English| EUR
Suggested for you
More currencies
Choose a language
The Malta-Gozo ferry departs from the Ċirkewwa terminal in Mellieħa, at the northern tip of Malta. This page walks you through the exact location, the boarding sequence, and the arrival windows that let you skip peak-hour congestion.
Quick answer
The ferry from Malta to Gozo departs from the Ċirkewwa terminal, located at Triq Il-Marfa in Mellieħa at Malta's northern coast. The crossing operates around the clock, seven days a week, with sailings roughly every 45 minutes during the day and less frequently at night. Payment is collected on the return journey from Gozo, with a standard passenger round-trip fare of 4.65 EUR.
The Gozo Channel crossing is the only year-round vehicle and passenger link between the two islands, and every journey begins at the same concrete ramp in Mellieħa. The terminal sits at the end of a coastal road that winds through rocky headland, visible from several kilometers away by the cluster of waiting vehicles and the orange-and-white ferries riding at anchor in the strait. Most first-time travelers underestimate the queue length during summer weekends and school holidays, when vehicle lanes can stretch back a kilometer from the embarkation point. The channel crossing itself takes approximately 25 minutes, traversing a stretch of open water that separates Malta from Gozo by fewer than six kilometers at its narrowest point. Gozo Channel operates a fleet of roll-on/roll-off vessels capable of carrying both passengers and vehicles, with the crossing running continuously regardless of weather except in rare cases of severe sea conditions. The schedule is designed to serve commuters, freight hauliers, and visitors alike, resulting in a reliable cadence of departures from dawn through midnight. Arriving between 06:00 and 10:00 positions you ahead of the mid-morning surge, when tour groups and day-trippers converge on the terminal. Walk-on passengers board separately from vehicles and rarely wait longer than the time it takes for the next ferry to dock, but drivers with cars or motorcycles can expect delays of 30 to 90 minutes during peak periods. The terminal itself offers limited facilities: a ticket booth that handles vehicle transactions, a small café, and open-air waiting areas exposed to wind off the strait. Payment is deferred until the return crossing, a quirk of the route that simplifies outbound boarding but requires you to budget the round-trip cost before leaving Gozo. The Mġarr harbor on the Gozo side mirrors the layout at Ċirkewwa: a single ramp, vehicle lanes, and pedestrian walkways. Once you disembark, local buses and taxis wait at the terminal exit, and the road network fans out toward Victoria, Xlendi, and the coastal villages that define Gozo's interior. The crossing is the logistical hinge of any Gozo visit, and knowing where the ferry departs from Malta eliminates the single largest source of confusion for travelers planning the journey.
“The terminal sits at the end of a coastal road that winds through rocky headland, visible from several kilometers away by the cluster of waiting vehicles and the orange-and-white ferries riding at anchor in the strait.”
The ferry to Gozo departs exclusively from the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, located at the northernmost tip of Malta. Travelers can reach this terminal by following signs for Cirkewwa or Triq Il-Marfa in Il-Mellieħa.
X1, 101, 222, or 250 to Cirkewwa Terminal
Route 1 to Triq Il-Marfa, Il-Mellieħa
Direct transfer to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal
The terminal is located at Triq Il-Marfa, Il-Mellieħa, Malta. Arrive between 06:00–10:00 to avoid peak mid-morning crowds and long queues for vehicle boarding.
The ferry service operates continuously throughout the week, providing 24-hour connectivity between Malta and Gozo.
The best arrival window is 06:00–10:00 to avoid peak mid-morning crowds and long queues for vehicle boarding. Planning your transit within this timeframe ensures a more predictable departure from the Malta terminal.
—
Aim for these departures to bypass the heaviest commuter and tourist traffic.
Warm, 25°C–32°C
Expect increased demand, particularly during weekends and public holidays.
Mild, 18°C–25°C
These shoulder seasons offer a balanced experience with fewer queues compared to peak summer.
—
Off-peak departures provide a quieter travel experience for those with flexible schedules.
Verdict: The best time to travel is Tuesday to Thursday, arriving between 06:00–10:00 during the months of April or October.
The ferry operates continuously from the Ċirkewwa terminal in northern Malta, with no advance booking required for foot passengers. The crossing takes 25 minutes, and the entire boarding process is designed for walk-on simplicity.
Drive to Triq Il-Marfa, Il-Mellieħa, or take the X1 bus from Valletta. Follow signs to the pedestrian boarding area—vehicles queue separately, so don't join the car lanes by mistake.
Walk directly onto the vessel when the crew signals boarding; ferries depart every 45 minutes throughout the day, and foot passengers are never turned away due to capacity.
Head to the upper deck for open-air views or stay in the enclosed saloon if the wind is strong. The crossing is short, so most passengers remain standing near the rails.
Exit via the pedestrian ramp as soon as the ferry docks in Gozo. The ticket booth is located at the Mġarr terminal—payment is collected on the return journey only, not when leaving Malta.
When boarding back to Malta, purchase your round-trip ticket at the Mġarr booth before walking onto the ferry. Keep your receipt, as crew may check it during the crossing.
Everything you need to know about where do you get the ferry from malta to gozo
You can board the ferry at the Cirkewwa Terminal, located at Triq Il-Marfa in Il-Mellieħa. This port serves as the primary gateway for sea transit between the islands of Malta and Gozo. The terminal provides regular maritime links for both foot passengers and vehicles. It is helpful to know exactly where do you get the ferry from Malta to Gozo to ensure a smooth journey to your destination.
There is no requirement to pre-book your travel as the Gozo Channel operates a frequent, non-reservation system for most passengers. Travelers can simply arrive at the terminal and pay upon their return. This flexible approach simplifies the process of discovering where do you get the ferry from Malta to Gozo for independent visitors.
Drivers should head to the Cirkewwa harbor facility, which features dedicated lanes for vehicle boarding. If you are wondering where do you get the ferry from Malta to Gozo with a rental car, simply follow the road signs toward Cirkewwa in the north. Be aware that queuing may occur during busy periods at the departure deck.
To avoid peak mid-morning crowds and long queues for vehicle boarding, the best arrival window is between 06:00 and 10:00. Planning your trip during these off-peak hours can save you significant time at the port. Many travelers appreciate these insights when researching where do you get the ferry from Malta to Gozo.
The standard passenger round-trip fare is 4.65 EUR, which is payable on your return journey from Gozo. This fee covers the return transit and is collected at the terminal. Please ensure you have the correct currency or payment method ready when using this vital sea route.
Yes, the ferry operates daily, providing continuous connections between the islands. The service is available from 00:00 to 23:59 every day of the week, including weekends. This ensures that reliable transport is always accessible for commuters and tourists alike.