Ferry Tangier to Spain: Day Trip Guide from Morocco

Ferry Tangier to Spain: Day Trip Guide from Morocco - Complete Guide

A ferry from Tangier to Spain (Tarifa or Algeciras) offers a unique day trip opportunity: visit Europe, explore Spain, and return same day. The ferry crossing takes 1-2 hours, and Spain's Andalusia region provides beaches, towns, culture, and excellent food. This guide covers ferries, schedules, costs, Spain itineraries, and logistics.

Ferry Routes Tangier to Spain

Route Options

Tangier to Tarifa (Shortest)

• Distance: 14km
• Duration: 1 hour
• Frequency: 2-3 daily (summer); 1 daily (winter)
• Cost: €30-40 return
• Destination: Small Spanish beach town

Tangier to Algeciras (Larger Port)

• Distance: 30km
• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Frequency: 2-3 daily year-round
• Cost: €35-45 return
• Destination: Larger port city, more services

Recommendation: Tarifa for day trip (shorter, simpler); Algeciras for more time exploring

Ferry Companies

FRS (Ferry Rápido Suarense):

• Operator: Tarifa-Tangier route
• Frequency: 2-3 daily (summer); seasonal winter
• Website: www.frs.es
• Booking: Online or port ticket office

Balearia:

• Operator: Algeciras-Tangier and others
• Frequency: 2-3 daily
• Website: www.balearia.com
• Modern, comfortable ferries

Transmediterranea:

• Operator: Algeciras-Tangier
• Frequency: 1-2 daily
• Website: www.trasmediterranea.es
• Larger ship, more amenities

Ferry Schedules and Pricing

Tangier to Tarifa Schedule (Summer)

Schedule varies seasonally; check FRS website for current

Tangier to Algeciras Schedule (Year-Round)

Ticket Pricing

Standard Return Ticket:

• Foot passenger: €35-45
• Vehicle + driver: €120-180
• Children (4-12): €20-25
• Infants (0-4): Free

Flexible Booking: Open return (use any date) sometimes available for €5-10 extra

Booking Discounts: Groups (10+) 10% discount; students/seniors possible discounts

Visa and Documentation

EU Schengen Entry

US/Canadian/Australian Citizens:

• 90-day visa-free (Schengen agreement)
• Valid passport required
• No visa stamp needed
• Departure: Spain to Morocco allowed

Other Nationalities:

• Check Spain visa requirements
• Apply in advance if needed
• Schengen visa (~€80) covers all EU

Entry Requirement: Passport only (no visa for most)

Customs and Returning

Morocco-Spain Entry:

• EU citizens: ID card sufficient
• Non-EU: Passport required
• Customs: Random checks (luggage possible screening)
• Prohibited items: Animals, fresh food, weapons

Return Spain-Morocco:

• Same documentation
• Straightforward process

Tarifa Day Trip Itinerary

Morning (7am-12pm)

Arrival: Ferry dock central to old town

Tarifa Highlights:

• Castle/fortress medieval
• Old town medina-like (Spanish colonial)
• Beaches windsurfing
• Kitesurfing schools
• Café/bar culture

Activity 1 (8:30am-10:30am): Medina walk, castle views (2 hours)

• Narrow streets, whitewashed buildings
• Castle closed usually (exterior photos)
• Local café breakfast/coffee

Activity 2 (10:30am-12pm): Beach time (1.5 hours)

• Swimming if warm
• Windsurfing/kitesurfing watch
• Beach bar drinks

Midday/Afternoon (12pm-5pm)

Lunch (12:00pm-1:30pm): €15-25

• Paella or fresh fish (excellent)
• Local tapas, wine
• Beachfront or old town restaurant

Activity 3 (1:30pm-4:00pm): Choices

• Beach relaxation (2.5 hours)
• Punta Paloma beach walk (scenic, 2 hours)
• Museum visit (Tarifa castle museum, 1 hour)
• Kite/windsurfing lesson (€50-80 for intro)

Coffee/Snack (4:00pm-5:00pm):

• Café culture (Spanish tradition)
• Pastry, coffee, drink
• Watch sunset if time

Return (5pm-7pm)

Ferry Depart: 17:00 or 18:30 (depending return booking) Boarding: 30 minutes before departure Arrival Tangier: 18:00 or 19:30

Algeciras Day Trip Itinerary (Longer)

Morning (7am-1pm)

Ferry Route: 1.5 hours via Algeciras (larger port)

Algeciras vs Tarifa:

• Algeciras: Industrial port city, less touristy
• Tarifa: Smaller, charming beach town, better for tourists

If Choosing Algeciras:

• Historic center (Alameda park)
• Cathedral
• Museum (city history)
• Port waterfront

OR: Escape to Campo de Gibraltar

• Drive/bus south to Tarifa (30 minutes)
• Then follow Tarifa itinerary above
• Requires rental car OR shuttle

Best Strategy: Take Algeciras ferry for times, then bus/train to Tarifa for day

San Roque or La Línea Alternative

If Ferry Times Awkward:

• Consider La Línea (Gibraltar neighbor)
• Walk to Gibraltar frontier
• Explore Gibraltar (British territory)
• Rock of Gibraltar views, shops, fish&chips culture

Total Cost: Tarifa Day Trip

Budget: €70-80 (minimal activity) Comfortable: €80-100 (lunch, activity) Flexible: €100-120 (premium restaurant, water sports)

Ferry Experience

Ferry Facilities

Seating:

• Indoor lounge with seats
• Deck outdoor (weather-dependent)
• Comfortable for 1-2 hour journey

Amenities:

• Café/bar (overpriced €3-6 coffee)
• Toilets
• Wifi (sometimes working)
• No sleeping cabin (day ferries)

Luggage: One carry-on typical; checked baggage available (small fee possible)

Crossing Experience

Seasickness:

• Tarifa crossing (1 hour): Minimal motion
• Algeciras crossing (1.5 hours): Possible swells
• Motion sickness tablets recommended if prone

Duration: Time passes quickly; bring book/phone entertainment

Practical Tips

Timing Optimization

Best Day: Midweek (less crowded than weekends) Best Season: June-September (warm, clear skies, full ferry schedules) Avoid: December-February (winter storms, occasional cancellations)

What to Bring

• Passport (required)
• Light layer (ferry cool, sea breeze)
• Swimsuit (if beach plans)
• Sunscreen (sun intense)
• Cash (ATMs available but limited)
• Phone/camera (fully charged)

Booking Strategy

1. Book ferry online 1-2 days before
2. Select morning departure (maximize time)
3. Select late return (6-7pm) for full day
4. Arrive port 45 minutes before departure
5. Keep return ticket safe (required re-entry)

FAQ

Can I extend stay beyond day trip?

Yes, but requires overnight accommodation. Day trip possible; overnight adds hotel cost (€50-100+).

Is the ferry crossing rough?

Tarifa (1h): Usually smooth. Algeciras (1.5h): Occasional swell but acceptable. Seasickness rare.

Can I take vehicle on ferry?

Yes, vehicle ferries available. Cost: €120-180 (car). Requires advance booking.

Do I need travel insurance?

Not required legally. Recommended if concerned (costs €5-15 travel insurance day-pass).

Can I visit Gibraltar from ferry?

Not directly from ferry dock. Must reach Gibraltar frontier (~30km south). Separate full-day trip ideal.

What if ferry cancelled due to weather?

Rare but possible winter. Ferry companies rebook automatically. Full refund or alternate day option.

Is Spain expensive compared to Morocco?

Yes, 2-3x pricier (meal €15-25 vs €5-10 Morocco). Budget accordingly.

Can I work remotely on ferry?

Wifi unreliable. Not recommended for work. Entertainment/relaxation better plan.