If you’re thinking about taking the ferry from Spain to Tangier, let me tell you—it’s way easier (and more affordable) than you might expect.
As someone who lives in Morocco and visits Spain quite a bit during visa runs, I’ve done this route more times than I can count.
It’s fast, efficient, affordable, and about ten thousand times easier than taking a plane. I honestly love that I don’t have to worry about excess baggage fees and that I don’t have to arrive at the ferry terminal three hours in advance.
Instead, I just hang out in Cadiz (I prefer it to Tarifa since it’s bigger and still close to the ferry) and then take about a 90-minute bus ride to Tarfia.
Once there, I board the ferry and enjoy a beautiful ride to this always charming city of Tangier.
So, regardless of whether you’re heading to Tangier for a quick getaway or a month-long stay, I’ve got you covered with this epic local’s guide.
In this post, I’ll break down everything you need to know to make the ferry trip smooth and hassle-free—because by now, I pretty much have the trip down to a science.
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Best Ferry Route from Spain to Tangier
If you’re looking for the best ferry from Spain to Tangier, then the Tarifa to Tangier Ville route is, hands down, the winner.
Why? For starters, it’s the fastest ferry option, taking just 1 hour to cross the water. This means less time spent traveling and more time spent exploring the city during your Tangier itinerary.
The frequency of the service is another big plus. Ferries depart multiple times daily, especially in the summer. So, you’ll have plenty of ferries to choose from and don’t have to worry about adjusting your schedule.
Another big plus? The ferry drops you off in the city center at Tangier Ville, which is within walking distance of the medina, local markets, restaurants, and hotels.
Unlike ferries that arrive at Tangier Med (a commercial port about an hour from the city), you won’t have to worry about arranging extra transport to get into the city.
Just step off the ferry, and you’re ready to enjoy some of the best things to do in Tangier.
For foot travelers, this is a real bonus since there’s no need to figure out how to get into the city. Plus, if you’re traveling with limited luggage or on foot, this ferry is ideal because it offers a simple, hassle-free connection to Morocco.
Another advantage of taking the Tarifa route is that Tarifa itself is a charming town that’s well worth exploring before or after your ferry ride.
It’s located at the southern tip of Spain and is known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and charming streets. It also makes a great base for travelers coming from nearby cities like Seville or Cadiz.
TBH, I prefer Cadiz since it is a bit bigger and just an all-around charming city.
Overall, the Tarifa to Tangier Ville ferry is the perfect combination of speed, convenience, and central location, making it the best option for most travelers heading to Tangier.
Local Tip: Be sure to book your ferry tickets well in advance during busy travel seasons, like summer.
Ferry from Tarifa to Tangier
If you’re looking for the most convenient and hassle-free ferry from Spain to Tangier, then the Tarifa to Tangier route is the way to go.
This route is super popular with tourists, especially travelers on foot, since it’s quick, drops you right off in the center of Tangier, and is easy to navigate.
The ferry takes you directly to Tangier Ville, which is right in the heart of the city. So, once you step off the boat, you’re just a short walk away from the medina, restaurants, and epic riads in Tangier.
No need for taxis or extra transport – it’s all right there. I also love that the journey is fast since the entire trip only takes about an hour.
Plus, ferries run up to 8 times a day, with even more departures available during the summer months.
Ferry Operators: FRS is the only company operating this route.
Price: Usually €40 to €60 round-trip for a foot passenger.
Departure/Arrival: Departs from the Port of Tarifa (a small town on the southern tip of Spain) and arrives at Tangier Ville (walking distance to the medina, restaurants, and hotels).
If you’re coming from Seville or Cadiz, buses run regularly to Tarifa, or you can rent a car and park it at the port. Personally, I like to come from Cadiz since I find the city to be a bit more interesting than Tarifa.
Ferry from Algeciras to Tangier
The Algeciras to Tangier route is one of the busiest ferry crossings between Spain and Morocco, especially for travelers with cars or those coming from cities like Málaga, Seville, or Madrid.
It’s a popular option due to its frequency and accessibility, though it does have one downside: the ferry lands at Tangier Med, the commercial port that’s about an hour’s drive from the city center.
So, while it’s a great option for getting there, it’s not ideal if you don;t have your own vehicle. In total, the journey takes about 1.5 hours, and ferries run multiple times a day, often every 1-2 hours during peak season.
Therefore, you have plenty of options to fit into your busy travel schedule.
Ferry Operators: Balearia, FRS, and Trasmediterranea
Price: Expect to pay anywhere from €25 to €60 for a foot passenger. If you’re bringing a car, prices can vary based on vehicle size and the time of year.
Departure/Arrival: Departs from Algeciras Port (a major port city on the southern coast of Spain) and arrives at Tangier Med (you’ll need to take a bus or taxi into Tangier city, which takes about an hour and costs roughly $7.00-$11.00).
This route is perfect if you’re driving or traveling with a lot of luggage. However, if you’re a foot passenger hoping to stroll off the ferry into Tangier’s medina, this might not be the most practical option.
If you’re renting a car, returning it in Spain and crossing as a foot passenger could save you time and money.
Ferry from Barcelona to Tangier
If you’re up for a long ferry journey, the ferry from Barcelona to Tangier is definitely an adventure! Expect a longer crossing that takes anywhere between 28–32 hours.
So, it’s best for anyone who likes to take things slow and enjoy the open sea. Ferries on this route run 1–2 times per week. Therefore, it’s not as frequent as some of the other options on this list.
You’ll also be departing from the Port of Barcelona, which is a lovely area to explore before you board, and sailing all the way to Tangier Med.
However, do keep in mind that Tangier Med is about 1 hour outside of Tangier itself. As a result, you’ll need to arrange transport into the city by bus or taxi.
Ferry Operators: Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV)
Price: Starts at around €100 for a basic seat. Cabins and car transport are extra.
Departure/Arrival: Departs from the Port of Barcelona and arrives at Tangier Med (about 1 hour outside the city, accessible by bus or taxi).
This is a great way to travel if you’re coming from northern Spain or if you have a vehicle that you want to bring into Morocco. Booking a cabin makes the long ride more comfortable and relaxing.
The long trip also means that you can save money on hotel rooms for the duration of the ferry.
Ferry from Motril to Tangier
For those looking for a quieter, less crowded ferry experience, the Motril to Tangier route is a hidden gem. Located near Granada on Spain’s southern coast, Motril Port is a smaller and quieter alternative to bigger ports like Algeciras.
The journey from Motril to Tangier Med takes between 7 and 8 hours, which is a manageable length of time for travelers who prefer not to spend a whole day at sea.
Additionally, ferries run 2–4 times per week, depending on the season. So, it’s not quite as frequent as some of the other routes listed above.
Ferry Operators: FRS and Naviera Armas
Price: Around €35 to €60 for foot passengers.
Departure/Arrival: Departs from the Port of Motril and arrives at Tangier Med (about 1 hour from the city by taxi or bus).
Motril is a good choice if you’re already in Granada or want a quieter, less crowded experience. Keep in mind that food and drink options onboard are limited. Therefore, it’s best to bring some snacks with you for the trip.
What It’s Like Taking the Ferry from Spain to Tangier
Taking the ferry from Spain to Tangier is generally a smooth and simple process, but there are a few things that can make the experience even easier if you know what to expect.
Boarding
First things first, make sure to arrive at the terminal 60-90 minutes before departure. It’s a relaxed process compared to flying, but you’ll still go through ticketing and security, which is a bit like an airport experience but less stressful.
Have your passport and any required visa documents ready to go, since you’ll need them if you want to board the ferry. Once you’ve checked in and have cleared security, you’re free to relax!
Grab a coffee, eat a snack, or just chill before it’s time to board. I like having this extra time because it helps me avoid getting stressed out and give me a chance to relax before my trip.
Customs and Passport Control
Here’s where things get a little different. When you’re heading to Morocco, you won’t have to deal with traditional passport control at the port. Instead, passport control happens onboard the ferry. Yes, you heard that right.
While you’re cruising across the water, an immigration officer will come around to stamp your passport. So, when you arrive in Tangier, you can skip the long lines and just head out.
It’s super convenient, but make sure you have all your travel documents in order before boarding to avoid any issues.
Seating & Amenities
Ferries are pretty comfortable, and there’s usually something for everyone. On shorter routes, like Tarifa to Tangier, you’ll find yourself in a standard seat in a large cabin.
It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done – simple, yet practical for a quick trip.
For longer routes, like the one from Barcelona to Tangier, the experience can be a bit more luxurious. You might get a private cabin with a bed for a bit more comfort.
Plus, there’s a restaurant onboard where you can grab a meal to make the journey more enjoyable.
Regardless of the route, most ferries are equipped with bathrooms, a snack bar if you get a little hungry, and often even an outdoor deck where you can step outside to feel the sea breeze and take in some stellar views of the ocean.
Luggage
When it comes to luggage, there’s no need to stress – it’s pretty simple. You’re welcome to bring a suitcase or backpack on board. So, feel free to pack whatever is on your Morocco packing list.
Once you’re onboard, there are storage racks available where you can stow your bags safely while you settle in for the ride. Just make sure to keep any important items, like passports or valuables, close by in a smaller bag or in your seat area.
Generally, if you are saling with FRS Iberia or FRS then you can bring one piece of luggage, weighing up to 20 kg per person, at no additional cost. Therefore, keep this in mind when packing for your trip.
Weather Cancellations
One thing to keep in mind is that weather conditions can sometimes mess with ferry schedules, especially during the winter months. As a result, hit is probably not the best time to visit Tangier.
If the sea’s rough or there are heavy winds, ferries might be delayed or even canceled. It’s always a good idea to check the ferry company’s website or give them a call before you head to the port, especially if the weather looks a little off.
That way, you can avoid any surprises and stay up to date about your sailing status. Better safe than sorry, right? I know this happened to my friend and she had to reschedule her trip due to high winds.
Disembarkation
When it’s time to disembark, your arrival port makes a huge difference:
Tangier Ville: Lucky you! This port is located right in the heart of the city. As a result, you can literally walk off the ferry and straight into the medina to start exploring. It’s super convenient and makes it easy to visit the best restaurants in Tangier.
Tangier Med: If you arrive here, it’s a little different. This port is about an hour outside the city. You’ll need to take a bus, taxi, or shuttle to get to the city center.
Buses are more budget-friendly, while taxis are quicker and usually cost around $7.00-$11.00. Both options are easy to find, so it’s up to you whether you want to save a few bucks or want to get to Tangier faster!
Should You Travel from Spain to Morocco on a Day Trip?
A lot of people wonder if it’s worth doing a day trip from Spain to Tangier. In short? I’d say probably not.
You’ll end up spending the majority of your day just getting through customs and on the ferry. Add to that the fact that Tangier has a a lot of rich culture, beautiful sights, and some of the best Moroccan food you’ll ever taste.
So, It’s a place that really deserves more than a quick trip. If you’re going all the way from Spain to a completely new continent, why rush it?
Now, if you’re really rushed for time and only have a few hours to spare, you could go for a guided day tour from Tarifa. But, honestly, you’ll just scratch the surface.
You’ll probably miss out on the best parts of Tangier, like wandering the Kasbah, sipping mint tea by the sea at one of the best cafes in Tangier, or exploring the bustling medina.
For a more enjoyable experience, I’d recommend giving yourself at least 2-3 days to fully enjoy the city and understand all the reasons why Tangier is worth visiting.
This will give you time to explore at a leisurely pace, and who knows, you might even find time to take a day trip from Tangier to Chefchaouen or Asilah. Trust me, you’ll have way more stories to tell if you take your time!
Conclusion
Overall, I think the best way to travel from Spain to Morocco is to take the ferry from Tarifa to Tangier. Not only is the trip short, but tickets are cheap and you can choose from multiple departutres daily.
I also love that you get dropped off in Tangier Ville and don’t have to worry about catching the bus or getting a taxi to take you into the center of town.
Just keep an eye out on the weather since ferries can sometimes get cancelled due to high winds. You also may want to base yourself in Cadiz, not Tarifa, since I find this town to be a bit more interesting (IMHO).
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