Welcome to one of Malta’s best little secrets. No, not a hidden beach, but this ferry ride between Valletta and Sliema! It's fast, cheap, scenic, and surprisingly underrated. In just minutes, you can swap the historic charm of Valletta for Sliema’s chill waterfront vibe, or do it the other way around. We will board the catamaran and show you exactly how it works, where to catch it, and why this isn’t just transport, it’s a mini-cruise with killer views!

VALLETTA TO SLIEMA

Leaving Valletta and heading to Sliema? Here's the fastest, and arguably most scenic way to do it. We're taking the ferry. But first, how do you find the terminal?

The Valletta to Sliema ferry does not leave from below the Upper Barrakka Gardens, that’s for the Three Cities. For Sliema, you want to head down toward Marsamxett Harbour, not the Grand Harbour.

The easiest way? From Valletta's city centre and Saint George’s main square, walk to Archbishop street and continue heading to the waterfront. Then, turn left and look for the underpass that leads beneath the busy main road. It’s a pedestrian tunnel that avoids the long loop down. Once you're through, follow the signs or just continue downhill toward the waterfront. You’ll spot the ferry terminal with its distinct white awning and the “Valletta Ferry Services” branding.

You're looking for a passenger-only catamaran, sleek, white, and running daily. The crossing takes just 5–7 minutes, and services are usually every 30 minutes, with later departures in summer and weekends. Ticket prices are budget-friendly.

If you're returning later in the evening, check the schedule online, especially for Sundays or holidays. The latest schedules and prices are on vallettaferryservices.com.

It’s cheaper and easier to grab a return at the start.

In summer, the last ferry usually departs at midnight.

On the way to Sliema, take a moment to look back, Valletta’s bastions and skyline look incredible from the water. Ahead, you'll see the modern waterfront and hotels of Sliema. It’s a striking contrast: Malta's layered history behind, and its urban energy ahead.

We'll talk about alternate return options on the way back, but honestly, this ride feels like a mini harbor cruise for under 2 euros.

Unlock the power of lifelike AI voices with ElevenLabs! Perfect for creators, narrators, and businesses. Try it now! Start your voice journey here: https://try.elevenlabs.io/creatorsvoice

SLIEMA TO VALLETTA

Now it’s evening, and we’re back in Sliema, one of Malta’s busiest districts. The waterfront is alive with people. Locals strolling, joggers zipping by, and tourists hunting down the next gelato stop.

Before we board, it's good to know that Sliema is also a popular departure point for boat trips to nearby islands like Comino and Gozo. These smaller cruises leave from various spots along the promenade, and they’re a great way to explore Malta’s famous Blue Lagoon or spend a day on Gozo. Just be aware that trips are weather-dependent. Strong winds or rough seas can lead to cancellations, especially outside the summer season. So, it’s always smart to check ahead or book flexible tickets if you're planning an island day trip.

The weather conditions can naturally affect the ferry’s schedule too.

As the sun dips lower, the harbor glows golden. It’s a perfect time to head back to Valletta.

The ferry terminal in Sliema is near the central promenade, not far from The Point shopping mall. Again, tickets are easy to grab on-site or pay with contactless. Service usually runs every 30 minutes until late, but always check online or at the terminal for the day’s schedule.

The ride back to Valletta is short, about 7 minutes, but the view is completely different at dusk. Valletta’s skyline begins to light up, and you’ll see the Carmelite Dome and St. Paul’s spire illuminated against the sky. You don’t get this kind of view from a bus or a car.

✈️Support our journey! Your donation will fuel our pursuit of better equipment🎬resulting in enhanced travel guides!🌍

Now let’s talk options.
A taxi might cost you €12–20, depending on traffic and time of day. And speaking of traffic, crossing from Sliema to Valletta by road means circling inland. Not ideal.

The bus is cheaper, but also slower. It winds through Gżira and Msida, which can take up to 30–40 minutes during busy hours.

Meanwhile, the ferry is reliable, fast, and scenic. But here’s a heads-up: once you arrive in Valletta, the ferry terminal is at sea level. So, expect a steep walk uphill.

If you’re not in the mood for climbing, you might consider using one of Malta’s ride-hailing services. Uber, Bolt, eCabs, and a few smaller local apps are available. Just remember, some Valletta streets are pedestrian-only, so drop-off points are limited.

Still, the ferry? Totally worth it. It’s peaceful, punctual, and gives you that movie-scene arrival into one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals.

VALLETTA TO THE THREE CITIES

Before we wrap up, here’s a bonus: there’s another ferry from Valletta that heads over to the Three Cities, Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua.

This one departs below the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and it’s also run by Valletta Ferry Services. You can even take the Barrakka Lift down for easy access.

The ride is not long, and it’s another scenic trip, this time across the Grand Harbour, offering close-up views of historic fortifications and dockyards.

Our travel audiobooks are now available! Explore iconic destinations through immersive storytelling, and preview a full chapter for free. Tap the link to listen now.

But our journey doesn’t end here!