Algeciras to Tangier Med Ferry

Where it leaves from

Ferries depart from Algeciras, the busiest freight and passenger port in southern Spain, located at the northwestern corner of the Bay of Gibraltar. The terminal handles a very high volume of traffic — particularly during Operation Marhaba in summer, when millions of Moroccans resident in Europe cross to North Africa for the annual holiday period. Arriving ferries dock at Tangier Med, a large modern port complex on Morocco's Mediterranean coast, approximately 40 km east of Tangier city centre.

The busiest crossing in the Strait

The Algeciras–Tangier Med route is the highest-volume car-ferry corridor across the Strait of Gibraltar. While the Tarifa–Tangier Ville route is shorter in distance, Algeciras handles the bulk of vehicle traffic because Tangier Med is purpose-built for large-scale roll-on/roll-off operations. The port can process hundreds of vehicles per hour and has full customs and border-control facilities on both sides.

Operators

Three companies run regular services on this crossing: FRS (Fast Robert Shipping), Baleària and Trasmediterránea (Naviera Armas). Between them they offer a high frequency of departures throughout the day and night, year-round. All three carry vehicles as well as foot passengers. Comparing schedules is worth doing, particularly in the peak Operation Marhaba weeks (late June to mid-August), when demand is extreme.

Practical notes for vehicle crossings

If you are taking a car or campervan to Morocco, allow extra time for vehicle check-in, border formalities and customs on both sides. Required documents typically include your passport, vehicle registration, insurance green card valid for Morocco, and — if the vehicle is hired or not registered in your name — a signed permission letter from the owner or hire company. Requirements can change; confirm the current paperwork with your operator or the Moroccan consulate before departure. The crossing itself is straightforward once aboard.