Algeciras to Ceuta Ferry

The Algeciras to Ceuta ferry is the busiest passenger link across the Strait of Gibraltar, connecting the port of Algeciras on the Bay of Gibraltar with the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta on the North African coast. Because Ceuta is Spanish territory, this is technically a domestic crossing within Spain rather than an international one, which is part of why it runs so frequently and moves so quickly.

Operators and vessels

Three companies compete on the route: Baleària, FRS and Naviera Armas / Trasmediterránea. All three use fast catamaran-style high-speed craft rather than conventional ships, which keeps the crossing short. Baleària runs the quickest sailings, advertising times as low as around 56 minutes, while most services complete the trip in roughly one hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

Frequency and timetable

Combined, the operators offer up to about ten daily departures in each direction, with Baleària providing up to seven sailings, FRS up to five and Naviera Armas up to five. The first boats leave Algeciras around 07:00 and the last departures run late into the evening, close to 23:00, giving plenty of flexibility for day trips or connections onward.

Vehicles and passengers

The high-speed ferries carry both foot passengers and vehicles, including cars, motorcycles and vans, so it is a practical option for road trips. Fares typically start from around €25 to €28 for a foot passenger.

Passport and border notes

You do not need a passport for the ferry itself, since both ends are Spanish and inside the EU. However, Ceuta shares a land border with Morocco at El Tarajal (Bab Sebta), next to the Moroccan town of Fnideq. If you plan to continue into Morocco overland from Ceuta, you will need a valid passport and must pass full Moroccan immigration control at that frontier, which can involve long queues.