Spain
Melilla to Motril Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
At a glance
The Melilla to Motril ferry. It is operated by Transmediterránea acciona.
- Sailings listed
- 0
Melilla to Motril ferry timetable
Seasonal sailing times
The Melilla to Motril ferry is operated by Transmediterránea acciona. Sailings change with the season, and departures are confirmed ahead of each sailing period.
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Melilla – Motril crossing
The Melilla to Motril ferry connects the Spanish autonomous city of Melilla in North Africa with Motril, the port of the Granada coast (Costa Tropical) in Andalusia. Like the Málaga link, this is a domestic Spanish crossing rather than a trip into Morocco, but because Melilla lies outside the Schengen Area, identity and border checks are performed before boarding. Spanish travellers use their DNI, EU/EEA citizens a national ID card, and non-EU passengers should carry a passport.
The shortest link to the enclave
Motril is the closest mainland port to Melilla, which makes this one of the quicker crossings to the enclave. On the fast Baleària daytime service the voyage takes about 4 hours 30 minutes (around 5 to 5.5 hours on some high-season daytime sailings), while the overnight service runs closer to 7 hours, timed so passengers arrive in the early morning.
Schedule and operator
The line is operated by Baleària (incorporating the former Armas Trasmediterránea services). It runs roughly three to four departures a week, commonly on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays. A typical overnight sailing leaves around 23:30 and arrives about 06:30, while a summer daytime option departs around 08:00 and arrives about 13:30. It is a genuine year-round lifeline route: in early 2026 the Motril–Melilla line reported growing passenger numbers alongside tens of thousands of linear metres of freight.
Who uses it and what it carries
The ferry takes cars, motorhomes and freight lorries as well as foot passengers. It serves Melilla residents, businesses moving goods, and summer diaspora travellers, many of whom continue overland the short distance from Melilla toward Nador. Cabins and reclining seats are offered on the longer overnight sailings. Book early for summer and reconfirm the day and time with the operator, as the weekly pattern shifts by season.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Car ferries & fast ferries
- Seats & cabins
- Vehicle decks
- Resident discounts
Vehicle space is available on this route — book early, especially in peak season. Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Melilla to Motril ferry take?
The fast Baleària daytime service takes about 4 hours 30 minutes, with some high-season daytime sailings around 5 to 5.5 hours. The overnight service runs closer to 7 hours, arriving in the early morning.
Do I need a passport from Melilla to Motril?
This is a domestic Spanish crossing, not a trip into Morocco, but Melilla is outside the Schengen Area, so identity checks apply before boarding. Spanish nationals use their DNI, EU citizens a national ID card, and non-EU travellers should carry a passport.
How often does the Melilla to Motril ferry run?
There are roughly three to four departures a week, commonly on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays. A typical overnight sailing leaves around 23:30 and arrives about 06:30, while a summer daytime option runs from about 08:00 to 13:30.
Who operates the Melilla to Motril ferry?
The route is operated by Baleària, which incorporated the former Armas Trasmediterránea services. Motril is the closest mainland port to Melilla, making this one of the shorter crossings to the enclave.
Can I take a vehicle on the Melilla to Motril ferry?
Yes. The ferry carries cars, motorhomes and freight lorries as well as foot passengers. Cabins and reclining seats are offered on overnight sailings. Book vehicle space ahead in summer, when demand is heaviest.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Transmediterránea acciona) for current fares.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailing frequency on this route varies by season. Confirm current dates with the operator before travelling.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Transmediterránea acciona, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Where can I check live sailing times?
The timetable on this page shows the latest published sailings for this route. Always confirm with the operator before travelling, as schedules change seasonally.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Motril
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Motril.
Same departure port
More ferries from Melilla
Other crossings departing Melilla.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Melilla or Motril
Other ferries that stop at the same quays — handy for connections and nearby travel.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 13, 2026.
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