Sliema to Valletta Ferry: Times, Fares and Tips

From Sunday 1 November, the ferry across the harbour switches to its winter timetable, and the biggest change is the last boat home. If you are planning days in the capital from Novotel Malta Sliema, the Sliema to Valletta ferry is still the simplest way across, but it pays to know the times.

Valletta Ferry Services runs the crossing from The Strand in Sliema, and the trip takes about 15 minutes.

Sliema to Valletta Ferry Times From 1 November

The winter timetable runs from 1 November to 31 May. Boats leave Sliema every 30 minutes from 06:45 to 19:15 and leave Valletta every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 19:30. On Sundays and public holidays, service runs from 08:45 to 18:30, so Republic Day on Sunday 13 December and Christmas Day follow the shorter pattern.

Summer runs later. Until 31 October the boats carry on well into the night, which is why an evening in Valletta needed no planning in October and needs some from November.

Fares and Tickets

Adults pay €3.00 for a daytime single and €5.00 for a return. Children pay €1.00 and €1.50. Night fares start from 19:30, at €3.50 single and €5.20 return, which in winter covers only the last boat from Valletta. Fares and times can change, so check the operator’s schedule before you travel.

Planning a Day in Valletta by Ferry

With a first boat at 06:45, a full day in Valletta is easy. Treat the 19:30 sailing from Valletta as a hard stop and aim to be at the landing well before it. The Valletta landing sits at the foot of the bastions, below Lower Barrakka Gardens, so the way into town is uphill. Wear shoes for it.

Novotel Malta Sliema looks out toward Valletta, and the rooftop at Soleil Skydeck & Pool is a good place to look at the skyline before you cross. Our guide to things to do around Novotel Malta Sliema has more ideas for the rest of the day.

After Dark and Beyond Valletta

For an evening concert or dinner in Valletta, plan the return by taxi or ride-hail. The last boat leaves before events such as the Sunday 1 November jazz night at Auberge d’Aragon, so do not count on the ferry home.

From Valletta, a second Valletta Ferry Services route crosses to the Three Cities, with a landing at Cospicua. In winter it runs every 30 minutes, and on Sundays and public holidays it runs from 09:00 to 18:15.

Book Your Stay at Novotel Malta Sliema

Staying at Novotel Malta Sliema puts the seafront on your doorstep and the Sliema to Valletta ferry within easy reach. Our Location page shows the way, and our Rooms & Suites page has the options, with a booking widget to check your dates. For current times and fares, see the Valletta Ferry Services schedule.