Morocco Ferry
Marseille - Tanger Med
By ferry from southern France to Morocco, a comfortable Mediterranean crossing with La Méridionale
- Around one departure a week with La Méridionale from Marseille-Arenc
- Direct crossing in around 40 hrs, day and night sailings on the Massalia (since 2025)
- Cabins with private bathroom and air conditioning, vehicles welcome
Route Guide
Marseille - Tanger Med ferry at a glance
Table of Contents
Everything about the Marseille - Tanger Med route with La Méridionale: getting to the Arenc terminal, check-in times and travel documents, onboard facilities on the Massalia, vehicle and pet rules, and onward travel from Tanger Med.
Getting to the terminal in Marseille
The ferry departs from the Gare Maritime de Marseille, Terminal 1 - Arenc, 13002 Marseille. By car, take the A55 motorway and exit 4 "Les Ports/Gare Maritime Arenc". Vehicles enter the port via Gate 1, foot passengers use Gate 2.
Without a car, public transport is easy: tram lines T2 and T3 stop at Arenc Euroméditerranée, and metro line 2 runs from Saint-Charles station to Joliette station.
Check-in and documents
Check-in opens 7 hours before departure and closes 2 hours beforehand. Because passport and security checks on the Morocco route take time, La Méridionale recommends arriving 5 to 6 hours before departure.
You'll need a valid original passport; an ID card isn't enough to enter Morocco, and photocopies aren't accepted. EU citizens can travel without a visa for stays under three months - check the current requirement for your own nationality. Children need their own passport, and minors travelling without a parent also need a signed parental consent letter. Have the vehicle's original registration document ready too.
On board
The route is served by the Massalia, La Méridionale's new ship (in service since June 2025). For the long crossing, a cabin with private bathroom and air conditioning is worth booking; reclining-seat areas are the cheaper option. Meals are available at a table-service and self-service restaurant, plus a snack bar and lounge bar, with halal food on offer.
There's also a duty-free shop, a prayer room, a children's play area, outdoor decks for a stroll, and WiFi with plenty of power sockets for charging.
Vehicle, bike and pet
The Massalia has large vehicle decks for cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and trailers. At check-in you'll need to show the original registration document, and the dimensions must match what's on the ticket. If you're travelling by campervan, see our motorhome guide for the details.
La Méridionale can't carry pets on the Marseille - Tanger Med route, as there's no onboard kennel. If you want to travel with an animal, check alternatives and Morocco's entry requirements in our pet guide.
Arrival in Tanger Med and onward travel
Tanger Med port lies around 40 kilometres east of Tangier, in the Oued Rmel area, and connects to Morocco's motorway network via the A4. Regular shuttles and buses run into central Tangier and to Ibn Battuta Airport, and taxis and parking are available at the terminal.
Tickets and fares
La Méridionale offers a Flex fare with plenty of leeway: free cancellation up to 4 days before departure, free rebooking up to 48 hours beforehand. Cheaper standard fares are less flexible. Instalment payment is also available when booking.
Booking ahead and travelling outside the summer peak gets you the best price. The booking window shows current prices for your travel date, and the price page gives an overview.
Marseille - Tanger Med
Direct from France to Morocco
The Marseille - Tanger Med route links southern France directly with Morocco: from the Arenc terminal at the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille, across the western Mediterranean to the modern deep-sea port of Tanger Med. La Méridionale operates the route with its new ship Massalia (in service since June 2025), around one departure a week, sailing day and night.
The crossing takes roughly 40 hours, so you'll spend almost two days on board and booking a cabin makes sense. After arrival, Tanger Med lies around 40 kilometres east of Tangier city, from where you continue by motorway or shuttle.
- Crossing
- around 40 hrs
- Operator
- La Méridionale
- Frequency
- approx. 1x a week
Next departures
FAQ Marseille - Tanger Med
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Marseille - Tanger Med ferry route
How often does the Marseille-Tanger Med ferry run? +
The route is operated by the French line La Méridionale with its new ship Massalia (in service since June 2025). It runs around one departure a week, sailing day and night. Check the exact dates for your travel date in the timetable.
How long does the Marseille-Tanger Med crossing take? +
The crossing takes around 40 hours. You'll spend almost two days on board, so a cabin is worth booking for the long sailing.
How much does the Marseille-Tanger Med ferry cost? +
The price varies by season, how far ahead you book, ticket type, and whether you're travelling on foot or with a vehicle. Booking early pays off, especially for the summer months; La Méridionale also offers instalment payment. The booking window shows the current starting price, and the price overview gives a general idea.
What documents do I need for the crossing to Morocco? +
You must have a valid original passport - photocopies aren't accepted, and an ID card isn't enough to enter Morocco. EU citizens don't need a visa for stays under three months; check the current requirement for your own nationality. Children need their own passport, and minors travelling without a parent need a signed parental consent letter.
When do I need to be at the port in Marseille? +
Check-in at the Arenc terminal opens 7 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before departure. Because of passport and security checks, plan to arrive 5 to 6 hours early. Vehicles enter via Gate 1, foot passengers use Gate 2.
Can I take my car or motorhome? +
Yes. The Massalia has large vehicle decks for cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and trailers. At check-in you'll need to show the vehicle's original registration document, and the dimensions must match what's on the ticket. See the guide to taking a motorhome to Morocco for details for campervans.
Can I bring my pet? +
No. La Méridionale cannot carry pets on the Marseille - Tanger Med route, as there's no onboard kennel. If you want to bring a dog or cat to Morocco, see the guide to taking a dog to Morocco for possible alternatives and entry requirements.