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How to get from Sicily to Valletta
The fastest sea route from Sicily to Malta is the Virtu Ferries catamaran from Pozzallo to Valletta, about 1 h 45. Flights from Catania take about 40 minutes in the air. From Palermo, allow about 3 h to drive to Pozzallo first.
Best option: Ferry. The catamaran sails daily, lands in Valletta itself and carries cars, so it often beats flying door to door.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ferry Virtu Ferries catamaran from Pozzallo to Valletta | about 1 h 45 | daily, more often in summer | about €60–120 per passenger one way; extra for a car | Coach transfers from Catania and other Sicilian towns are often sold with the ticket. Sailings may be cancelled in rough seas. |
| flight Flights from Catania (and sometimes Palermo) to Malta International Airport | about 40 min to 1 h in the air | one or more a day | about €50–200 | Malta airport is about 20 minutes by bus or taxi from Valletta. |
| car Drive to Pozzallo, then the car catamaran to Valletta | Palermo–Pozzallo about 3 h; Catania–Pozzallo about 1 h 30 to 2 h; plus the crossing | fuel, motorway tolls in Sicily and the ferry fare | Check that your rental contract allows taking the car to Malta. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Arrive at Pozzallo port at least an hour before departure for check-in.
- Malta drives on the left; take care if you bring a car.
- Book ahead for summer weekends and August.
- Valletta's ferry terminal is below the city walls; lifts and steps lead up to the centre.
Common questions
How long is the ferry from Sicily to Malta?
About 1 h 45 on the Virtu Ferries catamaran from Pozzallo to Valletta. It sails daily, more often in summer, and carries both passengers and cars. Pozzallo is in the south-east of Sicily, about 1 h 30 to 2 h from Catania and about 3 h from Palermo.
Is it better to fly or take the ferry from Sicily to Malta?
From Catania, flights take about 40 minutes in the air, but with airport time the door-to-door total is similar to the catamaran. The ferry arrives in Valletta itself and lets you take a car. Flying is easier if you are already at Catania airport. Compare fares for your dates.
Can I take a car from Sicily to Malta?
Yes, on the Virtu Ferries catamaran from Pozzallo. Book vehicle space ahead, especially in summer. If you are using a rental car, check that the contract allows taking it to Malta; many do not. Remember that Malta drives on the left.
Can I do a day trip from Sicily to Malta?
From south-east Sicily, yes: take the morning catamaran from Pozzallo and return in the evening, giving several hours in Valletta. Check the current timetable for suitable departures. From Palermo or Taormina the travel time is too long for a comfortable day trip.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.