The Ferry From Tangier to Tarifa

Taking the ferry from Tangier to Tarifa is exciting for a lot of travelers on their first trip to the region. Moroccan transportation is inconsistent in quality and timeliness, and figuring out the ferry can be stressful. However, knowing what to expect and how to prepare beforehand will make the ferry from Morocco to Spain an easy footnote in your journey.

The Tangier-Tarifa Ferry is an easy and popular way to get from Morocco to Spain (and vice-versa). For first-timers, the Tangier ferry brings with it plenty of uncertainties. To efficiently take the ferry from Morocco to Spain, consider the following tips so that your travels don’t miss a beat.

When is the Ferry from Tangier to Tarifa?

Schedules and local information for ferry departures from Tangier vary. There is some confusion with timetables due to the ferries being operated by multiple companies. Some local information in Tangier claims that a ferry leaves Tangier for Tarifa every hour. This is the information I was given. It is incorrect. 

There is a ferry every hour between Tangier and Tarifa, but that includes ferries arriving in Morocco from Spain. Ferries departing from Tangier traveling to Spain typically leave every TWO hours, beginning at 9 AM. The final ferry usually departs Tangier at 9 PM.

Ferry schedules are inconsistent. I highly recommend purchasing tickets and checking ferry timetables in person a day early. From my research and experience, ferries from Tangier to Tarifa generally keep a similar day-to-day schedule. However, there are factors that can alter travel each day. 

Weather is the most obvious factor. Ferries run slower, or not at all, during inclement weather. High wind, rough seas and storms can disrupt services. And, after looking at a current schedule, there are a couple of ferries cancelled (the day of this writing) for no apparent reason whatsoever.

Passengers looking to take the ferry from Morocco to Spain needn’t panic. This is only intended to inform travelers that there are occasional interruptions in ferry service. Overall, the ferry from Tangier to Tarifa is relatively consistent.

Before taking the ferry from Morocco to Spain, plan accordingly. Occasional service interruptions can hinder travel plans, but you don’t want to miss the boat by your own fault. Allow at least an hour to purchase your ticket and go through security. 

Other Ferries from Morocco to Spain

Most ferries leave Tangier and go to Tarifa. These boats sail from the old port in Tangier, Tanger-Ville. This is a passenger port. If you want to travel to Algeciras, Gibraltar, or Malaga, there are other options.

Tangier-Med is the new port. This port is just outside Tangier and requires a bus or taxi to reach. Tangier-Med is primarily a cargo and shipping port, but it is possible to depart here as a passenger. 

For travelers wishing to go directly to Malaga or Almeria, it requires first traveling to Melilla or Cueta (Spanish possessions in Africa). This may prove to be a more difficult affair. You will have to pass through a border crossing from Morocco into Spanish Africa. This crossing can be slow.

Although there are other ferry options from Morocco to Spain, the easiest choice is the route from Tangier to Tarifa. From Tarifa, it is very easy to catch a bus to other cities in Andalusia, such as Malaga or Cadiz. The nearest train station is in Algeciras, a short bus trip from Tarifa. Yes, it is easier to take the ferry from Tangier (old port) to Tarifa, then the bus to Algeciras, rather than departing directly from Tangier-Med.

Length of the Ferry from Morocco to Spain

The fastest ferry from Morocco to Spain is from Tangier to Tarifa. Other ferries are considerably longer in duration and distance. The ferry from Tangier to Tarifa is supposed to take about an hour. This is somewhat accurate. It takes an hour or less if you only consider the time the boat is traveling. 

If you consider boarding, loading cars, deboarding and waiting around, the journey takes over two hours. When accounting the time for security and border control, the ferry from Morocco to Spain adds at least another hour. All in all, the ferry will take at least three hours from the time you arrive at the Tangier Port to passing through immigration in Tarifa.

A 1-hour ferry that is scheduled to leave at 11 AM will not arrive at the destination at 12 PM. Aside from a slow boarding and departure process, ferry delays are somewhat common. If you aim to catch a specific bus or train after the ferry, make sure to consider these delays and have alternate plans.

How Much is the Tangier-Tarifa Ferry?

The ferry costs 400 dirhams (about $40 USD) or more depending on length of trip. The normal ferry from Tangier to Tarifa takes an hour, but there are also tickets sold for an express ferry that takes about half the time. Don’t fall for this. Pay the 400 dirhams and take the regular ferry.

Don’t waste money on the faster or “express” ferry. It’s not really any faster. The boat may travel at a slightly higher speed, but the bulk of the ferry journey from Morocco to Spain is dealing with loading, security, customs and immigration. Paying extra for a “faster” boat will save little time.

Looking for more Morocco from The Hangry Backpacker?

Check out these other Morocco posts:

• Essaouira Travel Guide
• Marrakech Travel Guide
• Marrakech Snake Scam
• Chefchaouen: Morocco’s Blue Tourist Trap

What to Expect?

What should you expect on the ferry from Morocco to Spain. Honestly, not much. It’s not very exciting. I hoped the ferry would be an opportunity for cool scenery or something fun. There is no viewing deck, and the windows are not clear. In the end, it is just another method of transport. The ferry from Tangier to Tarifa is pretty simple and straightforward. Depending on the destination in Spain, and whether or not a cheap flight is available, a flight may be the more practical option.

Be Patient

Taking the ferry from Morocco to Spain is like taking a domestic flight. Passengers have to go through a fair amount of security and still have to arrive early before departure, but not as early as with an international flight.

Boarding the ferry is slow going. There are a few checkpoints, and there is no reason to rush. The boat has plenty of seats and will not leave any sooner if you’re hurrying along.

Don’t Be Stupid

Taking the ferry from Tangier to Tarifa is international transport. A lot of people will try to smuggle things from Morocco to Spain. Weed and hash are common drugs smuggled, particularly after many travelers visit the blue city of Chefchaouen and its notorious marijuana fields. 

Don’t be stupid. It’s one thing to get caught buying something illegal in Spain, but you’re in for a world of trouble if you are caught attempting to smuggle drugs out of Morocco. It’s not worth it. Check your bags thoroughly, and don’t leave them unattended.

The Ferry from Tangier to Tarifa

The ferry from Tangier to Tarifa is surprisingly comfortable. Personally, I was surprised. There are plenty of seats and several levels for passengers. The ferry sells snacks and drinks, and also has a small duty-free area where you can safely, legally purchase last-minute items in Morocco to bring to Spain.

Taking the ferry from Tangier to Tarifa is something that appealed to me. Ultimately, it is not especially interesting. The entire process will test your patience, but the ferry is a fairly quick and easy way to get from Morocco to Spain.