The Valletta–Sliema ferry is five minutes across the Marsamxett Harbour and one of the most practical pieces of infrastructure in Malta. For anyone living or staying in Sliema, it replaces a 30–45 minute bus journey to Valletta with a 5-minute boat crossing. It is faster than any road option during rush hour. The views — Valletta's limestone fortifications on one side, Sliema's waterfront on the other — make it one of the better five minutes you can spend in Malta. This guide covers all three ferry routes operated by Valletta Ferry Services.
The Sliema–Valletta crossing: Every 30 minutes, approximately 06:45–19:30 (winter) / 07:00–19:30 (summer). Night service from 19:30. Adult single: €1.50 (day) / €1.75 (night). Return: €2.80 / €3.30. Children: €0.50. Weekly pass: €10. Note: Tallinja bus passes do NOT cover the ferry — this is a separate fare.
All Three Ferry Routes
Route 1: Sliema ↔ Valletta
The most used route. The Sliema terminal is at the Ferries area (bus stop: Ferries 3), easy to find on the main promenade. The Valletta terminal is at the foot of the Salvatore Bastion — a steep climb into the city, or take the VFS minibus service if available. The crossing takes approximately 5 minutes and runs every 30 minutes.
| Ticket | Day (to 19:30) | Night (19:30+) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult single | €1.50 | €1.75 |
| Adult return | €2.80 | €3.30 |
| Child single | €0.50 | €0.75 |
| Weekly pass | €10.00 | Valid all hours |
Schedule: Weekdays/Saturdays: ~06:45 from Valletta, every 30 minutes to approximately 19:30, then night service. Sundays and public holidays: reduced service 08:45–18:30, then night service. Always confirm current schedule at vallettaferryservices.com — seasonal adjustments apply.
Route 2: Valletta ↔ Three Cities (Cospicua/Senglea/Vittoriosa)
Departs from the Lascaris ferry landing (Valletta), adjacent to the Barrakka Lift — one of the most convenient terminal locations in Valletta. Serves Cospicua, then Senglea, in the Three Cities. Summer timetable (June–October): every 30 minutes 06:30–19:00, then evening sailings at 19:45, 20:35, 21:20, 23:00, 23:30. Adult return approximately €4.50 (includes the Barrakka Lift). Highly recommended as a Valletta experience — the Grand Harbour views from the water are spectacular.
Barrakka Lift
Not a ferry but directly relevant: the Barrakka Lift connects the Valletta waterfront to the Upper Barrakka Gardens — a 58-metre vertical lift in 25 seconds. Operates approximately 07:00–22:00. Adult single €1.00, return €1.50. Significant time saver versus the steep road or steps from the Three Cities ferry terminal into the city.
Route 3: Gozo Fast Ferry (Valletta ↔ Mġarr, Gozo)
Not operated by Valletta Ferry Services but departs from near Valletta Grand Harbour: a passenger-only catamaran service (Gozo Fast Ferry / Virtu Ferries) to Mġarr, Gozo. Journey: approximately 45 minutes. Fare: approximately €12–€40 depending on season and booking timing. Particularly useful for those staying in Valletta or Sliema who want to visit Gozo without driving to Cirkewwa.
