Ferry Services

The Harbour Ferry Service is operated by Marsamxetto Steamferry Ltd following a public call issued in December 2011. The service commenced in October 2012 providing two, regular and quality Maritime Ferry Services for the transportation of passengers between specific landing places in Sliema and Marsamxett and in Valletta and the inner part of Dockyard Creek in Cospicua.

The main objectives for the provision of the Services are as follows:

1. The provision of a reliable maritime transport which is operated on a fixed time schedule, offered at a price and level of service aimed at stimulating its further increase in popularity.
2. The provision of a scheduled service to be commercially feasible and attractive for the private operators to operate.
3. The scheduled Ferry service must complement the other alternative maritime transportation such as water taxis and traditional boats.

The Operator has exclusive use of the landing places in Sliema, Marsamxett, Lascaris Wharf and inner Dockyard Creek. The landing places are the responsibility of the Authority including the maintenance, upkeep, and upgrade of such.

This service follows a strategy developed by Government to induce a modal shift by promoting the use of more sustainable forms of transport. This strategy aims to reduce the level of land traffic, its associated costs and environmental impact by increasing the availability and accessibility of alternative means of transport. The areas around the Grand Harbour and the port of Marsamxett offer popular tourist attractions, are densely populated and host major employment and retail areas. Thus, the development of a scheduled maritime service, connecting Valletta to both the Cottonera and the Sliema areas was a main important objective in this regard.

After a steep decline in the popularity of maritime transportation during the last quarter of the last century, the Sliema and Valletta connection has seen a steady increase in popularity over the last 20 years. More recently there are strong indicators that the volume of users, particularly those of tourists, can be increased well beyond the trips per day currently conducted during the peak season. Furthermore, albeit more challenging, increasing its popularity with the locals is both highly desirable and possible.

The Ferry operates with sailings at an interval of 30 minutes from each landing place, within the following Winter and Summer periods and between the following hours:

Sliema-Valletta

Winter Schedule (between the 01st November and 31st May):
Monday to Saturday: 0645 hours until 1930 hours
Sunday and Public Holidays: 0845 hours until 1830 hours
Summer Schedule (between the 01st June and the 31st October):
Monday to Saturday: 0645 hours until 0045 hours
Sundays and Public Holidays: 0845 hours until 0045 hours

Valletta-Three Cities

Winter Schedule (between the 01st November and 31st May):
Monday to Saturday: 0630 hours until 1915 hours
Sunday and Public Holidays: 0900 hours until 1815 hours
Summer Schedule (between the 01st June and the 31st October):
Monday to Saturday: 0630 hours until 2400 hours
Sundays and Public Holidays: 0900 hours until 2400 hours

The Service operates from the following specific landing places:
Sliema Ferries (The Strand)
Marsamxett (Valletta)
Lacaris Wharf (Grand Harbour)
Inner Dockyard Creek (Cospicua)

The fare structure is regulated by the Authority. A valid ferry ticket includes the free use and access of the Barrakka Lift on the same day.