Ferry from Motril to Nador

Tickets, prices & schedules

You can travel by ferry from Motril to Nador during the summer season. Between July and early September, there are 3 weekly crossings. The journey takes between 5 and 6 hr, and tickets start at €72.

Naviera Armas operates the route with conventional ferries. Find the latest schedules for 2026, compare prices and journey times, and book your Motril - Nador ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

Discounts

When traveling by ferry from Motril to Nador with Naviera Armas, you can take advantage of discounts for different passenger categories:

  • Infants: free
  • Children (1-13): 50% discount
  • Young travelers (14-26): 20% discount
  • Seniors (60+): 20% discount

Good to know: when booking your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper, simply select the age of each passenger during the booking process and any eligible discount will be automatically applied to the final ticket price.

On-board services and amenities

The Volcán de Timanfaya, the Naviera Armas ferry serving the Motril - Nador route, offers a wide range of amenities for a comfortable journey.

On board, you can find:

  • Bars, a café and a self-service restaurant, with different meal options, including gluten-free and halal menus
  • Outdoor decks and terraces where you can enjoy the views during the crossing
  • A children’s play area and board games for families
  • An outdoor swimming pool, available during the summer season
  • Free Wi-Fi to stay connected during the trip
  • An on-board shop selling travel essentials and other products

Are the Motril - Nador ferries accessible?

Yes. The Volcán de Timanfaya has accessible facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including:

  • Ramps and step-free access for easier boarding and disembarkation
  • Accessible seats and cabins
  • Crew assistance during boarding and disembarkation, upon request
  • Assistance at the departure and arrival ports, when arranged in advance

Tip: if you need assistance, contact Naviera Armas before your trip so the service can be arranged in advance.

Accommodation

What types of seats are available on the Motril - Nador ferry?

On the Volcán de Timanfaya, you can choose from the following accommodation options:

  • Deck-lounge: gives you access to the ferry's common areas, such as the café. Tickets start at €72.
  • Standard seat: a reserved seat in a lounge used exclusively by passengers in this category. Tickets start at €72.
  • VIP seat: a more comfortable seat in a separate lounge, with priority boarding subject to port operations. Tickets start at €79.

Are cabins available on the Motril - Nador ferry?

Yes. The ferry has private 4-bed cabins, which are a comfortable option for resting during the crossing or traveling as a family.

Cabins can accommodate up to 4 passengers and are equipped with air conditioning and wardrobes. They are booked for exclusive use and cost from €400.

How much luggage can I bring on the Motril - Nador ferry?

When traveling with Naviera Armas, you can bring up to 60 kg of personal luggage or a maximum of 4 pieces of luggage free of charge.

Can I travel with my pet?

Yes. You can travel with your pet on the Volcán de Timanfaya, as long as it is included in your booking. Depending on your pet's size and availability, Naviera Armas offers the following options:

  • Pet-friendly VIP seats
  • Pet-friendly cabins, which should be booked in advance
  • On-board kennels, located in designated indoor or outdoor areas
  • Outdoor pet exercise areas

Dogs outside a carrier or kennel must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle, where required.

What documents do I need to travel with my pet?

When traveling between Spain and Morocco, make sure you carry all the required health and identification documents. These typically include:

  • A microchip
  • A valid rabies vaccination certificate
  • A valid EU pet passport or the corresponding veterinary health certificate

Important: If you're planning to return to Spain with your pet, check the entry requirements for the European Union before you travel, as additional documentation or a rabies antibody titration test may be required.

Useful tips for your ferry trip from Motril to Nador

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

  • The port of Motril can get very busy in the summer and during the Operation Marhaba peak travel period. We recommend arriving at least 1 hr before departure if you are traveling on foot and around 1.5-2 hr in advance if you are bringing a vehicle.
  • As this is a seasonal route with only a few weekly departures, it's best to book well in advance, especially if you are traveling with a vehicle, want to book a cabin or plan to travel at the weekend.
  • If you are planning your return trip to Spain, make sure to also check and book your Nador - Motril ferry tickets in advance.
  • You can also travel directly to Nador from other ports in mainland Spain. Compare the Almería - Nador and Barcelona - Nador ferry routes.
  • There are also ferries from Sète to Nador, a useful alternative if you are traveling from southern France or driving across Europe.
  • Melilla is only around 15 km from Nador, so you can also travel there by ferry from the Andalusian ports of Motril, Málaga and Almería. Explore all available ferries from Spain to Melilla.
  • For an overview of all available options, check our guide to ferry routes between Spain and Morocco.
  • You can also explore our guide to ferries between Spain and North Africa or use the interactive Map of ferries to compare routes and plan your journey.

Where to take the ferry from Motril to Nador

Ferries to Nador depart from the passenger terminal at the port of Motril, located on the Levante quay. The exact check-in and boarding area may vary depending on port operations, so check the details on your ticket and follow the signs at the port.

The port is a few kilometers from central Motril. At the terminal and in the surrounding area, you can find ticket offices, waiting areas, restrooms, cafés, and parking facilities.

How to get to the port of Motril

  • By car: the port has direct access from the A-7 highway. If you are traveling from Granada, follow the A-44 toward Motril, join the A-7 and then follow the signs for the port.
  • By bus: buses connect Motril bus station with the port area. Check the latest schedule before traveling, as services may vary.
  • By taxi: the ride from central Motril or the bus station normally takes around 10 min.
  • By train: Motril does not have a railway station. The most convenient train station is in Granada, from where you can continue to Motril by bus or taxi.

Good to know: as this is an international route, allow enough time for check-in, passport control and customs procedures. If you are traveling with a vehicle, follow the signs for the Naviera Armas vehicle check-in area.

Where does the ferry arrive in Nador?

Ferries from Motril arrive at the port of Nador-Beni Ansar, located in the town of Beni Ansar, around 13 km from central Nador and close to the border with Melilla.

At the passenger terminal, you can find ticket offices, waiting areas, cafés, accessible restrooms, ATMs, parking facilities, and luggage loading and unloading areas.

How to get from the port to central Nador

You can reach central Nador by taxi, local bus or private vehicle. The drive along the N15 road usually takes around 20 min, depending on traffic.

Onward travel from the port of Nador

  • To Melilla: the border is very close to Beni Ansar. You can continue by taxi or private vehicle, but allow extra time for border and passport checks.
  • By train: Beni Ansar Port station is located in the port area and connects with Nador and Morocco’s wider rail network. Check ONCF schedules before traveling.
  • By road: the N15 and N16 roads provide access to Nador and other destinations across northeastern Morocco.
  • To the airport: Nador International Airport is around 35-40 km from the port and can be reached by taxi or private vehicle.

About Motril

Motril is a port city on Spain’s Costa Tropical, in the province of Granada. It combines Mediterranean beaches, Andalusian cuisine and easy access to both the coast and the city of Granada. Find practical port information and ideas for your stay in our Motril travel guide.

About Nador

Nador is a coastal city in northeastern Morocco and an important gateway for travelers arriving from Europe. Its location makes it a convenient starting point for visiting the Rif region, the Mar Chica lagoon and other destinations in northern Morocco. Check out our Nador travel guide for useful tips and information on ferry connections to and from the city.

How long is the ferry ride from Motril to Nador?

The Motril - Nador ferry crossing takes between 5 hr and 6 hr, depending on the selected departure. This is a direct route, with no intermediate stops.

Note: journey times may vary slightly depending on weather and operating conditions.

What days and times do ferries from Motril to Nador depart?

During the summer season, ferries from Motril to Nador usually operate 3 times a week, normally until the first week of September:

  • Wednesdays and Saturdays: departure from Motril at 18:00 and arrival in Nador at 22:00. The crossing takes around 5 hr.
  • Sundays: departure from Motril at 13:00 and arrival in Nador at 18:00. The crossing takes around 6 hr.

Important: departure and arrival times are shown in the local time of each port. Keep in mind that Nador is 1 hour behind Motril.

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FAQs

Yes. Motril - Nador ferries have car decks, allowing you to travel with a car, motorbike or motorhome. The following starting prices include 1 passenger in a standard seat + 1 vehicle:

  • Car: from €190
  • Motorbike: from €128
  • Motorhome: from €239

Good to know: vehicle spaces are limited and can sell out quickly during Operation Marhaba. If you are planning to travel with a vehicle, it is best to book as early as possible.

The distance between Motril and Nador is around 99 nautical miles (183 km).

No. The Motril - Nador route is operated by conventional ferries, designed for medium-distance international crossings.

The fastest ferry from Motril to Nador takes around 5 hr. It usually departs on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 18:00.

As the Motril - Nador ferry route connects Spain and Morocco, all passengers must go through border controls. The required travel documents depend on your nationality.

  • Spanish citizens: must travel with a valid passport. A national ID card is not sufficient to enter Morocco.
  • Moroccan citizens: need a valid Moroccan passport. If returning to Spain, they must also meet Spain's entry requirements, including a Schengen visa where applicable.
  • Spanish-Moroccan dual nationals: should carry both their Moroccan passport and their Spanish passport or national ID card, as each country may require travelers to identify themselves using its own official documents.
  • Other nationalities: in addition to a valid passport, a visa may also be required, depending on your nationality and the current entry regulations.

Important: always check the latest entry requirements before traveling, as they may change. Border authorities may also ask for additional documents, such as a return ticket, proof of accommodation or evidence of sufficient financial means.

What documents do I need if I'm traveling with a vehicle?

If you are traveling with a car, motorbike, van or motorhome, you should also carry the vehicle's documentation. In general, you will need:

  • Vehicle registration certificate
  • Valid driving licence
  • Valid motor insurance covering Morocco (International Motor Insurance Certificate or equivalent coverage provided by your insurer)

If the vehicle is not registered in your name or is a rental vehicle, check in advance whether any additional documentation is required by Naviera Armas or the Moroccan authorities.

Although you can buy ferry tickets at ticket offices near the port of Motril, it is usually best to book your ferry online in advance, especially if you are traveling during Operation Marhaba, when demand is much higher.

There are only 3 weekly crossings on the Motril - Nador route, so if you wait until the day of departure to buy your ticket, the ferry may already be fully booked, particularly if you are traveling with a vehicle. Here are the 4 main benefits of booking in advance on Ferryhopper:

  1. Secure your preferred departure on the date and time that suits you best.
  2. Compare schedules and fares before you travel, without relying on availability at ticket offices.
  3. Save time on the day of departure and avoid last-minute arrangements.
  4. Travel with peace of mind, especially if you're bringing your car, motorbike or motorhome.

No. There are currently no overnight ferries on the Motril - Nador route. Ferries usually depart in the afternoon (at 18:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and at 13:00 on Sundays). The crossing takes between 5 hr and 6 hr, so you will arrive in Nador on the same day.

Tip: although sailings operate during the day, you can book a cabin if you would like to enjoy a more comfortable and private journey.

When booking your Motril - Nador ferry with Naviera Armas 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.

If your ferry trip is cancelled, you usually have the following options:

  • Change your ticket to another departure of equal value.
  • Cancel your ticket with a request sent to the ferry operator for a full refund.

Find out more about what you can do in case of weather disruption or ferry strike.

If you’re worried about possible delays or cancellations, you can always visit our ferry travel alerts page for real-time updates on strikes, weather disruptions, and service suspensions.

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