Starting Your Morocco Trip in Tangier: Ferry, Airport and First-Day Tips

Short answer: Tangier is the easiest place to start a Morocco trip if you come from Spain. The fast ferry from Tarifa reaches Tangier Ville in about 1 hour, right in the city centre, while ferries from Algeciras arrive at Tangier Med, about 45 km away. You can also fly into Tangier Ibn Battouta airport. Spend a day exploring the medina and the Kasbah, then head south through Chefchaouen and Fes to the Sahara and Marrakech.

Getting to Tangier

Arrival	Where you land	Good to know
Ferry from Tarifa	Tangier Ville port, city centre	About 1 hour; walk or short taxi ride to the medina and hotels
Ferry from Algeciras	Tangier Med port	About 1h30; the port is around 45 km from the city, plan a transfer
Flight	Tangier Ibn Battouta airport	A short drive from the city centre
High-speed train	Tangier station	Al Boraq links Tangier with Rabat and Casablanca in a few hours

Timetables change with the seasons, so always check the latest schedules with the ferry and transport companies before you travel.

What to see in Tangier in one day

The Kasbah: the old fortress at the top of the medina, with views across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain.
The medina and Petit Socco: narrow lanes, cafés and small shops full of history.
Grand Socco: the lively square at the gate of the medina.
Cap Spartel: the lighthouse where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic.
Caves of Hercules: sea caves along the Atlantic coast, a short drive from Cap Spartel.

From Tangier to the rest of Morocco

From Tangier, most itineraries travel south and finish in Marrakech:

Chefchaouen, the blue city of the Rif, about 2 hours away – see our Tangier to Chefchaouen guide.
Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, often with a stop at Volubilis and Meknes.
The Sahara at Merzouga, with a camel ride and a night in a desert camp.
The Dades Valley, Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou, then over the High Atlas to Marrakech.

Compare the options in our guide to Morocco tours from Tangier, or go straight to the 5-day, 7-day or 9-day itineraries.

First-day tips

Exchange a little money or use an ATM as soon as you arrive; small shops and taxis prefer cash.
Agree on taxi fares before starting the ride, or book a transfer in advance.
Dress modestly when visiting the medina and religious sites.
Keep a copy of your passport and travel insurance details on your phone.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the ferry from Spain to Tangier?

The fast ferry from Tarifa to the Tangier Ville port in the city takes about 1 hour. Ferries from Algeciras arrive at Tangier Med, about 45 km east of the city, after roughly 1 hour 30 minutes. Check current timetables with the ferry companies before you travel.

Which Tangier port is better for travellers without a car?

Tangier Ville, because it is in the city centre, close to the medina and hotels. Tangier Med is a large commercial port outside the city, so you need a transfer or taxi.

Can I start a desert tour directly from Tangier?

Yes. Our Tangier tours start in the city and travel via Chefchaouen and Fes to the Sahara, finishing in Marrakech.

Do I need to change money before arriving?

The Moroccan dirham is mainly available in Morocco itself. You can exchange money or use ATMs at the port, the airport and in Tangier city centre.

Arriving in Tangier soon? Tell us your arrival date and how you travel on WhatsApp (+212 622 816 554) or through the contact page, and we will plan your tour from Tangier.