, aim for a very early start or wait until late afternoon when day-trippers begin heading back.
Getting to Ċirkewwa from Valletta
Ċirkewwa is at the northern tip of Malta, about 20 km from Valletta. Malta Public Transport route 41 and route X1 run from Valletta Bus Terminus to Ċirkewwa directly; journey time is roughly 45–60 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day, including early-morning and late-evening departures that connect with the ferry. If you are hiring a car, the drive is straightforward on the main northern coast road.
Cycling and walking considerations
Cyclists are very welcome on the Gozo Channel Line ferry; there is no extra charge for bikes beyond the standard foot-passenger fare. This makes the Gozo crossing an attractive option for cyclists doing a multi-day tour of both islands. Gozo is significantly less built-up than Malta and has some excellent cycling roads, particularly in the interior around Ramla Bay and the Dwejra area.
Walking on and off the ferry is simple. Mġarr harbour has local buses to Victoria (the island's capital) and other villages; the journey to Victoria takes around 10 minutes.
Travelling with a hire car
Most Malta hire car companies permit their vehicles to be taken to Gozo on the ferry, but a small number do not — or charge an additional fee — so confirm this with your rental company before you assume you can cross. Taking a car simplifies getting around Gozo, which has limited public transport in some rural areas. If you are only visiting Gozo for a day, leaving the car in Malta and hiring a small vehicle or using local buses on Gozo is often more practical.
For a broader look at getting around island groups by sea, our guide to ferries to Malta covers the main international connections, and our overview of how to book ferries explains the tools that work best for island hopping.
Frequently asked questions
How often do ferries run from Malta to Gozo?
The Gozo Channel Line runs roughly every 45 to 60 minutes throughout the day from Ċirkewwa, and less frequently at night. The route operates 24 hours a day, though night sailings are infrequent. No advance booking is needed for foot passengers.
Do I need to book the Gozo ferry in advance?
For foot passengers and cyclists, no — you buy your ticket at the terminal and board the next available sailing. Cars may face queues in peak summer, so an early start is advisable if you are driving across, though booking is typically done on the spot rather than online.
Are there ferries to Comino in winter?
Most Comino boat services run seasonally, typically May to October, and reduce significantly or stop altogether in winter. A small number of crossings may operate year-round depending on demand, but check locally before making plans around an off-season visit.
How long is the ferry crossing from Malta to Gozo?
The Ċirkewwa to Mġarr crossing takes about 25 minutes. It is one of the shortest ferry links in the Mediterranean and in calm weather is a very pleasant short hop.
Sources and further reading:
- Gozo Channel Line — official operator for the Ċirkewwa–Mġarr crossing.
- Malta Tourism Authority for up-to-date Comino seasonal schedules.
- Malta Public Transport for bus connections from Valletta to Ċirkewwa.