Ferry Morocco
Tarifa – Tangier
A high-speed ferry gets you from southern Spain to Morocco in one hour – straight into the heart of Tangier City
- Up to 12 daily departures – hourly from 8am to 10pm with Baleària and AML
- Fastest Europe-Africa crossing at just 60 minutes across the Strait of Gibraltar
- Cars, motorbikes, campervans and pets welcome on board
Across the Strait of Gibraltar
The only ferry that sails straight into downtown Tangier City
Tarifa - Tangier City is the only ferry route that takes you straight into Tangier's downtown port, rather than the Tangier Med mega-port around 45 kilometres away. The high-speed ferries of Baleària and AML (Africa Morocco Link) cross the Strait of Gibraltar in around an hour, with up to twelve departures a day between 8am and 10pm.
One detail makes entry easier: Moroccan border control is handled on board, so once you dock at Tangier City you walk straight off the ferry into the city centre with no further passport check. The medina and Tangier City railway station, served by the Al Boraq high-speed train, are just a short ride away.
- Crossing time
- approx. 1 hr
- Operator
- Baleària & AML
- Frequency
- up to 12x daily
- From price
- €11
Next departures
Route guide
Tarifa - Tangier City ferry at a glance
Tarifa - Tangier City is the only ferry route that takes you straight into Tangier's downtown port, not the Tangier Med mega-port around 45 kilometres away, but right into the centre. The high-speed ferries of Baleària and AML cross the Strait of Gibraltar in around an hour, and Moroccan entry formalities are handled on board.
Getting to the terminal in Tarifa
Tarifa sits at Spain's southernmost tip on the Costa de la Luz and is reached via the N-340 and A-7 from Algeciras and Cádiz, or from Gibraltar airport, about 25 minutes' drive away – a handy option if you're flying in from outside Spain. The ferries depart from the Estación Marítima at the Port of Tarifa, the terminal right next to the Guzmán el Bueno castle, just a few minutes' walk from the old town. Foot passengers check in at the terminal building. Parking is available at and around the port; since Tarifa is a compact town, allow extra time to find a space in high season.
Check-in and border formalities on board
Arrive at the terminal in good time: Baleària asks passengers with a vehicle to check in around 90 minutes before departure and foot passengers around 60 minutes before, while AML recommends arriving at least two hours ahead. Every passenger, including children, needs a valid passport; depending on your nationality, a visa may also be required.
This route has one special feature: Moroccan border control takes place on board during the crossing. You fill in an entry form and present it with your passport at the border desk, where Moroccan officers stamp your passport while still at sea. That means you walk off the ferry at Tangier City straight into the city centre, with no further passport check.
On board
For the crossing of just under an hour, both operators run fast ferries – Baleària with vessels including the Avemar Dos and the Jaume I, AML with the Morocco Express 1 and the Maria Dolores. On board you'll find seating lounges, a cafeteria or self-service restaurant and a duty-free shop. Because the crossing is so short, there are no cabins; a seat is all you need for the trip.
Vehicles, bikes and pets
Both operators carry cars, motorbikes and campervans; enter your vehicle dimensions correctly when booking, since the fare depends on length and vehicle spaces get tight, especially in high season. Pets are allowed on board and must be registered at booking: Baleària offers a pet seating area for animals up to 8 kilograms including carrier, one pet per person. Outside the pet areas, dogs must be on a lead and muzzled and are not allowed in the restaurant areas. To enter Morocco you need the EU pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination.
Arrival in Tangier City and onward travel
The port of Tangier City sits right in the middle of town: the medina with its kasbah and the central boulevard are within walking distance or a short taxi ride. From Tangier City railway station, the Al Boraq high-speed train gets you to Casablanca in just over two hours and to Rabat in just over one. If you're continuing by car, the A1 motorway takes you south quickly.
Tickets and fares
Both operators sell single and return tickets, bookable online or at the port ticket desk. Check the fare conditions: flexible fares are easier to change or cancel than the cheaper basic rates. Booking early secures the best availability in peak season between June and September; the booking window shows the current price for your travel date.
FAQ Tarifa - Tangier
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Tarifa - Tangier City ferry route
Which operators sail from Tarifa to Tangier City?+
The Tarifa - Tangier City route is operated by two companies, Baleària and AML (Africa Morocco Link). It is the only ferry connection that sails into the downtown port of Tangier City rather than the Tangier Med mega-port around 45 kilometres away.
How often does the ferry run and where do I find the timetable?+
The high-speed ferry crossing takes around 60 minutes. Depending on weather and sea conditions in the Strait of Gibraltar, timings can vary slightly. There are up to 12 sailings a day, roughly hourly between 8am and 10pm; frequency can be lower outside peak season. Check the timetable for the exact departure times on your travel date.
How much does the Tarifa to Tangier City ferry cost?+
The fare depends on season, operator, vehicle type and how far ahead you book. As a foot passenger you pay considerably less than with a vehicle, and summer between June and September is more expensive than spring and autumn. The booking window shows the current price for your travel date; booking early pays off, especially in high season.
What documents do I need for the crossing to Morocco?+
Every passenger, including children, needs a valid passport; depending on your nationality, a visa may also be required. If you're travelling by car, also carry the vehicle registration document, proof of insurance and driving licence. This route has one special feature: you complete the Moroccan entry form on board and present it with your passport at the border desk, where officers stamp your passport during the crossing.
Can I bring a car, campervan or pet?+
Yes, you can bring a car, motorbike or campervan. Enter your vehicle dimensions correctly when booking, since the fare depends on length and vehicle spaces sell out fast in high season.
Pets are allowed on board and must be registered at booking. Baleària offers a pet seating area for animals up to 8 kg (carrier included, one pet per person); outside the pet areas, dogs must be on a lead and muzzled and are not allowed in the restaurant areas. To enter Morocco you need the EU pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination. Details for campers are in the guide Travelling to Morocco by campervan, and the rules for dogs and cats are in the guide Travelling to Morocco with a dog.
How early should I arrive at the port and where do the ferries dock?+
Baleària asks passengers travelling with a vehicle to check in around 90 minutes before departure and foot passengers around 60 minutes before, while AML recommends arriving at the port at least two hours ahead. The ferries depart from the Estación Marítima at the Port of Tarifa, right next to the Guzmán el Bueno castle and just a few minutes' walk from the old town. In Tangier City you arrive right in the centre: the medina and kasbah are within walking distance or a short taxi ride.