The Sliema–Valletta harbour ferry is ten minutes of water between two of Malta's most-visited places. It departs from the Sliema Ferries terminus on the Strand and arrives at the Customs House pier in Valletta. The alternative is a bus or taxi through the tunnel and up into Floriana — a journey that can take 25 minutes in traffic and costs considerably more. For anyone moving between Sliema and Valletta regularly, the ferry is simply the obvious choice.
See live departure times for the Sliema–Valletta ferry and all Malta routes at FreeMalta Ferry Times. Next departure shown in real time.
Fares 2026
| Fare Type | Single | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Adult — Day (until 19:30) | €3.00 | €5.00 |
| Adult — Night (after 19:30) | €3.50 | €5.20 |
| Child | €1.00 | €1.50 |
Night service commences at 19:30. If your return crossing is after 19:30, you will pay the night rate — €3.50 single or €5.20 return. If you buy a return ticket earlier in the day intending to use it in the evening, check whether the ticket covers the night rate or whether you need to pay the difference. Children's fares apply during day hours.
Timetable Overview
The harbour ferry runs from early morning to late evening, with more frequent services during the day. In summer (approximately June to September), the last service extends to midnight — meaning the ferry is a viable option for evening dining in Valletta and a late return to Sliema. In winter (October to May), the last service is around 19:30, making evening trips to Valletta a taxi-home situation.
On Sundays and Public Holidays, the service starts later — the Sliema–Valletta ferry begins at 08:45, and the Three Cities route from Valletta starts at 09:00. Frequency is also reduced on Sundays. For specific departure times on any given day, check FreeMalta's live ferry page.
Where to Board
In Sliema: The Sliema Ferries terminus is on The Strand, the seafront road running along the Marsamxett Harbour. It is directly opposite the small roundabout at the end of Tower Road. Parking nearby is possible in the early morning but scarce during the day — walking or busing to the terminal is more practical.
In Valletta: The Valletta ferry pier is at the Customs House, on the waterfront below the main city. It is a 5-minute walk from the Valletta bus terminus and approximately 10 minutes on foot from Republic Street. There are steps up from the pier into the city — not ideal for heavy luggage or limited mobility.
Ferry vs Taxi vs Bus
| Option | Cost | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harbour ferry | €3.00–3.50 | 10 min | Weather-dependent, scenic |
| Taxi / eCabs | €8–15 | 15–25 min | Traffic-dependent |
| Bus (Tallinja) | €1.50 | 20–35 min | Frequent, reliable |
The ferry is faster than any road option during busy periods, considerably cheaper than a taxi, and more enjoyable than the bus. The only real drawbacks are weather — the ferry can be suspended in very rough conditions — and the limited evening service in winter.
Three Cities Ferry
From the same Valletta pier, a separate service runs across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities — Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla). This is one of the most scenic short crossings in Malta, passing directly through the Grand Harbour with views of the fortifications and the historic waterfront. The Three Cities route starts at 09:00 on Sundays and 07:00 on weekdays. Adult fare is the same as the Sliema service: €3.00 day, €3.50 night.
If you are staying in Sliema and want to visit the Three Cities, the combination of Sliema ferry to Valletta + Valletta ferry to Birgu is the most efficient route — two ferry crossings for approximately €6.00 total, covering some of the most dramatic harbour scenery in the Mediterranean.