Morocco Ferry
Almería - Nador
The direct ferry link from Andalusia to northern Morocco - year-round and without a detour via the Strait of Gibraltar
- Served by four operators - Baleària, Naviera Armas, GNV and AML - around 20 departures a week
- Direct crossing, no detour via the Strait of Gibraltar
- Cabins and reclining seats, onboard restaurant with halal food and WiFi
Route Guide
Almería - Nador ferry at a glance
Table of Contents
Everything about the Almería - Nador ferry: getting to Almería port, check-in and entry documents for Morocco, onboard facilities, vehicle and pet rules, and arrival in Beni Ensar near Nador.
Getting to the terminal in Almería
The ferry departs from the Estación Marítima de Almería on the Muelle Comercial. By car, take the A-7 motorway, exit 438; the terminal is well signposted. Without a car, take a train or bus to the central Estación Intermodal, which combines the railway and bus stations and sits just a few minutes from the port. Parking is available at the port for the duration of your trip.
Check-in, ID and entry requirements
Check-in in Almería opens several hours before departure: arrive at the terminal around four hours ahead with a vehicle, or around three hours on foot; check-in closes 60 minutes before departure at the latest. On the return leg from Nador it closes two hours before departure. Because Nador is in Morocco, this is an international route: you need a valid original passport - an ID card is not enough, and children need their own document. You'll go through customs and border checks at the port; many nationalities, including UK and EU citizens, can enter visa-free for tourist stays of up to 90 days, but check the current requirement for your passport before you travel.
On board
Depending on the operator and ship, you can choose between reclining seats and inside or outside cabins; a cabin is worth booking for overnight sailings. Onboard you'll usually find a restaurant serving halal food, a shop, WiFi, a children's area and a prayer room. In Morocco you'll pay in dirham (MAD), a closed currency you can only obtain once you've arrived in the country; euros are fine for the Spanish side of the trip.
Vehicle, bike and pet
Cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and caravans are all carried; give the exact dimensions when booking, including add-ons like roof boxes or bike racks. The vehicle deck stays closed during the crossing, so take everything you need into the passenger area. Pets are welcome; depending on the operator and ship, they travel in dedicated pet cabins or kennels, with designated areas on deck. Bring the pet passport and register your pet when booking.
Arrival in Nador and onward travel
The ferry arrives at the port of Beni Ensar, around 13 kilometres from Nador city centre and linked by the N15 national road. Buses and taxis run from the port into town. Beni Ensar sits right on the border crossing to the Spanish city of Melilla, making it a convenient starting point for onward travel into the Rif region and along Morocco's Mediterranean coast.
Tickets and fares
Operators offer the crossing in tiered fares, from cheaper basic options with restrictions to flexible, refundable fares; the main difference is how close to departure you can cancel free of charge. Rebooking is possible before check-in opens for a fixed fee plus any fare difference, while advance-purchase tickets can't be changed. Booking early gets you the best price; the booking window shows current fares, and the price overview gives a general idea.
Almería - Nador
Direct from Spain to northern Morocco
The Almería - Nador route is one of the most direct ferry links from Andalusia to northern Morocco, bypassing the Strait of Gibraltar. Baleària, Naviera Armas, GNV and AML operate the crossing, with around 20 departures a week between them; depending on the sailing and ship, the crossing takes roughly 7 to 10 hours, often overnight.
Depending on the operator and ship, you can expect reclining seats and inside or outside cabins, restaurants serving halal food, WiFi and a prayer room. Since Nador is in Morocco, this is an international crossing: you'll need a valid passport, and customs and border checks take place at the port. The destination port, Beni Ensar, lies around 13 kilometres from Nador city centre.
- Crossing
- 7 to 10 hrs
- Operators
- Baleària, Armas, GNV, AML
- Frequency
- approx. 20 a week
- From
- €55
- Balearia
- Naviera Armas
- Africa Morocco Link
Next departures
FAQ Almería - Nador
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Almería - Nador ferry route
How long does the Almería-Nador ferry take, and how often does it run? +
The crossing takes roughly 7 to 10 hours depending on the sailing and ship, and often runs overnight. Baleària, Naviera Armas, GNV and AML operate the route, with around 20 departures a week between them, more frequent in summer than in winter. Check the exact times for your travel date in the timetable.
What documents do I need to enter Morocco? +
You'll need a valid original passport - an ID card is not enough to enter Morocco, and copies are not accepted. Children need their own passport. Many nationalities, including UK and EU citizens, can enter visa-free for tourist stays of up to 90 days; check the current requirement for your passport before travelling. If you're travelling with a vehicle, also carry your driving licence and vehicle documents. Because the route is international, you'll go through customs and border checks at the port.
How early do I need to be at the port for check-in? +
Check-in times on this international route are generously set. In Almería, arrive at the terminal around four hours before departure with a vehicle, or around three hours on foot; check-in closes 60 minutes before departure at the latest. On the return leg from Nador it closes two hours before departure. Allow extra time especially in summer, when Almería port gets busy.
How much does the Almería-Nador ferry cost? +
The price depends on the season, demand, vehicle size, accommodation and how far ahead you book. Each operator offers tiered fares, from cheaper basic fares with restrictions to flexible, refundable options that mainly differ in their cancellation terms. Booking early and travelling in the low season gets you the best price. The booking window shows current fares, and the price overview gives a general idea.
Can I take my car or motorhome on the ferry? +
Yes, cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and caravans are all carried. Give the exact dimensions when booking, including add-ons like roof boxes or bike racks. You won't have access to the vehicle deck during the crossing, so take everything you need into the passenger area. If you're travelling by campervan, see the guide to taking a motorhome to Morocco for the details.
What facilities and services are available on board? +
Depending on the operator and ship, you can choose between reclining seats and inside or outside cabins. Onboard you'll usually find a restaurant serving halal food, a shop, WiFi, a children's area and a prayer room. For overnight sailings, booking a cabin is worthwhile.
Can I bring my pet on the ferry? +
Yes, pets can travel too. Depending on the operator and ship, they travel in dedicated pet cabins or kennels, with designated areas on deck. Bring a valid pet passport with up-to-date vaccinations and register your pet when booking. Entering Morocco also means meeting the destination country's veterinary entry requirements, summarised in our guide to taking a dog to Morocco.