How To Get To Gozo Island: All Transport Options Explained

When we were planning our trip to Gozo from Malta, we went back and forth on how to get there. Should we join a tour, take the passenger ferry, and rely on buses, or bring a car?

After pinning all the places we wanted to see on our Malta map — cliffs, beaches, viewpoints, small villages — it became obvious pretty quickly that bringing our rental car to Gozo would give us the most freedom and save a lot of time. Luckily, this is very easy to do, and car ferries to Gozo run daily and frequently.

That said, there’s no single “right” way to visit Gozo. Whether you’re traveling light, visiting for a day, or planning to explore the island in depth, there’s an option that fits your travel style.

In this guide, we’ll break down all the main ways to get to Gozo and move around — so you can choose what works best for you, based on how you plan to explore the island and which things to do in Gozo you don’t want to miss.

Passenger Ferry to Gozo (Foot Passengers)

There are two main ports in Malta from which you can reach Gozo as a foot passenger.

The most convenient option is the high-speed passenger ferry from Valletta. The crossing takes around 45 minutes, ferries run roughly every hour, and an adult one-way ticket costs about €7.50.

If you’re staying anywhere near Valletta — or arriving by public transport — this is by far the easiest and most time-efficient choice. During summer, we highly recommend booking tickets online in advance, as sailings can sell out. You can check the latest schedule and buy tickets ahead of time via Omio.

The second option is the ferry from Ċirkewwa (north of Malta), which is primarily a car ferry but also accepts foot passengers. While it works fine, it’s much less convenient without a car, as you’ll need to get to the far north of the island first.

For most travelers without a vehicle, the Valletta ferry simply makes more sense.

Getting around Gozo By Public Transport

If you arrive as a foot passenger, public buses are the main way to get around Gozo. The bus network covers the whole island and connects major towns, beaches, and attractions, usually via Victoria (Rabat), which acts as the central hub.

Buses are affordable and easy to use, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Routes aren’t always direct, frequencies can be limited outside peak hours, and travel times are often longer than expected.

Schedules and routes are best checked in advance via the official Malta Public Transport website or app, where you can also see real-time updates.

Car Ferry to Gozo (Bringing Your Own Car)

This is exactly what we did, and honestly, despite feeling a bit stressed beforehand, it turned out to be surprisingly easy and smooth.

The car ferry is operated by Gozo Channel and only departs from Ċirkewwa, at the very north of Malta. Ferries usually run every 15–30 minutes, with reduced frequency early in the morning, late in the evening, and during the low season.

We visited in December, so we didn’t book anything in advance. When we arrived, we simply drove over the ramp and lined up in one of the queues. At first, we were confused because there was no ticket office — but that’s normal.

You don’t pay on the way to Gozo. Instead, payment is made only on the return journey, when exiting the ferry ramp back in Malta.

Boarding was very well organized. Staff clearly guided cars into position, with clear instructions on how to park safely. Once parked, we headed up to the upper deck to enjoy the views during the crossing.

Onboard, you’ll find a small snack bar with simple food and drinks, toilets, indoor seating, and outdoor areas — more than enough for the short crossing. After arrival, disembarking was just as smooth, following staff instructions, and within minutes we were driving off to explore Gozo freely.

The return journey worked exactly the same way — straightforward, stress-free, and efficient. If you’re planning to see multiple spots across the island, this option gives you the most flexibility by far.

Getting to Gozo Island on a Tour

If you don’t want to deal with ferries, buses, or driving at all, joining a day tour is the easiest option, especially if you’re short on time. A great choice is this Gozo & Comino Islands tour, a full-day boat trip departing from Bugibba.

The tour lasts around 6–7 hours and combines several highlights into one day. You’ll cruise along Malta’s northern coast, pass dramatic cliffs and sea caves, and stop at the famous Blue Lagoon for swimming in its turquoise waters.

After that, you’ll head to Gozo, where you get around three hours of free time to explore.

When booking, you can choose a land transport option on Gozo. Shuttle buses take you either to Victoria (to visit the Citadel and wander the old town) or to Ramla Bay during summer months.

On the way back, the boat cruises past the Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria caves, and the Elephant’s Head rock formation — great for photos.

The boats are well equipped, with sunbeds, shaded seating, toilets, showers, a snack bar, and swim ladders, making the day comfortable and easy.

Final Thoughts

Getting to Gozo is much easier than it might seem at first, and the best option really depends on how you want to explore the island. Foot passengers and day trippers will appreciate the convenience of ferries and tours, while travelers who want full freedom — like we did — will get the most out of Gozo by bringing a car.

Whichever option you choose, Gozo rewards you with dramatic landscapes, quiet villages, and some of the most beautiful spots in Malta. A bit of planning upfront goes a long way — and once you’re there, exploring the island at your own pace is what makes the experience truly special.