Malta to Sicily ferry: Valletta to Pozzallo
The ferry from Malta to Sicily takes around 1 hour 45 minutes, sailing from Valletta to Pozzallo with Virtu Ferries. You can travel as a foot passenger or bring your car, making it a practical way to combine the two islands in one holiday. The same route also runs in reverse, from Sicily to Malta.
Before booking, it helps to know where you want to go in Sicily. You arrive in Pozzallo, in the south-east of the island. Tickets to Catania combine this ferry crossing with a coach transfer, so they are not direct sailings to Catania.
A day trip is possible if the sailings line up, but allow for check-in and travel beyond the port as well. For a visit to Etna or Taormina, an organised excursion can make the day easier to manage. If you have more time, staying overnight gives you a less hurried introduction to Sicily.
Malta to Sicily ferry map
Use the map to locate the ferry terminals in Malta and Pozzallo and plan your onward journey through Sicily. If you are comparing Pozzallo and Catania tickets, the sea crossing is the same: the Catania option adds a coach transfer between Pozzallo and Catania.
Pozzallo or Catania: which ticket should you book?
Choose Pozzallo if you are bringing a car or arranging your own onward transport. This is where the ferry arrives in Sicily. For a stay around Pozzallo, Ragusa or Syracuse, there is little reason to travel north to Catania first.
If you are heading to Catania without a car, check the combined ferry and coach option. Virtu Ferries publishes a separate transfer schedule between Pozzallo port and Catania port. Make sure your ticket includes the coach, and check the meeting point: this is not automatically a transfer to Catania Airport or your hotel.
| Your travel plans | Which option fits? | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Taking your own car to Sicily | Valletta-Pozzallo ferry | Book your vehicle as well as all passengers. |
| Staying in south-eastern Sicily without a car | Ferry to Pozzallo, then local transport | Arrange your onward journey before choosing a sailing. |
| Travelling to Catania without a car | Ferry plus coach via Pozzallo | Coach availability, arrival point and the total fare. |
| Visiting Sicily for one day | A suitable day return or an organised excursion | Time ashore, transport in Sicily and the return departure. |
Allow around 1 hour 45 minutes for the sea crossing. Check-in and any onward coach or car journey come on top of that.
Crossings & tickets from Malta to Sicily
Sicily to Malta: taking the ferry from Pozzallo
The ferry from Sicily to Malta leaves from Pozzallo, in the south-east of Sicily. You can board as a foot passenger or bring your car. If you are starting in Catania, check the connecting coach to Pozzallo and book it alongside your ferry.
For travellers staying in Syracuse, Ragusa or elsewhere in Sicily, the main thing to arrange is getting to the port. Allow time for the journey and check-in, especially if you are returning a hire car or relying on a transfer.
Planning a day trip to Malta? Check both sailings before booking. Departures from Pozzallo vary by date, and some days only have evening sailings. An early ferry from Malta to Sicily does not mean there is an early departure in the opposite direction. An overnight stay may fit your plans much better.
Our tip: if the ferry is your next stop after a Sicily road trip, plan your final night with Pozzallo in mind. Staying within easy reach of the port makes for a more relaxed departure than driving across the island that morning.
On board & the ferries around Malta & Sicily
Malta-Sicily ferry timetable and check-in
Virtu Ferries’ departure times vary by day and season. Some dates have two sailings in each direction, others have three. Check the current Malta-Pozzallo timetable for your travel dates before arranging transfers or making plans for your arrival.
For a day trip, choose your outward and return sailings together. The time between arrival and departure is not all sightseeing time: you also need to get back to the terminal and check in for the return crossing.
How early should you arrive?
- Foot passengers: arrive at least 1 hour before departure.
- Passengers with a vehicle: arrive at least 1 hour 30 minutes before departure.
- Check-in opens: 2 hours before the scheduled sailing.
Allow extra time to reach the port during busy periods. If you have booked the Catania coach connection, follow the separate meeting time and departure instructions on your booking rather than the ferry check-in times above.
Malta to Sicily ferry prices
The useful price is the total for your travel plans: your passengers, a car if you are bringing one, and any onward coach transfer. Compare the same ticket type too. A same-day return can have different conditions and fares from a return after several nights in Sicily.
- For a day trip: compare a return ferry ticket plus transport in Sicily with an organised excursion that includes both.
- For a longer stay: compare taking your car with travelling on foot and hiring one in Sicily.
- For Catania: check whether the coach connection is included in the quoted total or needs to be added.
Use the booking tool to check availability and fares for your dates. Before paying, check the amendment and cancellation conditions as well, particularly if your wider itinerary is still taking shape.
Is a day trip from Malta to Sicily worth it?
Yes, if you want a taste of Sicily and do not mind a long day. The return journey involves around three and a half hours at sea, plus check-in and transport in Sicily. Mount Etna and Taormina are not just outside Pozzallo, so factor in the coach journey as well as the crossing.
For a first visit focused on those sights, we would lean towards an organised excursion. Having the ferry and onward transport arranged together makes the day easier to manage. Check how long you spend at each stop and whether meals, admission fees or activities cost extra.
Travelling independently works best when you choose one manageable destination and arrange your return transport in advance. Trying to squeeze several towns and a volcano into the same day leaves little room to enjoy any of them.
Organised tours from Malta
These excursions are worth comparing with booking the ferry and transport separately. Read the current itinerary before choosing: stops vary by tour and season, and not every Etna excursion includes Taormina.
- Check the Etna excursion itinerary and available dates on Viator.
- Compare a one-day Sicily tour from Malta on Viator.
Our tip: if you have the time, stay at least one night. Staying around Syracuse and Ortigia gives you time for dinner and an evening walk, rather than spending the afternoon watching the clock for your return ferry.
If you would prefer a boat trip within the Maltese islands, take a look at the ferries and boat trips to Comino and the Blue Lagoon.
Taking your car from Malta to Sicily
You can take your car on the Virtu Ferries crossing to Pozzallo. It is particularly useful for a longer trip through Sicily, when you want to explore different towns or stay outside the main centres. For a single organised day trip, you are unlikely to need it.
If you are travelling with a hire car, get the rental company’s permission before booking. Check whether taking it to Sicily is allowed, whether your insurance and breakdown cover apply, and whether there are additional fees. Being able to book the car onto the ferry does not mean the rental agreement permits the journey.
Can you take a ferry from Malta to mainland Italy?
The ferry to Pozzallo takes you to Sicily, which is part of Italy but separate from the mainland. We have not confirmed a currently bookable regular passenger ferry directly from Malta to mainland Italy. Freight connections listed online should not be treated as options for a holiday with your car unless the operator confirms this.
To continue north by car, you can sail to Pozzallo, drive through Sicily and take a separate ferry across the Strait of Messina to Calabria. Depending on where you are heading, a longer ferry from Sicily to another Italian port may save you a substantial drive.
Our overview of ferries between Sicily and mainland Italy helps you compare those onward routes.
Where does the Malta-Sicily ferry leave from?
Malta: Virtu Passenger Terminal in Marsa
The ferry leaves from the Virtu Passenger Terminal at Xatt l-Għassara tal-Għeneb, Marsa, MRS 1917. Although the route is usually called Valletta-Pozzallo, use this terminal address when arranging a taxi or setting your navigation. The local passenger ferries around Valletta use different departure points.
Sicily: Porto di Pozzallo
In Sicily, head to the ferry departure terminal at Porto di Pozzallo, following the instructions on your ticket. Virtu Ferries also has a booking office in town, so check that your navigation is taking you to the port rather than the sales office.
The operator lists its departure terminals and booking offices separately. If you are arranging a transfer, give the driver your ferry details as well as the destination.
Travelling with pets
Pets can travel with Virtu Ferries, but declare them when booking and arrange their place in advance. The available options depend on your pet, its carrier and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. Check the current pet travel conditions for suitable arrangements and the documents required for your journey.
If you are also booking the Catania coach, confirm that your pet and carrier are accepted on that transfer. Acceptance on the ferry does not automatically cover the coach connection.
Useful for travellers to Malta
Tips for ferry travellers
Do the Sicily to Malta ferry run in October, is so, When is the timetable available for booking tickets ?
and is the sea crossing rough at that time of the year
Hi Eddie,
We did the research for you: Yes, they are also running in October ( multiple sailings per day), they seem to run all year through (also November). In october the sea is more rough, and yes on this route especially things can get really rough. 90 minutes is quite ok though.. So even in bad weather 90 minutes is done before you know it. Check out more about seasickness on ferries here:
https://ferrygogo.com/sailing-smoothly-proven-tips-to-beat-sea-sickness-on-ferries/
Hey,I want to go sicily from Malta on Saturday 15 July in the morning and returned back on Monday 17 July evening.so is there any offer tickets available for this roaster?
Thanks,
Adeel
Hi Adeel,
There is currently a Sicily Summer offer – which is valid for July and August – you can find the details here; https://www.virtuferries.com/offers/sicily-special-offers/1
Good luck and have a nice trip!
Team FerryGoGo
I am looking to ride the ferry end of March 2024 to Sicily. Does the Ferry run in march and do tours run in Marc h? or can I catch a local bus and tour myself. I speak Italian
Hi,
I am planning a trip in Sicily in December this year and want to include a day trip to Malta. But I can’t find any schedule for that month. I plan to take the ferry from Pozzallo. Is it possible to leave in the morning from Pozzallo and come back in the late evening? or I need to spend a night in Malta. thank you!
Hi Sophia,
Yes it is possible to leave in the morning and arrive in the evening!
8:30 is earliest departure and latest departure from Malta is 18:00, here you can see the schedule. Make sure you book your tickets in advance!
Hi I’m planning to travel Malta with my husband from January 18-26 2024.I would like to visit Sicily for a day or two..would like to know your itenerary for so..
8:30 is earliest departure and latest departure from Malta is 18:00, here you can see the schedule. Make sure you book your tickets in advance!. Make sure you book your tickets in advance!
What are the ferry charges from Malta to Sicily
@ Sonia
These are (more or less, things can change a bit) the prices for Malta to Sicily:
Normal Return – €109.00
One Way – €68.00
I want to go from Sicily to Malta on the 26 December and come back on the 14 january . Where can I book ?
Hey Pascale,
If you can’t book the trip yet others also can’t, just wait a bit until the 2024 schedule arrives. You can book here.
Good luck!
I want to take a rental car on the ferry from Malta to Sicily. I need to provide the registration number for the ferry booking but I won’t have it until I pick up the car. Is there any way to book a ticket without those details?
Hi Karl,
I would really advise you to talk with your car-rental company about this. I think you are not allowed to take your rental car from Malta to Sicily!
I would like to book 2 tickets for Valletta – Pozzallo on the 8th of October 2023 but it appears that I can not, are there any ferrys that work then?
When will the timetable for May2024 be available please?
Hi J Lapinskas,
It seems to some of the schedules for May 2024 are already available, you can find more information on the exact dates and times in this table:https://www.virtuferries.com/schedule/6
Let me know if you have any remaining questions!
Best, JW
I’m trying to find out if I can catch the ferry from Valetta to Catania in October? Specifically on 10 October 2024. It doesn’t seem to allow me to book in October.
Hi Sarah,
We also checked, I think the sailing schedule for Q4 for the ferries still have to be made. When we check Virtu Ferries we can’t use the booking engine from October onwards yet. Should be available shortly.
Best regards,
IS there a charge for luggage for foot passengers?
Hi Pauline,
Great question, thanks. No there is no charge for luggage for foot passengers. You can are allowed to carry a maximum of 3 pieces of personal baggage per person. Which can’t exceed H 50cms x W 40cms x L 80cms (170 linear cms). This must be deposited in the baggage trolley or the storage place reserved on the vessel as indicated by the vessel’s crew.
Hope this helps.
Let me know if you have any remaining questions.
Best regards,
JW
Hi if i go from Catania to Malta in September, can i take 20kg of luggage each?
Hi Andrea,
Great question. On most ferries you can take a lot of luggage – for this crossing you’ll be sailing with Virtu Ferries. On their site you can find that you can bring: Maximum 3 pieces of baggage per person. Any one piece of baggage must not exceed H 50cms x W 40cms x L 80cms (170 linear cms). The Company is not responsible for loss of or wilful damage to luggage. So there is no max weight only max sizes.
Hope this helps,
Happy travels!
Hello,
We would like to join a organized 1-day tour from Malta to Sicily between October 13–15, 2026, where it is possible to visit Taormina and Mount Etna.
However, I cannot find any booking options for this period on the website.
Is it possible that the ferry schedule for October 2026 has not been released yet?
If so, could you please let me know when the schedule will become available and from when it will be possible to book places for the 1-day Malta–Sicily excursion?
Thank you very much in advance!