how to take the ferry between spain and morocco

View of the sun setting over Southern Spain from Tangier.

Given that Tarifa, Spain and Tanger (the Moroccan spelling for Tangier), Morocco are only about an hour (via fast ferry) from each other, it's really easy to visit both countries without spending a ton of money on airfare. Note, however, that if the water is too choppy, the officials at Tarifa and Tanger could shut down their respective ports. In that case, you will have to take a slightly longer ferry ride between Algeciras in Spain and Tanger Med in Morocco. 

That being said, I took the ferry between both countries and found it a fairly easy and cheap way to visit both countries. I hope this post will assist you in your next ferry journey between these two countries.


Ferries in General

You can get to Tanger from Spain by taking ferries from Tarifa or Algeciras. If you arrive in Algeciras but want to sail out of Tarifa (or vice versa), you can take a free shuttle between the ports so long as you have a ferry ticket. Just ask at the ticket booth where the shuttles are parked.

The Tarifa port sails directly into the town of Tanger, where the medina is across the street from the port. The Algeciras port sails into Tanger Med, which is about 30 minutes to an hour away (depending on traffic) to the Tanger medina. There is a free shuttle from Tanger Med to the town of Tangier. Or, about 250 dirham (under $30) by taxi.

Spain to Morocco 

Tarifa Port.

• How to Buy A Ticket

There are many ferry companies that can sell you a ticket from Spain to Morocco. Each company has a ticket counter. You can buy tickets online directly from a particular ferry company (e.g., this is the FRS site) or shop around at the port for the best deal and at the time you want.

Make sure you have your passport with you when you buy your ticket (whether at the ticket counters at the port, at a booking agency or online). 

• Boarding the Ferry

Your ticket is not your boarding pass. You will need to ask for one at the port's ticket counter. 

If you buy your ticket at a booking agency or online, you will need to fall in line at the port's ticket counter to get a boarding pass. 

With boarding pass on hand, you will need to show it to the security personnel at the gate. Then, you will walk towards your ferry.

Boarding the ferry.

• In the Ferry

You can sit anywhere in the ferry. But, I recommend that you first go to the back of the ferry to find the Moroccan immigration people and fall in line. The line will be long (because everyone disembarking in Morocco need to go through immigration) so the sooner you fall in line, the sooner you will enjoy your ferry journey. Moroccan immigration personnel will start the process as soon as they are ready.

The immigration personnel will need your passport and will stamp it. It is important that you get your passport stamped during this time. To leave the country or buy train/bus tickets within Morocco (or if the cops stop you for some reason while in Morocco), authorities check to see that you have this stamp.

After getting your passport stamped, find a seat and enjoy the rest of the trip.

Line for Moroccan immigration during the ferry ride from Tarifa to Tanger.

• Disembarking from the Ferry

Follow the crowds to the exit. Because you have already gone through immigration during the ferry ride, you are free to leave the port and find your way to your destination.

Beware that there will be a lot of people outside the port vying for your business.


Morocco to Spain 

Tanger Med Port.

• How to Buy A Ticket

There are plenty of ferry companies at the port that sell ferry tickets. Each have their own ticket counter. Feel free to shop around for the best ferry that suits your schedule and your needs. Again, have your passport ready.

• Boarding the Ferry

Again, make sure that you have a boarding pass.

If you sail out of the Tanger port, the ferry will be steps away from the main building. If you are sailing out of Tanger Med port, you will have to take a shuttle that corresponds with the ferry company you bought your ticket from. The attendant at the ticket counter will instruct you on which shuttle to take.

Boarding the ferry from Algeciras port.

• In the Ferry

You can sit anywhere and enjoy your ferry ride.

• Disembarking from the Ferry

After disembarking, you will have to go through immigration. 



Enjoy both countries!

Have you taken the ferry between Spain and Morocco? If so, please share your experience below. If you have yet to take the ferry, please come back and let us know if the tips above helped you.