Algeciras to Ceuta Ferry
Algeciras → Ceuta
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- High-speed crossing
- About 1 h
- Frequency
- About 19 departures a day from Algeciras across three operators (Saturday 26 September 2026), from 06:30 to 23:30
- Carries cars
- Yes (on the car ferry)
Crossing times and frequency are typical ranges and vary by season and operator. Check the operator or Direct Ferries for current sailings before booking.
Sailings at a glance
| Operator | Vessel | From | Duration | Typical departures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DFDS (formerly FRS) | Ceuta Jet (fast ferry) | Algeciras | About 1 h | 07:30, 10:30, 12:30, 15:00, 17:00, 20:00, 22:00 (Sat 26 Sep 2026) |
| Baleària | Jaume I and Ciudad de Mahón (fast ferries); Passió per Formentera (ferry) | Algeciras | About 1 h 15 | 06:30, 11:30, 14:00, 16:30, 19:00, 21:00, 23:30 (Sat 26 Sep 2026) |
| Naviera Armas | Villa de Agaete (fast ferry) | Algeciras | About 1 h | 09:30, 13:00, 16:00, 18:00, 21:30 (Sat 26 Sep 2026) |
Indicative, checked 2026-09-26. Timetables change by season and fares move with demand, so confirm current sailings and prices before you book.
Algeciras to Ceuta is one of the busiest short ferry routes in the Mediterranean. Fast ferries cross the Strait of Gibraltar in about 1 hour, and three companies share the route in 2026: DFDS (which bought FRS in 2024), Baleària and Naviera Armas. On Saturday 26 September 2026 there were 19 departures from Algeciras between 06:30 and 23:30. Ceuta is a Spanish city on the North African coast, so for EU travellers this is a domestic trip.
Who sails the route in 2026
- DFDS (formerly FRS). DFDS bought FRS Iberia/Maroc in 2024, and frs.es now forwards to dfds.com. DFDS lists 10 or more departures a day across both directions, about 1 hour at sea, and a Premium Class with larger seats and food and drink included. In September 2026 its sailings used the fast ferry Ceuta Jet. See the FRS / DFDS guide.
- Baleària. Mixes fast ferries (Jaume I and Ciudad de Mahón) with the ferry Passió per Formentera, and gives about 1 hour 15 minutes for the crossing. See the Baleària guide.
- Naviera Armas (Trasmediterránea). Sails with the fast ferry Villa de Agaete. Armas is selling its Strait business. DFDS bought the Tangier Med part but declined the Ceuta part after Spain's competition authority (CNMC) set conditions, and the CNMC requires the assets behind this service to pass to a third operator. Armas was still sailing in late September 2026, but the operator name on this service may change.
The departure times in the table are one day's timetable (Saturday 26 September 2026). Timetables change by day and season, so check the operator before you travel.
Where it leaves from and where it arrives
Ferries leave from the port of Algeciras on the western side of the Bay of Gibraltar, one of Spain's busiest ports. DFDS asks passengers to be at the port at least 90 minutes before departure. Ferries arrive at Ceuta's ferry terminal, close to the city centre.
Continuing into Morocco
Ceuta borders Morocco. The land crossing is at El Tarajal, on the southern edge of the city. You need a passport to cross, and drivers need the usual vehicle papers and insurance valid in Morocco. If you are driving deep into Morocco, the direct Algeciras to Tangier Med ferry avoids the land border. For central Tangier on foot, the Tarifa to Tangier ferry is quicker.
Since 20 September 2026 Morocco stays on GMT all year. Ceuta is in Spain and keeps Spanish time, so after crossing the land border your watch goes back two hours until 25 October 2026 and one hour after that.
Practical tips
- ID. EU travellers can use a national identity card to Ceuta. Bring a passport if you might cross into Morocco.
- Summer peak. July and August bring Operation Marhaba traffic, when many Moroccans living in Europe travel home via Ceuta. Expect queues at Algeciras for vehicle check-in and book car space ahead.
- Changes. DFDS allows free ticket changes up to 48 hours before departure.
- Weather. Strong Levante wind can delay or cancel the fast ferries.
For all Strait crossings in one place, see the Spain and Morocco ferries guide.
Related ferry routes
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the ferry from Algeciras to Ceuta?
- About 1 hour on the fast ferries. DFDS gives about 1 hour and Baleària about 1 hour 15 minutes. Allow at least 90 minutes before departure for check-in at Algeciras, as DFDS advises.
- Which companies sail from Algeciras to Ceuta in 2026?
- DFDS (which bought FRS in 2024), Baleària and Naviera Armas (Trasmediterránea). On Saturday 26 September 2026 DFDS had 7 sailings from Algeciras, Baleària 7 and Armas 5.
- Is Naviera Armas still sailing to Ceuta?
- Yes, as of late September 2026, with the fast ferry Villa de Agaete. Armas is selling its Strait business, and DFDS declined to buy the Ceuta part. Spain's competition authority requires the assets for this service to pass to a third operator, so check the route before relying on an Armas booking.
- Does FRS still sail to Ceuta?
- The FRS sailings continue under the DFDS name. DFDS bought FRS Iberia/Maroc in 2024 and frs.es now redirects to dfds.com. In September 2026 DFDS used the fast ferry Ceuta Jet on the route.
- Do I need a passport for the Algeciras to Ceuta ferry?
- Ceuta is a Spanish city, so EU citizens can travel with a national ID card and other travellers with the documents they use for Spain. If you plan to cross the land border into Morocco from Ceuta, you need a passport.
- Can I take a car on the Algeciras to Ceuta ferry?
- Yes. DFDS, Baleària and Naviera Armas all carry cars. Book ahead in July and August, when Operation Marhaba traffic to Morocco passes through Ceuta.
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Live times and prices on Direct Ferries.