Gozo is one of Malta’s hidden gems—a quieter, greener island known for its rugged coastline, historic citadel, and charming villages. For many visitors, the big question is: can you drive to Gozo with a rental car?
The answer is yes, and in fact, it’s the best way to experience everything Gozo has to offer. With your own wheels, you’re free to explore beaches, stop in small towns, and discover spots that buses and tours never reach.
The process is straightforward once you know how it works, and this guide will walk you through everything from ferry boarding to driving tips.
Why Driving Is the Best Way to Visit Gozo from Malta
While Malta and Gozo have buses, ferries, and guided tours, nothing compares to the freedom of having your own car. Gozo is a small island, but its best sights—like the Ġgantija Temples, Ramla Bay, and the Azure Window ruins—are spread out.
Driving gives you control over your itinerary, letting you stop for photos, take detours into villages, or spend the afternoon at a quiet beach.
The journey itself is easy. You simply drive to the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal at the northern tip of Malta, wait in line, and board the Gozo Channel Ferry. From there, it’s just 25 minutes across the water, and suddenly you’re driving on Gozo’s scenic roads.
Taking a Rental Car on the Gozo Channel Ferry
The Gozo Channel Ferry is the main way cars travel between Malta and Gozo, and it’s very straightforward. Here’s what to expect:
- Getting there: Drive to Cirkewwa, which is well signposted from anywhere in Malta.
- Boarding: Join the line of cars and follow the instructions of the ferry staff. They’ll guide you onto the ferry and into a parking lane.
- Journey time: The crossing takes around 25 minutes, giving you time to enjoy the sea views.
- Ticketing: You don’t pay when heading to Gozo. The ticket is only required on your return journey to Malta, so keep it handy.
- Frequency: Ferries run daily, roughly every 30–45 minutes, so you never have to wait long.
The whole process is designed to be simple and stress-free. Once you roll off the ferry at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, you’re free to start exploring straight away.
Car Rental Insurance and Coverage in Gozo
One of the biggest concerns for travelers is whether car rental insurance still applies once you cross to Gozo. The good news is: yes, your rental car insurance and breakdown coverage extend to Gozo just as they do in Malta. That includes towing service, excess coverage, and roadside assistance.
To be 100% sure, it’s always worth confirming with your rental provider at pickup, but in practice, all major car rental companies allow cars to be taken to Gozo without restrictions.
Road Conditions and Driving in Gozo
Driving in Gozo feels a little different than in Malta. Roads are generally safe, and you’ll notice there’s less traffic overall. The main exception is in Victoria (Rabat), the capital, where you may experience congestion during busy times of day.
Outside of the capital, the roads are quieter, though in some villages and rural areas you might come across uneven road surfaces or narrower streets. Nothing to worry about—just drive slowly, stay alert, and you’ll be fine. Many travelers even find Gozo more relaxed and enjoyable to drive in compared to mainland Malta.
👉 Read more about road conditions in Malta and Gozo to see why driving here is safe and straightforward.
Parking in Gozo – What to Expect
Parking is one of the big advantages of driving in Gozo. Unlike Valletta or Sliema, where spaces can be hard to come by, Gozo has far fewer parking problems. In villages and beaches, you’ll often find free street parking.
In Victoria and around popular tourist sites, you’ll find controlled or paid parking areas, but even these are generally easier and cheaper than Malta’s busier zones.
Alternatives to Driving a Rental Car to Gozo
While driving is the easiest and most flexible option, there are alternatives if you don’t want to take a car across:
- Fast Ferry from Valletta: A passenger-only service that gets you from Valletta to Gozo in about 45 minutes. Great for day trips if you don’t need a car.
- Renting a car directly in Gozo: Possible, but options are more limited and availability can be tight in peak season. Prices are often higher too.
- Comino-to-Gozo rentals: Some travelers who stop at Comino (Blue Lagoon) continue on to Gozo and rent a car there, but again, supply is limited.
These alternatives work for some, but if your goal is freedom and convenience, bringing your rental car from Malta is the smarter choice.
Tips for Driving to Gozo with a Rental Car
- Arrive at the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal a little early in summer, as queues can get long during peak weekends.
- Use Google Maps or Waze to navigate Gozo’s smaller roads.
- Compact economy cars are ideal for villages and narrow streets, but SUVs or Vans are fine too if you prefer more comfort.
Final Verdict – Driving to Gozo with a Rental Car Is Worth It
Driving to Gozo with a rental car is by far the best way to experience the island. The process is easy: drive to Cirkewwa, board the Gozo Channel Ferry, and within 25 minutes you’re on a quieter, greener island ready to explore. Insurance and breakdown coverage apply just as they do in Malta, roads are safe, and parking is much simpler than on the main island.
While ferries and local rentals are alternatives, nothing beats the freedom of exploring Gozo at your own pace with your own car.
Book a car today, or choose a scooter—or whatever suits you best. Feel free to contact us for advice or booking help—we’re here to make your Gozo adventure stress-free.
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