Ferry From Spain To Morocco: A Practical Travel Guide

Ferry From Spain To Morocco: A Practical Travel Guide

  • Post category:Travel Tips
  • Reading time:27 mins read

Ferry From Spain to Morocco: Practical Travel Guide

Ferry from Spain to Morocco

Tip 1. Swimming Your Way Instead of Flying

Flying could be expensive and there could be restrictions on luggage. But have you ever given a thought about taking a ferry from Spain to Morocco? Then I think you should take your thought to a ferry ride. There are numerous low-priced ferries available to take you from European to North African continent. 9 miles (14.48 km) ferry ride from Spain to Morocco could lead to an aqua-amazing experience. They are comfortable, reliable, faster (obviously not faster than an airplane) but they are hassle-free!!!

Tip 2. Which season Is Best For A Ferry Ride?

Ferries are totally safe. But in winter it could be unpredictable. Weather changes its colors quickly. You can face strong currents, fog, and torrential rain. It could be dangerous to cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco.

As far as I know, I think the best time to take the ferry is during “fall” because the water will be washed in colors during sunset. And the ferry will help you reach faster at your destination. When the weather is good, people can actually see home from many parts of each country. Also, you can see the ports slowly appearing as you keep coming close to it.

tarifa

Tip 3. Why should you or shouldn’t take a ferry?

The ferry will take you to a short journey of an hour or more (depends on the distance and the schedule of a ferry). There are zero luggage restrictions. The tickets are inexpensive and there’s parking at the port for your cars.

If you wish to take your car to another continent then, there’s a capacity for cars, vans and small trucks. And the best part of traveling to Morocco is visa-free valid for 90 days for the nationals of up to 68 countries and territories. You only have to keep your passport and get the entry stamp before going on board. There are bars and smoking areas onboard. In companies like FRS, there’s a prayer area for Muslims (again depending on the ferry).

It could get delay or cancel due to bad weather conditions. Taking your pet on ferry could be a tricky business. And if you’re not a crowd person then ferries aren’t for you. They are a bit crowded. Also if you have motion sickness then ferries definitely aren’t for you.

Tip 4. Fastest & Best Route: Ferried-away

Everyone looks for the quickest and easiest way to save time and their money. So there are more than 75 ferries crossing each day on different 9 routes. There are 8 ferry companies embracing the Alboran sea from Spain to Morocco like FRS, Balearia, Grimaldi Lines, Transmediterranea,​ Intershipping…

Tip 5. When to Buy Your Ferry Ticket?

Prices can rise as departure times approaches. You would go with the option of booking the tickets online or you can do it through Tangier Excursions Company. When you travel around the peak time of a year, the cost of the ferries will be high and better to pre-book your round way trip from Spain to Morocco

ferries from spain to morocco

Tarifa to Tangier Ferry

This route is fastest from all of the other routes. It’s easy because it connects the mainland of Spain with Morocco. If you are arriving with car the port has a decent car parking which will cost you from €18 a day. The ports car parking is free for 15 minutes.

  • FRS takes rougly 60 minutes with a cost of from €60 round trip.
  • Intershipping takes roughly 120 minutes to reach with the cost of from €60 round trip.

Most of the time, the cost depends on the time of year. It renders 12 voyages in a day. These two ferry companies FRS and Intershipping provide 6 voyages each a day. All the Moroccan immigration formalities are done on the ferry on board to save time for arrival. These direct ferries are also capable of taking your car within the ferry. 

The FRS company provides fast service in the strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea. With a fleet of high and modern, high-speed with a capacity of 777 passengers in it.

When you reach Tangier, the beautiful city, which is full of painters, poets, and writers. Tangier is the getaway to Africa for many travelers. There are lovely boutique hotels to stay at.

Once you reach there you will be mesmerized by the beautiful city.

Algeciras to Tangier Med Ferry

There are 5 Ferry companies are available like Balearia, Intershipping, AMLTransmediterranea, and FRS. There are 45 voyages in a day. Now the distance between Algeciras to Tangier Med is 18 miles (28.97 km). So, it will take 70 minutes to reach Tangier med.

  • Balearia voyages 11 times per day. It takes 60 minutes with a cost of from €50.
  • Transmediterranea 9 times per day. Takes around 90 minutes with cost of from €70.
  • FRS 8 times per day. Takes 90 minutes and its cost is from €70.
  • Intershipping 5 times per day • AML12 times per day. Takes 90 minutes and cost is from €50.

Algeciras to Ceuta Ferry

Three ferry companies providing voyages from Algeciras to Ceuta. They are 22 voyages a day.

  • Balearia 10 times per day. Takes 60 minutes and cost from €50.
  • Transmediterranea 4 times per day. Takes 60 minutes and it costs from €40
  • FRS 8 times per day. Takes 60 minutes and it costs from €50

Ceuta is another Spanish Enclave in the Moroccan land like Melilla. It is located on the coast of North Africa. These ferries will take you to the spectacular city of flora and fauna. With great scuba diving place. So you will have a land border crossing from Ceuta to enter Morocco. It is washed with Mediterranean Coast and with the Rif mountains.

It has fantastic architecture, interesting museums, excellent food with relaxing maritime park and bracing nature walks. The city is so beautiful at night. The sky shines like a million diamonds. The natural beauty is amazing there.


Book Your Ferry Ticket

The Far One: Malaga to Melilla

Well, traveling on a ferry from Málaga to Melilla will take hours. Málaga is a large city in Southern Spain’s region of Andalucía with full of historical places in it. The birth place of Picasso and the history of the cathedral. Sometimes my mind wonders to how Picasso took a ferry from Málaga to Melilla at what cost?? 

Balearia and Transmediterranea regulate ferry ride from Málaga to Melilla with 13 voyages per week.

  • Balearia voyages 6 times per weak with cost of from €67 which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to reach.
  • Transmediterranea voyages 7 times per week with the cost from €77 which takes 6 hours 15 minutes to reach.

Some new tourist who has never been to Spain; and wants to travel to Morocco gets confused asking why are we going to Spain again?

Ok, let me clear this to you that Spain owned these two cities. Melilla is a Spanish city on the Moroccan coast. It shares a border with Morocco and is separated from Spanish provinces of Grenada and Almeria by the Alboran Sea. It is one of two cities in North Africa.

A Fun Experience: Bon Voyage!

The two continents are separated by the Strait of Gibraltar. Which the Alboran sea connects with both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. You can see the sunset diving into the horizon, you can see some aquatic life. The views along the coast towards North Africa are spectacular and mind-blowing.

Here’s a fun fact some people actually swim there way across from Spain to Morocco but it takes 4 hours. But that is the hard way. I hope you find your way by reading this article and live your dream to travel from the easiest ways from Spain and Morocco.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Which Spanish ports offer ferries to Morocco?

    Ferries depart from Tarifa, Algeciras, and Gibraltar to Morocco. The most popular routes are:
    – Tarifa to Tangier Ville (35 minutes, fastest crossing).
    – Algeciras to Tangier Med (1–1.5 hours) or Ceuta (Spanish enclave, 1 hour).
    – Gibraltar to Tangier Med (seasonal, 1.5 hours).

  2. How long does the ferry from Spain to Morocco take?

    The duration depends on your route:
    – Tarifa to Tangier Ville: 35–60 minutes (shortest).
    – Algeciras to Tangier Med: 1–1.5 hours.
    – Algeciras to Ceuta: 1 hour (land border crossing required to enter Morocco).

  3. Do I need a visa to travel from Spain to Morocco by ferry?

    Most EU, US, Canadian, and UK citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Always check your nationality’s requirements and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.

  4. How much does the ferry from Spain to Morocco cost?

    Prices vary by operator and season:
    – Foot passengers: €35–€70 one-way.
    – Vehicles: €120–€250 one-way (including driver).
    Book early for discounts, especially in peak seasons (summer, holidays).

  5. Can I take my car on the ferry?

    Yes! Most ferries accommodate vehicles, but book in advance. Ensure you have:
    – Valid driver’s license.
    – International Insurance (Green Card) for Morocco.
    – Vehicle registration documents.

  6. What ferry companies operate this route?

    – FRS Ferries (Tarifa–Tangier Ville | Algeciras – Tangier Med).
    – Balearia (Algeciras–Tangier Med/Ceuta).
    – AML (Algeciras–Tangier Med | Tarifa – Tangier Ville).

  7. Is the ferry ride smooth? Will I get seasick?

    The Strait of Gibraltar is generally calm, but weather can affect crossings. If prone to seasicknes:
    – Choose shorter routes (e.g., Tarifa–Tangier Ville).
    – Take motion sickness medication beforehand.

  8. What should I pack for the ferry trip?

    – Passport (mandatory).
    – Printed tickets (some operators require them).
    – Light jacket (deck areas can be windy).
    – Snacks/water (onboard options are limited).

  9. Can I do a day trip from Spain to Morocco by ferry?

    Absolutely! Many travelers take early ferries (e.g., 9 AM from Tarifa), explore Tangier or Chefchaouen, and return by sunset. For a seamless experience, book a private guided tour (like Tangier Excursions LLC) to handle logistics, border formalities, and itineraries.

  10. What happens when I arrive in Morocco?

    – Tangier Ville: Steps from the medina, ideal for quick exploration.
    – Tangier Med: Located 45 minutes from Tangier city (arrange transfers in advance).
    All passengers go through Moroccan passport control; have your documents ready.

  11. Are there luggage restrictions on ferries?

    Most ferries allow 1–2 bags per person (no strict weight limits). Oversized luggage (e.g., surfboards, bikes) may incur extra fees—check with your operator.

  12. Can I book ferry tickets last minute?

    While possible, advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for vehicles or peak travel times (summer, weekends). Use operator websites or platforms like Direct Ferries for real-time availability.

  13. Is there Wi-Fi or food onboard?

    Most ferries have:
    – Cafés serving snacks/coffee.
    – Duty-free shops.
    – Limited Wi-Fi (often paid). Bring entertainment for longer crossings.

  14. Do I need to convert money before boarding?

    Euros are widely accepted onboard and in Moroccan ports, but convert some cash to Moroccan Dirham (MAD) for markets, taxis, or small purchases. ATMs are available in arrival ports.

About Us

Welcome to Tangier Excursions, your gateway to unforgettable private day trips from Spain to Morocco! Specializing in seamless, culturally rich journeys across the Strait of Gibraltar, we craft personalized excursions that let you experience the magic of Morocco in just one day. Whether you’re departing from vibrant Spanish hubs like Tarifa, Seville, Malaga, Marbella, Cadiz, or Gibraltar, our curated adventures blend convenience, authenticity, and expert local insight to transform your travel dreams into reality.

Tags: , , , , ,