Public Transport in Gozo: How to Get Around by Bus
Public transport is an inexpensive way to get around and visit Gozo. The bus service, operated by Malta Public Transport, is also widely used by locals in their everyday life.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll give you all the information you need, from bus routes, ticket prices, and schedules, to useful tips and other modes of transport, so that you will be ready for your visit to Gozo.
We will also uncover the best way to get around Gozo and make the most of your trip.
Getting Around in Gozo using Public Transport
There are two types of public transport in Malta and its beautiful sister island Gozo: 1) buses and 2) ferries around the Grand Harbour in Malta and ferries between Malta and Gozo.
Malta Public Transport provides a bus service on the Maltese islands (both Malta and Gozo). Here is everything you need to know to get around Gozo by bus.
Bus Routes in Gozo
There are 16 routes in Gozo, serving various towns and villages.
The good thing is that when you are coming from the main island of Malta, you will find four routes at the Cirkewwa ferry terminal: 301, 303, 322 and 323. They will take you to some of the major tourist areas, namely Victoria, Ramla Bay and Marsalforn.
When you look at the Malta Public Transport bus map of Gozo, you will notice that it features a star-like pattern, with the capital Victoria at the centre. This means that passengers need to change at Victoria most of the time before they reach their destination.
For the night owls wondering if there are some night routes like on the main island, route N301 links the capital Victoria to Mgarr Harbour, where the ferry terminal is located.
Public Transport Schedule
Buses operate between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., depending on the lines. The night route runs from 00:15 till 1:30 a.m.
Keep in mind that some routes don’t have an extensive schedule, so if you are planning to rely on the bus during your visit to Gozo, make sure to plan your time well to avoid finding yourself stranded somewhere.
Bus Gozo: Ticket Prices
Getting around Gozo by bus is inexpensive, with daytime tickets costing just €2.50 and a night fare of €3.
If you are visiting Malta and Gozo for a few days, you can also buy cards offering reduced fares on the bus journeys for tourists:
- Explore Flex Card (starting from €6)
- Explore - Unlimited travel for 7 days (Adult €25 / Child €7)
- 12 Single Day Journeys (€21)
Passengers coming from the main island (and vice versa) can travel using the same bus cards and tickets.
Where to buy Bus Tickets and Cards
Passengers can buy tickets for a single ride directly on board the bus using a VISA credit or debit card. However, you can’t buy a multi-day card this way, as those can only be purchased from ticket booths or machines.
If you don’t have a VISA card, you can always buy tickets the traditional way at the following Malta Public Transport sales offices and booths:
- At Malta International Airport (arrivals lounge)
- At the Victoria bus terminal in Gozo
- At the Valletta bus terminal in Malta
You will also find card dispensing machines at Victoria and the Gozo ferry terminal (Mgarr). Some retail shops sell bus cards (but not single tickets).
How to get to Gozo from Malta International Airport
You can get to Gozo from Malta International Airport using public transport. Here is how:
- Once you’ve landed, take the route X1, which will take you directly to Cirkewwa (ferry terminal) (approx. 1 hour and 30 min).
- Cross to Gozo using the Gozo Channel ferry (20-25 minutes).
- Once you land on Gozo Island, you will find several buses departing from Mgarr Harbour.
Alternatively, you can book an airport transfer to Cirkewwa and take the ferry to Gozo.
Tips to use public transport in Gozo
While buses in Gozo are inexpensive, getting around Gozo by bus can easily turn out to be a hassle. Here are a few tips that come in handy when exploring Gozo Island using the bus service:
Malta Public Transport website and app include a journey planner. All you need to do is specify your departure point and destination, and the journey planner will show you the routes available. To get better results, we recommend that you enter the bus stop names instead of places and site names (which can be found on Google Maps).
You can also use Google Maps, which is a reliable and efficient tool to plan a trip to the Maltese islands.
Finally, if you are thinking of getting around Gozo by bus, plan your time well and check the timetable of each route you’re going to take, as they all have different timetables and some stop operating early in the day.
The Best Way to Get Around Gozo: Yippee
Unfortunately, the bus service in Gozo is not efficient and sometimes the bus comes late or even not at all, which can turn your perfect holiday into a nightmare.
Are you looking for a day trip in Gozo and want to avoid struggling and wasting a lot of time in transport?
Then the Yippee Malta day tours are a good option to get the best first taste of Gozo. Our all-inclusive tours let you make the most of your visit, from major tourist areas to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path places no other tourists will be able to discover in just one day.
You don’t need to worry about anything, as we organise the whole tour for you. On your day adventure, you will explore Gozo and get a taste of Comino. Expert multilingual Yippee drivers will take you to iconic places like the Sanap Cliffs, the Citadel, Xewkija Rotunda, Xlendi, Marsalforn Bay and Dwejra Bay. Each tour even includes a traditional Gozitan lunch or dinner.
The best of all? You will tour our beautiful island onboard a brightly coloured Tuk Tuk or a powerful 570cc (ATV) Quad Bike, for a fun and memorable day adventure!
Join us on our family-friendly Tuk Tuk tours or go off the beaten track with our Quad Bike tours. Click on the names of the aforementioned tours for further information.
Other Modes of Transport in Gozo
Two ferry services link Gozo to the main island. Gozo Channel runs a service for foot passengers, bicycles and even vehicles. Gozo Channel ferries leave from the Cirkewwa ferry terminal. The company Gozo Highspeed runs a ferry boat service from the Grand Harbour, Valletta, that operates daily all year round. You can’t take a vehicle onboard the boats leaving from Valletta.
Open-top buses (hop-on hop-off) are also available for visiting Malta and Gozo thanks to several routes. They might seem convenient, but they only take you to the major tourist areas and don’t provide guided tours.
If needed, you can always use taxi services. Taxis are of two types: the official white taxis and private taxi companies such as Uber or eCabs.
Lastly, renting and driving a car is a good option if you like to be on your own. You can rent a car from Malta International Airport or book and collect it upon your arrival to Gozo Island.
FAQs
How do you get around Gozo without a car?
You can get around Gozo using regular buses, hop-on-hop-off buses, taxi services or even colourful Tuk Tuks with typical Gozitan designs and state-of-the-art Quad Bikes with Yippee.
Does the Malta bus card work on Gozo?
Yes, the Malta bus card works on Gozo exactly the same way. You don’t need to purchase a separate ticket or card when landing on Gozo.
What is the best way to get around Gozo?
The best way to get around Gozo is on board a colourful Yippee Tuk Tuk or a ??high-powered, state-of-the-art 570cc Quad Bike (ATV). If you’re planning to stay only one day in Gozo, our tours will help you make the most of your day trip while moving smoothly around the island.
Can you pay cash on Malta buses?
Yes, you can pay cash on Malta buses for a single ticket. Make sure to give the exact change, or use a VISA credit or debit card for extra convenience.
