Morocco Top Trips · Updated 6 November 2026
At its narrowest point the Strait of Gibraltar is only about 14 km wide, and on a clear day you can see the Rif Mountains from the beach in Tarifa. Taking the ferry is one of the best ways to arrive in Morocco: in roughly an hour you go from Spanish tapas bars to the lanes of the Tangier medina.
Plenty of our guests start their private tour this way, after a few days in Andalusia. Here is how the crossing works, which port to pick, who runs the boats now, and what happens with your passport and when you land.
Last checked: November 2026. Ferry companies, timetables and border rules change often. Always check the current schedule on the operator’s website before you book or travel.
In this guide
The two main routes at a glance
- Tarifa to Tanger Ville: the favorite for foot passengers. About an hour at sea, and you land right next to the Tangier medina.
- Algeciras to Tanger Med: the big car and freight route, with many more sailings. Usually 1 to 1.5 hours at sea, but Tanger Med is about 45 km east of Tangier, so you need a transfer into the city.
A simple rule: if you are on foot and heading for Tangier, go from Tarifa. If you have a car, or the Tarifa times don’t work for you, go from Algeciras. There are also longer overnight ferries to Tanger Med from Barcelona and from ports in France and Italy, mostly used by people bringing their own car.
Tarifa to Tanger Ville
Tarifa is a small surf town at the southern tip of Spain, around two hours by road from Málaga airport and under an hour from Gibraltar. The ferry terminal is in the harbor, a short walk from the old town.
The crossing takes about an hour. Boats arrive at Tanger Ville, the city port at the foot of the medina, so you can walk into the old town in a few minutes or take a small taxi to your riad. It is the easiest arrival in Morocco.
Since May 2025 the route has been run by Baleària, which took over the concession from FRS (now DFDS). Africa Morocco Link (AML) also sails between Tarifa and Tanger Ville. There are several departures a day in summer and fewer in winter. Check-in closes earlier than people expect: be at the terminal at least an hour before departure, and longer in July and August.
Algeciras to Tanger Med
Algeciras is the large port across the bay from Gibraltar. Ferries to Tanger Med run from early morning until late at night, and the crossing takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the ship. This is the route to use if you are bringing a car, and the one most likely to have a sailing when you want it.
Read your ticket carefully. Some booking sites simply say “Tangier” when the boat goes to Tanger Med, a separate port near Ksar Sghir, about 45 km from the city. That is fine if you have a transfer booked, but a surprise if you planned to walk to your hotel.
Algeciras also has ferries to Ceuta, the Spanish city on the African coast. From there you would cross a land border into Morocco, so it is not the easy way to reach Tangier.
Who runs the ferries
The ferry business in the Strait has changed a lot in the last two years, so older blog posts and forum threads often name companies that no longer sail. As of late 2026:
- Baleària: Tarifa to Tanger Ville, and Algeciras to Tanger Med.
- Africa Morocco Link (AML): Tarifa to Tanger Ville, and Algeciras to Tanger Med.
- DFDS: Algeciras to Tanger Med. DFDS bought FRS, so you will still see the FRS name in older guides, and it has also taken over the Strait routes of Armas Trasmediterránea.
Inter Shipping, which used to sail from Tarifa, no longer seems to run passenger crossings. If a booking site still lists it, double-check before you pay. You can book directly with the operators or through ferry comparison sites. Fares change with the season and how early you book, so check the current price when you book.
Passport control and the stamp on board
This part surprises most first-timers. You leave Spain through a normal passport check in the terminal. Then, on board, Moroccan border officers set up a desk and stamp passports for entry into Morocco. Sometimes this starts while the ship is still tied up in Spain.
Once you have found a seat, look for the queue, usually in the main lounge, and join it straight away. If you land without the entry stamp, you will have to sort it out with the police at the port while everyone else walks off. Have the address of your first night’s hotel ready in case the officer asks.
Your passport must be valid for your whole stay. Many travelers, including US, Canadian, UK, EU and Australian passport holders, can visit Morocco without a visa for up to 90 days. Check your own nationality in our guide: Do I need a visa to visit Morocco?
One more thing to watch is the time. For much of the year Morocco is one hour behind Spain. In winter the two can show the same time, and Morocco moves its clocks back during Ramadan. Ferry times are always local, so double-check your return sailing.
Getting from Tanger Med to Tangier
If you land at Tanger Med, you still have about 45 km to go. The drive to Tangier takes 45 minutes to an hour along the coast.
- Private transfer: the easiest option, especially with luggage or a late arrival. On our tours from Tangier, your driver meets you at the port.
- Bus: ALSA runs a city bus between Tanger Med and Tangier. It takes about an hour and costs very little.
- Taxi: grand taxis wait near the passenger terminal. Agree on the fare before you get in.
If you land at Tanger Ville, you are already in town.
Tips for a smooth crossing
- Book early for July and August. Hundreds of thousands of Moroccans living in Europe travel home for the summer, and the ports are at their busiest.
- The Strait can get rough when the east wind (the Levante) blows hard, and sailings are sometimes delayed or cancelled. Leave some slack if you have a flight or a tour starting the same day.
- Get dirhams from an ATM after you arrive. The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, so you can’t really buy it before you travel.
- Politely ignore anyone at the port who offers to “help” you. Officials are in uniform, and you don’t need anyone else to get through.
Starting a private tour in Tangier
Tangier is a great place to begin a Morocco trip. From the port it is a short drive to Chefchaouen, then on to Fes, the Sahara and Marrakech. On our tours from Tangier, your private driver can meet you at Tanger Ville, Tanger Med or the airport. Ferry tickets aren’t included, so you book the crossing and we time the pickup to match.
- 8-Day Private Morocco Tour from Tangier: Chefchaouen, Fes and a night in the Sahara, finishing in Marrakech.
- 10-Day Private Morocco Tour from Tangier: the same route at an easier pace, with two nights in the desert.
- 12-Day Private Morocco Tour from Tangier: adds a second night in Chefchaouen and a day in the High Atlas at Imlil.
- Private Chefchaouen Day Trip from Tangier: if you only have one day in Morocco.
See every route on our private tours from Tangier page, and read our guide to the best things to do in Tangier before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Tarifa to Tangier?
About one hour at sea. Add at least an hour before departure for check-in and boarding, and more in summer.
Is Tarifa or Algeciras better for Tangier?
On foot, Tarifa is better because you land at Tanger Ville, next to the medina. With a car, or if you need more departure times, Algeciras to Tanger Med is the better choice.
Where do I get my passport stamped?
On board. Moroccan border officers stamp passports at a desk on the ship, so join the queue as soon as you board.
How far is Tanger Med from Tangier?
About 45 km, or 45 minutes to an hour by car. There are buses and taxis, or your driver can meet you if you are on one of our tours.
Can I visit Tangier as a day trip from Spain?
Yes. Many people go over from Tarifa for the day. You will only see the medina and the seafront, though, and one night in Tangier makes the trip much more relaxed.
Related reading
- 7 best things to do in Tangier
- Chefchaouen: a guide to the blue city
- Do I need a visa to visit Morocco?
- Traveling to Morocco: the complete guide
Plan your private Morocco trip
Our local team plans private tours around your dates, pace and interests, with support 24/7. Explore our Morocco tour ideas or ask us to plan your trip.
