You’ve just landed at Malta International Airport and stepped out into the warm Mediterranean air, eager to begin your adventure. But this time round, your visit to the Maltese Islands will immediately take you to your first stop. Malta’s spectacular sister island of Gozo. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque villages. Gozo is the ideal retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embrace tranquility.
The first question on your mind will be: Once I land in Malta, what are the different ways in which I can make my way to Gozo? The island of Gozo is accessible in two different ways. One way is via a ferry departing from Ċirkewwa or else a fast ferry departing from Valletta. Below we will offer you a complete guide to help you journey from Malta’s airport to Gozo with ease.
Getting from Malta International Airport to Ċirkewwa Harbour
First, let’s look at one of the most popular and the longest standing service: the Gozo Ferry that departs from Ċirkewwa, located at Malta’s northernmost point. From the airport, you have several transportation options to reach the ferry terminal.
By bus
Malta Public Transport offers a direct bus route from the airport, directly to the Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal. The specific route you would need to look out for is the X1. This departs every 30-45 minutes from the airport’s bus station, located just 100 meters from the arrivals terminal. The first bus leaves at 5:00 AM, while the last one departs at 10:55 PM.
If you’re going to opt for this option, it is important to note that the duration of the journey will take between 1-2 hours, depending on the traffic. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket machines located inside the airport, or else directly from the bus driver when boarding the bus. It is good to note that the individual bus journey prices vary slightly in summer months. It is recommended that you purchase a tourist bus card to further save on travel costs.
By taxi
If you’re looking to get to Gozo faster, you can do so by booking a taxi. This can be done either through the taxi stands located within the arrivals lounge at the airport, or else through local cab apps. The journey will cost around €30-35 and will take approximately 30 minutes to get to the ferry terminal. If you’d like to ensure that your taxi is ready upon your arrival, these can even be pre-booked.
By car rental
Especially if you plan to explore Gozo to the max, looking into renting a car might be a very good idea. You can rent a car prior to your arrival to Malta or get one directly from the airport. Then you can drive yourself all the way to Ċirkewwa, proceeding to the queue designated for vehicles that will board the ferry, allowing you to take your car with you to Gozo for further exploration.
Boarding the Gozo Ferry at Ċirkewwa
Once you’ve made your way to Ċirkewwa, you should then head to the ferry terminal’s passenger area to board the Gozo Ferry. Unless of course, you’re travelling by rental car, in this case, you proceed to the vehicles queue. Once onboard, you will go through a scenic 25-minute crossing that offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and close up views of the island of Comino and of course, Gozo.
The ferry runs approximately every 30 minutes during the day, with approximately 45 daily trips departing to Gozo with Gozo Channel. It’s important to note that it varies according to season. The journey will get you to the Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main entry point. Tickets for this ferry can only be purchased directly from the Gozo terminal when you’re making your return to Malta. You will not make any ferry payments on your journey to Gozo.
The Main Alternative Route: Taking the Fast Ferry from Valletta to Gozo
If you are not going to be travelling by car, and you’re interested in getting to Gozo a bit quicker, there is now an alternative option. You can travel by bus or taxi to Valletta, and then opt for the fast ferry service from Grand Harbour directly to Mġarr Harbour, Gozo. This is an excellent option for foot passengers looking for a quick and efficient transfer.
While taxis are also an option in this case, if you plan to opt to travel by bus, your best bet would be route TD4. This route takes around 45 minutes and brings you directly to the ferry terminal in Valletta. We recommend that you arrive between 15-20 minutes to the fast ferry terminal before departure to ensure that your check-in process is smooth.
Furthermore, when purchasing tickets for the fast ferry online, you will be charged less than when purchasing tickets from the terminal. From the terminal itself you are only able to purchase one-way tickets for €7.50. While online, you can purchase a return trip for a total of €12. The fast ferry is accessible for wheelchairs and also has space for bicycles and electric scooters. The schedule for the fast ferry can be accessed here.
Welcome to Gozo!
And here you are, at the end of your journey to reach the beautiful island of Gozo. Upon arriving at Mġarr Harbour, your Gozo adventure begins. Getting to your accommodation from the Mġarr harbour is easy. You can use several types of transportation such as the bus and taxis through several taxi apps.
Whether you plan to explore its historical sites, relax on its pristine beaches, or enjoy its authentic culinary scene, your journey to this enchanting island can be made easy with the above mentioned transportation options.
We hope that you enjoy your stay!
