How To Get to Tangier From Tarifa By Ferry?

How To Get to Tangier From Tarifa By Ferry?

  • Post category:Travel Tips
  • Post comments:0 Comments
  • Reading time:8 mins read

How to Get to Tangier from Tarifa By Ferry?

If you’re wondering how to get to Tangier from Tarifa by ferry, you’re in the right place. Tangier is one of the most exciting and culturally rich cities in Morocco — and it’s only a short ferry ride away from southern Spain.

Thanks to the narrow Strait of Gibraltar, the ferry from Spain to Morocco takes as little as one hour, making it the most popular route for travelers looking for a quick escape to North Africa.

This complete guide will help you plan your trip from Tarifa to Tangier with ease, avoid unnecessary stress, and make the most of your Moroccan experience.

Best Travel Tips on How to Get to Tangier From Tarifa By Ferry

Why Visit Tangier from Tarifa?

Tangier is a magical city full of history, charm, and color. With its whitewashed medina, coastal views, and blend of Arabic, French, and Spanish influences, it offers an unforgettable taste of Morocco in just one day.

Only 14.5 km (9 miles) separates Spain and Morocco, which is less than an hour by boat. Whether you’re on a day Trip to Morocco from Spain or joining a 2-day Trip to Morocco from Spain, Tangier is a top destination.

Ferry from Tarifa to Tangier: What You Need to Know

Traveling by ferry from Tarifa to Tangier is the fastest and most scenic way to get from Spain to Morocco.

Here’s everything you should know before you go:

Ferry Operators

Two main ferry companies are running daily crossings between Tarifa and Tangier:

Balearia Ferry

Fastest option (around 1 hour)

  • 6–8 daily sailings
  • Clean, modern boats
  • Free shuttle bus from Algeciras to Tarifa
How to Get to Tangier from Tarifa By Ferry

AML (Africa Morocco Link)

  • Take the 9:00 AM ferry from Tarifa to make the most of your day.
  • Spain and Morocco both run on GMT+1, so there’s no time difference during most of the year.
DEPARTUREARRIVAL

09:00

10:00

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

17:00

18:00

19:00

20:00

21:00

22:00

What to Bring and Expect

Travel Tips:

  • Arrive 45–60 minutes before departure.
  • Bring a valid passport (EU/US citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Morocco).
  • Carry a pen to fill out the customs form on board.
  • Don’t forget to stamp your passport on the ferry — Moroccan police handle immigration during the crossing.

Travel Tips:

  • There are no strict luggage rules—ideal for day or overnight trips.
  • If you’re driving from northern Spain, you can securely park in the Continental Parking in the Tarifa Port.

How to Buy Ferry Tickets

Booking your ferry from Spain to Morocco is easy:

Options to Buy:

  • At the Port: buy directly at the Tarifa terminal
  • Through Us: Book in advance with Tangier Excursions—we’ll email you a PDF ticket and reservation number. Just present this at the terminal to collect your boarding passes.

Tarifa Ferry Terminal Contact:

  • Address: Puerto de Tarifa, Avenida de las Fuerzas Armadas, 13, 11380 Tarifa, Spain
  • Phone: +34 956 585 400
  • Fax: +34 956 585 443

Immigration & Customs Procedure

Once you board the ferry from Tarifa to Tangier, head to the passport control desk at the front of the boat. A Moroccan police officer will stamp your passport before you arrive in Morocco.

If you don’t get stamped on the ferry, you may face long delays at the port of Tangier

Best Tours to Morocco from Spain

Once you arrive in Morocco, the real adventure begins. Our tours are designed for travelers who want a safe, fun, and authentic Moroccan experience:

Morocco Day Trips from Costa del Sol, Spain

Now that you know exactly how to get to Tangier from Tarifa by ferry, you can plan your Moroccan adventure with confidence. This is one of the easiest, quickest, and most affordable ways to experience a whole new culture—just across the water from Spain.

About Us

Welcome to Tangier Excursions, your gateway to unforgettable private day trips from Spain to Morocco! Specializing in seamless, culturally rich journeys across the Strait of Gibraltar, we craft personalized excursions that let you experience the magic of Morocco in just one day. Whether you’re departing from vibrant Spanish hubs like Tarifa, Seville, Malaga, Marbella, Cadiz, or Gibraltar, our curated adventures blend convenience, authenticity, and expert local insight to transform your travel dreams into reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I get to Tangier from Tarifa?

    You can get to Tangier from Tarifa by taking a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar. The ferry ride takes about 1 hour and operates multiple times daily. Most travelers use the Balearia ferry, which is fast, reliable, and offers services directly between Tarifa, Spain, and Tangier Ville Port, Morocco.

  2. How long is the ferry ride from Tarifa to Tangier?

    The ferry from Tarifa to Tangier takes around 1 hour with Balearia. Balearia is recommended for its speed and comfort.

  3. Do I need to book the Tarifa to Tangier ferry in advance?

    Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during weekends or peak travel seasons. You can book online through ferry websites or via tour providers like Tangier Excursions, who include the ferry in Day Trip to Morocco from Spain packages.

  4. What documents do I need to travel from Tarifa to Tangier?

    You need a valid passport. Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, and many other countries do not need a visa for stays under 90 days in Morocco. Make sure to stamp your passport on the ferry at the Moroccan immigration desk.

  5. Where is the passport control for the Tarifa to Tangier ferry?

    Passport control is on board the ferry. After boarding, go to the Moroccan police desk at the front of the boat to get your passport stamped before arrival in Tangier.

  6. What time should I arrive at the Tarifa ferry terminal?

    You should arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and immigration. The first ferry usually departs at 07:00 AM or 09:00 AM; the latter is perfect for day trips.

  7. Can I bring luggage on the ferry from Tarifa to Tangier?

    Yes, you can bring hand luggage and suitcases. There are no strict luggage restrictions like on flights, which makes it easy for travelers doing a short Malaga to Morocco Day Trip or overnight stays.

  8. Is there a time difference between Tarifa and Tangier?

    Most of the year, there is no time difference between Spain and Morocco, as both operate on GMT+1. However, during daylight saving transitions, check local times to avoid confusion.

  9. Can I take a car on the ferry from Tarifa to Tangier?

    Yes, both Balearia and AML offer vehicle transport. However, for short visits or guided tours, it’s easier to cross on foot and join a local tour in Tangier.

  10. Which is better: Tarifa to Tangier or Algeciras to Tangier Med?

    For day trips or short visits, Tarifa to Tangier Ville is better. The port is closer to Tangier’s city center, while Tangier Med (served from Algeciras) is 45 minutes away by taxi.

  11. Are there guided tours that include the ferry from Tarifa to Tangier?

    Yes! Many companies like Tangier Excursions LLC offer all-inclusive trips that include ferry tickets, guided tours, lunch, and transportation. Great for travelers on a Marbella to Morocco Day Trip.

  12. How many ferries go from Tarifa to Tangier daily?

    There are 6 to 8 sailings per day, depending on the season and weather. Ferries start around 09:00 AM and continue into the evening.

  13. Is the ferry from Tarifa to Tangier safe?

    Yes, the ferry is very safe, modern, and comfortable. Operators like Balearia maintain high safety standards, and the journey is short and scenic.

  14. What happens if I miss the ferry to Tangier?

    If you miss your ferry, you can usually catch the next one, space permitting. However, it’s best to inform your tour operator so arrangements can be adjusted.

Leave a Reply