The essentials
The fast ferry takes 1 hour according to Baleària, arriving at Tangier City (Tanger Ville). The route is run by Baleària, which started on 8 May 2025 with a 15-year concession, and AML. DFDS (formerly FRS) left the route on 5 May 2025: if a comparison site still shows FRS here, it is out of date.
Frequency varies a great deal with the season. On the day we checked, in November, the port's board showed 6 sailings from Tarifa (2 by Baleària and 4 by AML). In summer 2026, Baleària alone published 10 sailings a day, from one in the morning to eleven at night.
The weak point is the levante, the easterly wind. When it blows hard in the Strait of Gibraltar, Tarifa is the first port to suspend sailings: it happened on 2 January and 6 March 2026, while Algeciras carried on operating. No document from the ferry companies guarantees an automatic transfer to Algeciras; in the cancellations guide we explain what you can demand.
On foot, by car, motorhome or motorbike, or with a pet
On footAccepted
This is the route designed for going on foot: the port of Tangier City is next to the medina. Baleària also offers its passengers a free shuttle bus between the port of Algeciras and the port of Tarifa, which has to be added to the booking.
CarAccepted
Accepted, but Baleària warns that vehicle spaces are limited. Check-in is 90 minutes with Baleària; 2 hours with AML.
MotorhomeAccepted
Baleària mentions caravans but recommends contacting its groups department beforehand: fast ferries have small garages. AML does not publish dimensions. For a motorhome, Algeciras – Tanger Med is the safer bet.
MotorbikeAccepted
Accepted by Baleària. AML accepts vehicles but does not specify the types.
PetsAccepted
Baleària applies its general policy (carrier, pet-friendly areas depending on the ship) and does not confirm which accommodation is available on the Tarifa fast ferries. AML only allows animals in dedicated outdoor areas. 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 36 €
- Car + driver, one way
- No reliable figure
Baleària advertises the crossing ‘from €36’ on its Morocco routes page; the comparison site Direct Ferries shows it ‘from €37’. As an average return price, Baleària gives about €82 per adult without a car and about €286 with a car: taking a vehicle works out dearer here than via Algeciras. No company 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: Tarifa
Tarifa's Estación Marítima (ferry terminal) is small: ticket desks and the ferry companies' check-in counters, a café and government agencies. The port has a car park with direct access to the terminal; the port authority does not publish the rates.
Check-in with Baleària: 60 minutes without a vehicle and 90 minutes with one. AML asks for 2 hours, 3 in very busy periods.
On peak summer days, Baleària warns that you are not allowed into the port of Tarifa more than 2 hours before departure, that a dated (closed) ticket is required and that the main entrance is closed and an alternative access is used.
Arrival: Tangier City
The ship docks at the port of Tangier City, on Avenue Mohammed VI, a few steps from the medina. There are taxis and buses at the exit.
Do not mix up the two ports on the way back: Tangier City and Tanger Med are about 45 km and 45 minutes apart by road, according to Baleària. A ticket to Tarifa leaves from Tangier City; one to Algeciras, from Tanger Med.
With a vehicle, the temporary import (admission temporaire) is processed at the port's customs: see the guide to taking a car to Morocco.
By road from Tangier City
| City | Distance | Driving |
|---|---|---|
| Tetouan | 60 km | 1 h 04 min |
| Chefchaouen | 112 km | 2 h 04 min |
| Larache | 89 km | 1 h 13 min |
| Rabat | 248 km | 2 h 55 min |
| Casablanca | 342 km | 3 h 55 min |
| Fez | 406 km | 4 h 42 min |
| Marrakesh | 573 km | 6 h 26 min |
| Agadir | 796 km | 8 h 45 min |
Distance and driving time without stops, calculated with OSRM on OpenStreetMap data (2026-11-10). For guidance only.
Pros and cons
For
- The shortest crossing: 1 hour.
- Arrival in the centre of Tangier, next to the medina, with no transfer.
- Perfect for a short break on foot.
- Free Algeciras – Tarifa shuttle bus for Baleària passengers.
Against
- It is the route most sensitive to the levante: it is suspended before Algeciras.
- Limited vehicle spaces; poorly suited to motorhomes.
- Fewer sailings than Algeciras outside summer.
- By car, the average price is higher than via Algeciras.
- Getting to Tarifa adds a stretch of mountain road from Algeciras.
Who it is the right choice for
It is the right choice if you are on foot and heading for Tangier, or if you want a weekend without the car. With a vehicle and a destination further south, Algeciras – Tanger Med usually pays off: more sailings, more spaces and a direct exit onto the motorway. If levante is forecast, have a plan B via Algeciras.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the ferry from Tarifa to Tangier take?
1 hour according to Baleària. The port of Tangier talks of a 40-minute crossing; go by the ferry company's figure, which includes manoeuvring.
Which Tangier port does the Tarifa ferry arrive at?
The port of Tangier City (Tanger Ville), next to the medina. It does not go to Tanger Med, which is about 45 km away.
What happens if the levante is blowing?
The ferry companies may suspend sailings from Tarifa: it happened several times in winter 2026. You are entitled to choose between a refund and re-routing. Algeciras usually keeps operating, but the change of port is not automatic: ask your ferry company.
Which ferry companies run Tarifa – Tangier?
Baleària and AML in November 2026. DFDS (the former FRS) left the route in May 2025.
Can I take a car via Tarifa?
Yes, but spaces are limited and it is wise to book a dated ticket. With a motorhome, check the dimensions with the company first or cross via Algeciras.
Is there a bus from Algeciras to Tarifa to catch the ferry?
Baleària offers a free shuttle bus between the two ports, only for its Tarifa – Tangier City passengers and provided it is added to the booking.
Sources (10)
Every figure on this page comes from a source consulted on the date shown.
- Baleària · ferry Tarifa – Tánger Ville, 2026-11-11
- Baleària · rutas a Marruecos, 2026-11-11
- Autoridad Portuaria Bahía de Algeciras · información al pasajero, 2026-11-11
- Baleària · autobús lanzadera entre Algeciras y Tarifa, 2026-11-11
- Baleària · Tarifa – Tánger, antelación para el embarque, 2026-11-11
- AML · rutas, 2026-11-11
- DFDS · aviso sobre la ruta Tarifa – Tánger Ville, 2026-11-11
- Direct Ferries · Tarifa – Tánger (comparison site), 2026-11-11
- Forbes España · la borrasca Francis obliga a cancelar ferris en Tarifa (comparison site), 2026-11-11
- Baleària · viajar a Marruecos con mascotas, 2026-11-11