Today, there are countless flights to Morocco from all over the globe, making it easier than ever to visit. But there is a more adventurous way to arrive in Morocco – by ferry! Travelling to Morocco by ferry offers several advantages, particularly if you want to bring your own vehicle along for the ride.
In this guide, discover everything you need to know about travel to Morocco by ferry, including ferry routes, travel durations and companies.
If you're ready to book a ferry to Morocco, head to Direct Ferries, a trusted comparison site that lists all the latest sailings and prices in the one place.
If you’re embarking on a self-drive holiday in North Africa, check out my article Everything You Need to Know About Driving in Morocco. Looking to rent a car on arrival in Morocco? I recommend you rent through Discover Cars, which offers free cancellation and 24/7 support. They have everything from compact automatics to manual vans, ensuring there’s something for all travel groups and driving styles.
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Pros and cons of travelling to Morocco by ferry
The comfort of being able to take your own car to explore Morocco is one of the main perks of travelling by ferry. Having your own vehicle opens up countless opportunities to independently explore Morocco's winding roads, remote villages and stunning landscapes at the pace you desire.
Without strict weight limits or size constraints (as are enforced by airlines), you can pack whatever you need for your Moroccan adventure (camping gear, surfboards and souvenirs), without worrying about excess baggage fees. Taking the ferry to Morocco is particularly popular with RVers and caravaners bringing their “home on wheels” along for the ride.
Looking for itinerary inspiration? My suggested Morocco itineraries range from four-night jaunts to two-week adventures.
While some people love the leisurely nature of ferry travel and the opportunity to gaze out across the sea, for others, the long crossings can be tedious. While the ferry from Spain to Tangier takes only an hour, the crossings from France and Italy can be days. For those who are prone to seasickness or don't enjoy being confined on a boat for extended periods, this can be a significant drawback.
It’s also worth mentioning that while there are set schedules, ferries from Europe to Morocco are not always timely, which can be a problem for those needing to catch further transportation after disembarking. Delays due to weather or mechanical issues can lead to missed connections or planned activities upon arrival.
Depending on the season, the prices for Morocco ferries can skyrocket. This is especially true during the summer months when tickets for popular routes like Algeciras to Tangier can more than double. At these times, air travel is probably a more viable option for budget travellers.
In the end, it all comes down to your travel style and preference. If you’re particularly keen on taking your car to explore Morocco on a self-drive itinerary, then the advantages of ferry travel outweigh any disadvantages. The short journey from Tarifa or Algeciras to Tangier is particularly fast and you’ll be on the road in Morocco before you know it.
Travel to Morocco by ferry
Main ferry routes
Every day, a steady stream of ferries arrive on Morocco's shores, having departed from the European countries of Spain, France and Italy. For travellers looking to make the crossing, there are a few key factors to consider when deciding which ferry route best suits your needs.
The most direct route is from southern Spain, where multiple ferry companies offer daily crossings from ports like Algeciras and Tarifa to Tangier and Tangier Med, with the journey taking around an hour. From France, ferries depart from ports like Sete and Marseille, arriving in Tangier or Nador after a 6-12 hour journey. For those coming from Italy, ferries travel from Genoa or Civitavecchia to Tangier, taking between two and three days.
When booking your ticket, it's advisable to do so well in advance, especially if travelling with a car as vehicle spaces are limited. In the busy summer months, ferries run more frequently on the popular Spain routes, making last-minute tickets easier to come by. But if you’re travelling in the off-season from September to May, it’s always wise to book early.
Travel to Morocco by ferry
Moroccan ferry ports
The northern coast of Morocco is dotted with bustling port cities that serve as the gateway for travellers arriving by ferry. The most popular ports of entry are Tangier, Tangier Med (located 30 kilometres east of Tangier) and Nador on the Mediterranean coast, as well as the resort city of Al Hoceima.
From these coastal hubs, intrepid explorers can embark on an adventure into Morocco's interior within just a few hours. A 1.5-hour drive west from Tangier lies the city of Tetouan, with its historic medina enclosed by whitewashed walls. The charming mountain town of Chefchaouen, with its photogenic blue-washed houses and winding alleyways, is only two hours further into the Rif Mountains. In less than three hours, you can reach the imperial cities of Fes and Meknes, with their medieval medinas and imposing gateways, or the cosmopolitan metropolis of Casablanca.
For those without a car, Morocco's extensive network of buses and trains offer an affordable and convenient way to journey inland to explore the country's imperial history, captivating culture and breathtaking natural scenery. Tangier is a major transportation hub, with rail and bus services connecting south to Marrakech, Rabat and Agadir.
Travel to Morocco by ferry
Ferries from Spain to Morocco
Spain and Morocco are separated by the Strait of Gibraltar, a narrow channel that provides a vital transportation link between Europe and Africa. For travellers looking to make the ferry crossing between Spain and Morocco, there is no shortage of options to choose from, with a total of six ferry companies operating eight different routes.
The cities of Almeria, Motril, Algeciras and Tarifa in southern Spain are connected by ferry to the Moroccan ports of Nador, Al Hoceima, Tangier and Tangier Med. Further north, Barcelona has ferry connections to Tangier Med and Nador as well.
With over a dozen ferries embarking daily on the hour-long journey to Tangier, Tarifa provides the most flexibility and availability for crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. The constant stream of vessels leaving Tarifa allows travellers to depart at virtually any time of day that fits their schedule.
FERRY ROUTES FROM SPAIN TO MOROCCO
• Trip duration: 1 to 2 hours
Ferry companies: FRS, Intershipping
• Trip duration: 1 hour
Ferry companies: Balearia
• Trip duration: 1 hour
Ferry companies: Naviera Armas
• Trip duration: 1 hour
Ferry companies: Naviera Armas
• Trip duration: 1 hour
Ferry companies: Balearia, Naviera Armas, FRS Iberia, Africa Morocco Link
• Trip duration: 5-6 hours
Ferry companies: Balearia, Naviera Armas, Grandi Navi Veloci
• Trip duration: 32-35 hours
Ferry companies: Grandi Navi Veloci
• Trip duration: 32 hours
Ferry companies: Grandi Navi Veloci
Travel to Morocco by ferry
Ferries from France to Morocco
Ferry travel between France and Morocco is facilitated by three ferry companies that together provide seven sailings per week across the Mediterranean Sea. The most active operator is Grandi Navi Veloci, an Italian company that runs two routes from the southern French port city of Sete. Their Sete to Nador route crosses the sea in about five hours and has one daily departure. Meanwhile, Grandi Navi Veloci's Sete to Tanger Med route takes eight hours and leaves three times daily.
The second operator is Balearia, a Spanish company that focuses on the Sete to Nador route. They have two daily crossings that parallel Grandi Navi Veloci's schedule on this route. Lastly, the French operator La Méridionale runs a single weekly route between Marseille, France and Tanger Med, Morocco. The 10-hour overnight crossing departs every Sunday, providing a leisurely way to reach Morocco's busiest port from France's second-largest city.
FERRY ROUTES FROM FRANCE TO MOROCCO
• Trip duration: 40 hours
Ferry companies: Grandi Navi Veloci
• Trip duration: 29 hours
Ferry companies: Grandi Navi Veloci, Balearia
• Trip duration: 45 hours
Ferry companies: La Méridionale
Travel to Morocco by ferry
Ferries from Italy to Morocco
The ferry system connecting Italy and Morocco consists of two main routes operated by Grandi Navi Veloci that provide a total of four sailings per week between the two countries. The first route runs between the Italian port city of Genoa and the Moroccan port of Tangier Med. The second route connects the Italian port of Civitavecchia (just northwest of Rome) with Tangier Med in Morocco.
With the ferry journey from Italy to Morocco lasting anywhere from two to three days (depending on your departure point), you'll have plenty of time to settle in, explore the ferry and enjoy the views across the Mediterranean Sea. The ferries offer everything you need onboard like comfortable cabins, restaurants, shops, and lounges to relax in.
FERRY ROUTES FROM ITALY TO MOROCCO
• Trip duration: 48 hours
Ferry companies: Grandi Navi Veloci
• Trip duration: 56 hours
• Ferry companies: Grandi Navi Veloci
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