Taking the ferry is still the easiest way to bring your own car to Morocco, and often the cheapest when travelling as a group. From southern Spain the crossing takes just one to two hours; from France, expect one to nearly two days at sea. Here are the routes, the arrival ports and our tips for choosing.
Routes at a glance
| From | Arriving in Morocco | Typical crossing time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarifa (Spain) | Tanger Ville | about 1 h | Foot passengers, trips to Tangier and the north |
| Algeciras (Spain) | Tanger Med | 1 h 30 to 2 h | Cars and campervans; the busiest route |
| Motril (Spain) | Tanger Med, Nador, Al Hoceima | 5 h to 8 h depending on the port | Travellers coming from Granada or Madrid |
| Almería (Spain) | Nador | about 6 h to 8 h | Eastern Morocco (Nador, Oujda, Saïdia) |
| Sète (France) | Tanger Med, Nador | about 24 h to 40 h depending on port and operator | Travellers from southern France avoiding the drive through Spain |
| Barcelona (Spain) | Tanger Med | about 24 h to 32 h | Travellers from north-eastern Spain and France |
Crossing times vary with the operator, the ship and the weather: always check the exact schedule when you book.
Which crossing should you choose?
On foot: Tarifa – Tanger Ville
This is the shortest crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar. Its big advantage: Tanger Ville port is right in the city centre, a few minutes' walk from the medina and the train station. Ideal for a stay in Tangier, or to catch the train on to Rabat, Casablanca, Fes or Marrakech.
By car: Algeciras – Tanger Med
This is the busiest route, with many departures every day, and the large Tanger Med port connects directly to Morocco's motorways. Note that Tanger Med is not in Tangier itself but roughly forty kilometres from the city. If you are on foot, plan your transport from the port.
Heading east: Almería or Motril – Nador
For Nador, Oujda, Berkane or Saïdia, the routes to Nador save you driving across the whole north of the country. The crossing is longer, but it saves several hours on Moroccan roads.
Leaving from France: Sète – Tanger Med or Nador
Sète is France's main passenger port for Morocco. The crossing takes about 24 to 40 hours depending on the arrival port and the operator, which spares you the drive across Spain. A cabin is strongly recommended. Departures increase sharply in summer.
Booking for the summer: our tips
- Book early. In July and August, hundreds of thousands of Moroccans living abroad travel home: car crossings fill up months ahead and prices rise.
- Avoid the peaks. Southbound sailings are busiest from late June to mid-August, and northbound ones at the end of the summer. Travelling midweek or shifting by a few days can make a big difference.
- Know about Operation Marhaba. Every summer, from early June to around mid-September, Morocco and Spain run a reinforced welcome scheme in the ports (assistance, information, medical care).
- Compare operators. Several companies often run the same route, with big differences in price and timetable. An open or flexible ticket costs more but protects you if you are delayed on the road.
Documents you need
- A valid passport for every traveller, children included. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa: check with the Moroccan consulate.
- With a vehicle: the registration document, your driving licence and insurance valid in Morocco (check that Morocco, code "MA", appears on your green card; otherwise, border insurance can be bought on arrival).
- If the vehicle is not yours, an authorisation from the owner is required.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortest ferry crossing to Morocco?
Tarifa – Tanger Ville, at about one hour.
Can you take a ferry to Morocco from France?
Yes, from Sète to Tanger Med and Nador. The crossing takes more than a day.
Tanger Med or Tanger Ville?
Tanger Ville is in the city centre, convenient on foot. Tanger Med is a large port about forty kilometres away, designed for vehicles and connected to the motorways.
This article is a guide only: routes, schedules and prices change every season. Always check with the ferry operator before you travel.