Gozo Channel foot passengers to travel free from January 2027

Foot passengers using the Gozo Channel service will be entitled to free travel from January 1, 2027, Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced.

The measure will apply to Maltese citizens, Gozitans, EU nationals and long-term non-EU residents travelling between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr.

Abela made the announcement during a parliamentary speech on Tuesday, describing the initiative as a significant step forward in improving connectivity between the two islands.

The government had pledged to introduce free ferry travel for pedestrians during the 2026 general election campaign.

At present, passengers travelling on foot pay €4.65 for a return ticket. However, the new arrangement will not extend to tourists, who are expected to face higher fares from next year.

Under the changes announced as part of Budget 2027, adult tourists travelling on foot will pay €11, while children’s tickets will cost €7. Tourists travelling with a car will be charged €22.

The announcement comes amid increased passenger traffic on the Gozo Channel route. Figures published by the National Statistics Office show that overall passenger numbers, including motorists, rose by almost 20% between July and September compared to the same period last year.

The government has described the free travel measure as a new chapter in transport links between Malta and Gozo, while the revised tourist fares will introduce a different pricing structure for visitors using the service.