Ferries to Malta
Ferries to Malta
Looking to take a ferry to Malta? The only international ferry to Malta sails from Sicily: Virtu Ferries between Pozzallo and Valletta, about 1 hour 45 minutes. The Catania to Valletta ticket uses the same ship, with a coach from Catania to Pozzallo included.
Coming from the UK? Most people fly, since no ferry links Malta with mainland Europe. If you want your own car on the island, the route is a ferry to Sicily from Genoa, Livorno, Naples or Salerno, then the drive to Pozzallo, about an hour and a half south of Catania. Our guide to the Malta to Sicily crossing covers the Virtu sailings in detail.
Within Malta, several ferry services run regularly. Malta is an archipelago made up of the islands of Malta, Gozo, Comino, the smaller Manoel Island, and the uninhabited islands of Cominotto, Filfla, Fungus Rock, and the St. Paul’s Island
Our take. Unless you are staying for a month or more, do not drive to Malta: the Sicily ferry, the drive down the island and the Virtu crossing add two days each way, and hire cars are cheap in Malta. The better way to use this ferry is the other way round. Fly to Malta, then take the Virtu catamaran from Valletta for a day or two in Sicily; the early sailing puts you in Pozzallo before nine and Syracuse or Etna are within reach. On the islands themselves the Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa is the one you will actually use, often several times, and our Gozo guide covers the fast ferry from Valletta as the alternative without a car.
Ferry to Malta route map
About this crossing
The Pozzallo to Valletta crossing is shown on the map above. This is a popular route from the Italian island of Sicily to Malta, with several sailings a day in summer and fewer in winter.
The crossing is operated by Virtu Ferries and takes less than two hours to travel from Italy to Malta. You can book tickets for this service using the booking module below. Alternatively, you can book a ferry from Catania to Valletta, which also departs from Sicily and takes 4 hours and 45 minutes to reach Malta.
Tickets are easy to book through Direct Ferries.
- It is also possible to book this ferry to/from Catania. You will then be transported by bus on the route between Catania and the ferry port in Pozallo. If you book via Direct ferries, the bus tickets are included in the booking.
Sailing Schedule for Ferries to Malta
You can check the sailing schedule for this crossing here. The ferries operate daily, but with irregular timings, so it’s advisable to keep a close eye on the schedule through Virtu Ferries.
Domestic crossings in Malta
Malta is made up of several islands, with frequent ferry services running between the main islands of Gozo, Malta, and Comino. Below, you’ll find some of the most popular ferry crossings between the Maltese islands that you can book through us. You can also book sightseeing cruises.
First the ferries to Comino
If Malta is your holiday destination, then the ferry to Comino is a nice day trip. Read all about it in our ferry to Comino Guide.
Ferries to Gozo
If you want to travel from Malta to Gozo, you can choose from fast passenger ferries departing from Valletta, or the car ferry departing from Cirkewwa. This place is located on the northwestern tip of the island.
Gozo and Comino to Malta
The Gozo Channel Ferry is the main ferry service between Gozo and Malta. Additionally, some smaller tourist ferries operate on this route, often including a stopover at Comino.
Prices and availability for the Maltese crossings
If you’re looking for availability and prices for these crossings, you can use the booking engine. Tickets for the international crossings to and from Sicily are often available from £75. For ferry crossings between the Maltese islands, tickets for the shortest routes are available from £5.
On board & maps with ferries to Malta
Additional Information
For the other Maltese Island of Gozo and Comino we have separate guides, there is also a specific guide on the ferry from Malta to Sicily
Tips for ferry travellers
We are a party of 4 adults wishing to travel to Valetta from Palazzo on the morning of the 13th August 2024. We are currently booking accommodation in Taormina and Pallazo
I am unable to gain access to the ferry timetable at this stage, however could you tell me if there is a ferry around 9.00am from Palazzo and the approx cost in $Aus.
Regards
Cheryl Celea