Ferries to Morocco
Sète - Tanger Med
Ferry from southern France to Morocco - a relaxed crossing of the Mediterranean to North Africa
- Year-round, several times a week with GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci), more frequent in summer
- Direct crossing in around 42 hours, or via Barcelona in around 49 hours
- Vehicles (cars, motorbikes, motorhomes) and cabins for two nights on board
Sète - Tanger Med
Direct from southern France to Morocco
The Sète - Tanger Med route connects southern France directly with Morocco - from the Gare Maritime Orsetti in Sète across the western Mediterranean to the modern deep-water port of Tanger Med. GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) runs the crossing year-round several times a week, with more sailings added in summer. The direct crossing takes around 42 hours, while some departures call at Barcelona en route and then take around 49 hours.
You spend two nights on board, so a cabin is worth booking. 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. 42 hrs
- Ferry operator
- GNV
- Frequency
- several times a week
- From price
- €80
Next departures
Route guide
Sète - Tanger Med ferry at a glance
Everything about the Sète - Tanger Med route with GNV: getting to the Gare Maritime Orsetti, check-in times and travel documents, what to expect on board, vehicle and pet rules, and onward travel from Tanger Med.
Getting to Sète and the terminal
The ferry departs from the Gare Maritime Orsetti. Set your sat nav to 2-124 Avenue du Maréchal Juin, 34200 Sète. By car, you reach the port via the A9 motorway, which connects Montpellier and Perpignan. Paid parking for short and long stays is available right at the GNV terminal.
If you're travelling without a car, city buses connect the centre of Sète and the railway station with the port; from Montpellier-Méditerranée airport you can take a shuttle. For Morocco departures, GNV keeps separate access points for foot passengers and vehicles.
Check-in and documents
On departure days, check-in in Sète opens at 9:00am and closes 60 minutes before departure. GNV asks travellers with and without a vehicle to be at the terminal around four hours before departure, since passport and luggage checks apply on the Morocco route. Build in plenty of buffer time.
You need a valid passport - according to GNV, with at least three months' validity remaining from the date of entry; a national ID card is not enough for Morocco, and photocopies aren't accepted. EU citizens can travel without a visa for stays of under three months. For the vehicle, keep the original driving licence and vehicle registration document to hand.
On board
Since you spend two nights on board, a cabin is worth booking. GNV offers inside and outside cabins with porthole windows as well as suites, plus cheaper reclining seats and deck spaces. For meals there's an à la carte restaurant and a self-service restaurant, a bar and bistro, and a pizzeria; halal dishes are part of the offering.
On board you'll find wifi (Sea-Fi), a shop, a prayer room and areas for children. The onboard currency is the euro - you won't need Moroccan currency for the crossing.
Vehicle, bike and pet
Cars, motorbikes and motorhomes are all carried; the larger the vehicle, the higher the fare, so make sure you give the correct dimensions when booking. If you're travelling by motorhome, see our motorhome guide for the details.
Pets are welcome: GNV runs pet-friendly cabins ("4-Legged Friends") and exercise areas on deck. Register your pet when booking; our pet travel guide covers what Morocco requires.
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 is connected to Morocco's motorway network via the A4. Regular shuttles and buses run into central Tangier and to Ibn Battuta airport, alongside taxis and parking.
For the return crossing from Tanger Med, check-in opens as early as nine hours before departure and closes four hours before - factor in the longer lead time.
Tickets and fares
GNV offers the crossing in refundable and cheaper, non-refundable fares. Rebooking is possible before check-in opens, with the fare difference payable at that point. Booking early secures early-bird discounts, especially for the high-demand summer months.
You'll get the best price by travelling outside peak season and booking ahead. The booking window shows current prices for your travel date, with an overview on the prices page.
FAQ Sète - Tanger Med
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Sète - Tanger Med ferry route
Which ferry company runs the Sète - Tanger Med route?+
The Sète - Tanger Med route is operated by the Italian ferry company GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci). GNV is part of the MSC Group and has run this crossing year-round since 2012.
How often does the ferry run from Sète to Tanger Med?+
GNV runs the route several times a week, year-round, with a denser schedule in summer. There are direct departures as well as some sailings with a stop in Barcelona. You'll find exact dates for your travel period in the timetable.
How long does the crossing from Sète to Tanger Med take?+
The direct crossing takes around 42 hours. Departures with a stop in Barcelona take around 48 to 49 hours. Either way, you spend two nights on board, so a cabin is recommended.
How much does the Sète to Tanger Med ferry cost?+
The price depends on your travel dates, cabin type and whether you're bringing a vehicle, and rises noticeably in high season and with late booking. Booking early gets you GNV's early-bird discounts. The booking window shows the current starting price for your travel date, with an overview on the prices page.
Can I bring my vehicle on the ferry?+
Yes, you can bring your car, motorbike or motorhome. Give the exact vehicle dimensions when booking, including any roof box or bike rack. At check-in you'll need your original driving licence and vehicle registration document. If you're travelling by motorhome, see our motorhome guide for the details.
What documents do I need for the crossing to Morocco?+
You need a valid passport - according to GNV, with at least three months' validity remaining from the date of entry. A national ID card is not accepted for entry into Morocco, and photocopies aren't either. EU citizens don't need a visa for stays of under three months.
Can I bring my pet on the ferry?+
Yes, dogs and cats are welcome on board. GNV offers pet-friendly cabins ("4-Legged Friends") as well as designated exercise areas on deck. Be sure to declare your pet when booking. Our pet travel guide covers what Morocco requires (EU pet passport, rabies vaccination).