Ferries to Morocco
Page sponsored by FRS.es
Since 2000, FRS Iberia and FRS Maroc have been operating year-round fast ferry sailings across the Straits of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco.
The route between Tarifa (Cost de la Luz, Spain) and the buzzing port of Tangier Ville (Morocco) is the recommended route for tourists. Frequent ferries also connect Algeciras with the ports of Ceuta (Spanish enclave in North Africa) and Tangier MED which is the out-of-town port suitable for those driving south. These hourly ferry crossings can be taken as an individual ticketed passenger or as part of a organised day trip or overnight excursions.
Below Andalucia.com lists all the ferry routes from Andalucia to North Africa and the Canary Islands:
High-speed Catamaran from Tarifa to Tangier Town and from Algeciras to Tangier Med. Discounts on day return bookings.
Tarifa to Tangier Town
Frequent hourly ferry service by fast Jet Catamaran from Tarifa port to Tangier Town (Morocco). Services are offered by two companies FRS and Intershipping, departing on the alternate hours. The fast crossing is 35 minutes (dock to dock). Moroccan immigration formalities are carried out on-board the ferry, to save time on arrival. The ferry companies also provide a free coach service from their offices in Algeciras port to the ferry in Tarifa. This is the recommended ferry route for tourists visiting Tangier or those taking onward train or bus in Morocco. Here is a practical guide to the journey and procedures.
Algeciras to Ceuta
Frequent hourly services between Algeciras and Ceuta (Spanish enclave) are available from FRS and Transmediterrea and Balearia ferry companies. The fast ferry boat takes approximately 35 minutes to make the shortest crossing. From Cueta is is posible to cross the border into Morocco. Helity operate a scheduled helicopter service on this route from Algeciras heliport.
Algeciras to Tangier Med
Frequent daily service from Algeciras to Tangier Med (Morocco) is available through Transmediterrea and FRS and Balearia and Africa Morocco Link (AML) ferry companies. The service takes approximately 70 minutes on the fast ferry. Tangier Med is the newer port located 30km east of Tangiers town. This is the recommended route if you are driving south in Morocco and do not want to visit Tangiers town.
Gibraltar to Tangier Med
Once a fortnight (may return to once a week) departure from Gibraltar to Tangiers Med (Morocco) is available through the ferry company FRS. The crossing departs Gibraltar on Friday evening and departs Tangier Med on Monday evening. The crossing takes roughly 80 minutes. The service is primarily for Moroccan workers in Gibraltar.
Malaga to Melilla
Service available daily from Malaga city port to Melilla (Spanish enclave in North Africa) except Sundays through Naviera Armas. Overnight service taking 8 hrs. Helity operate a several daily scheduled helicopter service on this route from Malaga Airport.
Motril to Nador
Service available four times per week from Motril to Nador (Morocco) through Naviera Armas. Crossing takes four hours. The ferry company provides a free connecting bus service for passengers from Malaga city bus station.
Motril to Al Hoceima
Service available three times weekly from Motril to Al Hoceima ( also called Alhucemas), (Morocco) through Naviera Armas. Crossing takes four hours. The ferry company provides a free connecting bus service for passengers from Malaga bus station.
Motril to Tangier Med
Service was available daily from Motril to Tanger Med through FRS. It has not restarted post Covid. Crossing took seven hours. The service is particularly useful for those traveling from Northern Spain and Europe and wishing to reduce their driving distance.
Motril to Mellia
Service was available daily from Motril to Melilla (Spanish enclave) through FRS and Naviera Armas Crossing takes four hours. The service is particularly useful for those traveling from Northern Spain and Europe and wishing to reduce their driving distance.
Almeria to Melilla
Ferries are available daily from Almeria to Melilla (Spanish enclave), through Naviera Armas.
The crossing takes approximately four hours.
Almeria to Nador
Ferries are available three times daily from Almeria to Nador (Morocco), through Balearia and Naviera Armas and GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci).
The crossing takes approximately six hours.
Ferries to Algeria
Almeria to Oran
Ferries are available twice a week from Almeria to Oran (Algeria), through Transmediterrea.
The crossing takes approximately nine hours.
Almeria to Ghazaouet
Ferries are available three times a week from Almeria to Ghszouet (Algeria), except for Saturdays through Acciona Transmediterrea. The crossing takes approximately nine hours.
Ferries to Canary Islands
Cadiz to Canary Islands
The service is available through Naviera Armas, once a week to five Canary Island ports. Departure Tuesdays at 14.00 hrs and arrive at Arrecife (Lanzarote) 16.00 hrs Wednesday, Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura) 20.00 hrs Wednesday, Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) 02.20 hrs Thursday, Santa Cruz (Tenerifa) 09.30 Wednesday and de La Palma (La Palma) 22.00 hrs Thursday.
Huelva to Canary Islands
The service is available through Naviera Armas once a week departing 12.30 hrs on Saturday to Arricife (Lanzarote) arriving 15.00 hrs Sunday, Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) 20.30 hrs Sunday evening, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, arriving 01.30 hrs Monday morning.