Sliema-Buġibba-Gozo Ferry: Your Questions Answered

Ever found yourself on the Sliema promenade, gazing across the sparkling Mediterranean, and wondered, “How do I get to that beautiful island over there?” That island, of course, is Gozo, Malta’s sister island, and the Sliema-Buġibba-Gozo ferry is your ticket to its charm. But with so many questions swirling around like the sea breeze, let’s anchor down and navigate the basics.

Before you set sail for Gozo, you’ll need to get from Sliema to Buġibba. The easiest way is to hop on the Malta Public Transport bus route 13, which runs every 15-20 minutes from Sliema’s Ferries Terminal to Buġibba’s Marina. Alternatively, you could grab a taxi from the bustling Sliema Square, but remember to agree on the fare beforehand.

Once you’ve arrived at the Buġibba Marina, you’ll see the Gozo Channel ferry, a sleek, white vessel ready to whisk you away. Tickets can be bought online or at the ticket office on the day of travel. Prices are reasonable, with adults paying around €4.65 for a single trip. Kids under 5 travel free, and there are discounts for students, seniors, and disabled passengers.

Boarding is straightforward, with clear signage and friendly staff. Cars, motorcycles, and bicycles can also be taken on the ferry, making it an eco-friendly way to explore Gozo. Once on board, you can relax in the comfortable seating areas, grab a bite at the cafeteria, or enjoy the sea breeze on the open deck.

After a smooth 25-minute crossing, you’ll arrive at the Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. Here, you can pick up a Gozo Channel ferry timetable, which is handy for planning your return journey. Mgarr is a great starting point for exploring Gozo, with buses, taxis, and car rentals available. You could hop on bus route 303 to the historic Citadel in Victoria, or start your Gozo adventure with a scenic drive along the coast.

But what about those questions still swirling in your mind? Can you take pets on the ferry? Yes, you can, but they must be kept in a suitable container. Can you book a specific seat? No, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. What about accessibility? The ferries are wheelchair accessible, with dedicated spaces for disabled passengers.

The Gozo Channel ferry has been a lifeline between Malta and Gozo for decades, but what does the future hold? The Gozo Channel Company is always looking to improve, with plans to introduce a fast ferry service and increase capacity. But for now, the trusty old ferry continues to chug away, connecting two worlds separated by just a few miles of sea.

As one ferry passenger, a local artist, told me, “The ferry is more than just a way to get from A to B. It’s a journey in itself, a chance to watch the sea, feel the wind, and leave the mainland behind.” So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned island-hopper, the Sliema-Buġibba-Gozo ferry is more than just a ride – it’s an experience.