- Must visit
Museo Civico Castello Ursino
City museum inside the 13th-century Castello Ursino, with archaeological finds, sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts linked to Catania’s history.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Malta (Island) to Catania
Showing times and prices for Jun 19
Cheapest price
$109
Average price
$109
Fastest journey
1 h 45 m
Average duration
1 h 45 m
Ferries per day
3
Distance
189 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Malta (Island) to Catania is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Malta (Island) to Catania will cost around $109 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $109.
Fast ferries
Of the 3 ferries that leave Malta (Island) for Catania on Fri, Jun 19, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct ferries cover the 189 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 Fri, Jun 19 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.
ST JOHN PAUL II5:00 AM1h45Port of Valletta6:45 AMPort of Pozzallo$1091One-way0 transfers- JEAN DE LA VALETTE7:30 AM1h45Port of Valletta9:15 AMPort of Pozzallo$1091One-way0 transfers
- ST JOHN PAUL II6:00 PM1h45Port of Valletta7:45 PMPort of Pozzallo$1091One-way0 transfers
- ST JOHN PAUL II5:00 AM1h45Port of Valletta6:45 AMPort of Pozzallo$1091One-way0 transfers
- JEAN DE LA VALETTE7:30 AM1h45Port of Valletta9:15 AMPort of Pozzallo$1091One-way0 transfers
- ST JOHN PAUL II6:00 PM1h45Port of Valletta7:45 PMPort of Pozzallo$1091One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare flight and ferry for Malta (Island) to Catania
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Malta (Island) to Catania among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from $88. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 47m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $88, and a flight costs an average of $21.
Distance: 102 nautical miles (189 km)
Compare ferry with
| Ferry | Most popular Flight |
|---|---|
$104 Average price Cheapest | $115 Average price |
2h 45m Average total duration 1h 45m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration Fastest 47m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Most popular ferry company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Malta (Island) to Catania is a ferry with an average price of $104 (€85).
This is compared to other travel options from Malta (Island) to Catania:
A ferry is $11 (€9) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Malta (Island) to Catania costing on average $115 (€94).
The fastest way to travel from Malta (Island) to Catania is by flight with an average journey time of 47m.
Other travel options to Catania take longer:
Ferry takes on average 1h 45m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Malta (Island) and Catania including taking a flight and ferry.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Malta (Island) to Catania among Omio's users.
Malta (Island) to Catania Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Sat |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Thu |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Wed, Fri |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Mon |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Tue, Wed, Fri |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Mon, Thu |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Sat |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Sat |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Thu |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Mon, Thu |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri |
Live departures
Malta (Island) to Catania ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Malta (Island) to Catania ferries for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST JOHN PAUL II | 5:00 AM Port of Valletta | 1h45 | 6:45 AM Port of Pozzallo | 0 transfersDirect | |
| JEAN DE LA VALETTE | 7:30 AM Port of Valletta | 1h45 | 9:15 AM Port of Pozzallo | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ST JOHN PAUL II | 6:00 PM Port of Valletta | 1h45 | 7:45 PM Port of Pozzallo | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Malta (Island) to Catania by flight or ferry
Compare flight and ferry prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Malta (Island) to Catania ferries with Omio?
Virtu Ferries operates all ferries services from Malta (Island) to Catania.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Malta (Island) to Catania.
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 Malta (Island) to Catania.
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 Malta (Island) to Catania.
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Malta (Island) to Catania
Malta
Italy
Ferries from Malta (Island) to Catania run on average 2 times per day, taking around 1h 45m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $88 (€72) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by flight.
There are 2 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 01:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest ferry covers the 102 nautical miles (189 km) distance in 1h 45m. There are 16 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 $21 (€17)
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 102 nautical miles (189 km) |
Average sailing duration 1h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $88 (€72) |
Ferries per day 2 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 16 |
Fastest ferry 1h 45m |
First ferry 1:30 AM |
Last ferry 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
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 $21 (€17)
Ferry operators: Virtu Ferries from Malta (Island) to CataniaYou can travel by ferry between Malta (Island) to Catania with Virtu Ferries for as low as $21 (€17). 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 Duration
1h 45m
Cheapest Price
$88 (€72)
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
Complete guide to Catania
Things to do in Catania
Discover the best of Catania — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Catania trip today.
- Recommended
Museo Storico dello Sbarco in Sicilia 1943
Large museum on the Allied landings in Sicily, known for immersive displays, wartime reconstructions, and strong historical context.
- Recommended
Museo Diocesano Catania
Museum beside the cathedral with religious art, silverwork, manuscripts, and access to terraces overlooking Piazza del Duomo.
- Must visit
Piazza del Duomo
The city’s main square, surrounded by Baroque architecture and anchored by the cathedral and Elephant Fountain.
- Must visit
Via Etnea
Catania’s principal shopping and walking street, lined with historic buildings and long views toward Mount Etna.
- Must visit
La Pescheria
Historic fish market area beside Piazza del Duomo, famous for its lively atmosphere, photogenic scenes, and local character.
- Vegetarian
Pasta Alla Norma
Catania’s signature pasta with fried eggplant, tomato sauce, salted ricotta, and basil, named in honor of Bellini’s opera Norma.
Arancini
Stuffed fried rice balls, often filled with ragù, butter, or pistachio, and a beloved everyday Sicilian street food.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Caponata
A sweet-and-sour eggplant dish with tomato, celery, olives, and capers, served as a classic Sicilian antipasto or side.
Me Cumpari Turiddu
Established Sicilian restaurant with refined regional cooking, strong wine selection, and an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere.
Pasticceria Savia
Iconic pastry shop and café famous for arancini, granita, cassata, and other classic Catanese and Sicilian specialties.
Trattoria la Paglia
Well-known traditional trattoria serving hearty Sicilian specialties, pasta, and local fish in a warm, rustic setting.
Euro
Generally moderate by Italian standards: casual food is affordable, while central hotels and seafood restaurants cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for pizza, panini, or street food.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person for a typical restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.20-3 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Tipping is not mandatory; round up or leave EUR 1-2 at cafes, 5-10% for very good restaurant service, and round up taxis.
AMTS Catania
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.00 EUR
- Day pass
- 2.50 EUR
To the city center
Porto Di Catania, Catania -> Catania Centrale, Catania
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- AMTS city buses use integrated tickets, and metro tickets are separate unless a combined fare is explicitly offered.
- Buy tickets before boarding buses; card payment onboard is not generally guaranteed, so carry a valid paper or digital ticket.
FAQs: Ferry from Malta (Island) to Catania
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Malta (Island) to Catania 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 Catania, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Malta (Island) to Catania can start from as little as $88 (€72) when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Malta (Island) to Catania is $104 (€85) ; 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 Malta (Island) to Catania is 1h 45m to travel the 117 miles (189 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 Malta (Island) to Catania leaves at 1:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Malta (Island) to Catania leaves at 11:30 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct ferries a day from Malta (Island) to Catania with Virtu Ferries. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
No, there are no cabins on ferries from Malta (Island) to Catania.
No, there are no vehicle options on ferries from Malta (Island) to Catania.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Malta (Island) to Catania is possible with 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 book your travel to the departure port check our trains, buses and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Malta (Island) to Catania, you can count on Virtu Ferries for the best way to get you to Catania. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Malta (Island) and Catania and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A day trip to Catania from Malta (Island) is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Malta (Island) to Catania is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Malta (Island) and Catania including taking a flight and ferry.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Catania are:
- Piazza del Duomo, the central square featuring the iconic Elephant Fountain and the Cathedral of Sant'Agata
- Teatro Massimo Bellini, an opera house renowned for its stunning architecture and rich cultural performances
- Castello Ursino, a 13th-century castle housing the Civic Museum with historical artifacts and art
- Via Etnea, the main shopping street offering a vibrant mix of shops, cafes, and views of Mount Etna
- Monastero dei Benedettini, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its impressive Baroque architecture and historical significance.
The best things to do in Catania include:
- Mount Etna, explore Europe's most active volcano with guided tours and hiking trails
- La Pescheria, experience the vibrant daily fish market offering fresh seafood and local delicacies
- Giardino Bellini, relax in Catania's oldest urban park with beautiful gardens and scenic views
- Aci Castello, visit the picturesque coastal town with a medieval castle overlooking the sea
- Catania's Street Food Tour, savor local flavors and traditional Sicilian dishes on a guided culinary adventure.
Since both Malta (Island) and Catania are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Malta (Island) to Catania among Omio's users.
Italy uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most payments, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Catania, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It's advisable to use official taxis, avoid unlicensed guides, and keep valuables secure to minimize risks.
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 Malta (Island) to Catania
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Catania and Malta (Island)
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