Preparing your trip to Tangier
Tangier is one of the easiest Moroccan cities to include in an itinerary in Morocco. The city is accessible by train, plane, coach, road and ferry, which also makes it a practical entry point from Europe.
Here is the main information to know before you leave.
Getting to Tangier by train
The train is one of the most practical options from several major Moroccan cities. Schedules and tickets can be checked on the ONCF website.
Al Boraq
The Al Boraq high-speed train links Tangier directly to Rabat and Casablanca.
According to the ONCF guide, the journey time shown is about:
- Tangier → Rabat: 1 h 20;
- Tangier → Casablanca: 2 h 10.
ONCF offers different fare levels depending on demand, flexibility and the class chosen. Prices should therefore be checked for the exact date of travel.
From Marrakech
Marrakech has no direct Al Boraq. The journey involves a change, usually in Casablanca or another station on the network depending on the route chosen. For a long Marrakech–Tangier trip, it is therefore worth comparing train, plane and car depending on the schedules.
From Fez
Tangier can also be reached from Fez with train connections. The trip is especially interesting for travellers building a Tangier → Fez → Marrakech itinerary, or the other way round.
Getting to Tangier by coach
Coaches are an affordable alternative, especially to towns not served by train. Two companies let you check schedules and fares online: CTM and Supratours, the road transport service linked to ONCF. Compare them with the train for your date, as journey times vary with the service and traffic.
Getting to Tangier by plane
Tanger Ibn Battouta airport handles domestic and international flights.
For European travellers, air connections can be particularly attractive because Tangier is close to southern Europe. Before booking, check the flights available from your departure city, for example on the Royal Air Maroc website, as routes and frequencies may vary by season.
Coming to Tangier from Europe by ferry
One of the particularities of Tangier is the possibility of arriving in Morocco by boat from Europe. The sea links connect southern Spain to northern Morocco.
Tanger Ville or Tanger Med?
This is important information.
It is therefore essential to check the exact port shown on your ticket before booking your accommodation or onward transport. To learn more about the facilities, see the official websites of Tanger Med and the National Ports Agency.
From Tarifa
The crossing from Tarifa is particularly well known for reaching northern Morocco. Depending on the service chosen and the conditions on the day, the crossing can be relatively short. The company FRS operates this link. Schedules and fares change with the season and the company.
An excursion from Tarifa with a ferry is also available: private day excursion to Tangier from Tarifa.
From Algeciras
Algeciras is another important departure point from Spain. The sea links serve Tanger Med in particular. For a trip with a car, check the specific conditions for transporting the vehicle with the company.
How do you get around Tangier?
- On foot: the medina and several central districts are very easy to explore on foot. For a first visit, walking remains one of the best ways to feel the atmosphere of the city.
- Petit taxi: petit taxis are suited to city trips. The price and conditions should be checked according to the route and local regulations.
- Grand taxi: grands taxis are better suited to certain longer or intercity trips.
- Car rental: a car can be useful if you plan to explore Cape Spartel, the beaches, Asilah or other destinations in the north. For the Tangier medina alone, it is much less necessary.
Where should you stay in Tangier?
The choice of district depends heavily on the experience you are looking for.
- In the medina: suited to travellers who want to be in the heart of the historic heritage. Riads and traditional houses offer a more immersive experience.
- Near the Kasbah: this area is especially interesting for those who want to stay close to the main historic sites.
- City centre: the centre gives fairly easy access to shops, restaurants and transport.
- Corniche: interesting for those who want to be close to the sea, restaurants and the beach.
- Malabata: Malabata has more modern hotels and lets you enjoy the Mediterranean side of Tangier.
What budget should you plan for Tangier?
Prices vary widely depending on the season, the district and the level of comfort. As a guide, for one night:
- budget accommodation: about 250 to 450 MAD;
- riad or mid-range hotel: about 450 to 900 MAD;
- upscale hotel: 900 MAD and more.
These amounts are budget-planning ranges, not fixed rates. Prices may rise during periods of high demand.
Meals budget
For meals, travellers can choose between local restaurants, small establishments in the medina, fish restaurants and more upscale places. A budget trip will be very different from a gourmet stay.
Visits and excursions budget
A large part of discovering Tangier can be done on foot. Extra costs mostly concern:
- museums;
- guided visits;
- transport to Cape Spartel;
- excursions;
- water activities;
- outings around Tangier.
→ See the visits and experiences available: private visit of Tangier
How many days should you plan in Tangier?
1 day
Medina + Kasbah + Grand Socco + Petit Socco.2 days
Add Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules.3 days
Add the beaches, Cape Malabata and a deeper discovery of the city.4 to 5 days
You can start exploring the surroundings: Asilah, Tetouan or other destinations in the north.
Example budget for two days
For two people, plan separately: return transport + 2 nights + meals + visits + possible excursion. The final budget will depend mostly on your choice of accommodation and transport.
To cut costs, favour the train, walking and local restaurants. For more comfort, choose a well-located hotel and an organised excursion.
Which period should you choose to visit Tangier?
Tangier can be visited all year round. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for combining city walks and excursions. Summer is interesting for enjoying the sea, but some periods can be busier. Winter offers a different atmosphere, with more weather variations on the coast.
For seaside excursions, it is always best to check the weather before leaving.
Useful numbers and emergencies in Tangier
It is better to know these numbers before you leave. These are Morocco's emergency numbers, valid throughout the country:
- Police emergency: 19 (in towns and cities);
- Royal Gendarmerie: 177 (roads, villages and rural areas outside the towns);
- Civil protection and fire brigade: 15;
- SAMU, medical emergencies: 141.
Duty pharmacy. Pharmacies take turns to provide night, weekend and public holiday cover. To find the one that is open in Tangier, check the directory of duty pharmacies in Tangier on med.ma, or look for the duty list displayed in the window of the nearest pharmacy. Your accommodation can also tell you which pharmacy is on duty today.
Preparing your stay with MoroccoMuseum
Once transport and accommodation are chosen, you still need to organise the visits. MoroccoMuseum can be a starting point for preparing the different stages:
- Monuments and heritage: Kasbah and Kasbah Museum, American Legation and other historic sites;
- Nature: Cape Spartel, Caves of Hercules, beaches and natural areas;
- Experiences: guided visits, excursions and cultural activities.
→ Discover the visits and experiences in Tangier
Tangier: an ideal destination to start northern Morocco
Thanks to its rail, air, road and sea connections, Tangier is a particularly easy destination to include in a trip to Morocco. But its interest is not limited to its accessibility: the city combines medina, heritage, culture, food, beaches and coastal landscapes.
In two or three days, you can discover the essentials of Tangier. With a few extra days, the city becomes an excellent base for exploring northern Morocco.
To start your trip:
