Ferry to Melilla
Almería – Melilla
Ferry from mainland Spain to the city of Melilla on Africa's north coast - with car, cabin and onboard restaurant
- With Armas Trasmediterránea, usually overnight in around 7 hours across the Mediterranean
- Melilla belongs to Spain - no border check on board, a valid passport or EU national ID card is enough
- Cabins, reclining seats and an onboard restaurant with halal menus, plus vehicle and pet transport
Almería – Melilla
From mainland Spain to the city of Melilla
The Almería - Melilla route connects mainland Andalusia with Melilla, the Spanish city on the North African coast. Because Melilla is part of Spain, the crossing counts as a domestic sailing with no border check on board - a valid passport or EU national ID card is enough. Armas Trasmediterránea runs the route several times a week, usually as an overnight ferry taking around seven hours.
Onboard the Volcán de Timanfaya you will find two- and four-berth cabins, lounges with reclining seats, a self-service restaurant with children's, halal and gluten-free menus, and a pool in summer. Vehicles, motorhomes and pets can travel too. In Melilla the ferry docks close to the centre, with the old town of Melilla la Vieja within walking distance.
- Crossing
- approx. 7 hrs
- Ferry company
- Armas Trasmediterránea
- Frequency
- several times a week
- From price
- €46
Next departures
Route guide
Ferry Almería - Melilla at a glance
Everything about the Almería - Melilla ferry with Armas Trasmediterránea: getting to the port in Almería, check-in and ID/passport rules, the facilities on board the Volcán de Timanfaya, vehicle and pet rules, and arrival in Melilla.
Getting to the terminal in Almería
The ferry docks at the Estación Marítima de Almería in the Muelle Comercial. By car, you reach the port via the A-7 motorway, exit 438; the terminal is well signposted and close to the city. If you are travelling without a vehicle, the central Estación Intermodal with train and bus station is only a few minutes from the port. Parking is available at the terminal for the duration of your trip.
Check-in and passport/ID requirements
With a vehicle, on the conventional ships you need to be checked in and ready to board at least 60 minutes before departure; on foot, 30 minutes is enough. Once check-in closes, boarding is no longer possible, so build in some buffer time. Melilla is a Spanish city and the crossing is a domestic sailing with no passport check on board - still, bring a valid passport (or, for EU nationals, a national ID card), as it can be checked at the port.
On board
On this route the Volcán de Timanfaya sails with space for up to 950 passengers and 250 vehicles. For the overnight crossing, it is worth booking a two- or four-berth cabin, inside or outside; during the day, the lounges with reclining seats are enough. On board there is a self-service restaurant with children's, halal and gluten-free menus, a bar, and a pool with shower area in summer. Payment on board is in euros - no other currency is needed for Melilla.
Vehicle, bike and pets
Cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and caravans can all travel; give the vehicle's dimensions correctly at booking, including any roof box or bike rack, since the fare depends on length. The vehicle deck stays closed during the crossing, so take everything you need up into the passenger area with you. Pets can travel too and must be registered at booking; both indoor and outdoor kennels are available on board, and you need to bring a valid pet passport.
Arrival in Melilla and onward travel
In Melilla the ferry docks at the Estación Marítima close to the centre. The city centre with the fortified old town of Melilla la Vieja is a short walk away. If you plan to continue from Melilla into Morocco, you will cross a real land border with passport and customs checks at the Beni Ensar crossing - that is a separate border crossing and not part of the ferry journey.
Tickets and fares
Armas Trasmediterránea offers the crossing in several fare types, from low-cost basic fares with restrictions on changes and cancellation to more flexible, refundable options. The Turista+ fare gives you more flexibility for rebooking as well as priority boarding. Residents of Melilla also get the legally mandated resident discount. Current prices for your travel date are shown in the booking window, with an overview on the prices page.
FAQ Almería – Melilla
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Almería - Melilla ferry route
How long does the ferry from Almería to Melilla take, and how often does it run?+
The crossing takes around 7 hours depending on the sailing and mostly runs overnight, so you can travel comfortably in a cabin. Armas Trasmediterránea operates the route several times a week with the Volcán de Timanfaya; extra sailings are added in peak season and on public holidays. You will find the exact times for your travel date in the timetable.
Do I need a passport for the ferry to Melilla?+
There is no separate border or passport check on board, since Melilla is a Spanish city and the crossing counts as a domestic sailing. EU nationals can travel with a valid national ID card; if you are not an EU national, bring your passport, as it can be checked at the port. If you plan to continue from Melilla into Morocco, you will cross a real land border with passport and customs checks at the Beni Ensar crossing - that is a separate border crossing and not part of the ferry journey.
What does the ferry from Almería to Melilla cost?+
The price depends on the season, how full the sailing is, your accommodation (seat or cabin) and how far ahead you book; as a foot passenger you pay noticeably less than with a vehicle. Armas Trasmediterránea offers low-cost basic fares as well as more flexible, refundable options, and residents of Melilla get the legally mandated resident discount. Payment on board is in euros. Current prices for your travel date are shown in the booking window, with an overview on the prices page.
Can I bring my car or motorhome on the ferry?+
Yes, cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and caravans can all travel. Give the vehicle''s dimensions correctly at booking, including any roof box or bike rack, since the fare depends on length. With a vehicle you need to be checked in and ready to board at least 60 minutes before departure; on foot, 30 minutes is enough. The vehicle deck stays closed during the crossing, so take everything you need up into the passenger area with you.
What facilities and services are there on board?+
On this route the Volcán de Timanfaya sails with space for up to 950 passengers and 250 vehicles. For the overnight crossing, two- and four-berth cabins (inside or outside) are available, and lounges with reclining seats during the day. There is also a self-service restaurant with children''s, halal and gluten-free menus, a bar, and a pool with shower area in summer. Payment on board is in euros - no other currency is needed in Melilla.
Can I bring my pet on the ferry?+
Yes, pets can travel too and must be registered at booking. On board the Volcán de Timanfaya there are both indoor and outdoor kennels. Bring a valid pet passport with up-to-date vaccinations; dogs must be kept on a lead, while cats and small animals travel in a carrier.