Ferries to Morocco
Marseille - Tanger Med
By ferry from southern France to Morocco - a comfortable crossing of the Mediterranean with La Méridionale
- Around one departure a week with La Méridionale from Marseille-Arenc
- Direct crossing in around 40 hours, day and night sailings on the ship Massalia (since 2025)
- Cabins with private bathroom and air conditioning, plus vehicle transport available
Marseille - Tanger Med
Direct from France to Morocco
The Marseille - Tanger Med route links southern France directly with Morocco: from the Arenc terminal in the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille, across the western Mediterranean, to the modern deep-water port of Tanger Med. La Méridionale runs the crossing with its new ship Massalia (in service since June 2025), around one departure a week, with both day and night sailings.
The crossing takes around 40 hours, so you're on board for close to two days - booking a cabin makes sense for a trip this length. On arrival, Tanger Med lies around 40 kilometres east of the city of Tangier, from where you continue by motorway or shuttle.
- Crossing time
- approx. 40 hrs
- Ferry operator
- La Méridionale
- Frequency
- approx. 1x weekly
- From price
- €73
Next departures
Route guide
Marseille - Tanger Med ferry at a glance
Everything about the Marseille - Tanger Med route with La Méridionale: getting to the Arenc terminal, check-in times and travel documents, what to expect on board the Massalia, vehicle and pet rules, plus onward travel from Tanger Med.
Getting to Marseille port and the terminal
The ferry departs from the Gare Maritime de Marseille, Terminal 1 - Arenc, 13002 Marseille. By car, take the A55 and leave at exit 4, "Les Ports/Gare Maritime Arenc". Vehicles enter the port via Gate 1, foot passengers use Gate 2.
Without a car, public transport gets you there easily: tram lines T2 and T3 stop at Arenc Euroméditerranée, and metro line 2 runs from Marseille-Saint-Charles station to the Joliette stop. If you're flying in, Marseille Provence Airport is the closest airport, with shuttle and rail links into central Marseille and on to Saint-Charles station.
Check-in and documents
Check-in opens 7 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before. Because passport and security checks on the Morocco route take time, La Méridionale recommends arriving at the terminal 5 to 6 hours before departure.
You need a valid original passport - a national ID card is not accepted for entry into Morocco, and photocopies aren't accepted either. Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada and Australia can travel visa-free for stays under three months. Children need their own passport, and minors travelling without their parents also need a signed consent letter. Keep your vehicle's original registration document ready for check-in.
On board
The Massalia, La Méridionale's new ship (in service since June 2025), sails this route. For the long crossing, a cabin with private bathroom and air conditioning is worth booking; reclining seating areas are the cheaper option. You're catered for at the table-service and self-service restaurant, the snack bar and the bar-lounge, with halal options available.
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 outlets for charging devices.
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 vehicle dimensions must match those given on your ticket. If you're travelling by campervan, our motorhome guide has the details.
La Méridionale can't carry pets on Marseille - Tanger Med, as there are no kennel facilities on board. If you're travelling with an animal, our pet travel guide covers alternatives and Morocco's entry requirements.
Arrival at Tanger Med and onward travel
The port of Tanger Med lies around 40 kilometres east of the city 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, with taxis and parking also 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 before. Cheaper standard fares are less flexible. Instalment payment is also available when booking.
The best fares come from booking ahead and travelling outside the summer peak. The booking window shows current prices for your travel date, with an overview on the prices page.
FAQ Marseille - Tanger Med
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Marseille - Tanger Med ferry route
How often does the ferry run from Marseille to Tanger Med?+
The route is served by the French operator La Méridionale with its new ship Massalia (in service since June 2025). It runs around one departure a week, with both day and night sailings. Check the timetable for exact dates on your travel date.
How long does the Marseille to Tanger Med crossing take?+
The crossing takes around 40 hours. You'll spend close to two days on board, so a cabin is recommended for a trip this length.
How much does the Marseille to Tanger Med ferry cost?+
The price varies with 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, and La Méridionale also offers instalment payment. Current fares for your travel date show up in the booking window, with an overview on the prices page.
What documents do I need for the crossing to Morocco?+
You need a valid original passport - photocopies aren't accepted, and a national ID card is not enough for entry into Morocco. Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada and Australia don't need a visa for stays under three months. Children need their own passport; if a minor is travelling without their parents, a signed consent letter is required.
When should I arrive 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 on the Morocco route, you should arrive 5 to 6 hours ahead. Vehicles enter via Gate 1, foot passengers use Gate 2.
Can I bring my car or motorhome on the ferry?+
Yes. The Massalia has large vehicle decks for cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and trailers. At check-in you'll need to show your vehicle's original registration document, and the vehicle dimensions must match those given on your ticket. Details for campervans are covered in our guide Travelling to Morocco by motorhome.
Can I bring my pet on the ferry?+
No. La Méridionale can't carry pets on the Marseille - Tanger Med route, as there are no kennel facilities on board. If you want to bring a dog or cat to Morocco, our guide Travelling to Morocco with a dog covers possible alternatives and the entry requirements.