Morocco Ferries

Ferries to Morocco

Motril - Tanger Med

The direct ferry link from Andalusia to Morocco is currently suspended - here is how to cross the strait anyway

  • Regular sailings currently suspended - alternatives from Almería and Algeciras
  • Crossing to Tanger Med normally takes around 7 to 8 hours
  • Tanger Med port is located around 40 km east of Tangier
Coastline near Salobreña close to the ferry port of Motril

Route profile

Current status and the best alternatives to Morocco

The Motril - Tanger Med ferry route used to run for around 7 to 8 hours from the Andalusian coast direct to the Moroccan port of Tanger Med. After Baleària took over the previous operator Armas-Trasmediterránea, regular sailings on this route were suspended in favour of the far busier route from Algeciras. The port authority of Motril is looking for a new operator, and no regular departures are currently bookable on this route. For your crossing to Morocco, the best options for now are the connections from Almería and Algeciras.

Crossing time
approx. 7 - 8 hrs
Ferry operator
most recently Baleària
Frequency
currently suspended
Alternative
Almería and Algeciras

Next departures

Date

Timetable →

Route guide

Motril - Tanger Med ferry at a glance

The direct Motril - Tanger Med ferry route is not currently in regular service. Here is the current status and the best alternatives for your crossing to Morocco.

Current service status

The Motril - Tanger Med route launched in 2023 and was most recently run by Baleària, which took over the previous operator Armas-Trasmediterránea. To strengthen the far busier Algeciras - Tanger Med connection, Baleària suspended regular sailings from Motril. The port authority of Motril has announced it wants to continue the route with a new operator and is currently looking for one. Until that is resolved, no regular departures are bookable via Motril - Tanger Med - so check current availability in the timetable before you plan your trip.

View of Salobreña with the port of Motril in the background, the departure port for this currently suspended route.
View of Salobreña with the port of Motril in the background, the departure port for this currently suspended route.

Alternatives to Morocco

Until the route returns, you can reach Morocco easily via neighbouring ports. Heading to eastern Morocco, the Almería - Melilla crossing is the closest match. For the north-west with Tangier and Tanger Med, Algeciras - Tanger Med is the most frequent and fastest option across the Strait of Gibraltar. Both routes run regularly and get you reliably to the other side.

If the route returns

If Motril - Tanger Med returns, you will once again be able to cross directly from Andalusia by car ferry in around 7 to 8 hours. The port of Tanger Med lies around 40 kilometres east of Tangier; from there, shuttles, scheduled buses and taxis take you into the city and to Ibn Battuta Airport, while your own vehicle continues on via the A4 motorway.

FAQ Motril - Tanger Med

Frequently asked questions

Questions and answers about the Motril - Tanger Med ferry route

Is the Motril - Tanger Med ferry currently running?+

No. Regular sailings on the Motril - Tanger Med route are currently suspended. Baleària, which took over the previous operator Armas-Trasmediterránea, withdrew the service in favour of the route from Algeciras, and the port authority of Motril is looking for a new operator. No regular departures are bookable at the moment - for your crossing to Morocco, use one of the alternatives below.

What are the alternatives for crossing to Morocco?+

Heading to eastern Morocco, the Almería - Melilla crossing is the closest match. For the north-west with Tangier and Tanger Med, Algeciras - Tanger Med is the most frequent and fastest option across the Strait of Gibraltar. Both routes run regularly.

Where can I find the current timetable?+

Since the route is not currently in regular service, check current availability in the timetable. There you can also see departures for the alternative routes from Almería and Algeciras.

How much does the ferry cost, and what fares should I expect?+

Since there is no regular service, there are currently no bookable fares for Motril - Tanger Med. For the alternative routes, the booking window shows the price for your travel date, with the prices page offering a general guide.

How long does the Motril - Tanger Med crossing take?+

When the route was in service, the crossing took around 7 to 8 hours across the western Mediterranean. The destination port of Tanger Med lies around 40 kilometres east of Tangier; from there, shuttles, scheduled buses and taxis take you into the city and to Ibn Battuta Airport.

Can I bring my car or motorhome on the ferry?+

On the alternative routes from Almería and Algeciras you can bring a car, motorbike or motorhome as usual. Motril - Tanger Med itself is not currently in service, so no vehicle booking is possible on this route. Details for campervans are covered in our motorhome guide.