Sliema to Valletta Ferry: Schedule, Prices, and Practical Tips

The Sliema to Valletta ferry crosses Marsamxett Harbour in about 5 minutes and departs every 30 minutes throughout the day. A one-way adult ticket costs between €1.50 and €2.50 depending on the time of year and whether you travel during day or night hours. It is the fastest way to travel between Sliema and Valletta, compared to 20 to 40 minutes by bus or car through traffic.

The ferry is operated by Valletta Ferry Services and runs year-round, with extended summer hours that include night service until midnight.

Schedule and frequency

Ferries run every 30 minutes on a fixed timetable. The first departure is around 06:45 from Valletta (07:00 from Sliema in summer). The schedule varies by season and day of the week.

Schedules can change due to weather or holidays. Always confirm current times at vallettaferryservices.com before traveling, especially in winter and on public holidays.

Ticket prices

Tickets are purchased at the small kiosk at the Sliema terminal or paid on board at the Valletta terminal. Day and night fares differ, with night service starting at 19:30.

If you buy a return ticket, keep it. You will need to show it when boarding the return trip. If you ask for “a ticket to Valletta” without specifying return, you will get a one-way ticket that cannot be used for the way back.

Where to board

In Sliema, the ferry terminal is at The Strand on the main waterfront promenade, next to the bus stop called Ferries 3. It is easy to find and well-signed. The terminal has a small ticket kiosk and a covered waiting area.

In Valletta, the terminal is at the foot of the Salvatore Bastion near the water polo pitch. The landing is at water level, which means a steep uphill walk to reach Valletta’s streets. If you have mobility concerns, the Barrakka Lift (located at the Three Cities ferry terminal nearby) provides elevator access to the Upper Barrakka Gardens level for €1. Alternatively, electric golf buggies at the terminal offer a short ride up into the city for around €5.

Alternatives to the ferry

Bus routes 13, 14, 16, and 21 connect Sliema to Valletta. The bus ride takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and costs €1.50 with a Tallinja card (€2.00 in winter, €3.00 in summer without one). The ferry is faster but runs less frequently in winter evenings.

Water taxis also operate from roughly the same Sliema departure point and go on demand. They cost slightly more than the ferry but do not require waiting for the scheduled departure.

Walking is possible but takes about 45 minutes via the Sliema promenade and the Gzira waterfront, crossing through Manoel Island.

Connecting to the Three Cities

From the Valletta ferry terminal, you can also take a separate ferry to the Three Cities (Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea). This service departs from a different landing at the Lascaris ferry terminal, directly opposite the Barrakka Lift. The Three Cities ferry runs every 30 minutes in summer and costs the same as the Sliema route. It takes about 10 minutes and is a good way to visit the historic harbourside towns without a car.

Tips for the crossing

The ferry has both indoor seating and an open upper deck. In good weather, the upper deck offers views of Valletta’s fortifications, Fort Manoel, and the Sliema waterfront. Bring sunscreen in summer since the crossing, though short, offers no shade on the upper deck.

High winds and rough seas can cause delays or cancellations, especially in winter. Check the Valletta Ferry Services Facebook page or website for service updates on days with poor weather.

Note that Malta’s standard Tallinja bus passes do not cover the ferry fare. The ferry is operated separately from the public bus network and requires its own ticket.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Sliema to Valletta ferry take?

The crossing takes approximately 5 minutes. Ferries depart every 30 minutes, so including wait time, you should allow about 15 to 20 minutes total from arriving at the terminal to stepping off on the other side.

How much does the Sliema to Valletta ferry cost?

A one-way adult ticket costs €1.50 during the day and €1.75 after 19:30. A return ticket is €2.80 (day) or €3.30 (night). Children pay €0.50 each way. A weekly pass covering unlimited trips is available for €10. Check vallettaferryservices.com for current prices, as fares can change seasonally.

Does the Sliema ferry run at night?

In summer (June 1 to October 31), the ferry runs night service until midnight with departures every 30 minutes after 19:30. In winter, the last regular service is around 18:30 on Sundays and 19:30 on weekdays, with limited or no night service depending on the schedule that season.

Can I use my Tallinja card on the ferry?

No. The Sliema to Valletta ferry is operated by Valletta Ferry Services, which is separate from the Tallinja public bus network. You need to buy a ferry ticket at the kiosk or pay on board. Tallinja cards and bus passes are not accepted for ferry travel.

Is the Sliema ferry wheelchair accessible?

The ferry has ramps for boarding, but the Valletta terminal requires a steep uphill climb to reach the city. The Barrakka Lift nearby provides elevator access to the Upper Barrakka Gardens level for €1, but it is located at the Three Cities ferry landing, not the Sliema ferry landing. Travelers with mobility concerns should consider the bus instead, which drops off at Valletta’s main bus terminus at the top of the city.

Is the ferry better than the bus from Sliema to Valletta?

For speed, yes. The ferry takes 5 minutes compared to 20 to 40 minutes by bus. The ferry also avoids traffic congestion, which can be significant during rush hours. However, the bus drops you at the main Valletta bus terminus at the top of the city, while the ferry lands you at the bottom near the harbour. If your destination is in the upper part of Valletta, the bus may be more convenient.