Every summer, over 4 million MRE cross the Strait of Gibraltar to reach Morocco. In 2025, 4.06 million passengers were recorded during the Marhaba operation. For summer 2026, four main companies operate two distinct routes: Algeciras-Tanger Med (45 min crossing) and Tarifa-Tanger city (35 min). Booking several weeks in advance is essential: July and August departures sell out by May.
Costs & fees
| Car + 2 passengers (low season) | 250-320 EUR | Available September to June |
| Car + 2 passengers (high season July-August) | 380-500 EUR | Peak fares around July 14 and August 15 |
| Passenger only (no vehicle) | 40-80 EUR | |
| Motorcycle + 1 passenger | 120-200 EUR | |
| Tanger Med - Casablanca toll (A1) | ~90 DH | Approximately 9 EUR |
Timeline
Choose the right route and company
Algeciras-Tanger Med is the most frequent route with Balearia (12 rotations/day) and FRS (8 rotations/day). Tarifa-Tanger city is operated by FRS and is faster (35 min) but Tanger city port is downtown. Acciona operates from Almeria and Motril to Nador and Al Hoceima, ideal for eastern MRE. IMTC (ex-COMARIT) provides routes from Sète (France) to Tanger Med.
💡 Tip — For MRE coming from France or central Spain, Algeciras-Tanger Med remains the best option due to departure frequency and proximity to the A1 motorway.
Summer 2026 prices and early booking
For a vehicle + 2 passengers, expect between 250 and 500 EUR depending on the company and date. Peak fares (July 14, August 1 and 15) can exceed 500 EUR. Balearia offers early bird rates up to 30% cheaper if booked before end of May. FRS has a loyalty program for frequent crossings.
💡 Tip — Book online 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Tickets bought at the counter on the day cost 40 to 60% more in high season.
⚠️ Warning — Beware of unofficial third-party sites that charge high service fees. Always use the official company websites.
Preparing documents for boarding
Prepare: valid Moroccan passport or CIN, vehicle registration, driving license, vehicle insurance valid in Morocco (or purchased at the port). For minors traveling with one parent, a notarized authorization from the other parent is required. Marhaba operation agents are present at Algeciras and Tarifa ports to assist MRE.
💡 Tip — Keep all documents in an accessible folder as Moroccan customs checks at Tanger Med can take 30 to 90 minutes in high season.
Route from Tanger to main Moroccan cities
From Tanger Med, motorway A1 reaches Casablanca in about 3h30 (340 km, toll ~90 DH). For Rabat, allow 2h45. The Tanger-Larache section is the most congested in July-August. ONCF also offers trains from Tanger city to Casablanca (5h20, ~190 DH 2nd class).
💡 Tip — Leave Tanger Med between 10pm and 6am to avoid A1 traffic jams. Marhaba rest areas offer free catering and restrooms.
In depth
For MRE coming from Northern Europe (Netherlands, Belgium, Germany), the IMTC route from Sète to Tanger Med (38h crossing) is a serious alternative that avoids 1500 km of driving through France and Spain. The boat departs twice a week in summer and allows boarding the whole family and luggage without weight limits. The cost for car + 4 passengers in a cabin is around 1100-1400 EUR one way but savings on fuel and hotels are real. Regarding road safety after disembarkation: the Tanger-Larache section (N1) is one of the most accident-prone in Morocco in July-August. Use the A1 toll motorway despite the cost. Fixed speed cameras are numerous between Tanger and Kenitra. The Royal Gendarmerie increases checks at toll booths during Marhaba, keep your license, passport and insurance within reach.
❌ Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Booking too late and paying double the early bird rate
- ✕Not having Moroccan border insurance before boarding
- ✕Arriving at port without parental authorization for minors
🔗 Official links and resources
❓ Frequently asked questions
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