Ferry from Melilla to Motril

Tickets, prices & schedules

You can travel by ferry from Melilla to Motril year round, with 3 crossings per week. The journey from the autonomous city in North Africa to the port in mainland Spain lasts 5 hr and ticket prices start from €52.

Navieras Armas serves the route across the Mediterranean 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 with the Melilla - Motril 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 12
  • Young travelers up to 26 years old
  • Seniors (60+)
  • Large families (Spanish citizens)

Note: infants and toddlers up to 3 years old normally travel for free.

On-board services and amenities

On the conventional ferries traveling from Melilla to Motril you can expect to find a range of modern amenities and services. Generally, the ferries are accessible to travelers with disabilities and include wheelchair-accessible cabins, ramps, lifts, and boarding assistance. On board, you can usually find:

  • Comfy seating in air-conditioned lounges and outer decks to enjoy the sea view
  • Restaurants, bars and cafes, serving drinks, snacks and meals (including halal, celiac and children options)
  • Playroom for children with games
  • Shops for gifts, essentials and last-minute purchases
  • Swimming pool (accessible in the summer), with outdoor showers and changing rooms
  • Pet-friendly areas, including walking areas, kennels, pet-friendly cabins
  • Free Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected during your trip

Cabins and accommodation

On the ferries serving the Melilla - Motril route, you can book standard and upgraded seats, as well as cabins for a more comfortable trip.

What cabins can I book on the ferry?

You can book a cabin for 1-4 passengers on the Melilla - Motril ferry. Typically, you have a choice between:

  • Standard interior cabins
  • Exterior cabins, with a window and sea view
  • Cabins accessible to travelers with disabilities
  • Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins have air conditioning, wardrobe and TV. Cabin prices normally start from about €182.

What seats can I book?

Standard deck/lounge seating is included in the ticket price, however you also have the option of upgrading your ticket for a seat in an exclusive area, which also includes a meal and priority boarding.

Tickets for these seats start at around €62.

How much luggage is allowed on the ferries

On Navieras Armas ferries serving the Melilla - Motril route, you can bring up to 4 bags, weighing a total of 60 kg.

Can I travel with my pet?

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

While pets are allowed in some passenger areas, dining areas and lounges are usually off-limits. During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in a carrier, while larger ones must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle.

Don’t forget to bring along your pet’s health and travel documents, 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 Melilla

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

  • The port of Melilla can get busy, especially during the summer, so it’s best to be there at least 45 min ahead of departure. If you are traveling with a car, it’s recommended to arrive at least 1.5 hr in advance.
  • The sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness medication before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
  • For greater privacy and comfort during the trip, we recommend booking a cabin. Alternatively, you can book a seat in the exclusive lounge, which also includes priority boarding.
  • If you are heading to mainland Spain on a short trip, make sure to book your return ticket on the Motril - Melilla ferry in advance. For more travel options, take a look at our guide on Spain - Morocco ferry routes.

Where to take the ferry from Melilla to Motril

Ferries to Motril depart from the Port of Melilla, located on the southern edge of the city, close to the city center and main road network. 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 port of Melilla 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 Motril?

Ferries from Melilla arrive at the Port of Motril, located on the southern coast of Spain in the province of Granada. The port lies just outside the center of Motril and offers direct access to the A-7 Mediterranean motorway, making onward travel by car straightforward.

Around the port of Motril, you’ll find cafés, restaurants and parking areas. The town center of Motril is a short drive away, where there are shops, hotels and supermarkets, while the nearby coastline provides easy access to the beaches and seaside.

Where do ferries go from Motril?

From the Andalusian port of Motril you can also travel by ferry to Al Hoceima, Tangier (Tanger Med) and Nador in Morocco. For more information and details, take a look at the Motril ferry schedules.

How long is the ferry ride from Melilla to Motril?

The duration of the Melilla - Motril ferry trip normally takes around 5 hr.

What time does the ferry leave?

The ferry sets sail from Melilla at 15:30 and reaches Motril at 20:30. There are usually 3 crossings per week, on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

Melilla - Motril ferry companies

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FAQs

Yes, the ferries traveling from Melilla to Motril normally have car decks for the transportation fo vehicles. Prices start from €52 to transport a car, €32 for a motorbike and around €160 for a camper van.

Important: as spaces in the car decks are limited, it is highly recommended to book your tickets well in advance, especially during the high season.

No, the Melilla - Motril ferry route is only served by conventional ferries. The Volcan de Timanfaya normally takes 5 hr to cover the distance.

The distance between Melilla and Motril is approximately 93 nautical miles (about 172 km).

When booking your Melilla - Motril 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

More ferry routes