New Sliema-Gozo Ferry Route With Buġibba Stop To Be Introduced, According To Reports
A new ferry service linking Sliema, Buġibba, and Gozo is expected to be announced in the coming days, according to a report by Times of Malta.
The route forms part of a broader government strategy to improve transport connectivity across the islands and promote sea travel as an alternative to road use.
The planned route will see ferries depart from Sliema, stop in Buġibba, and continue to Mġarr, Gozo. The initiative is being spearheaded by Transport Minister Chris Bonnett, who has previously described Malta’s sea as the country’s “largest and most underutilised resource.”
The ferry service is part of efforts to reduce traffic congestion by encouraging more sea-based commuting. Although the frequency and duration of the journey have not yet been confirmed, infrastructure work is already underway to accommodate the new route.
A newly constructed 37-metre pier in Buġibba is nearing completion. The structure is designed to act as a breakwater, protecting ferries and fishing boats from wave impact, and will include safer mooring facilities and improved passenger platforms.
Figures show that in 2024, the Valletta – Sliema – Cottonera ferry route was used by over 440,000 Tallinja cardholders, with an additional 1.2 million passengers purchasing tickets – underscoring a growing shift towards ferry transport.
The government also intends to introduce a coordinated bus system aligned with ferry schedules to enhance intermodal connectivity.
Prime Minister Robert Abela recently confirmed that Buġibba will become an official stop on the fast ferry route between Malta and Gozo.
Further details are expected to be announced shortly.