Marsamxett Waterfront & Sliema Ferry - Image 1
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Marsamxett Waterfront & Sliema Ferry

4.5
·363 reviews·Valletta, Malta

A swift, scenic ferry connecting Valletta and Sliema, offering breathtaking harbor views and a quick, affordable travel alternative.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the summer crowds

CrowdLow
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Marsamxett Waterfront & Sliema Ferry - Image 1

Marsamxett Waterfront & Sliema Ferry

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the summer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A swift, scenic ferry connecting Valletta and Sliema, offering breathtaking harbor views and a quick, affordable travel alternative.

4.5
(363 reviews)

"Fast, convenient, and most importantly, incredible views open up."

Vertical photo
TIP

Cash Only on Valletta Side

Be prepared for cash-only payments at the Valletta terminal. Card payments might be processed on the Sliema side. :moneybag:

Choose Your Seat Wisely

Second deck offers best views, first deck provides shade. Pick what suits your preference! :sunwithface:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Harbor Views

Panoramic Harbor Views

Open-top second deck

Capture stunning, unobstructed views of the historic harbors and cityscapes. Perfect for photos!

Quick Valletta to Sliema Hop

Quick Valletta to Sliema Hop

Marsamxett Harbour

A swift 5-7 minute journey, bypassing traffic and offering a refreshing sea breeze.

Affordable Travel Option

Affordable Travel Option

Ferry terminals

Budget-friendly fares make this an attractive option for exploring Malta's coast.

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Planning Your Visit

Ferry Travel Between Valletta & Sliema

The Marsamxett Waterfront & Sliema Ferry offers a quick and scenic way to travel between these two popular areas. It's a great alternative to buses, especially during peak times. Consider purchasing a Tallinja card for potential fare discounts.

Best Views & Seating

Opt for the open-top second floor for the most breathtaking panoramic harbor views and photo opportunities. The first floor offers shade if you prefer to escape the sun. Be aware that bins can sometimes overflow, especially during busy periods.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the summer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
City lights sparkle
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Valletta,Malta 🇲🇹📸 __________________________________________ • • • • • #malta #valletta #visitmalta #maltatoday #maltaismore #maltaphotography #maltagram #maltaisland #maltalife #maltatravel #europe #visiteurope #europetravel #europetrip #europedestinations #sony #sonyalpha #sonyphotography #streetphoto #streetphotography #streetart #bar #streetartist #maltalove #drone #dronephotography #dronevi...
@_explorer_bz
71.3K likes • 2.4M views

Cash Only on Valletta Side

Be prepared for cash-only payments at the Valletta terminal. Card payments might be processed on the Sliema side. :moneybag:

Choose Your Seat Wisely

Second deck offers best views, first deck provides shade. Pick what suits your preference! :sunwithface:

📍 Picasso, Malta 🇲🇹 Food was very delicious! #malta #fyp #italian #food #sliema #valetta #holiday
@ashleymarienur
51.1K likes • 869.3K views
Where to eat and drink in Malta 🇲🇹 San Paolo Naufrago, Valletta 8/10 Great pizza located on the iconic Instagramable stairs in Valletta. It’s a vibe and perfect for a warm evening. Kamy Cocktail Bar, Valletta 9/10 Small and cool art themed cocktail bar. Stunning drinks that taste as good as they look and very friendly owner. Highly recommend! Ta’ Marija, Mosta 8/10 Probably the most fun night we ...
@fabgirlsfoodguide
27.7K likes • 570K views

Faster Than the Bus

This ferry is significantly quicker than buses, especially during peak traffic hours. :rocket:

Great Photo Ops

The journey provides fantastic opportunities for capturing memorable photos of the harbor. :camerawithflash:

The best €2 I’ve ever spent! You can’t miss this if you go to Malta! #malta #maltatiktok #valetta #sliema #thingstodo #maltatips #gondola #citybreak #Summer #fyp #views #trending #trend
@outandawayy
22K likes • 410.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Cash Only on Valletta Side

Be prepared for cash-only payments at the Valletta terminal. Card payments might be processed on the Sliema side. :moneybag:

Choose Your Seat Wisely

Second deck offers best views, first deck provides shade. Pick what suits your preference! :sunwithface:

Faster Than the Bus

This ferry is significantly quicker than buses, especially during peak traffic hours. :rocket:

Great Photo Ops

The journey provides fantastic opportunities for capturing memorable photos of the harbor. :camerawithflash:

Tallinja Card Perks

Holders of a Tallinja card may enjoy discounted fares or even free travel. :credit_card:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(363 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Travelers rave about the Marsamxett Waterfront & Sliema Ferry for its speed, convenience, and incredible harbor views, calling it a fast and pleasant way to travel between Valletta and Sliema. It's praised as a budget-friendly alternative to buses, offering great photo opportunities. Some minor issues include occasional overflowing bins and the cash-only policy on the Valletta side.

"A very cool and fast way to get from Valletta to Sliema. Fast, convenient and most importantly, incredible views open up. The boat has 2 floors, those who want can sit on the first floor and hide from the sun. And those who are not afraid of the sun and want to admire the views can sit on the second. The fare is 2 euros or free for Tallinja card holders."

Lucas Amadeo

"It takes only five minutes to reach the shores of Valletta. It is an alternative to crowded buses that get often stuck in the traffic 🚦⛔"

Ferraro N

"On time, good for quick travel between Sliema and Valletta (much quicker than bus). As it was public transport bins were overflowing with rubbish on the upper deck. Provides great views."

Magda L

What People Like

Incredible harbor views
Fast and convenient
Affordable fares

What People Dislike

Cash only on Valletta side
Bins can overflow

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The ferry terminals are easily accessible on foot in both Valletta and Sliema. In Valletta, it's a short walk from the city center. In Sliema, it's along the popular promenade. Public buses also serve both areas extensively.

Absolutely! It's a very fast and convenient option, taking only about 5-7 minutes. It's a great alternative to the often crowded and traffic-prone buses. Reddit

The ferry typically operates frequently throughout the day, usually starting early in the morning and running until late evening. It's best to check the latest schedule upon arrival as times can vary seasonally.

Yes, taxis are readily available in both Valletta and Sliema and can drop you off directly at the ferry terminals. This can be a convenient option if you're coming from further afield.

The ferry is generally accessible, with ramps available. However, it's always a good idea to confirm specific accessibility details with the ferry operator if you have particular needs.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The fare is very affordable, typically around 2 euros for a single trip. There are often discounted rates for seniors (e.g., €0.90 return for over 60s) and potential benefits for Tallinja card holders. Reddit

Tickets are usually purchased directly at the ferry terminal before boarding. It's a simple process, and given the frequency of the service, advance booking is generally not necessary.

While the Sliema side may accept card payments, the Valletta side is often cash-only. It's advisable to have some cash on hand to avoid any issues. Reddit

The Tallinja card, Malta's public transport card, may offer discounts or be integrated with ferry services. It's worth checking the latest information on their website or at the terminal. Reddit

Typically, young children may travel for free or at a reduced rate. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter for specific age limits and policies.

📸 📸 Photography

The open-top second deck offers the most unobstructed, panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, Valletta's fortifications, and Sliema's skyline. The front of the upper deck provides excellent forward-facing shots. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive harbor views. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on architectural details of Valletta or the Three Cities. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance sky and water colors. :camerawithflash:

Late afternoons during the 'golden hour' offer beautiful warm light. Evenings are also spectacular as Valletta lights up, creating a magical cityscape. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed and encouraged. However, it's always wise to be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive photography. Tripods might be restricted during busy periods.

Key subjects include the historic fortifications of Valletta, the Grand Harbour entrance, the Three Cities across the water, Sliema's modern skyline, and the general maritime activity within the harbor.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Sliema to Valletta ferry is a fantastic, short adventure for families. Kids will love the novelty of being on a boat and the exciting views of the harbor. The quick journey means little ones won't get bored. Opt for the open-top deck for maximum fun and to spot boats and landmarks. Reddit It's a much more engaging experience than a bus ride and a great way to break up a day of sightseeing. Remember to bring sunscreen and hats for the upper deck, and be mindful of the bins during busy periods. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This ferry is a budget traveler's best friend! The fares are incredibly low, making it one of the most economical ways to travel between Valletta and Sliema. Reddit It's a significant cost-saver compared to taxis or even some bus routes when factoring in time. Consider getting a Tallinja card if you plan on using public transport frequently, as it might offer further discounts. Reddit The experience also provides excellent value by doubling as a scenic tour without the extra cost.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the ferry offers a unique and accessible platform to capture Malta's stunning coastal scenery. The panoramic views from the upper deck are unparalleled, providing excellent opportunities for wide-angle shots of Valletta's fortifications and the bustling Grand Harbour. Reddit The late afternoon and evening light are particularly spectacular, offering dramatic cityscapes. Be prepared with your gear, especially a wide-angle lens, and consider a polarizing filter to enhance the vibrant blues of the Mediterranean. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Ferry Experience

The Marsamxett Waterfront & Sliema Ferry is more than just transport; it's a scenic journey offering unparalleled views of Malta's historic coastline. Travelers consistently praise its speed and convenience, highlighting it as a superior alternative to crowded buses that often get stuck in traffic. Reddit The ferry operates frequently, making it easy to hop between the bustling city of Valletta and the vibrant seaside town of Sliema. The journey itself is short, typically lasting only 5-7 minutes, but packed with visual appeal. Reddit

When choosing your seat, consider the open-top second deck for the most breathtaking, unobstructed panoramic harbor views and ample photo opportunities. Reddit If you prefer to escape the sun, the first floor offers a shaded respite. However, be aware that during peak times, bins on the upper deck can sometimes become full, a minor point noted by some passengers. Reddit The affordability of the ferry is another major draw, with fares being very reasonable, especially when compared to other transport options. For those planning extensive travel around Malta, investigating the Tallinja card might offer further savings. Reddit

Capturing Malta's Beauty from the Water

The ferry journey provides a unique vantage point for photography, offering stunning perspectives of Malta's iconic landmarks. The open-top second deck is a photographer's dream, allowing for clear, wide-angle shots of the historic fortifications of Valletta, the entrance to the Grand Harbour, and the charming Three Cities across the water. Reddit The contrast between Valletta's ancient architecture and Sliema's modern waterfront is particularly striking from this viewpoint.

For the best photographic results, aim for the late afternoon 'golden hour' when the light is soft and warm, casting a beautiful glow on the scenery. Evenings are equally magical, as the city lights begin to twinkle, creating a romantic and dramatic cityscape. Reddit While personal photography is generally welcomed, remember to be considerate of other passengers. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the grandeur of the harbor, and a polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the sea and sky. Reddit

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