Sliema Ferries is the name of the Sliema seafront where the boats leave, on The Strand (Triq ix-Xatt in Maltese), and of the bus stops next to it, "Ferries 1" to "Ferries 5". It is not a ferry company. From here you can take the Sliema ferry to Valletta (€3 one way by day), the fast ferry to Gozo via Buġibba (€8.50 one way, about 1 hour 15), boat trips to Comino and the Blue Lagoon, and harbour tours.
To get here, bus TD3 runs from the airport to the "Ferries 3" stop every 30 minutes, and bus 13 comes from Valletta. Prices and times were read on the operators' websites on 19 October 2026, except those of the fast ferry (9 October 2026). They change with the season: check before you go.
- Where: on The Strand (Triq ix-Xatt) in Sliema, by the "Ferries" bus stops.
- Ferry to Valletta: €3 one way and €5 return per adult by day, free with a personalised tallinja card.
- Ferry times: 06:45 to 19:30 in winter (1 November to 31 May), until 01:30 in summer (1 June to 31 October).
- Fast ferry to Gozo: foot passengers only, about 1 hour 15 via Buġibba, €8.50 one way, at least 11 departures a day.
- Comino and the Blue Lagoon: no scheduled ferry from Sliema, but boat trips in season.
Sliema ferry to Valletta: times, fares and tickets
The Sliema to Valletta ferry is a catamaran run by Valletta Ferry Services (Marsamxetto Steamferry Services), and it leaves from The Strand in Sliema.
| On 19 October 2026 | Winter: 1 November to 31 May | Summer: 1 June to 31 October |
|---|---|---|
| Timetable shown | 06:45 to 19:30 | 06:45 to 01:30, with boats further apart after 20:30 |
| Sundays and public holidays | 08:45 to 18:30 | from 08:45 |
On the operator's timetable page, the departure times from Sliema and from Valletta are listed together, one every 15 minutes: look carefully for the ones from your quay.
- By day: €3 one way and €5 return per adult, €1 and €1.50 per child (the website gives no age).
- At night, from 19:30: €3.50 one way, €5.20 return.
- With a card: according to Malta Public Transport, the trip is free with a valid personalised tallinja card, and the Explore Flex card, topped up with credit, can pay for it.
The operator's website sells no tickets online and does not say where to buy them: ask at the quay before you board. In Valletta, the circular bus 133 links the ferry quays with the centre, according to Malta Public Transport. Today's times: Sliema – Valletta ferry timetable.
Sliema ferry to Gozo: the fast ferry via Buġibba
Since May 2026, the Gozo Highspeed fast ferry has left from its terminal on The Strand, a 1 to 3 minute walk from the "Ferries" stops. It stops at Buġibba and reaches Mġarr harbour on Gozo in about 1 hour 15. It takes no cars.
- Fares: €8.50 one way, €4 for a child aged 4 to 10, free up to age 3. The fares page lists one-way prices only.
- Departures from Sliema: 05:45, 06:45, 08:45, 09:45, 11:45, 13:45, 15:45, 16:45, 18:45, 19:45 and 21:45, with no seasonal note. On top of these, 22:45 every day from April to October and from Friday to Sunday from November to March, and 00:45 from April to October.
- Tickets: online until 20 minutes before departure, or at the terminal, by cash or card. The operator advises arriving 15 to 20 minutes early; boarding closes 2 minutes before departure.
These times were read on the operator's website on 9 October 2026, and this is the route's first winter: check them again on the Gozo Highspeed timetable. The Ċirkewwa ferry, which takes cars, and the other ways to cross are in our guide how to get to Gozo from Malta.
Sliema ferry to Comino and the Blue Lagoon
There is no scheduled ferry between Sliema and Comino. Ferries to Comino leave from Ċirkewwa and Marfa, in the north of Malta, and from Mġarr on Gozo: times and fares are in our guide how to get to Comino and the Blue Lagoon.
From Sliema, our speedboat trip to the Blue Lagoon leaves from the seafront (Ix-Xatt), about 100 m from the "Sliema Ferries" bus stops: every day at 09:00, 11:30 and 13:30, plus 18:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for the sunset. The ride takes 45 minutes along the east coast.
The Gozo and Comino day trip leaves Sliema at 10:00: two hours of free time on Gozo, then the Blue Lagoon and the Comino caves. All its boats come back to St Julian's at 16:30, not to Sliema. These trips are seasonal: in 2026 they stop for winter at the end of October. Departures and today's prices are on our page of Blue Lagoon and Comino boat trips.
To step on land at the Blue Lagoon, you also need a free pass (a QR code for a time slot), which you book yourself: see our guide Blue Lagoon Malta and its free pass.
Harbour tours and other boats
Boat tours of Valletta's harbours also leave from the Sliema seafront. To choose one, read our article Valletta harbour cruise.
Day cruises to Comino also leave from Buġibba, where the Sliema fast ferry stops: see our article Bugibba Jetty. All our trips, from Sliema or elsewhere, are on the page Malta boat trips.
How to get to Sliema Ferries: bus and airport
- From the airport and St Julian's: bus TD3 (Airport Direct) runs every 30 minutes, then goes through St Julian's (Spinola, Balluta) before the "Ferries 3" stop. It costs €3, paid on board in cash or by contactless card. From the airport, allow about 45 minutes, going by the early-morning timetable.
- From Valletta: the ferry, or a bus to Sliema (13, 13A, 14, 16 or 21); route 13 stops at "Ferries 5".
- From Mellieħa and Ċirkewwa: bus 222, according to Malta Public Transport.
On 19 October 2026, a bus ticket costs €2 in winter (18 October 2026 to 12 June 2027) and €2.50 in summer. It is valid for 2 hours, changes included, and children under 4 travel free. Today's times: Malta Public Transport timetables.
Around Sliema Ferries
The "Sliema Ferries" sales office of Malta Public Transport, next to the Valletta ferry terminal, sells and tops up travel cards every day from 08:00 to 14:00 and from 14:30 to 19:30. For a stroll, Malta Public Transport lists the seafront promenade and Tigné Point, a shopping and entertainment complex.
Tips before you go
- Two ferries, two companies: the ferry to Valletta (Valletta Ferry Services) and the fast ferry to Gozo (Gozo Highspeed) both leave from The Strand. Check the company name before you board.
- Bad weather: a fast ferry can be cancelled in rough seas. If Valletta Ferry Services cancels a trip for reasons beyond its control, it states that you are entitled to a seat on another boat or a refund.
- Speedboat trip: be at the departure point 15 minutes early and stay seated during the ride. It is not open to pregnant women or to people with heart or back problems, and children under 12 must come with an adult.
FAQ: Sliema Ferries
Is Sliema Ferries a ferry company?
No: it is the name of the seafront where the boats leave, and of the bus stops next to it. The ferry to Valletta is run by Valletta Ferry Services, the fast ferry to Gozo by Gozo Highspeed.
How much is the Sliema to Valletta ferry?
On 19 October 2026, according to the operator: €3 one way and €5 return per adult by day, €3.50 one way from 19:30. It is free with a valid personalised tallinja card.
What time is the last ferry between Sliema and Valletta?
In winter (1 November to 31 May), the last departure shown is at 19:30, and the service ends at 18:30 on Sundays and public holidays. In summer (1 June to 31 October), the timetable runs until 01:30.
Is there a ferry from Sliema to Gozo?
Yes, since May 2026: the Gozo Highspeed fast ferry, for foot passengers, via Buġibba, in about 1 hour 15 (€8.50 one way on 9 October 2026). Cars go on the ferry from Ċirkewwa.
Is there a ferry from Sliema to Comino?
No, there is no scheduled ferry. From Sliema you reach the Blue Lagoon on a boat trip, in season. Ferries to Comino leave from Ċirkewwa, Marfa and Mġarr (Gozo).
How do I get from the airport to Sliema Ferries?
Take bus TD3, every 30 minutes, to the "Ferries 3" stop: €3, about 45 minutes going by the early-morning timetable.
Can I pay for the Valletta ferry with an Explore card?
Yes, according to Malta Public Transport, with the Explore Flex card topped up with credit. You can top it up at a sales office, such as the one at Sliema Ferries, or in the tallinja app.
Comino boat tours & Blue Lagoon Malta boat trips
From Sliema, St Julian's and Bugibba
See the boat trips →