Did you know that Tangier occupies a unique position in northern Morocco? At the crossroads of Europe and Africa, it opens onto both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. A crossroads of civilizations since ancient Phoenician times, it blends Mediterranean, Andalucia and Moroccan influences in an urban atmosphere all its own.
In this article, you’ll find all the options for getting to Tangier: by plane, ferry, train or road. Each mode of transport has its advantages, depending on your point of departure, your budget and your itinerary.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Summary: How to get to Tangier
If you don’t want to read the whole article:
- Northern Morocco, at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar
- Ibn Battouta International Airport – direct flights from Europe and North Africa, about 15min from downtown – compare flights
- Ferry from Algeciras, Tarifa or Gibraltar (Spain) – short crossing to Port Tanger Med or Port Tanger Ville – see ferry schedule
- TGV Al-Boraq train from Casablanca (3h30) or Rabat (approx. 2h), via the ONCF network
- By road: freeways from Casablanca (3h30), Rabat (3h), Chefchaouen (2h), Tétouan (1h) – rent a car in Morocco
- On a private tour to enjoy the scenery in complete tranquillity – see options
WHERE TO STAY IN Tangier
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the Kasbah of Tangier –
Riad Dar Saba Hotel – Saba’s House – see prices, photos and availability
– Marina Bay City Center Hotel – View prices, photos, and availability
In the hills of the Quartier de la Montagne —
Fairmont Tazi Tangier Palace Hotel— see prices, photos and availability
Tangier location and map
Tangier lies at the northern tip of Morocco, opposite the Strait of Gibraltar. The city overlooks both the Mediterranean Sea to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. This is precisely what makes it the gateway between two continents. On a clear day, the Spanish coast is visible from the corniche.
Here are a few benchmarks for distances to major Moroccan cities:
- Tangier to Tetouan: 1h30 drive
- Tangier to Chefchaouen: 2h20 drive
- Tangier to Rabat: 3h drive (1h30 by TGV Al-Boraq)
- Tangier to Casablanca: 3h45 by road (2h20 by TGV Al-Boraq)
The Moroccan motorway network links Tangier to the country’s major cities efficiently. The journey times indicated correspond to normal traffic conditions.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN MOROCCO
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Not too wide
- A good engine
- For more choice, book early.
Option 1: by plane
Tangier International Airport is named after Ibn Battouta, the 14th-century Moroccan explorer and native of the city. It is about a 20-minute drive from the city center, depending on traffic.
This airport serves direct flights from several European and Maghreb countries. Connections are more frequent in high season, but some operate year-round from major capitals. From mainland Greece, a stopover is usually required.
Main air routes to Tangier
- From France: Paris (CDG and Orly), Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nantes (Air Arabia Morocco, Transavia, easyJet, Royal Air Morocco)
- From Belgium: Brussels-Charleroi (Ryanair)
- From Spain: Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla (Iberia Express, Vueling, Ryanair)
- From the UK: London Stansted and Gatwick (Ryanair, easyJet)
- From Morocco: Casablanca and other Moroccan cities via Royal Air Morocco
If no direct flight is available from your city, a transit via Casablanca (Mohammed V Airport) and then the rest of the journey by TGV may be a solution.
Compare available flights to Tangier.
Options for getting to the city center from the airport
The airport is around 15km from the center, or 20min by car. There are several ways to get to Tangier, depending on your preferences.
By rental car
The main rental agencies have counters in the arrivals hall. We recommend booking as early as possible, especially in July and August, as availability is rapidly reduced. A car remains the most flexible means of exploring the city (apart from the Kasbah) and its surroundings (Cap Spartel, Grottes d’Hercule, Asilah). The journey from the airport takes around 20 minutes on the main road.
Compare and book car rentals in Morocco.
By cab
Official cabs (light blue in Tangier) are waiting at the terminal exit. Check that the meter is on when you leave. A supplement applies at night and on Sundays. Journey time is approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Private transfer
A pre-booked transfer offers the comfort of a driver waiting for you at the exit, with no price negotiation. This is a particularly attractive option, especially if you don’t want to drive yourself, your family or your group. Rates are per vehicle. See prices
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Option 2: by ferry from Spain
The ferry is a fully-fledged option for getting to Tangier, especially if you’re traveling from southern Spain, or if you want to take your vehicle with you. Several Spanish ports offer regular ferry services, with crossing times varying according to the route chosen.
Port Tanger Med – the main hub
Port Tanger Méditerranée (Tanger Med), located around 40km east of the city center, is Morocco’s busiest ferry port. It handles crossings from Algeciras (approx. 1h30 crossing time) and Barcelona (approx. 24 hours). It is the busiest gateway for those arriving by car from Spain. From the port, it’s about a 1-hour drive to Tangier. Consult ferries
Port Tanger Ville – the most central
The Tangier Ville port, right in the center of town, is served by ferries from Tarifa (crossing time approx. 35 min.) and Gibraltar. This is the most practical option if you’re traveling without a vehicle: you arrive directly in the heart of the city, just a few minutes’ walk from the medina. We prefer this port for car-free city breaks. Consult ferries
Ferries are often fully booked in July and August. We strongly advise you to book your crossing as early as possible, especially if you’re taking a vehicle.
See timetables and availability of ferries to Tangier.
Option 3: guided tour
It’s a formula we love, because you don’t have to drive, you just enjoy the scenery! A local guide accompanies you to explain the historical and cultural specificities of this rich city. All in all, a positive experience!
You can choose an excursion from Casablanca:
- day trip by TGV – see options
- in a small private group – see options
Or from Fez:
- 2-day tour of Tangier and Chefchaouen – book now
- Tangier, Volubilis and Chefchaouen combined day tour – book now
Or from Rabat by TGV for the day – choose your excursion
Or from several Spanish cities (Estepona, Madrid, Sevilla, Malaga…) on a multi-day or day tour – discover all the options
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Option 4: by car
Road travel is a viable option from many cities in northern Morocco. The Moroccan motorway network is in good condition and well signposted. Here are the main journey times:
- From Tétouan: 1h30
- From Chefchaouen: 2h20
- From Rabat: 3h
- From Casablanca: 3h45
If you’re already staying in Morocco’s north-western region, the car also gives you the freedom to make stops along the way, notably in Asilah, a charming coastal town 1 hour’s drive south of Tangier, whose frescoed white streets are well worth a visit.
Compare car rental offers in Morocco.
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
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Option 5: by train
Morocco’s ONCF rail network links Tangier to the kingdom’s main cities. Tangier Ville station is centrally located, so you don’t need to make any additional transfers on arrival. There are two types of connection, depending on your point of departure.
- From Casablanca and Rabat: the TGV Al-Boraq provides regular departures throughout the day (2h20 from Casablanca and 1h30 from Rabat). A fast, comfortable option!
- From other destinations such as Fez or Marrakech: classic ONCF trains serve Tangier, with a connection depending on the itinerary chosen.
In high season, tickets go fast. First class is affordable if you book well in advance. Consult timetables and book on the ONCF website here.
Getting around Tangier
Once you’ve arrived, there are several means of transport to discover the city at your own pace.
- The hop-on hop-off CityTour bus: a practical way of covering tourist sites inside and outside the city. The ticket is valid for 48 hours and includes services to Cap Spartel, Grottes d’Hercule and Place du 9 Avril – book your ticket now!
- Official cabs (sky blue): numerous and accessible throughout the city. VTCs are also available.
- On foot: the medina and Kasbah are easily accessible on foot. The streets are cobbled and sometimes steep. Comfortable shoes are essential. Note that the Kasbah is only accessible on foot.
- City buses provide low-cost service to all parts of the city.
Parking in Tangier
Private vehicles are not allowed to park in the medina. The Kasbah is only accessible on foot or by cab (entrance fee of 10 dhs MAD per vehicle for cabs). We recommend using the city’s pay parking lots: Bab Al-Marsa near the port, Place du 9 Avril 1947 (underground parking lot), or the parking lots along the beaches.
And once in Tangier…
The town has a lot to offer: the Kasbah, perched high up on the hillside with its cobbled streets and panoramic views over the Strait, the Venetian port, the museums of the medina, the urban beaches and, a 30-minute drive away, Cap Spartel at the junction of ocean and sea.
- The Kasbah and its museums (American Legation Museum, Espace Ibn Battouta, Kasbah Museum…)
- Beaches: Municipal beach, Achakar beach, Malabata beach
- The Hercules Caves
- Cap Spartel and its museum
- The Perdicaris Forest
- Excursions to Asilah, Tétouan, Chefchaouen or Rabat
- And plenty of other places to discover!
See our article on the best things to do and see in Tangier.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
Must-See Places in Morocco
Most Beautiful Riads
Most Beautiful Cities
Most Beautiful Medinas
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
Most Beautiful Gardens
Best Museums
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Beaches
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Morocco
Driving tips
Where to Stay in Morocco
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fez
Meknes
Chefchaouen
Essaouira
Rabat
Tangier
Tetouan
Agadir
The Sahara Desert
