Motril to Tánger Med Ferry

The ferry between Motril on Spain's Costa Tropical and Tangier in northern Morocco is a genuine year-round crossing of the western Mediterranean, but there is an important detail to know before booking: from Motril the ships dock at Tanger Med, the large commercial port around 40 to 50 km east of Tangier, not at the central Tanger Ville (Medina) passenger terminal. Tanger Ville, the old-city port beside the Medina, is served mainly by fast ferries from Tarifa; if your goal is to arrive right at the Medina you would need that Tarifa route instead. From Tanger Med a shuttle bus, grand taxi or train link is required to reach the city centre.

Operator and frequency

The Motril–Tanger Med line is operated by Baleària. It runs across the year with a strong summer peak; frequency ranges from a couple of sailings a week in quieter months up to near-daily departures during the Operation Marhaba summer season. FRS and AML, which some travellers associate with Morocco crossings, work the Algeciras and Tarifa corridors rather than this Motril line.

Crossing time and onboard

Plan for a long crossing of roughly 6 to 8 hours, often scheduled overnight with a late-evening departure and early-morning arrival. The conventional ferry carries cars, motorhomes and freight as well as foot passengers, with cabins, seat lounges, a restaurant and open decks.

Documents

This is an international Spain–Morocco route, so a valid passport is mandatory. Drivers need vehicle registration and green-card insurance, and all passengers complete Moroccan entry formalities, which are handled partly aboard and partly at Tanger Med.