Ferry from Tangier to Motril

Tickets, prices & schedules

There is currently no direct ferry connection between Tangier (Tanger Med) and Motril. If you're planning to travel between Morocco and Andalusia, you can consider alternatives such as Tanger Med - Algeciras or Tanger Ville - Tarifa, or browse all available connections Tangier - Spain.

These routes run year-round with frequent departures, making it easy to compare ferry companies, schedules and prices, and book your tickets on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees. As soon as the Tangier - Motril route becomes available again, you’ll find all updates here.

Discounts

While the Tangier - Motril ferry route is currently not operating, it was previously possible to benefit from age-based discounts when traveling with Baleària.

In general, reduced ferry ticket prices were available for children, while infants and toddlers could usually travel free of charge. Once the route becomes available again, keep in mind that discounts may differ if a new operator takes over the connection.

Tip: on Ferryhopper, you can always check the available offers and select your passenger category so that any applicable discount is automatically applied to your booking.

Best alternatives to travel from Tangier to mainland Spain

As the Tangier - Motril ferry route is currently not active, you can travel between Morocco and Spain using several alternative ferry routes from Tangier. These connections offer frequent crossings and short travel times, especially across the Strait of Gibraltar.

From Tanger Med

  • Tanger Med - Algeciras: the most frequent route, with multiple daily crossings throughout the year. The journey takes around 1-1.5 hr, making it one of the fastest ways to reach mainland Spain.
  • Tanger Med - Gibraltar: a less frequent option (1-2 weekly crossings), with a travel time of about 1.5 hr.
  • Tanger Med - Barcelona: a good option if you are heading to northeastern Spain. The journey takes approximately 28-35 hr, with a few weekly crossings.

From Tanger Ville

  • Tanger Ville - Tarifa: the fastest and most central route, with several daily crossings. The ferry trip takes around 1 hr across a distance of about 30 km.

Tip: if your final destination is Motril or southern Andalusia, routes to Algeciras or Tarifa are usually the most convenient options, as they are significantly closer than ports like Barcelona.

On-board services and amenities

As the Tangier - Motril ferry route is currently not operating, there are no active onboard services available at the moment. However, the connection was previously served by Baleària with conventional ferries such as the Dénia Ciutat Creativa.

On board, passengers could typically enjoy a range of basic amenities for a comfortable journey, including air-conditioned lounges, restaurants and outdoor deck areas. Ferries were also generally accessible to travelers with disabilities, featuring ramps, lifts and adapted facilities.

Cabins and seating

Given the duration of the trip, ferries usually offered a variety of accommodation options, including standard seats and cabins (interior or exterior) for a more comfortable journey.

Luggage

When traveling with Baleària, passengers could typically bring their personal luggage on board without a strict weight limit, as long as they were able to carry it themselves.

Traveling with pets

Pets were usually allowed on board, provided they were included in the booking. Ferries featured pet-friendly areas, such as kennels or designated spaces, and in some cases pet-friendly cabins.

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Motril from Tangier

Although the Tangier - Motril ferry route is currently not operating, here are some useful tips to keep in mind if you are planning to travel between Morocco and southern Spain using alternative routes.

  • The port of Tanger Med can get quite busy, especially during peak travel periods, so it’s best to arrive at least 1-2 hr before departure. If you are traveling with a vehicle, allow extra time for boarding procedures.
  • As you will be crossing an international border, make sure to carry a valid passport and check visa requirements depending on your nationality.
  • If you are sensitive to the sea conditions, keep in mind that crossings in the Strait of Gibraltar can sometimes be choppy, so you may want to consider seasickness medication before your trip.
  • It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance, particularly during summer or holiday periods, as availability can be limited and prices tend to increase.
  • The port of Motril is an excellent choice if you are planning to travel to major cities in Andalusia, such as Granada, Seville or Málaga. It is also well connected by ferry with northern Morocco, with routes that have linked Motril to cities like Nador (around 4-5 hr crossing) and Al Hoceima (approximately 5 hr), depending on the route and operator.
  • To explore all available routes and plan your trip easily, you can check the Tangier - Spain ferry routes or browse the Spain ferry schedules for 2026.
  • You can easily reach the ports of North Africa from Spain. Check out our guide about the ferries between Spain and North Africa.
  • Alternatively, if you want to catch a direct ferry to Morocco from Spain, find out more information about the Spain to Morocco ferry routes.
  • For more travel options within Morocco, including routes to ports such as Tanger Med, Tanger Ville, Nador or Al Hoceima, take a look at the Morocco ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from Tangier to Motril

When the Tangier - Motril ferry route was available, ferries used to depart from the port of Tanger Med, Morocco’s main passenger port, located about 40 km east of Tangier.

The port is well connected to the city of Tangier and other areas in northern Morocco. You can reach Tanger Med by car, taxi or bus, with the journey from the city center taking approximately 40-60 min, depending on traffic.

How to get to the port of Tangier

  • By car: access via the main coastal road (RN16) or motorway connections.
  • By bus: regular connections link Tangier with the port area.
  • By taxi: taxis are widely available and offer the most direct route.
  • By train + transfer: rail connections to Tangier are available, with onward transport to the port by bus or taxi.

At the passenger terminal, travelers can find check-in counters, waiting areas, cafés and other basic amenities.

Where does the ferry arrive in Motril?

Ferries from Tangier used to arrive at the Port of Motril, on the southern coast of Spain in the province of Granada. The port is located just outside the city center, in the coastal area of Varadero.

The port offers easy road access to major cities in Andalusia via the A-7 motorway, making it a convenient arrival point for travelers heading to Granada, Málaga or Almería.

In and around the port area, you could find the passenger terminal, parking facilities and taxi services, as well as nearby beaches, restaurants and seaside amenities.

Where do ferries go from Motril?

From the port of Motril, there are ferry connections to several destinations in North Africa, including Nador and Al Hoceima. You can explore all available routes on the Motril ferry schedules.

About Tangier

Discover the best tips for an unforgettable vacation in Tangier and find all ferries from and to the multicultural port city in Morocco.

About Motril

Traveling from or to Motril ? Find all the info you need about the popular port in the Iberic Peninsula on our Motril travel guide.

How long is the ferry ride from Tangier to Motril?

When ferries used to run between Tangier and Motril, the journey normally lasted around 7.5 to 8.5 hr, depending on the weather conditions.

The crossing was direct, without intermediate stops, and was usually carried out overnight or late in the evening, making it a convenient option for traveling between northern Morocco and southern Spain.

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FAQs

Yes, when the Tangier - Motril ferry connection was running, ferries used to have car decks, allowing passengers to travel with their car, motorbike, camper van or other vehicles on board.

Although the Tangier - Motril connection is currently not available, most ferry routes between Tangier and mainland Spain still allow vehicle transportation. If you are planning to travel with your vehicle, it is usually recommended to book in advance, as spaces on the car deck can be limited.

Tip: make sure to bring your driver’s license, as well as your vehicle registration and insurance documents when traveling by ferry.

No, when the Tangier - Motril ferry route was in service, it was served only by conventional ferries. The journey typically lasted around 7.5 to 8.5 hr.

Unlike shorter routes across the Strait of Gibraltar, such as Tangier - Tarifa or Tangier - Algeciras, which are operated by high-speed ferries, the Tangier - Motril connection relied on conventional vessels designed for longer crossings.

The distance between the two ports is approximately 143 nautical miles (265 km).

When the Tangier - Motril ferry route was active, passengers could typically check in online, receive their tickets on their phone and board the ferry directly using their e-ticket, without the need to collect paper tickets at the port.

Tip: for routes departing from Tanger Med, it is generally recommended to arrive at the port well in advance, as check-in and boarding procedures can take longer due to passport control and security checks.

Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.

Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.

Related ferry schedules

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