Ferry from Melilla to Málaga

Tickets, prices & schedules

You can travel by ferry from Melilla to Málaga all year round, with up to 6 ferries per week. The journey across the Mediterranean takes around 7 hr and ferry ticket prices start at around €53.

Baleària serves the connection from the autonomous city in North Africa to the port on mainland Spain with conventional ferries. Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

Discounts

When traveling from Melilla to Málaga by ferry, you can take advantage of the regular discounts available to specific traveler categories. Typically, you can expect lower ferry ticket prices for children under 14 and seniors (60+).

Note: infants up to 1 year old normally travel for free.

On-board services and amenities

The conventional ferries serving the Melilla - Málaga route feature a range of modern amenities for a comfortable and relaxed journey across the Mediterranean. The ferries are accessible to travelers with disabilities, with ramps, elevators, adapted seats, and cabins. Wheelchair assistance is also available upon request at boarding and during the trip.

Typically, you can find:

  • Comfy air-conditioned lounges and spacious seating on outer decks to enjoy the view
  • Restaurants, bar,s and cafes serving snacks, drinks and meals
  • Shops, where you can buy the essentials, gifts and last-minute purchases
  • Playrooms for children
  • Pet-friendly amenities, including adapted cabins and kennels
  • Car decks to transport your car, motorbike or camper van

Cabins and accommodation

On the Melilla - Málaga ferry, you can book standard deck/lounge seats, business-class seats and cabins for a more comfortable trip.

What cabins can I book on the ferry?

The conventional ferries serving the Melilla - Málaga route are designed for long-haul travel, so you can book a cabin for 1-4 passengers. Typically, you can choose between:

  • Standard interior cabins
  • Exterior cabins, with a sea view
  • Cabins for travelers with disabilities
  • Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins feature a private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, and wardrobe. Cabin prices start from around €183.

Can I book business-class seats?

Yes, on Baleària ferries you can book seats in the Neptuno business lounge. These reclining seats generally have USB ports to charge your devices and extra legroom.

Prices for business class seats start at around €63.

How much luggage is allowed on the ferries

On Baleària ferries, you are allowed to bring as many pieces of luggage as you can bring yourself on board, with no weight or size restrictions.

Can I travel with my pet?

Yes, pets are allowed on Melilla - Málaga ferries, provided you include them in your reservation when booking your tickets. Typically, you have the option of booking a pet-friendly seat, a place in the kennels or a pet-friendly cabin.

During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in a carrier, while larger ones must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle. On the ferries, there are also designated walking areas, so your four-legged buddy can stretch its legs.

Don’t forget to bring along your pet’s health and travel documents, microchip ID, tickets and any pet supplies you may need on the trip.

Good to know: for more details, you can check our guide on traveling in Spain by ferry with pets.

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Motril from Málaga

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Melilla to Málaga:

  • The port in Melilla gets quite busy, especially in the summer and on weekends, so make sure you arrive there at least 45 min ahead of your ferry’s departure. If you are traveling with a car, then it’s recommended to arrive 1.5 hr in advance.
  • The Mediterranean can get a bit choppy, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness medication before the trip. As always, your pharmacist or doctor can help you pick the best one.
  • As the ferry trip to Spain is overnight, we recommend booking a cabin for greater comfort and privacy. Alternatively, you can stretch out in the Neptuno business lounge.
  • If you are headed to mainland Spain for a short trip, make sure you book your return ticket on the Málaga - Melilla ferry for peace of mind. For more travel options, check out our complete guide on Spain - Morocco ferry routes.

Where to take the ferry from Melilla to Málaga

Ferries to Málaga normally set sail from the port of Melilla, which is on the southern edge of the city. Melilla is a Spanish autonomous city on the north coast of Africa, and the port serves regular ferry connections with mainland Spain.

Around the port, you will find cafés, bars and restaurants, as well as hotels, shops and supermarkets.

How to get to the port of Melilla

The port of Melilla is within walking distance of the city center, so you can easily get there in 10-15 min on foot from most hotels, shops and the main commercial area.

There are also local buses that connect the port with many neighborhoods in Melilla, as well as taxis. The ride from the Melilla Airport to the ferry terminal takes around 5-10 min.

If you are driving yourself, you can reach the port via the main roads by following the signs. If you are leaving your car behind, there are parking spaces near the port.

Where does the ferry arrive in Málaga?

Ferries from Melilla arrive at the Port of Málaga, which is located right next to the city center. The ferry terminal is close to the Muelle Uno waterfront area, within walking distance of the historic center of Málaga.

Around the port, you’ll find cafés, bars, hotels and supermarkets, as well as taxi ranks and public transport connections. The port also offers easy access to Málaga María Zambrano train station and the city’s main road network, making onward travel by bus, train or car straightforward.

How long is the ferry ride from Melilla to Málaga?

The duration of the Melilla - Málaga ferry trip normally takes around 7 hr 15 min.

Melilla - Málaga ferry companies

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FAQs

If you are a Spanish or EU/EEA citizen, then a national ID card is sufficient. Travelers from non-EU/EEA countries will need to bring along a valid passport. If you are traveling with a vehicle, make sure you bring your driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Good to know: although Melilla is Spanish territory, it lies outside the Schengen Area, so passport checks are carried out before boarding.

Yes, the ferries serving the Melilla - Málaga route have car decks for the transportation of vehicles. Prices start at around €50 to transport a car, €40 for a motorbike and €160 for a camper van.

No, the Melilla - Málaga ferry route is only served by conventional ferries. The Rusadir operated by Baleària takes around 7 hr to cover the distance.

The distance between the ports of Melilla and Málaga is around 112 nautical miles (207 km).

Yes, most ferries from Melilla to Málaga set sail at 23:59 and reach the Spanish mainland at 07:15 the next morning. On Mondays there is also a ferry crossing at 01:00.

When booking your Melilla - Málaga trip on Ferryhopper, you can easily check in online, get your tickets on your phone, and board the ferry directly with your e-ticket without collecting any paper tickets at the port.

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