Algeciras to Tangier Med Ferry

Algeciras to Tangier Med is the main car-ferry route between Spain and Morocco. The crossing takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, and ferries leave Algeciras around the clock. In 2026 the route is run by DFDS (the Danish group that bought FRS in 2024), Baleària and Africa Morocco Link (AML). The one thing to know before you book: Tangier Med is a port about 40 km east of Tangier city, not the city-centre port. Foot passengers heading for the medina are usually better off on the Tarifa to Tangier ferry.

Who sails the route in 2026

The operator line-up has changed a lot since 2024, and many booking sites and older guides still show old names.

• DFDS (formerly FRS). DFDS bought FRS Iberia/Maroc in 2024. The FRS website, frs.es, now forwards to dfds.com. DFDS lists at least 11 crossings a day on this route, with a crossing time of 1 h 30. See the FRS / DFDS guide.
• Baleària. Runs ro-pax ferries on the route year-round, alongside its other Strait routes to Ceuta and Tangier Ville. See the Baleària guide.
• Africa Morocco Link (AML). The Moroccan operator on the route, carrying cars and foot passengers day and night.
• Naviera Armas (Trasmediterránea). Armas sailed the route with the ro-pax Volcán de Tamasite. In August 2025 it agreed to sell that service to DFDS, and Spain's competition authority (CNMC) approved the deal with conditions in summer 2026. Expect Armas sailings on this route to become DFDS sailings.

Moroccan operator Inter Shipping, which some older guides still list, stopped sailing in 2023.

Where it leaves from and where it arrives

Ferries leave from the port of Algeciras on the Bay of Gibraltar, one of Spain's busiest ports. Drivers follow the signs for the Morocco ferry lanes; foot passengers use the passenger terminal. DFDS asks everyone to be at the port at least 90 minutes before departure.

Ferries arrive at Tangier Med, a large modern port complex on Morocco's Mediterranean coast. It is built for vehicle traffic, with road links towards Tangier and Tetouan. Without a car you need a bus or taxi to reach Tangier city, about 40 km to the west.

Practical notes for vehicle crossings

Allow extra time for vehicle check-in and for police and customs at both ends. Documents usually include your passport, the vehicle registration papers, insurance valid in Morocco, and, if the car is hired or not in your name, written permission from the owner or hire company. Rules change, so confirm the current paperwork with your operator or the Moroccan consulate before you travel.

In summer the route carries the Operación Paso del Estrecho, known in Morocco as Operation Marhaba, when millions of Moroccans living in Europe drive home. The busiest weeks run from about mid-July to mid-August. Book ahead and expect long queues at Algeciras on peak days.

Tickets and timing

• Compare operators. Prices and departure times differ between DFDS, Baleària and AML, and all three sell online. Direct Ferries and similar sites show several operators side by side.
• Changes. DFDS allows free changes up to 48 hours before departure.
• Time zones. Since 20 September 2026 Morocco stays on GMT all year. Departures from Tangier Med are shown in Moroccan time, which is two hours behind Spain until 25 October 2026 and one hour behind after that.
• Weather. Strong Levante wind in the Strait can delay sailings. The large ro-pax ferries on this route are cancelled less often than the fast ferries from Tarifa.

For the other Strait crossings, see Algeciras to Ceuta and the Spain and Morocco ferries guide.