Can You Take a Rental Car from Malta to Gozo?
The Gozo Channel ferry carries rental cars — and unlike most island crossings, you don't need to book in advance. But summer queues can stretch to 90 minutes. Here's how it works.
The Gozo Channel Company ferry between Ċirkewwa (north Malta) and Mġarr (Gozo) carries vehicles — including rental cars — on a drive-on, no-reservation system. Unlike most island ferry crossings in Europe, you don’t book a car space in advance. You queue, you board, you go.
The crossing takes 25 minutes. It runs roughly every 45 minutes throughout the day and into the night. Rental cars are generally permitted on the crossing — but confirm with your company at pickup, as a small number of agencies restrict it.
The crossing: Ċirkewwa to Mġarr
Operator: Gozo Channel Company (state-owned) Route: Ċirkewwa (north Malta) → Mġarr port (Gozo) Duration: 25 minutes Frequency: approximately every 45–75 minutes (more frequent in peak hours) Hours: roughly 6am–11pm, with some overnight services
No online booking for vehicles. Drive to Ċirkewwa, join the vehicle queue, pay the fare, board.
Ferry fares (approximate, 2026):
- Car (return ticket) + 1 driver: €4.65 return (heavily subsidised)
- Per additional passenger: €4.65 return
- The return ticket is bought at Ċirkewwa — the Mġarr return is free
Malta’s ferry system is one of the cheapest in Europe. The low fare is a deliberate policy to make Gozo accessible for residents.
Do rental companies allow it?
Most do. Malta-based rental agencies are accustomed to customers taking cars to Gozo and typically have no restrictions. Gozo is a normal part of driving in Malta.
Check at pickup if you’re using an international chain. The handful that restrict the crossing are the exception, not the rule.
If your company says yes: no special documentation needed beyond your rental contract. The ferry does not require it.
Summer queues: plan for the wait
This is the main practical issue. In July and August — particularly on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings — vehicle queues at Ċirkewwa can reach 45–90 minutes.
The queue system works as follows:
- Drive to Ċirkewwa
- Join the vehicle queue lane
- Wait for available space on the next ferry
- Board when waved through
There is no priority system for foot passengers vs vehicles. You wait your turn.
Tips for avoiding the queue:
- Cross on weekday mornings (Tuesday–Thursday before 11am is typically the least congested)
- Avoid Friday afternoon (residents heading to Gozo for the weekend)
- Avoid Saturday morning and Sunday evening (peak return)
The Ċirkewwa car park adjacent to the terminal has paid parking if you decide to cross as a foot passenger instead — €3–5/day. Walking onto the ferry then renting a car on arrival in Gozo is a legitimate alternative in peak summer.
Why Gozo needs a car more than Malta
Malta is small enough (27 km across) that taxis and buses cover most tourist needs. Gozo is even smaller — but has far less public transport.
Gozo’s bus network is limited. To reach:
- Ramla Bay (best beach on Gozo): car needed
- Dwejra (inland sea, Blue Hole): car needed
- Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary: car needed
- Xlendi and Marsalforn (main villages): reachable by bus, but infrequent
If you want to explore Gozo properly, a car is the right call.
Victoria (Rabat) and the Citadel
The main town of Gozo is Victoria, also known as Rabat. The Cittadella — the medieval fortified citadel on the hilltop — is the island’s primary historic site. The approach road is narrow and steep; parking is at the base and you walk up.
Driving in Victoria itself is manageable — far less chaotic than Valletta. The road network is small enough that getting lost isn’t a concern.
What happened to the Azure Window
The Azure Window — Gozo’s famous natural arch — collapsed in 2017. The site at Dwejra is still worth visiting (the inland sea and dive site remain), but visitors expecting to see the arch will be disappointed. Most travel content predating 2017 still references it.
Practical tips
Left-hand traffic: Malta and Gozo drive on the left (UK-style). If you’re used to right-hand traffic, take extra care at roundabouts — Gozo has many, and the priority-to-the-right rule applies here.
Roundabout rule: traffic already on the roundabout does NOT have priority in Malta. Entering traffic has the right of way. This is the opposite of most European countries and catches many visitors off guard.
Fuel on Gozo: petrol stations exist but are sparse outside Victoria. Fill up before heading to remote parts of the island.
Return ferry: the return from Mġarr to Ċirkewwa uses the ticket purchased on the way over. Same queue system applies. Sunday evenings returning to Malta can have long queues.
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