The essentials
It is run by GNV. The crossing takes between 27 hours and 30 h 25 from Barcelona to Nador, and between 28 h 45 and 31 hours on the return. Some sailings are a call by the ship that links Sète with Nador.
In November 2026 there was 1 sailing a week according to Direct Ferries; Ferryhopper talks of 1 or 2 a week, all year round.
It arrives at Beni Ensar, the port of Nador, next to Melilla. For anyone who lives in Catalonia or is coming from northern Europe and heading for Nador, Oujda or Berkane, it replaces the whole drive down to Almería and several more hours on a ship.
On foot, by car, motorhome or motorbike, or with a pet
On footAccepted
Accepted, in a reclining seat or a cabin.
CarAccepted
Accepted. GNV asks for the original vehicle registration document and, if the driver is not the registered keeper, a certified authorisation.
MotorhomeAccepted
Accepted: you must state the type and model of vehicle when booking.
MotorbikeAccepted
Accepted.
PetsAccepted
Animals need their own ticket and travel in a pet-friendly cabin (2 maximum) or in the on-board kennels. To enter Morocco, the ferry companies ask for a pet passport or animal health certificate, a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. What people most often forget is the return: the rabies antibody test has to be done before leaving Spain. We explain it in the pets guide.
Guide prices
- Foot passenger, one way
- from 96 €
- Car + driver, one way
- No reliable figure
GNV advertises ‘from €96’ in the Barcelona → Nador direction and ‘from €75’ on the return. The cabin and the vehicle are added to that price. No source publishes a ‘from’ price for a car with driver.
‘From’ prices seen on the date we checked. They change with the date, the ferry company and how far ahead you book: use them to compare routes, not as a guaranteed fare. Last checked: November 2026.
Departure: Barcelona
It sails from the Moll de Sant Bertran ferry terminal, the F2 international terminal of the port of Barcelona, the same one as the Tangier route.
Car park recommended by the port: World Trade Center, €29 for one day and €95 for seven days, with a maximum height of 2.20 m.
Check-in: 4 hours ahead, with or without a vehicle; check-in closes 60 minutes before departure.
Arrival: Nador (Beni Ensar)
You arrive at Beni Ensar, about 13 km from the centre of Nador. With a vehicle, the temporary import (admission temporaire) is processed at the port's customs: see the guide to taking a car to Morocco.
On the way back, check-in in Nador opens 9 hours ahead and closes 4 hours before departure.
By road from Nador (Beni Ensar)
| City | Distance | Driving |
|---|---|---|
| Nador | 13 km | 15 min |
| Oujda | 152 km | 2 h 19 min |
| Al Hoceima | 138 km | 2 h 18 min |
| Taza | 217 km | 3 h 02 min |
| Fez | 326 km | 4 h 10 min |
| Meknes | 383 km | 4 h 45 min |
| Rabat | 517 km | 6 h 11 min |
| Casablanca | 611 km | 7 h 12 min |
Distance and driving time without stops, calculated with OSRM on OpenStreetMap data (2026-11-10). For guidance only.
Pros and cons
For
- Replaces the whole drive between Catalonia and Almería.
- Direct arrival in Morocco's Oriental region.
- Runs all year round.
- Restaurants, halal menus and a prayer room on board.
Against
- Between 27 and 30 hours at sea.
- One or two sailings a week.
- 4-hour check-in.
- A single ferry company.
- A higher starting price than Almería – Nador.
Who it is the right choice for
It is the right choice if you are leaving from Catalonia or the south of France for Nador, Oujda or Berkane, especially with a loaded car. If you are leaving from central or southern Spain, Almería – Nador is quicker and sails every day.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Barcelona to Nador ferry take?
Between 27 hours and 30 hours 25 minutes according to GNV.
How many times a week does it sail?
Once a week in November 2026 according to Direct Ferries; once or twice according to Ferryhopper.
Which ferry company runs it?
GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci), in both directions.
Do I need a passport?
Yes. GNV says so on its page: a national identity card is not enough for EU citizens.
Which is better, Barcelona – Nador or Almería – Nador?
It depends where you start. From Barcelona, the direct ship avoids about 800 km of road to Almería; from Madrid or Valencia, Almería is quicker and sails daily.
Sources (6)
Every figure on this page comes from a source consulted on the date shown.
- GNV · Barcelona – Nador, 2026-11-11
- GNV · puerto de Barcelona, 2026-11-11
- Direct Ferries · Barcelona – Nador (comparison site), 2026-11-11
- Ferryhopper · Barcelona – Nador (comparison site), 2026-11-11
- GNV · condiciones generales, 2026-11-11
- GNV · viajar con mascotas, 2026-11-11