A Simple Guide to Getting Around Gozo

A few weeks ago, I travelled to Malta, so I had the chance to explore and see how getting around Gozo is. While the island itself is relatively small and walkable in certain areas, if you don’t have a car, your main options are Bolt or the bus. Walking is doable, but some places are a bit far, depending on where you’re staying.

Here’s what I learned from my experience, and from people who live there that shared some tips.

Ferry

The only way to get to Gozo is by ferry, and the fastest way, is by speed ferry. You can pay directly at the terminal (Gozo Fast Ferry in Valletta), or book online hier.

Here are the prices:

• Basic one-way ticket: €7.50
• Return ticket: €9.50
• Gozo residents: €2.25 one-way / €4.50 return
• Seniors & Disabled Card Holders: €3

Ferries leave roughly every 45 minutes and take around 45 minutes to arrive in Mġarr, Gozo. The ferry ride itself is pretty smooth, and the views are beautiful, especially during day time.

The ticket is for a one-way trip and is valid for a few days, but you can only use it once. Before boarding, it gets scanned by staff at the terminal.

The high-speed ferry doesn’t always run in winter; some trips might get cancelled due to weather or other conditions. So, always check their Facebook page for the latest updates before you go.

Regular ferry operated by Gozo Channel Line operates regularly daily for passengers and cars. You can also purchase a frequent traveller card.

When you’re getting back from Gozo to Valletta, make sure to be on time at the terminal, especially if you have something important lined up, like catching a flight. If you miss a scheduled trip, you might end up missing your flight too, so definitely plan ahead and give yourself some buffer time.

Schraube

I installed the Bolt app on my phone, which is always convenient when traveling. What surprised me in Gozo was how quick and responsive the drivers were. It usually only took a few minutes for one to arrive.

I personally love using Bolt because you get a clear idea of how much your ride will cost and how long it’ll take. You also get discounts if you’re a new user or if you sign up with a referral code, which is a nice bonus.

Bus

I didn’t use the bus myself, but here’s what I found out: there are several bus routes around the island, and they’re budget-friendly. You can pay on the bus using cash or card, or you can get a Tallinja card (this is suggested for frequent travellers), which works across both Malta and Gozo and offers discounted fares.

Buses come roughly every hour, and the main hub is Victoria (Rabat), so most routes connect there.

Hop-On Hop-Off Buses

Tour operators provide hop-on hop-off bus services, starting from Mġarr and Victoria, covering major tourist sites across Gozo.

Walking Around

Gozo is walkable in the sense that towns like Victoria or Xagħra are small and nice to explore on foot. But if you want to visit certain beaches, cliffs, or viewpoints, they can be a bit far from each other. In that case, I’d recommend taking a Bolt or mixing it up with the bus.

Quads

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, quads (ATVs) are super popular with tourists in Gozo! They’re a fun way to explore the island, especially the areas that are harder to reach by bus or Bolt. You can even book a guided quad tour hier.

Rent a Bike or Scooter

If you’re staying in or near Marsalforn, you can also rent a bike or scooter to explore the island at your own pace. Check out On 2 Wheels, a local rental spot based right in Marsalforn, perfect if you want a bit more freedom without relying on buses or Bolt!

Getting Around Gozo

Overall, getting around Gozo is pretty simple. I think the best option is either to rent a car, (if you like having full control over your itinerary and don’t feel like hopping in and out of taxis). Or just stick to using Bolt, as it’s fast and easy.