Barcelona to Tangier Med ferry: Book your crossing at the best price

An Economical and Comfortable Alternative

Taking the Barcelona Tangier Med ferry offers several concrete advantages over flying. You travel at your own pace, without endless security checks or baggage restrictions. The fare usually includes your vehicle, which represents a substantial saving if you plan to explore Morocco by car.

The ferry crossing also allows you to take everything you need with you: camping equipment, provisions, souvenirs on the way back. There is no 23 kg limit per suitcase. You board in your car, stow your belongings in your cabin, and enjoy the journey.

Travel from Barcelona to Tangier Med with your car with ease

One of the major advantages of the Barcelona Tangier Med ferry route is the possibility of bringing your own vehicle on board. Passenger cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, campervans: all types of vehicles are accepted on board. This flexibility transforms your trip to Morocco into a real road trip, without having to rely on local transport.

The standard dimensions accepted are up to 6 meters in length for a standard car. Motorhomes and vans can measure up to 9 meters depending on the ship. Just remember to indicate the exact measurements when booking to ensure there is enough space in the ferry’s garages.

Traveling from Barcelona to Tangier with a car also makes it easier to transport bulky equipment: surfing gear, bicycles, diving equipment, or simply your suitcases without any restrictions. Enjoy total freedom as soon as you arrive in Tangier Med to explore Tetouan, Chefchaouen, or head down to Fez and Marrakech.

GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci): The leader of this ferry line

GNV operates this crossing with the ferry “La Suprema,” a modern 205-meter vessel that can accommodate up to 2,500 passengers. The Italian ferry company generally offers 2 to 3 departures per week throughout the year, with increased frequency during the summer (July-August) and school holidays.

On board the GNV ferry, you will find several categories of cabins ranging from shared berths to private suites with portholes. The common areas include a self-service restaurant offering halal dishes, a pizzeria, a panoramic bar, a children’s playroom, and even a prayer room.

Free Wi-Fi (limited speed) allows you to stay connected during the crossing. Duty-free shops offer perfumes, alcohol, and tax-free products. You can also enjoy the outdoor deck to admire the Mediterranean Sea, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Typical departures from Barcelona to Tangier: Monday and Friday in the early evening (between 6pm and 8pm), arriving in Tangier Med the following day in the late afternoon or evening.

Frequency and Availability Throughout the Year

The Barcelona Tangier Med route operates continuously throughout the calendar year. In winter (November to March), there are approximately 2 to 3 weekly crossings. This off-peak period offers the advantage of more attractive fares and fewer passengers on board.

During the summer high season (June to September), departures increase to 4 or 5 per week. Long weekends in July and August quickly sell out, especially for vehicles. Early booking is essential during this period.

Peak traffic also corresponds to European school holidays (Easter, All Saints’ Day, Christmas) and the annual migration periods of Moroccans living in Europe (Operation Marhaba). Plan your travel dates during these times to ensure the best availability.

Practical tip: Always check the exact timetable 48 hours before departure, as changes may occur depending on weather conditions or operational constraints.

The price of the Barcelona to Tangier Med ferry depends on the season, the type of accommodation on board, and whether you travel with a vehicle. Below are the typical price ranges for this route.

Passenger Prices (no vehicle)

• Low season (November to March): €150 to €220 (reclining seat)
• Mid-season (April, May, October): €180 to €280
• High season (June to September): €220 to €350

Passenger with car (standard vehicle under 5m)

• Low season: €380 to €480
• Mid-season: €450 to €580
• High season: €550 to €750

Cabin Supplements

• Quad cabin berth: +€40 to +€60 per person
• Double inside cabin: +€80 to +€120 per person
• Double outside cabin (with window): +€120 to +€180 per person
• Suite: +€200 to +€300 per person

Children under 4 usually travel for free, and kids aged 4 to 12 get around 30% off. Pets cost between €30 and €50 depending on the ferry operator.

Discounts and special offers

Several discounts can lower the cost of your Barcelona Tangier Med ferry ticket, especially if you book early.

• Early booking (60+ days ahead): up to -20%
• Round trip: -10% to -15% on the return ticket
• Large families: dedicated discounts on request
• Seniors (65+): 5% to 10%
• Moroccan residents (Marhaba operation): preferential fares

Flash deals also appear on ferry company websites or on comparison platforms like SmartFerry. Always check the fare conditions: some discounted tickets cannot be changed or refunded.

How to Save Money on the Barcelona to Tangier Med Ferry?

A few simple adjustments can reduce your total travel cost.

Book early

Prices rise as the departure date gets closer. Booking 2 to 3 months ahead can save you €100 to €150.

Travel mid-week

Sailings from Monday to Thursday are usually 15% to 25% cheaper than departures on Fridays or weekends.

Choose the right accommodation

If you travel with a partner or a group, sharing a cabin often costs less per person than buying individual seats with cabin supplements. For tight budgets, a reclining seat is fine for this overnight crossing.

Travel without a car when possible

If you only plan a short stay in Tangier, traveling as a foot passenger saves €200 to €400. Renting a car on arrival is easy and often cheaper than taking your vehicle on board.

FIND YOUR CROSSING AT THE BEST PRICE

Documents and Entry Requirements

When travelling on the Barcelona to Tangier ferry, you must show valid travel documents at check-in and customs.

For EU travellers

A valid passport is required for a stay of up to 90 days in Morocco. Make sure it remains valid at least six months after your arrival. ID cards are not accepted for entry when travelling by ferry from Barcelona to Tangier Med.

For minors

Children need their own passport. If a child travels with one parent only or without parents, a parental authorisation letter is required.

Vehicle documents

Bring the vehicle registration certificate and proof of ownership. If the vehicle is not yours, prepare a written authorisation. A valid driving licence is required.

Vehicle insurance in Morocco

Most European insurance policies do not cover Morocco. You can buy local border insurance at Tanger Med on arrival (around €20 to €40 for 15 days).

Travel with pets

To bring your dog or cat on the Barcelona Tangier ferry, you need:

• EU pet passport
• Microchip
• Rabies vaccine (min. 21 days old)
• Health certificate (less than 10 days old)

The ferry terminal is located at Estación Marítima, Muelle de San Beltrán, 08039 Barcelona.

Arrival time

Arrive 2.5 to 3 hours before departure, particularly with a vehicle. The ferry to Tangier Med has customs and loading procedures that take time.

Access to the port of Barcelona

• Car: Follow signs to “Port” then “Estación Marítima”. Paid parking (€15 to €20/day).
• Metro: Line L3 to Drassanes.
• Bus: Lines 59 and D20.
• Taxi: €15 to €20 from Plaça Catalunya.

Check-in process

Present your booking reference, passports and vehicle documents at the ferry operator counter. You will then receive boarding cards and instructions for loading. Drivers queue separately from foot passengers. Boarding follows crew instructions.

Customs

Luggage and vehicles may be inspected. Be prepared to open the boot. Prohibited items include weapons, drugs and excess alcohol or tobacco.

Quad cabins

Ideal for families on the Barcelona Tangier ferry. Two bunk beds, private bathroom and air-conditioning.

Double cabins

Inside or outside cabins with private bathroom. Outside cabins offer natural light.

Suites

Larger cabins with king-size bed, seating area and minibar. The most comfortable option.

Reclining seats

Budget choice. Shared lounge with reclining seats. Good for travellers wanting to reduce cost.

Pets are allowed but restricted to specific areas.

Allowed areas

Dedicated outdoor zones. Pets are not allowed in indoor lounges or standard cabins unless you book a pet-friendly cabin (€50 to €80).
Otherwise, pets must stay in the vehicle. You can visit them during scheduled garage openings.

Pet travel documents

Bring the EU pet passport, microchip certification, rabies vaccine proof and a recent health certificate.

The Barcelona to Tangier ferry uses dynamic pricing. Fares rise as departure dates approach.

When to book?

Best price window: 2 to 4 months before departure.
Late bookings (less than 15 days before) can be up to twice as expensive.

Price tips

• Check full-week fare calendars. One day difference can save €50 to €100.
• Book round-trip instead of one-way (10 to 15% cheaper).
• Look for flash sales (September to October and January to February).
• Avoid peak summer dates for the lowest fares.