Valletta–Sliema ferry: schedule, price and honest verdict

The ferry that everyone forgets to mention

Most guidebooks bury the Valletta–Sliema ferry in a footnote, which is criminal. This five-minute crossing across Marsamxett Harbour is one of the most useful and underused shortcuts in Malta, and the views of Valletta’s bastions from the water are better than most boat tours that charge €20 for essentially the same angle.

If you’re staying in Sliema and planning a day in Valletta (or vice versa), the ferry saves you 20–40 minutes of taxi or bus time each way. Over a week, that adds up to hours.

Where to board

Valletta side: The ferry departs from Valletta’s Lascaris Wharf, at sea level beneath the Lower Barrakka Gardens and very close to the Valletta Waterfront area. If you’re walking down from Republic Street, head toward the waterfront, pass the Siege Bell War Memorial, and the wharf is at the bottom of the steps. Look for the small yellow and blue boats.

Sliema side: The ferry arrives at Sliema Ferries, the main dock area on the Tower Road promenade. This is also where Captain Morgan departs for the Two Harbours cruise and various Comino trips, so it’s a busy spot that’s easy to find.

Both boarding points are well-signposted once you’re near the waterfront.

Timetable and frequency

The ferry runs from early morning (around 07:00) until late evening (around 23:00 in summer, slightly earlier in winter). In peak season, departures run every 20–30 minutes. In winter, less frequently — allow up to 45 minutes between sailings.

The exact timetable varies by season and is posted at both boarding points. There’s no need to book; just turn up and pay on board in cash or by card. The service is operated by a private company (Ferry Services Malta) under a public concession.

Practical note: Do not confuse this ferry with the Three Cities ferry (Valletta to Birgu/Vittoriosa). That’s a separate service departing from a different wharf and crossing the Grand Harbour — a completely different direction.

Price (2026)

The fare is approximately €1.50 each way for adults. Children often travel free or at a significantly reduced rate. No advance purchase required; pay the deckhand on board.

For comparison: a taxi from Sliema to Valletta runs €8–12 depending on time of day and traffic. The bus takes 20–30 minutes and costs €2 (summer). The ferry takes 5 minutes and costs €1.50.

What you see on the crossing

Don’t blink. In five minutes you’ll see:

• Valletta’s northern curtain wall from the waterline — a perspective unavailable from land
• Manoel Island with its old theatre and fortifications
• The Tigné Point area and St Julian’s direction in the distance
• Sliema’s Victorian-era waterfront

The light in the late afternoon (around 16:00–17:00) turns the Valletta bastions amber. If you’re crossing at that time and you have a camera, have it ready.

When to take the ferry vs. a longer cruise

The ferry is a transfer, not a sightseeing experience. You use it when you need to get from A to B. If you want to slow down and absorb the harbour properly, you want the Two Harbours cruise or the night harbour cruise.

That said, doing the ferry in both directions in the same day gives you a total of about 10 minutes of harbour views that would cost €20+ on a formal cruise. Many experienced Malta visitors do exactly this.

Book the Sliema–Valletta return ferry ticket on GetYourGuide

The GYG option for the ferry is useful if you want the convenience of pre-booking (especially useful if you’re on a cruise stop and need to manage time precisely), but in practice most people just walk on and pay cash.

If you want to see the harbours at a slower pace with historical commentary, the Two Harbours cruise is the natural upgrade:

Book the Two Harbours day cruise of Malta (Captain Morgan)

And for a scenic 90-minute harbour cruise that includes Valletta and the Three Cities:

Book the Sliema to Valletta and Three Cities scenic cruise

The Three Cities ferry — a different crossing

If you’re heading to Birgu (Vittoriosa) and the Three Cities rather than Sliema, the correct service is the Grand Harbour ferry, which departs from the Valletta Waterfront (a different wharf from the Sliema ferry) and crosses to Senglea or Birgu.

Book the Valletta to Three Cities ferry return

The Three Cities ferry takes around 10 minutes and offers dramatic views of the Grand Harbour — one of the finest short boat rides in the Mediterranean. Unlike the Valletta–Sliema run, this one genuinely feels like a sightseeing experience in its own right. See the Three Cities walking tour guide for how to combine it with an exploration of Birgu.

How to get to the Sliema ferry from your hotel

If you’re staying in Sliema centre: Tower Road is Sliema’s main promenade. The ferry dock is near the Sliema Ferries stop — about a 5–15 minute walk from most hotels depending on your exact location.

If you’re staying in St Julian’s: The ferry isn’t the most convenient option from here. Taking the bus to Valletta (route 12 or 13, about 25 minutes) or a Bolt (€7–10) may be faster.

If you’re staying in Valletta itself: You don’t need the ferry to reach Sliema per se, but it’s a pleasant way to arrive in Sliema for an evening stroll rather than dealing with the bus.

The Sliema promenade and what’s nearby

The ferry drops you right onto the Sliema promenade, one of the most pleasant walks in Malta. The promenade runs from Sliema Ferries northwest along Tower Road and continues toward St Julian’s (about 3 km). Along the way:

• Dozens of restaurants and cafés, ranging from tourist-facing to genuinely local
• Rocky swimming spots accessible via metal ladders (this is how Maltese people swim — the shoreline here is almost entirely rocky)
• Clear views back across to Valletta and Manoel Island
• Several pharmacy and supermarket options if you need to stock up

For dinner on the Sliema side, avoid the places right at the ferry dock (overpriced and average). Walk five minutes along the promenade and the quality improves noticeably.

Frequently asked questions about the Valletta–Sliema ferry

How often does the Valletta–Sliema ferry run?

In high season (June–October), every 20–30 minutes between approximately 07:00 and 23:00. In winter, less frequently — expect up to 45 minutes between sailings. Check the timetable posted at the boarding point.

Do I need to book the Valletta–Sliema ferry in advance?

No. Just turn up and pay on board. The only exception would be if you’re on a tightly scheduled cruise stop and want the certainty of a pre-booked time — in that case, GYG offers a bookable return ticket.

Is the ferry cash-only?

Most ferries accept both cash and card, but having a few euros in cash is always advisable as a backup. The fare is so small that cash is usually easier.

Can I take a bicycle on the ferry?

Small bikes and foldable bikes are generally accommodated, but the ferries are small and can be crowded at peak times. Check with the operator if you’re planning this.

Is the ferry running in winter?

Yes, though with reduced frequency. Be aware that winter weather in Malta can occasionally cause the service to be suspended temporarily. Check at the dock.

What’s the difference between the Valletta–Sliema ferry and the Two Harbours cruise?

The ferry is a 5-minute crossing from A to B. The Two Harbours cruise is a 90-minute sightseeing circuit of both harbours with commentary. They share part of the same water but serve completely different purposes.

Is the ferry accessible for wheelchair users?

The boarding process involves a small step from the dock to the boat, which can be awkward for wheelchair users, particularly in choppy weather. Call ahead if accessibility is a concern.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20