Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar
Foot passengers take Tarifa to Tangier Ville, about an hour, into the city center. Drivers take Algeciras to Tanger Med. Routes, companies, fares, and what happens at the port.
Photograph: Maged, CC BY 2.0
For foot passengers, take Tarifa to Tangier Ville (about an hour, from 39 EUR one way). It drops you in Tangier city center, below the medina. Baleària and Africa Morocco Link run the route; DFDS, which had taken over FRS, stopped sailing it in May 2025. For drivers, Algeciras to Tanger Med (1 hour, from 35 EUR walk-on, from 100 EUR with car) has the most departures.
In July and August, book 2-4 weeks ahead. Walk-on passengers can usually buy same-day tickets in shoulder season and winter. EU, UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens need no visa for stays up to 90 days. Fares change by season.
Spain and Morocco are 14 kilometers apart at the strait's narrowest point. Which route suits you depends on whether you travel on foot or with a vehicle, where you start in Spain, and which Moroccan city you want to reach first.
Five routes connect Spain and Gibraltar to Morocco. Fares are one-way starting prices and change by season.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Walk-on | With car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarifa to Tangier Ville | About 1 hour | Several daily | From 39 EUR | Ask the operator |
| Algeciras to Tanger Med | 1 hour | Up to 16 daily with DFDS alone | From 35 EUR | From 100 EUR (car + driver) |
| Algeciras to Ceuta | 1 hour | 6-10 daily | From 35 EUR | From 90 EUR (car + driver) |
| Gibraltar to Tanger Med | Check the timetable | A few sailings a month | From 45 EUR | Not available |
| Barcelona to Tanger Med | 24-32 hours | 2-4 weekly | From 80 EUR | From 200 EUR (car + driver) |
Operated by Baleària and Africa Morocco Link
The main route for foot passengers. The ferry docks at Tangier Ville port, below the medina, so you can walk into the city. DFDS (formerly FRS) ended its sailings on this route in May 2025; Baleària and Africa Morocco Link now run it.
In its favour
Against
Operated by DFDS and Baleària
The busiest route across the strait, with the most departures. Tanger Med is a modern port 40 km east of Tangier city. It is the best choice for drivers because it connects directly to the motorway. Foot passengers need onward transport to Tangier city (shuttle bus, grand taxi, or pre-arranged transfer).
In its favour
Against
Operated by Baleària and DFDS
Ceuta is a Spanish enclave on the Moroccan coast, so this crossing stays within Spain. From Ceuta you cross the land border into Morocco at Tarajal, then take transport to Tetouan or Tangier. Used by locals and budget travelers, but the land border adds a step.
In its favour
Against
Operated by DFDS (FRS Iberia)
A crossing from the British territory of Gibraltar to Tanger Med, 40 km east of Tangier. Sailings are occasional, a few a month, so check the timetable before you plan around it. Useful if you are already visiting Gibraltar.
In its favour
Against
Operated by GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) and Grimaldi Lines
An overnight ferry from Barcelona to Tanger Med, with cabins and restaurants on board. Used by Moroccans living in Spain going home for the holidays, and by travelers bringing a vehicle from northern Spain.
In its favour
Against
Who sails which route after the 2024-2025 changes of ownership in the strait.
Large Spanish ferry company with car decks on its Strait vessels. In 2025 it agreed to take over most of Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea’s operations.
Routes: Tarifa-Tangier Ville, Algeciras-Tanger Med, Algeciras-Ceuta
Danish ferry group that bought FRS Iberia/Maroc, the former FRS Strait business, in 2024; some booking sites still list it as FRS. It ended its Tarifa-Tangier Ville sailings in May 2025 and lists up to 16 daily departures between Algeciras and Tanger Med.
Routes: Algeciras-Tanger Med, Algeciras-Ceuta, Gibraltar-Tanger Med (occasional)
Runs crossings between Tarifa and Tangier Ville alongside Baleària.
Routes: Tarifa-Tangier Ville
Italian company running long-distance overnight ferries from Barcelona and Genoa to Tanger Med. Book a cabin for the overnight crossing; deck passage is the cheapest option. Book 1-2 months ahead for summer travel.
Routes: Barcelona-Tanger Med, Genoa-Tanger Med
When to book, where, and what to do if the wind cancels your sailing.
When to book
For July and August, book 2-4 weeks ahead, especially with a car. In shoulder season (May-June, September-October) a few days ahead is usually enough. Winter crossings rarely sell out for foot passengers.
Walk-on or car
Walk-on passengers can buy tickets at the port and take the next ferry. Car ferries need booking ahead in summer and cost much more.
Where to book
Book on the ferry company websites (balearia.com, dfds.com), or compare companies on a third-party site such as Direct Ferries. Port ticket offices sell tickets too, but queues are longer and prices may be higher.
Check-in and boarding
Arrive at the port at least 1 hour before departure (1.5 hours in summer). Check-in closes earlier for vehicles than for foot passengers; your ticket gives the cut-off. Tarifa is a small port, so arrive early if you need to park.
Cancellations and weather
Strong levante winds in the Strait of Gibraltar can cancel sailings, especially in winter. Check the forecast, sign up for the company’s notifications, and ask about rebooking if your sailing is cancelled.
Seasickness
The crossing is short, but in rough weather the sea gets choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding, sit in the middle of the vessel, and watch the horizon.
Immigration, customs, money and getting out of the port area.
From the port to the rest of Morocco. Fares change by season.
| Option | From | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petit taxi (within Tangier) | Tangier Ville port | From 15-30 MAD | Small blue taxis for trips inside the city. Insist on the meter. Port to medina is about 15 MAD; port to Tangier Ville train station about 20 MAD. |
| Shuttle bus (Tanger Med) | Tanger Med port | From 20-30 MAD | Connects Tanger Med port to Tangier city center (40 km, about 1 hour). |
| Grand taxi to Chefchaouen | Tangier | From 80-100 MAD per seat | Shared taxis leave the Tangier bus station for Chefchaouen (2 hours) when all 6 seats are sold. Pay for every seat for a private ride (from 500 MAD). |
| Al Boraq train to Casablanca | Tangier Ville station | From 149 MAD | The high-speed train reaches Casablanca in 2 hours 10 minutes, stopping at Kenitra and Rabat. Book online at oncf.ma. |
| CTM / Supratours bus | Tangier bus station | From 80-200 MAD | Air-conditioned buses to Chefchaouen (from 80 MAD, 3-4h), Fes (from 120 MAD, 5-6h), Casablanca (from 150 MAD, 5h), and Marrakech (from 200 MAD, 9h). |
| Private transfer | Port | From 200-500 MAD | A driver arranged by your riad or hotel meets you at the port. Easiest with heavy luggage or on a first visit. |
Tarifa to Tangier Ville, the main route for foot passengers.
Arrive in Tarifa
The port is in the center of town, walkable from the bus station. If driving, park at the port car park or in town. Arrive at least 1 hour before departure.
Check in
Show your passport and ticket at the ferry company’s counter to get a boarding pass. Spanish exit control is quick, often just a passport scan.
Board the ferry
Walk on via the gangway. Sit on the upper deck for the views; there is indoor seating, a cafe and outdoor deck space.
The crossing
About an hour, with views of both coastlines and the Rock of Gibraltar. Keep your passport to hand: on some sailings Moroccan officers stamp passports on board.
Moroccan immigration
If you were not processed on the ferry, go to passport control at Tangier Ville port. The officer stamps your passport for a 90-day stay. Allow 5-20 minutes.
Leave the port
Walk through the terminal and out. Decline unsolicited guides. Official petit taxis wait outside. The medina is a 10-minute walk uphill. If your riad has arranged a pickup, look for your name on a sign.
Into Tangier
Change some euros at a bureau de change or use an ATM, and buy a SIM card. The medina, Kasbah and Grand Socco are all within walking distance of the port.
Tarifa to Tangier Ville takes about an hour. Algeciras to Tanger Med takes about 1 hour, as does Algeciras to Ceuta. Longer routes from Barcelona or Genoa to Tanger Med take 24-48 hours.
Walk-on passenger fares start from 39 EUR (Tarifa-Tangier) and from 35 EUR (Algeciras-Tanger Med) one way. Car + driver packages start from 100-150 EUR one way depending on the route and season. Prices increase significantly in July-August. Seasonal pricing can change.
For foot passengers, Tarifa to Tangier Ville is the best route: it arrives in Tangier city center. For drivers, Algeciras to Tanger Med is better: it has the most departures and the port connects directly to the motorway.
Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries do not need a visa for Morocco for stays up to 90 days. Passport-validity rules vary by nationality, so check your own government’s travel advice.
Yes, day trips from Tarifa to Tangier are popular. With about an hour each way, you can spend 6-8 hours in Tangier. Organized day trips depart from Tarifa, Malaga, and the Costa del Sol, and independent day trips are easy too.
Yes, the Strait of Gibraltar ferry services are run by established companies. The crossing on the main routes takes about an hour, and the strait is one of the busiest waterways in the world. Seasickness is possible in winter when seas are rougher, but summer crossings are typically smooth.