Ferry to Sicily
Valletta - Catania
From Malta to the foot of Etna: Virtu Ferries' summer connection combines the ferry to Pozzallo with a coach to the port of Catania
- Seasonal route from July to September, run by Virtu Ferries
- Fast catamaran to Pozzallo plus an operator coach to the port of Catania, around 4 hours together
- Foot passengers only; with a car, the ferry ends in Pozzallo
What you should know about the crossing
Table of Contents
Getting there & terminal
Departure is from the Virtu Ferries Passenger Terminal in Marsa, at the inner end of the Grand Harbour, on Xatt l-Għassara tal-Għeneb, not from Valletta's old town. In Catania, the journey ends at the port of Catania at the Complesso Vecchia Dogana, a few steps from the centre and from Catania Centrale railway station.
In between is the transfer in Pozzallo: the ferry docks in the port at the southern edge of the town, and the operator's coach waits at the port and drives to Catania via the coast and the A18.
Check-in & departure
For the ferry leg, Virtu Ferries' rules in Marsa apply: on foot, you're at the terminal one hour before departure, with check-in opening two hours before and closing 30 minutes before departure. Only an ID card or passport counts as a travel document. There's no separate check-in for the coach; it's included in the ticket and departs at fixed times matched to certain ferries. Which ones, the timetable shows.
The offer runs from July to September. Outside these months, book Valletta - Pozzallo and continue from Pozzallo by train, bus or hire car.
On board
On the ferry leg, the catamarans Saint John Paul II and Jean de la Valette sail with Euro Class in the salon and Club Class on the bridge deck. A bar, shop and Starlink Wi-Fi are on board. As a foot passenger, you can bring up to three items of luggage (max. 50 × 40 × 80 cm), which stay in the luggage trolley, plus one item of hand luggage up to five kilos at your seat; you transfer your own luggage onto the coach in Pozzallo.
Vehicle, bike & pets
This connection to Catania is designed for foot passengers: cars, motorhomes and bicycles leave the ferry in Pozzallo, and you drive the rest yourself. What Virtu carries in the way of vehicles is on the page Valletta - Pozzallo and at Motorhome on the ferry.
Dogs and cats travel on the ferry, but not on the coach to Catania, except guide dogs and small animals in a carrier for a fee. Documents: Taking your dog on the ferry.
Arrival & onward travel
The port of Catania sits right by the old town; Catania Centrale station is within walking distance, with trains from there to Taormina, Syracuse and Messina.
Tickets & fares
Booking is done through the booking window above; the from-price comes live from the operator's data, plus port fees, the ETS surcharge and the coach supplement for the Pozzallo - Catania leg. Virtu refunds passenger tickets in full if you cancel up to 24 hours before departure; name changes and date changes within the same fare tier are free, subject to availability.
Valletta - Catania
By ferry and coach from Malta to Catania
There are 100 nautical miles between Malta and Catania, and in summer Virtu Ferries sells the route as one journey: the fast catamaran to Pozzallo in 1 hour 45 minutes, then an operator coach from the port of Pozzallo to the port of Catania. Together it takes around four hours.
The offer runs from July to September and is for foot passengers only; anyone travelling by car leaves the ferry in Pozzallo and drives the 112 kilometres to Catania themselves. The coach supplement is charged at booking, and pets don't travel on the coach.
- Journey time
- approx. 4 hrs incl. coach
- Operator
- Virtu Ferries
- Season
- July to September
- From-price
- €91
Next departures
FAQ Valletta - Catania
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Malta-Catania route
Does the ferry go directly to Catania?+
No. Virtu Ferries' catamarans dock in Pozzallo; from there, an operator coach takes you to the port of Catania. If you book Malta - Catania, the coach is included in the ticket. This service runs only from July to September and only for foot passengers.
How long does the journey from Malta to Catania take?+
Around four hours: 1 hour 45 minutes by ferry to Pozzallo, then a good two hours for the transfer and the 112-kilometre coach ride. Which departures have a coach connection is in the timetable.
When do I need to be at the terminal in Marsa?+
On foot, one hour before departure; check-in opens two hours before and closes 30 minutes before departure. Only an ID card or passport counts as a travel document.
Can I drive to Catania?+
Only as far as Pozzallo. With a vehicle, book Valletta - Pozzallo and drive the 112 kilometres to Catania yourself via the coast road and the A18; the vehicle's make, model and number plate must be included in the booking.
How much does Malta - Catania cost?+
The ferry price depends on season and class, plus port fees, the ETS surcharge and the coach supplement for the onward journey. The displayed from-price comes live from the operator's data, and the price overview gives an idea.
Can my dog come to Catania?+
On the ferry, yes; on the coach to Catania, no, except guide dogs. Small animals in a carrier can travel on the coach for a fee. Anyone wanting to bring a dog to Catania continues from Pozzallo by hire car or train. Onboard rules: Taking your dog on the ferry.