- Must visit
MUŻA – The Malta National Community Art Museum
National art museum in Valletta with Maltese and European works in a restored historic building close to Sliema by ferry.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Catania to Sliema
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 18
Cheapest price on Oct 18
$88
Average ticket price on Oct 18
$99
Fastest journey on Oct 18
1 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Oct 18
1 h 45 m
Ferries on Oct 18
5
Distance
184 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Catania to Sliema is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Catania to Sliema will cost around $99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $88.
Fast ferries
On Sun, Oct 18, we found 5 ferries from Catania to Sliema, including 5 direct services.
On Sun, Oct 18 the direct ferries cover the 184 km distance in an average of 1 h 45 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 1 h 45 m .
On Sun, Oct 18 the slowest ferries will take 1 h 45 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
6:30 PM1h45Catania8:15 PMSliema$881One-way0 transfers- 8:30 PM1h45Catania10:15 PMSliema$981One-way0 transfers
- 4:00 PM1h45Catania5:45 PMSliema$1021One-way0 transfers
- 12:00 PM1h45Catania1:45 PMSliema$1021One-way0 transfers
- 4:30 PM1h45Catania6:15 PMSliema$1071One-way0 transfers
- 6:30 PM1h45Catania8:15 PMSliema$881One-way0 transfers
- 8:30 PM1h45Catania10:15 PMSliema$981One-way0 transfers
- 4:00 PM1h45Catania5:45 PMSliema$1021One-way0 transfers
- 12:00 PM1h45Catania1:45 PMSliema$1021One-way0 transfers
- 4:30 PM1h45Catania6:15 PMSliema$1071One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Catania to Sliema
Italy
Malta
Ferries from Catania to Sliema run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 54m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $87 (€73) but you can travel from only $24 (€20) by flight.
There are 3 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 05:00, the last at 21:30. The fastest ferry covers the 99 nautical miles (184 km) distance in 1h 45m. There are 1 sailings per week.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $24 (€20)
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 99 nautical miles (184 km) |
Average sailing duration 1h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $87 (€73) |
Ferries per day 3 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 1 |
Fastest ferry 1h 45m |
First ferry 5:00 AM |
Last ferry 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $24 (€20)
Catania to Sliema Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Mon |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Sat |
Live departures
Catania to Sliema ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Catania to Sliema ferries for tomorrow, Sunday, October 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM Catania | 1h45 | 1:45 PM Sliema | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:00 PM Catania | 1h45 | 5:45 PM Sliema | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:30 PM Catania | 1h45 | 6:15 PM Sliema | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:30 PM Catania | 1h45 | 8:15 PM Sliema | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Catania to Sliema ferries with Omio?
Virtu Ferries operates all ferries services from Catania to Sliema.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Catania to Sliema.
Why book with Omio vs Virtu Ferries?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Virtu Ferries with all available travel options, which are flight and ferry to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Catania to Sliema.
Why book with Omio over Ferryhopper or Directferries?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including flight and ferry to find the ideal travel option from Catania to Sliema.
Ferry operators: Virtu Ferries, Virtu Car Ferries from Catania to SliemaYou can travel by ferry between Catania to Sliema with Virtu Ferries, Virtu Car Ferries for as low as $24 (€20). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
Virtu Ferries
About
Virtu Ferries is a Maltese company, founded in 1988, specializing in high-speed passenger and car ferry services. It operates daily, year-round routes between Malta (Valletta) and Sicily (Pozzallo), with a crossing time of approximately 90 minutes. The company utilizes a fleet of modern catamarans, including the M/V Saint John Paul II, which can carry 900 passengers and 167 cars or 23 heavy commercial vehicles. Virtu Ferries is a subsidiary of Virtu Holdings, a family-owned ship-owning group established in 1945, which has diversified into various maritime and other business interests. Annually, Virtu Ferries transports over 300,000 passengers and 70,000 vehicles on its Malta-Sicily route, playing a significant role in connecting the two Mediterranean islands for both tourism and commercial purposes. Its subsidiary, Venezia Lines, also operates seasonal services in the Adriatic Sea.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Virtu Ferries Duration
1h 45m
Cheapest Virtu Ferries Price
$87 (€73)
Virtu Ferries frequency
2 a day
Additional luggage
Extra luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations accepted up to 24 hours before departure with fee
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria and bar service available
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible vessels with assistance available
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers, dogs must be leashed and muzzled
Cabin reservation
Cabins available on Malta-Sicily route
Car on board
Virtu Car Ferries
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Virtu Car Ferries Duration
1h 45m
Cheapest Virtu Car Ferries Price
$129 (€107)
Virtu Car Ferries frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Sliema
Things to do in Sliema
Discover the best of Sliema — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sliema trip today.
- Recommended
Casa Rocca Piccola
Elegant house museum in nearby Valletta displaying fine arts, furniture, and historic domestic interiors from a noble Maltese residence.
- Recommended
Malta Maritime Museum
Compact maritime museum in nearby Vittoriosa presenting Malta’s naval and seafaring story through models, artifacts, and dockyard history.
- Must visit
Sliema Promenade
Long seafront promenade popular for walks, swimming spots, harbor views, and everyday local life between Sliema and St Julian’s.
- Recommended
Bisazza Street
Busy shopping and walking street lined with historic facades, boutiques, and links to the ferry, promenade, and central Sliema streets.
- Recommended
Qui-Si-Sana
Rocky waterfront area with bathing spots, sea views, and a broad promenade, especially popular at sunset and in summer.
- Gluten-free
Stuffat Tal-Fenek
Malta’s national rabbit stew, slow-cooked with wine, garlic and herbs. It reflects rural Maltese home cooking and feast traditions.
Timpana
Baked macaroni pie with minced meat, tomato and cheese, often wrapped in pastry. A beloved comfort food found in homes and bakeries.
Pastizzi
Small savory pastries filled with ricotta or curried peas. They are a classic Maltese snack sold in bakeries across the island.
Il-Merill Restaurant
Established local favorite for grilled fish, octopus and classic Maltese seafood dishes in a warm, traditional atmosphere.
Ta' Kris Restaurant
Elegant seafront restaurant at The Strand known for Maltese and Mediterranean seafood in a polished, relaxed setting.
The Chophouse
Harbourfront dining focused on fresh fish, shellfish and Mediterranean plates, with refined service and wide water views.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Malta. Hotels in Sliema run higher than inland areas, but dining and buses remain fairly affordable for most tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or casual bites.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service may be included, but 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants for good service. Round up in cafes and taxis; tipping is optional, not expected.
Tallinja
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.00
- Day pass
- €21.00
To the city center
Sliema Ferries, Sliema, Malta -> Valletta, Malta
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- You can buy bus single tickets on board with cash or a contactless bank card. The standard day-service single fare is valid for 2 hours.
- For Valletta, the Sliema ferry is usually the fastest central connection. Standard adult one-way ferry fare is €1.50.
FAQs: Ferry from Catania to Sliema
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Catania to Sliema by ferry. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sliema, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Catania to Sliema can start from as little as $87 (€73) when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Catania to Sliema is $115 (€96) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by ferry from Catania to Sliema is 1h 45m to travel the 114 miles (184 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest ferry from Catania to Sliema leaves at 5:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Catania to Sliema leaves at 9:30 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct ferries a day from Catania to Sliema with Virtu Ferries, Virtu Car Ferries. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
No, there are no cabins on ferries from Catania to Sliema.
No, there are no vehicle options on ferries from Catania to Sliema.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Catania to Sliema is possible with . We recommend arriving at least one hour before the trip if you are travelling on foot, but please check specific times for each route. If you need to book your travel to the departure port, check our trains, buses and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Catania to Sliema, you can count on Virtu Ferries, Virtu Car Ferries for the best way to get you to Sliema. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Catania and Sliema and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Catania and Sliema including taking a flight and ferry.
Malta uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers find that both cash and card payments are widely accepted, but using cards is convenient for most purchases, while carrying some cash is useful for smaller vendors or markets.
In Sliema, travelers should be cautious of petty theft such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides and unofficial taxi services, so it's advisable to use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps. Travelers should also be wary of street vendors offering fake or low-quality goods. Staying vigilant around busy tourist spots and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Catania to Sliema
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Sliema and Catania
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