How to get to Gozo: all the ways to reach the island

After publishing my first articles about Malta’s sister island, I wanted to put together everything you need to know about how to get to Gozo. Gozo lies north of Malta, separated from the main island by a narrow channel, with Comino between them. Gozo is much smaller than Malta, which makes it relatively easy to explore. You can cover a large part of the island during a short stay, although some roads are narrow or uneven. I spent four full days there and also joined a full-day quad tour. What struck me most was how authentic and relatively unspoiled the island felt. At first glance, Gozo may seem quiet, but it has many hidden places worth discovering. In fact, I’ve listed all the things to see and do on Gozo in our dedicated article.

If you enjoy peaceful destinations and natural scenery, Gozo is likely to appeal to you. It is an excellent place to slow down while exploring rugged and scenic locations. This guide explains the different ways to reach Gozo so you can choose the option that best fits your itinerary.

To find out more about the island, we’ve put together a guide to the beaches of Gozo, the perfect guide to help you find your way around!

Gozo does not have a commercial airport, so most travelers first fly into Malta International Airport in Luqa. Direct flight times from France are generally around two to three hours, depending on the departure city. From Malta, the two main options are the regular ferry services or a private boat transfer.

The traditional vehicle ferry departs from Ċirkewwa, at the northern tip of Malta, opposite Gozo. Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and foot passengers can travel on this service. You can reach the ferry terminal by:

• car: I rented my car through the comparison website Discover Cars. The comparison site made it easy to review several offers and vehicle types. I picked it up directly at the airport and dropped it off at the end of my stay there.

• Bus: There are buses from Luqa airport, Valletta, Sliema, Mellieħa (basically the whole east coast of the island). A standard onboard daytime bus ticket currently costs €2, while night and special services cost €3. Frequency varies by route and time of day, with fewer departures in the evening.
• Taxi: if you prefer a direct and more comfortable ride to Ċirkewwa, there are plenty of cabs waiting at the airport. The advantage of taking a cab at the airport is that you pay at the cab rank in the arrivals hall before getting into the cab. I find this a rather practical system. This way, prices are fixed, you pay in advance and there are no nasty surprises with the meter. Paying at the official desk can make the fare clearer before departure. Taxi prices can change, so check the current fixed fare at the airport desk before booking.
• Bolt, Uber, etc. : you can also use these apps to book a ride. These services may be cheaper than traditional taxis, although prices vary. However, prices always depend on the time of day and how busy it is. That’s just the way it is!

Travelers staying near Valletta can also use the high-speed passenger ferry from Grand Harbour. The route is currently operated under the Gozo Highspeed service. Vehicles are not accepted, but it is a convenient alternative for foot passengers. It can be especially practical if you are staying near Valletta or traveling without a car.

The classic ferry between Ċirkewwa and Gozo operates frequently throughout the day. The service operates daily, including overnight crossings. This makes it possible to travel early in the morning, during the day, or late at night. Daytime departures are frequent, although exact intervals vary according to the published timetable. Check the current schedule before traveling, especially outside peak daytime hours. If you still want to check the Ċirkewwa-Mġarr ferry timetable, you can visit the Gozo Channel company website. Overnight departures are less frequent. Additional sailings may be scheduled during busy periods.

Another tip for the road: if you want to be on the safe side, I advise you to arrive 20 minutes before boarding time, especially in summer (when there are many more passengers and rental cars), otherwise you may have to wait longer.

The Valletta fast ferry follows a fixed daily timetable, which should be checked before departure. Departure intervals vary throughout the day. If the weather is bad, departures may be suspended as a precaution. Although Malta’s climate is mild, the sea can be rough in winter and there can be storms.

Travel between Malta and Gozo is generally straightforward and affordable. Whether on foot, by car or with the family, prices are truly reasonable and accessible. To give you an idea:
From Ċirkewwa (classic ferry):

• The standard adult foot-passenger fare is €4.65 for one round trip.
• Children aged 3 to 12 pay €1.15.
• Children under 3 travel free, although a ticket must still be issued.
• The standard car-and-driver fare is €15.70 for one round trip.

You won’t pay on the outward journey from Ċirkewwa. I did not realize this at first and briefly thought we had boarded without paying, but the return-payment system is normal.

From Valletta (fast ferry) :

• The standard adult one-way fare is currently €7.50.
• Children aged 4 to 10 currently pay €3, while younger children travel free.

Granted, the ferry from Valletta is slightly more expensive, but it saves time depending on where you’re staying on the island.
For the classic ferry, you won’t need to book: you’ll just have to go straight to Ċirkewwa. For the fast ferry, it’s best to book in advance, especially in high season or at weekends, if you want to be sure of having room.
Frequent travelers can also check whether commuter or multi-trip products suit their plans.

The direct vehicle ferry departs from Ċirkewwa. The journey takes 25 minutes. The journey passes quickly. What’s more, the scenery is beautiful as you leave Malta, pass by Comino and arrive at Mġarr, the small coastal village of Gozo (the terminus). The route offers attractive views of Malta, Comino, and Gozo.

There are cliffs and magnificent views along the way. It is a pleasant and scenic crossing. What’s more, if you go before the usual rush hours and out of season, there are very few people on board. Outside busy periods, the ferries can feel relatively spacious.

From Valletta, the crossing to Gozo is quite pleasant. You’ll sail along the entire west coast of Malta, then to Comino and finally to Gozo. This time the crossing takes 45 minutes. Although the crossing is longer, it can save time by avoiding the journey to northern Malta. In any case, the crossing is very comfortable and the ferries are quite modern. However, the ferries are very crowded in the summer. Try to leave early in the morning, it’s much more pleasant!

The ferry remains the easiest and most common way to reach Gozo, but a few alternatives are available. Some are faster or more private, although usually more expensive. I’ll give you all the alternatives depending on your wishes and expectations during your stay.

A private boat or water taxi can offer a more personalized journey with greater control over the departure time. You can easily book one from Valletta, Sliema or St Julian’s. This way you can choose your departure time and day, and most importantly, you can stop along the way to swim, snorkel or explore the caves around Comino and Gozo. This can turn the transfer into part of the day’s experience.

Private-boat prices vary widely according to the vessel, route, duration, and season. Of course it all depends on the size of the boat and how long you want to go. For groups, dividing the cost may make the option more manageable.

With a shared taxi boat, you’ll have less freedom to make stops. Shared water-taxi fares vary by operator and route, so confirm the current price before booking. However, as you can imagine, this type of boat is very popular in the summer. So book well in advance, especially if you have a specific time slot in mind.

Many organized excursions include transfers between Malta and Gozo, removing the need to arrange the journey yourself. For my part, on my guided quad day in Gozo, the service provider took care of everything. We were transferred in private boats chartered by Gozo Pride Tours. In addition to the trip, the local meal was included in Gozo. The day ran smoothly, allowing us to focus on the experience.

Even if you don’t necessarily go on a quad bike tour of Gozo, but use an organization to discover the island’s must-sees, you won’t have to worry about how to get to Gozo or how your day will go.

Private aviation transfers may occasionally be available, but they are not part of Gozo’s regular public transport network.

Helicopter transfers must be arranged privately with a specialist charter operator. To name but two: Helicopter Charter Gozo and Flapper. Flight times are short, but depend on the departure point and operator. In my opinion, you won’t miss a thing with all the views of the Maltese archipelago flashing before your eyes. There are a number of departure points, including Malta Airport, the Grand Harbour in Valletta and Xewkija Heliport in Gozo.

Of course, helicopter transfers are not scheduled like ferries. They are on request transfers. If you’re interested in this experience, you’ll need to contact the companies I’ve mentioned. Prices and availability vary considerably, so request a current quote directly from the operator.
FYI: if the weather is inclement (even with over 300 days of sunshine a year, it can happen), flights may be postponed. You never know!

Some charter companies may also offer panoramic flights rather than simple transfers. Depending on the price, it might be worth it!

There is currently no regular scheduled seaplane service to Gozo. In the 2000s they were operated by Harbour Air Malta. Any seaplane activity should be treated as a private charter or excursion and verified directly with the provider. To give you a little more information, they often depart from the Grand Harbour in Valletta.

Flight duration and routing depend on the operator and departure point. It’s best to check fares directly with the companies offering the service, such as Nordic Seaplanes and Flapper. This is a premium option rather than a practical everyday transfer.

If you already have a rental car in Malta, you can take it to Gozo on the Ċirkewwa vehicle ferry. Personally, I did this as it was a great way to see Gozo at my own pace! Keep in mind that some roads are narrow or uneven, and parking can be difficult in summer. For confident drivers, this is still a practical way to explore.

If you prefer not to drive, there are other options: rent a quad bike, a bicycle, a scooter or take a taxi. To make things easier for you, I’ve listed all these solutions below. In any case, don’t forget that it is possible to visit Gozo without a car!

If you prefer not to drive around Gozo, the bus is a good option. The network on the island of Gozo is fairly well developed between the main places of interest. You can easily visit Victoria (the capital), Xlendi, Marsalforn, Ramla Bay, Dwejra and many more. All bus routes depart from Victoria: that’s where it all happens!

A standard onboard daytime bus ticket currently costs €2. Travel cards or multi-day passes may be better value if you plan to use the bus frequently. It could be cheaper if you plan to travel a lot!

The only downside is that buses to the beaches can fill up quickly in the summer… And for more remote places, for walks that involve narrow, rugged roads, the bus will drop you off on the main roads and you’ll have to walk the rest of the way! If the weather is not too hot and you like walking, you can do it!

Oh, and I almost forgot: you can download the Tallinja app to check the timetable online and plan accordingly.

If you prefer to move around more freely without depending on bus schedules, and public transport is not your thing, you have several options open to you:

• Rent a bicycle: so, given the descents and climbs there are in Gozo, everyone I saw on a bike was equipped with electric assistance, and understandably so! Except perhaps for the sporty types who want a bit of a challenge…
• Rent a scooter: in Gozo, there’s a certain Italian influence and vibe. The scooter, Vespa, dolce vita side of things is pretty cool and makes it easy to get around between beaches, villages and wild spots. You just need to have your driving license with you.
• Rent a quad: frankly, it’s quite popular in Gozo. It’s true that there are narrow dirt roads to get to some of the hidden nuggets. But at least you’ll be able to go everywhere without worry, with a touch of adventure! As I said above, I did a quad bike tour on the spot, and in terms of sensations, it was really top-notch! What’s more, there are several rental agencies on the island offering quad bikes for day or half-day hire. Quads are often automatic, so driving is that much easier. Again, you just need to have your license with you!

• Take a taxi or ride-hailing service: I saw several Bolt vehicles on the island. I confess I didn’t look at the prices, as I’d already rented a car. But, as usual with these apps, the price depends on the journey and the time. Prices vary by distance, time, and demand, so compare the quoted fare before booking. And if there’s more than one of you and you split the fare, it’s still worth it!

As you can see, not renting a car in Gozo doesn’t mean you can’t visit the island: you have many other options than the bus to stay free and have time to do lots of things in a day or more.

That brings this guide to how to get from Malta to Gozo to a close. For most travelers, the vehicle ferry or high-speed passenger ferry will be the most practical choice, while private transfers remain occasional alternatives.

I strongly encourage you to spend enough time on the island rather than treating it only as a brief stop. Gozo rewards travelers who explore it at a slower pace. What’s more, you’ve seen that renting a car in Gozo isn’t compulsory: there are plenty of other ways to get around the island!

If I’ve convinced you to give it a few days, I’ve also prepared an article on hotels in Gozo. It should make it even easier to organize your stay in Malta and Gozo! In any case, that’s the aim!

See you soon for more adventures in the Maltese archipelago!

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to explore the beautiful Maltese archipelago and share all the beauty of its islands with you. A little piece of paradise not to be missed!

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