Ferry or Dgħajsa?

The Valletta ferry landing point at Dock 1 in Cospicua, showing the modern catamaran terminal and the historic waterfront of the Three Cities.

Ferry terminal in Cospicua (Bormla)

The best ways to cross from Cospicua to Valletta

In most cities a boat ride across a historic harbour is expensive and is sold as a tourist tour. For me it’s just my daily (beautiful) commute. If you live in Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua or Kalkara, the ferry and the dgħajsa (Maltese for gondola) are easily the fastest and most relaxed ways to get into Valletta.

Passengers boarding a traditional Dgħajsa water taxi at the Birgu landing station.

Passenger coming off the dgħajsa at Birgu waterfront

Option One-Way Cost (2026) Vibe
Valletta Ferry €1.50
(Free with Resident Card)		 Reliable & Scenic
Modern catamaran. Includes Barrakka Lift.
Dgħajsa (Gondola) €3.00
(Per person)		 Authentic & Private
Small wooden boat. Leaves when you arrive.
Map of the Grand Harbour ferry and Dgħajsa routes connecting Cospicua, Birgu and Valletta, including landing points and Barrakka Lift access.

Map of the Grand Harbour

On our map you can see that both ferry and gondola leave from the same spot in Valletta, but the gondola takes you to Birgu (roundabout at St. Lawrenz Church) while the ferry moves on to the Cospicua ferry point (which is approx. 300 metres farther).

Insider Tip

"The Cospicua ferry point is next to the Greek restaurant 'Mykonos' — one of my favourites for a quick lunch or a coffee while waiting for the next ferry"

The ferry is a large catamaran. On a clear day I would never sit on the air-conditioned lower deck. I would head straight to the upper deck. There are about 40 seats outside and the view of both waterfronts (Senglea and Birgu) never gets boring. It’s the main reason I don't mind the daily trip.

By the way, the Cospicua ferry point is only 700 metres away from the “Fourth of the Three Cities” — Kalkara.

Why take the dgħajsa/gondola?

Even though the ferry is free for me with my Tallinja Resident Card, I still pay €3 for a traditional wooden dgħajsa every now and then.

A traditional wooden Dgħajsa boat with a gondolier at the Birgu waterfront, Grand Harbour Malta.

Gondolas arriving at Birgu waterfront

The official 'Dgħajsa Tal-Pass' landing place sign in Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu.

Landing place in Birgu (Vittoriosa)

Traditional Maltese Dgħajsa boat crossing the Grand Harbour with Valletta in the background.

Front row view on the way to Valletta

There’s no fixed schedule and they leave once you step in. So every time I just missed the ferry I usually take the gondola. Also, being this close to the water in a small boat is just a different feeling.

Barrakka Lift

You’ll get a free ticket for the Barrakka Lift in Valletta only if you take the ferry. So don’t throw away your physical ticket. Without the ticket the lift costs €1.

Author: Bjorn

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