Ferry from Spain to Melilla
Tickets, Prices, Schedules & TimesPlanning a trip to the autonomous city of Melilla in North Africa? You can travel by ferry from the Andalusian ports of Almería, Málaga and Motril, with several weekly crossings available throughout the year. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hr, depending on the departure port, and tickets usually start at around €52.
Ferry connections between mainland Spain and Melilla are operated by Naviera Armas and Baleària, both running comfortable conventional ferries. Find up-to-date information, compare timetables, ferry companies and prices, and book your Spain - Melilla ferry tickets on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees.
Discounts
You can find year-round discount tickets for various passenger categories when traveling by ferry from mainland Spain to Melilla.
Baleària discounts on Spain - Melilla ferries
- Infants (under 1 year old): free
- Children (1-13 years old): 50% discount
- Seniors (60+ years old): 20% discount
Naviera Armas discounts on Spain - Melilla ferries
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Infants and children up to 3 years old: free
- Children (4-11 years old): 50% discount
- Youth (12-26 years old): 20% discount
- Seniors (60+ years old): 20% discount
- Large families - general category (Spanish citizens): 20% discount
- Large families - special category (Spanish citizens): 50% discount
On Ferryhopper, you can easily select the discount you are entitled to and book your ferry tickets to Melilla from Spain at the best available price.
Ferry operators: frequency & prices
Almería - Melilla
| Ferry Company | Crossings | Duration | Price |
| Naviera Armas | 3-4 weekly | 7 hr | €54+ |
Motril - Melilla
| Ferry Company | Crossings | Duration | Price |
| Naviera Armas | 3 weekly | 7 hr | €52+ |
Málaga - Melilla
| Ferry Company | Crossings | Duration | Price |
| Baleària | 6-8 weekly | 6 hr | €53+ |
On-board services and amenities
Ferries operating between mainland Spain and Melilla offer modern facilities and all the necessary amenities for a comfortable and relaxing journey, whether you depart from Almería, Málaga or Motril (near Granada). While services may vary depending on the vessel and ferry company, you will typically find:
- Air-conditioned lounges with spacious reclining seats
- Numbered seats and exclusive lounge areas
- Outdoor deck areas to enjoy the sea views
- Bars and cafés serving snacks and drinks
- Children’s play areas
- Pet-friendly areas and pet-friendly cabins
- Wi-Fi hotspots
Accessibility
Spain - Melilla ferries are generally accessible to passengers with reduced mobility, featuring ramps and elevators, accessible seating areas, and adapted restrooms.
Upon request and prior notification, both Baleària and Naviera Armas offer boarding and disembarkation assistance.
Note: accessibility features may vary depending on the vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.
Cabins and accommodation
Are there cabins on Spain - Melilla ferries?
As crossings last between 6 and 7 hr, Spain - Melilla ferries offer cabins for 1-4 passengers if you prefer a more private and comfortable option than standard seating.
Here are some indicative starting prices for a 1-passenger cabin on the 3 Spain - Melilla routes:
- Málaga - Melilla cabin: from €183
- Almería - Melilla cabin: from €184
- Motril - Melilla cabin: from €182
Cabins are typically equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, bedding, and in some cases sea views. As many crossings are overnight and the journey lasts 6-7 hr, booking a cabin is a great option if you want to arrive in Melilla well rested.
Can I book a seat instead of a cabin?
Yes, of course! There are several seating options available on ferries to Melilla from Andalusia:
- Baleària: on routes from Málaga (and occasionally from Almería), you can choose between standard seats (Sirena) and premium lounge seats (Neptuno).
- Naviera Armas: on sailings from Almería and Motril, you can book standard seats or upgraded seats that include priority boarding, a snack and a drink.
How much luggage can I bring on board?
Luggage policies vary depending on the ferry company:
- With Baleària, you can bring as much luggage as you can carry on board by yourself, without assistance and in one go. Open luggage storage areas are usually available in passenger lounges.
- With Naviera Armas, passengers may carry 1 large piece of luggage (up to 60 kg) or 4 smaller items.
Traveling with pets
Pets are welcome on Spain - Melilla ferries. Keep in mind that pet policies and available services may vary depending on the operator. Generally, you will find the following options:
- Naviera Armas: pet-friendly cabins equipped with a pet bed, food and water bowls, and absorbent pads are available. Pets may also travel in a carrier or in onboard kennels.
- Baleària: depending on your pet’s size, they can travel in a carrier next to your seat, in a pet-friendly cabin, or in designated “calm houses”, which are ventilated kennels with video surveillance where pets travel safely.
Reminder: make sure to bring your pet’s European pet passport, along with any food and accessories needed during the trip.
How much does it cost to travel with a pet?
The cost depends on the type of accommodation, the route and the ferry company. For example, with Naviera Armas, there is usually a small supplement of around €3 if your pet travels in a carrier or on a leash.
With Baleària, a space in the calm kennels costs around €10 for pets under 10 kg and €20 for pets over 10 kg. As an indication, the total price for 1 passenger + 1 pet in a pet-friendly cabin on the Málaga - Melilla route starts at approximately €208.
Useful tips for your ferry trip to Melilla from Spain
Below, you can find some useful tips to help you plan your ferry trip from Spain to Melilla (whether you depart from Almería, Málaga or Motril):
- The Andalusian ports serving the Spain - Melilla routes can get quite busy, especially during the summer, on weekends and public holidays. We recommend arriving at least 1.5 hr before departure to avoid any last-minute stress.
- For more information about connections from Spanish ports to the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, the autonomous cities, and countries such as Morocco, Algeria, France and Italy, check out all ferry schedules for Spain in 2026.
- Melilla is just about a 30-min drive from the Moroccan city of Nador, which is also connected by ferry to several mainland Spanish ports. If you’d like to explore alternative options, take a look at all Spain - Morocco ferries in 2026.
- For more detailed information about each route, visit our pages for the ferries Almería - Melilla, Motril - Melilla and Málaga - Melilla. Don’t forget to check out our Map of ferries to visualize all available connections and choose the one that suits you best.
Where to take the ferry from Spain to Melilla
Ferries to Melilla depart from three ports in Andalusia: Almería, Málaga and Motril.
Port of Almería
Ferries to Melilla depart from Muelle de Levante, at the port of Almería, located very close to the city center, next to Parque Nicolás Salmerón.
How to get to the port of Almería
- By car: direct access via the A-7 motorway (exit 438), with clear signs to the port and nearby parking areas.
- By bus: local bus lines 1 and 6 stop near the port entrance.
- From the airport: Almería Airport is about 10 km away. You can reach the city center by taxi or shuttle bus and then continue to the port.
- On foot: the ferry terminal is approximately a 10-15 min walk from the city center.
Port of Málaga
The Málaga - Melilla route departs from the Estación Marítima at the port of Málaga, located close to the historic city center.
How to get to the port of Málaga
- On foot: from Alameda Principal or Plaza de la Marina, it’s about a 15-20 min walk.
- By bus: several urban bus lines (such as 1, 3 and 16) stop near the ferry terminal.
- By car or taxi: the ride from the historic center usually takes less than 10 min in normal traffic.
- From the airport: you can take a train or bus to the city center and then continue to the port.
Port of Motril
Ferries to Melilla from Motril depart from the port of Motril, located on the Costa Tropical in the province of Granada. The passenger terminal is situated within the port area and is well signposted for ferries to Melilla and other Moroccan ports.
How to get to the port of Motril
- From Granada city: by car, the journey via the A-44 and A-92 motorways takes around 45-50 min. There are also bus services from Granada Bus Station to Motril.
- By car: the port has direct access from the A-7 motorway. If you are not taking your vehicle on the ferry, public parking is available nearby.
- By local bus: from Motril Bus Station, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach the ferry terminal.
Where does the ferry arrive in Melilla?
All ferries from Almería, Málaga and Motril arrive at the port of Melilla, at Calle Muelle de Ribera, very close to the city center.
After disembarking, you will find taxis, bus stops, car rental offices, bars and restaurants just a short walk away.
How long is the ferry ride from Spain to Melilla?
The duration of ferry crossings to Melilla from Spain depends on the port of departure and the ferry operator. Travel time may also vary depending on the type of vessel and weather conditions.
- Málaga - Melilla: around 6 hr
- Almería - Melilla: around 7 hr
- Motril - Melilla: around 7 hr
Spain - Melilla ferry companies
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FAQs
Yes, all ferries operating between Andalusia and Melilla have car decks for vehicle transportation. Prices are fairly similar across the three routes:
- Almería - Melilla: cars from €55, motorcycles from €44, motorhomes from €107
- Málaga - Melilla: cars from €53, motorcycles from €38, motorhomes from €105
- Motril - Melilla: cars from €52, motorcycles from €43, motorhomes from €106
You can also bring your bicycle free of charge on all three routes.
Important: as the ferry is the only way to transport vehicles to Melilla from mainland Spain, garage spaces on board tend to sell out quickly. If you plan to travel with your car, motorcycle or van, we recommend booking your vehicle ticket well in advance, especially during peak season.
No, as these are relatively long crossings, there are no high-speed ferries operating on the routes between Spain and Melilla.
Sailings from Almería, Málaga and Motril are operated by conventional ferries that complete the journey in approximately 6-7 hr, depending on the port of departure.
Although they are not high-speed vessels, these ferries are fully equipped and offer all modern amenities for a comfortable trip. As some crossings operate overnight, you can make the most of your travel time and arrive in Melilla well rested by booking a cabin.
Here are the distances between the Andalusian ports and Melilla:
- The distance between Almería and Melilla is approximately 95 nautical miles (176 km).
- The distance between Málaga and Melilla is approximately 112 nautical miles (207 km).
- The distance between Motril and Melilla is approximately 93 nautical miles (172 km).
Yes, the Almería - Melilla and Motril - Melilla routes usually offer overnight crossings departing at around 23:30 and arriving in Melilla at approximately 06:30 the following morning.
Most Málaga - Melilla ferries depart in the afternoon and arrive in the autonomous city at around 21:00. However, between June and September, the route also operates a Saturday overnight sailing, arriving in Melilla at approximately 06:00.
Please note that schedules may vary depending on the season and the ferry operator. On Ferryhopper’s search engine, you can always find the most up-to-date timetables and book the crossing that fits your travel plans best.
The days and schedules for ferries from Spain to Melilla vary depending on the port of departure and the season:
- Motril - Melilla: crossings on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, departing at 23:30 and arriving at 06:30 the following morning.
- Almería - Melilla: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays (and occasionally on Saturdays), departing at 23:30 and arriving at 06:30.
- Málaga - Melilla: Monday to Friday departures at 15:00 (arrival at 21:00), and Sundays at 17:00 (arrival at 23:00). Between June and September, two Saturday sailings are added: one in the morning (08:30 - 14:30) and one overnight (00:00 - 06:00).
No, in most cases you do not need a passport to travel from mainland Spain to Melilla. As an autonomous Spanish city, the trip is considered a domestic journey.
If you are a Spanish citizen, you can board with a valid DNI or passport. Travelers from other countries should carry valid identification according to their nationality (passport or national ID, and visa if required).
Important: even though this is a domestic route, identity checks may be carried out at the port. If you enter Melilla from Morocco (for example, crossing the land border from Nador), a passport (and, if necessary, a visa) will be required.
In general, it is recommended to book your Spain - Melilla ferry tickets at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, during periods of high demand, it’s best to plan as early as possible to secure availability and the best prices.
Peak travel periods usually include:
- The “Operación Paso del Estrecho” (OPE), from mid-June to early September, especially in July and August.
- Christmas, Easter, and long weekends, when travel between mainland Spain and Melilla increases.
- Major Islamic holidays, such as Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Fitr.
It’s also recommended to book well in advance if you plan to travel with a vehicle (garage spots are limited) or if you want to book a cabin, as cabins usually sell out before seats on overnight crossings.
When booking your Spain - Melilla ferry on Ferryhopper, you can easily check in online, get your tickets on your phone, and board the ferry directly with your e-ticket without having to stop at the ferry company’s ticket office to collect a printed copy 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.