Ferry from Tanger to Tarifa

When traveling by ferry from Tanger to Tarifa, you can take advantage of fixed discounts available to specific passenger categories. While these discounts differ from one company to another, you can generally expect lower ferry ticket prices for:

• Children under 12/13 years old
• Senior travelers (60+)

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

The Tanger - Tarifa route is served by high-speed ferries and catamarans, which feature a range of modern amenities and services for a comfortable and relaxed journey. On board, you will usually find:

• Comfy seats in air-conditioned lounges and outer decks, where you can enjoy the sea view.
• Cafés and snack bars serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches and light meals.
• Shops and duty-free outlets, where you can browse gifts, drinks and travel essentials.
• Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected during the trip.

Accessibility

The Tanger - Tarifa ferries are generally accessible to passengers with disabilities, featuring ramps and elevators, accessible seating areas, and adapted toilets. Boarding assistance is usually available upon request and prior notification to the ferry company.

Note: as accessibility varies from vessel to vessel, it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

No, due to the short length of the trip, there are no cabins available on the ferries.

Can I book business-class seats?

Yes, many of the ferries operated by Baleària, such as the Jaume I and Avemar Dos, have a Neptuno business class lounge. The numbered reclining seats offer extra leg room and feature USB connectors, allowing you to charge your devices during the trip.

Prices for the business class seats start at around €49.

Luggage

Each ferry company has its own luggage policy:

• Africa Morocco Link allows you up to 30 kg of luggage, free of charge.
• On Baleària ferries, you can bring as many pieces of luggage as you can carry onboard yourself, with no weight or size restrictions.

Traveling with pets

Pets are allowed on ferries traveling from Tanger to Tarifa, provided they are included in your reservation.

When booking your tickets, you typically have the option of booking a space for your pet in the onboard kennels, or your pet can stay with you in a carrier. While on open decks, pets must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle at all times.

On Baleària ferries, you can also reserve a pet-friendly seat for animals weighing up to 8 kg.

Don’t forget to bring your pet’s health and travel documents, tickets, and any pet supplies you may need for your trip.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Tanger to Tarifa:

• The port of Tanger Ville can get busy, so it’s best to be there at least 45 min ahead of your ferry’s departure. If you are traveling with a vehicle, it’s recommended that you arrive at least 1.5 hr in advance.
• The sea is generally calm, but 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.
• There are 2 ports in Tanger, Tanger Ville and Tanger Med, with routes to Spain. For more details, check out our blog on whether Tanger Med or Tanger Ville is the best port for you.
• For your return trip, you can book your tickets on the Tarifa - Tanger ferry in advance for peace of mind. For all travel options, check out our guide on Spain - Morocco ferries.
• Beyond Spain, you can also travel from Tanger to France and Italy. For more details on these routes, check out the Tanger ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from Tanger to Tarifa

Ferries to Tarifa normally depart from the port of Tanger Ville, the central passenger port right by downtown Tanger. The ferry passenger terminal (Gare Maritime) has multiple berths for high-speed vessels, so check your ticket for boarding instructions.

At the port, you will find waiting areas, ticket offices, currency exchange services, free Wi-Fi access and duty-free shops. As the port is right in Tanger city, there are plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops within walking distance.

How to get to the port of Tanger Ville

The port of Tanger Ville is within walking distance of the city centre, the marina and the Medina, but you can also get there

• By taxi: from the main train station area, it takes around 15 min by taxi, while the journey from Tangier Airport (TNG) takes roughly 20-30 min.
• By car: simply follow the signs for “Port / Tanger Ville” and Avenue Mohammed VI, the port entrance and ticket points are on/near this avenue.
• By bus: local and long-distance buses drop you off at the city center or Place d’Espagne, and from there you can continue on foot or with a short taxi ride.

Where does the ferry arrive in Tarifa?

Ferries from Tanger arrive at Estación Marítima, the main passenger terminal at the port of Tarifa, on the southern tip of Spain.

At the port, you’ll find essential traveler services, such as ticket offices, tourist information kiosks, cafés, restaurants and toilets, plus passport and customs control areas.

Getting onward from Tarifa

The ferry terminal is very close to the old town, so if you’re travelling on foot, you can reach central Tarifa in just a short walk. You can also catch a taxi, if you have luggage or you’re heading out of town.

The nearest train station is in Algeciras, which is about 20 km away. From there, you can travel by train to Ronda, Antequera and Madrid, usually with a change, while direct regional services also run east along the coast to San Roque.

The nearest airport is Gibraltar International Airport, around 40 km away, with the drive taking 45-50 min. You can reach Jerez Airport (131 km away) in just under 2 hr, while the ride to Málaga Airport (150 km away) is roughly 2-2.5 hr.