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Are you looking to take a ferry from Morocco to Spain? There are several different routes that you can choose from, and it can be tough to decide which one is the best for you.
In this blog post, we will provide an overview of all the different ferry crossings from Morocco to Spain or Spain to Morocco, as well as some important information about each one.
We’ll also give you a few tips on how to choose the right route for your needs. So if you’re ready, let’s get started!
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Morocco to Spain by Ferry
Morocco and Spain are two popular tourist destinations that are separated by the Strait of Gibraltar where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet.
The strait is only about 14 kilometers wide at its narrowest point, so it’s relatively easy and quick to travel between the two countries by ferry.
Morocco Spain Map
The advantage of taking a ferry from Morocco to Spain is that it’s a convenient and affordable way to travel, especially if you’re bringing your own vehicle. Plus taking a ferry between these two countries will allow you to enjoy the beautiful Gibraltar scenery along the way.
There are a few different ways to cross from Morocco to Spain by ferry. The most popular routes are from Tangier to Tarifa or Tangier Med to Algeciras, but there are also ferry options that go from Ceuta to Algeciras or Melilla to Malaga.
Now let’s take a look at these different routes that are available for traveling from Morocco to Spain by ferry.
The Most Popular Morocco to Spain Ferry Routes
There are a few main ferry routes that operate between Morocco and Spain. These routes are run by different ferry companies, including FRS, Acciona Trasmediterranea, Balearia, AML, and many more.
Tangier to Tarifa Ferry
The most popular route that many people take is the route between the Moroccan port city of Tangier and the Spanish port city of Tarifa. This is the shortest crossing, with a distance of only about 14 kilometers that you can cross in just 60 minutes.
Ferries depart every one to two hours from Tangier and Tarifa, so this is a very convenient option if you’re looking to travel from Morocco to Spain or the opposite on a short timeline.
There are two different ferry companies that operate on this route, FRS and Intershipping. Each one of them runs 6 sailings per day which means a total of 12 sailings are available between Tangier and Tarifa per day.
Tarifa, Spain
The price for a one-way ticket on this route is about 40 USD for adults, 20 USD for children, and 40 USD for a vehicle.
If you are planning on taking this ferry, keep in mind that it gets quite busy as this is a popular route for people traveling between Europe and Africa. So it’s always a good idea to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season (summer season).
Tangier Med to Algeciras Ferry
The second option for getting from Morocco to Spain is by using a ferry between Tangier Med port (also known as Tanger-Med) and the Spanish port city of Algeciras. This route is slightly longer than the Tangier to Tarifa crossing, with a distance of about 38 kilometers that takes around 90 minutes to cross.
There are also three different ferry companies that operate on this route, FRS, AML, and Balearia. There are about 14 sailings each day taking place between Tangier Med and Algeciras, with the trip taking an average of one and a half hours.
Algeciras, Spain
The price for this ferry is also around 40 USD for adults, 20 USD for children, and 80-120 USD for vehicles.
The Tangier Med to Algeciras route is also a popular one, especially for those traveling with their own vehicles. However, it’s important to note that this route can be quite unpredictable due to the strong currents in the Strait of Gibraltar.
So if you’re planning on taking this ferry, make sure to check the weather conditions in advance and give yourself plenty of time to cross just in case there are any delays.
Tangier Med to Barcelona Ferry
If you are in Morocco and planning to spend a few days in Barcelona, just head to Tangier and take the ferry. However, keep in mind that the ferry connecting Tangier Med to Barcelona is one of the longest routes, with a distance of about 1330 kilometers that takes around 30 hours to complete.
Despite the long travel journey, this is a popular ride for those looking to travel from Morocco to Spain without having to take a plane or go through the hassle of driving.
Barcelona, Spain
There is one ferry company, Grandi Navi Veloci, that operates on this route with two sailings per week. The trip is a bit pricey, with tickets costing around 150 USD per person.
Ceuta to Algeciras Ferry
One of the common options to cross to Spain from Morocco with a ferry is to enter the occupied city of Ceuta then take the ferry from there to Algeciras in Spain.
Ceuta is an occupied Moroccan city by Spain, and it’s actually one of the only two European cities (including Melilla) on African soil. Ceuta is a mixed city with a diverse population, and it’s actually a popular tourist destination for both Spaniards and Moroccans.
Ceuta, Morocco
The ferry ride from Ceuta to Algeciras is quite short, with a distance of only about 20 kilometers that you can cross in less than an hour.
There are two different ferry companies, Transmediterranea and FRS, that operate on this route with a total of 12 sailings per day.
If you’re planning on taking this ferry, keep in mind that Ceuta is now controlled by the Spanish and considered Spanish soil, so you’ll need to have your passport and all the necessary documents in order before entering the city.
Melilla to Malaga Ferry
Melilla is one of the two Moroccan cities under the control of Spain. It’s located on the northeastern coast of Africa.
The ferry ride from Melilla to Malaga is a popular option if you are visiting Melilla or Ceuta. However, if you are in Morocco and planning to take this crossing, it’s important to keep in mind it may take a while to enter the Spanish-controlled cities of Melilla and Ceuta from Morocco.
Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time before your ferry trip.
Melilla, Morocco
The ferry ride from Melilla to Malaga is about 6 hours long, and there are two to three different companies that operate on this route.
Tangier Med to Gibraltar Ferry
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located on the southern coast of Spain. It’s a popular destination, and it’s also a great stop if you’re traveling from Morocco to Spain by ferry as there is a bridge connecting Gibraltar to Spain.
Gibraltar, Spain
The Tangier Med to Gibraltar ferry used to run weekly and takes around one hour and a half to complete.
The last time we checked online there were no longer any companies running this ferry route. However, it’s always best to check in advance as things can change.
Morocco to Spain by ferry tips:
- Keep in mind that Moroccan cities Ceuta and Melilla are now controlled by Spain, so you’ll need to have your passport and all the necessary documents in order before entering the city.
- Ferry timetables can be affected by many different factors, from seasonal changes, to ferry operators. Always check in advance and give yourself plenty of time before your ferry trip.
- Check the weather conditions before you go, and give yourself extra time in case of delays.
- Have your passport and documents ready when boarding the ferry, as you’ll need to go through customs.
- Gibraltar is not a Spanish city, it’s a British Overseas Territory. Check your visa requirements before traveling to Gibraltar from Morocco.
- Ferry prices can change depending on the company, time of year, and availability. It’s always best to check prices and book in advance if you can.
- Before you take the ferry make sure to carry Euros with you in case you want to buy a snack on the ferry.
- There are no restrictions on luggage weight and sizes on the ferry, but keep in mind that you’ll have to carry your luggage on and off the ferry. Check-in times are usually one hour before departure.
- If you’re traveling with a pet, make sure to check the ferry company’s policy in advance as some companies do not allow pets on board.
- If you are planning on boarding with your car, check the ferry company’s policy on cars and what you need as documents. I have heard that car insurance is required.
- Checking and purchasing your ticket in advance is always recommended to make sure you get a spot on the ferry.
So there you have it! Everything you need to know about the ferry routes from Morocco to Spain. If you have any questions about traveling in Morocco, feel free to drop us a message on Instagram and we’ll be happy to help. And don’t forget to check out our other posts for more travel tips and inspiration.
Happy travels!
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