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Wondering how to get from Malta airport to Gozo? There are several options and I’ll help you figure out which is best in terms of time, hassle and cost.
Malta’s sister island Gozo is located around 40 kilometres from Malta International Airport, and includes a ferry crossing. To get from Malta airport to Gozo, you will first travel 30 kilometres to Ċirkewwa, where you catch the ferry to Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. From there on you can continue your trip toward your holiday destination.
You may want to rent a car, book a taxi (the fastest way to get a transfer – I usually recommend Welcome Pickups), hop onto a public bus or use a shared shuttle bus. Having your own car is flexible and perfect for exploring the island, while a taxi is hassle-free. The bus is the cheapest way, though it will take you a lot more time. A shuttle bus might be another great option if you’re on a budget.
Read on to find out how to get a Malta airport transfer to Gozo.
After landing at Malta International Airport, you have two options for ferries that go to Gozo:
Transport options for both are similar, but since the main ferry at Ċirkewwa is the most popular option, these are the main ways to get there from Malta airport:
Once you get to Ċirkewwa, you will need to wait for the next ferry. Crossings are frequent and it takes just about 25 minutes for the ferry to reach the port in Mġarr, Gozo.
The ferry that takes you from Ċirkewwa to the harbour of Mġarr in Gozo is operated by the Gozo Channel Lines. The service is regular, fast, and efficient. Cancellations rarely take place – only in winter, when there is a very strong storm or the sea is extremely rough. The trip takes around 25 minutes.
All Gozo Channel ferries can carry vehicles across. So if you rent a car in Malta, you can bring it on the ferry and drive it to Gozo. All payments are made at the Gozo Ferry Terminal on your way back, before boarding for the return trip.
Find out more details on how to catch the ferry to Gozo.
The Gozo ferry is in high demand during the summer season (from July to September), particularly on weekends. This is because many locals take a ferry ride between the islands. There are also other dates when the ferry is really busy, such as during Carnival and on long weekends.
It’s always a good idea to allow an extra hour or two when taking the ferry back to Malta for your return trip to the airport. Sometimes there are unexpected delays and if you add a little buffer you can avoid missing your flight.
Very rarely, does the larger Gozo ferry stops operating due to bad weather, particularly in winter. This happens only when the sea between the islands is so rough that makes the ferry ride impossible. As mentioned, the fast ferry service from Valletta is much more prone to cancellations, making it a less reliable option.
You are now ready to start your adventure in Gozo. Several taxis are available at Mġarr Harbour which are relatively cheap.
Taxis in Malta are on the expensive side, however, they’ll quickly take you wherever you want to be. After you land at Malta International Airport and clear immigration, you’ll find yourself in the Arrivals hall, where there’s a desk open 24/7. Here, you can hire a taxi at fixed rates anywhere in Malta, but you usually won’t get the best taxi fare.
The best option for a Malta airport taxi though is to book in advance online through Welcome Pickups. I use them myself and recommend them without hesitation, in fact, I’ve partnered with them to make booking online easier.
Although the fare might be slightly higher, it’s worth paying this price. Your chauffeur will be waiting for you at the airport, even when your flight is delayed, so you’re guaranteed a smooth ride.
TIP: A regular taxi can usually carry three people, but it depends on how much luggage you’re carrying. If you’re travelling with more than 3 people, you’d need a second taxi, while booking online allows you to select a larger vehicle right away, and usually works out more economically.
A shuttle bus can be a convenient alternative to public transport for getting from Malta airport to Gozo. The shuttle bus is ideal to drop you off or pick you up to and from very specific locations, such as hotels or the Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal.
Transfers with fixed prices are easily booked in advance through Suntransfers. Alternatively, there’s a booking desk inside the airport’s baggage reclaim area.
A one-way trip from Malta Airport to the Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal costs around €16-20 for two adults and their luggage. You’ll be greeted by the bus driver when you arrive.
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Another great transport option to consider is renting a car from Malta International Airport and driving yourself to Ċirkewwa, from where you can take your car across on the ferry to Gozo.
You will find a good selection of car rental operators at the Malta International Airport. Here you have two options:
On the day of your departure from Malta, you can leave the car keys in a deposit box at the same location, if the offices are closed.
Rental prices vary on the type of car you choose and the number of days. A medium-sized car would typically cost around €70-€175 for one week, depending on the time of year.
It is easy to get from Malta International Airport to Gozo using public transport.
Step 1: After clearing immigration, you’ll find yourself in the Arrivals hall.
Step 2: Look for the Malta Public Transport booth from where you can buy yourself a bus ticket to your destination (in this case to the Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal). You can also buy your tickets directly on the bus.
Tip: Multi-day passes are also available and can be used both in Malta and in Gozo.
One way public transport ticket prices:
Step 3: Head out of the Airport and cross the road to the public bus bay.
Tip: You should look for the X1 express bus bay since this will take you to your destination without any stops.
The Malta Public Transport operates seven bus routes that can take you to the Ferry Terminal in Ċirkewwa. You can board the public transport buses from various locations in Malta. The bus routes that stop at Ċirkewwa are the following: 41, 42, 101, 221, 222, 250, and X1.
Step 4: When the bus comes, hop on it. If you’ve bought your ticket from the Public Transport desk inside the airport then you’re all set. If not, you need to pay the driver to get the tickets on the bus.
Tip: always have some small cash at hand. In Malta, cash (coins or paper money) is still preferred over credit and debit cards in some situations.
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