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How to Get to Tangier

How to Get to Tangier

Tangier Tanger-tetouan-al Hoceima, Morocco Travel Guide

Airport and Routes

Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport TNG

TNG is the main airport, located approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) southwest of the city center, offering convenient access.

Airlines and Destinations

  • Airlines: Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia Maroc, Ryanair, easyJet, Transavia, Vueling, TUI Fly.
  • Direct Routes: Major European cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Rome, Marseille, Düsseldorf).
  • Domestic Flights: Connections to other Moroccan cities, including Casablanca.

Flight Availability and Facilities

Flight frequency generally rises during the summer high season (June-August) and during big holidays, which often leads to higher prices. The winter low season (November-March) usually sees lower prices and less frequent flights. Booking in advance for peak travel times is suggested.

Airport Services

  • Duty-free shops, cafes, currency exchange services, car rental agencies.
  • Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal.
  • VIP lounge available.

Flight Deals

Find affordable flights via Dollar Flight Club.

Price Comparison

Compare and book flights with Skyscanner for the most competitive rates.

Connecting Flights

Travelers from distant regions connect through European hubs or Casablanca (CMN).

Airport Transfers

Transfer Options from TNG

  • Shared Taxis: Available outside terminal, fixed price (100-150 MAD day rate) to city center.
  • Local Bus: ALSA city bus line 28 to city center, Place de France, train station (7-10 MAD).
  • Car Rental: Counters at airport for self-driving plans.
  • Hotel Shuttles: Some hotels arrange airport transfers.

Tips for Smooth Transfers

  • Confirm Grand Taxi price before starting journey.
  • Bus operates roughly hourly from 6:MIDNIGHT TO 10:00 PM.
  • Inquire with your accommodation about shuttle services.
  • Understand your destination address clearly for taxi drivers.

Direct Flight Availability

European Connections

Most direct flights to Tangier originate from European hubs. For long-haul travelers, a connection in a major European city is typical.

Casablanca Gateway

Casablanca (CMN) serves as Morocco's main international gateway, offering onward domestic flights to Tangier.

Seasonal Price Trends

Flight prices climb during summer and holidays, fall during winter. Book early for best rates, particularly at busy times.

Land Transportation

Train Services ONCF

Tangier is a major hub for Morocco's national rail network, ONCF. The Tanger Ville Train Station is modern and centrally located.

Train Options

  • High-Speed (Al Boraq): Connects Tangier to Kenitra, Rabat, Casablanca (approx. 2h 10m to Casablanca).
  • Conventional Trains: Connect Tangier to other major cities like Fes, Meknes, Marrakesh.
  • Buy tickets in advance, especially for Al Boraq.

Long-Distance Buses

Major bus companies, including CTM and Supratours (an ONCF subsidiary), run extensive networks from Tangier to most major Moroccan cities (e.g., Chefchaouen, Tetouan, Fes, Marrakesh, Casablanca). CTM has its dedicated station; other companies use Gare Routière de Tanger.

Bus Comfort & Safety

  • CTM and Supratours generally offer more comfortable and dependable services.
  • Book tickets in advance for chosen seats and routes.
  • Check schedules and departure points, since they differ by company.

Self-Driving & Car Rentals

Renting a car yields flexibility for exploring the region around Tangier. You'll need a valid driving's license from your home country, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly suggested, often Required by rental agencies.

Driving Requirements & Tips

  • IDP, home country license, credit card for deposit.
  • Book in advance, especially in high season.
  • GPS or reliable map app for navigation.

Road Conditions & Safety

Main roads and highways are generally well-maintained. City driving can be congested. Medina areas are pedestrian-only. Drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are enforced. Everyone must wear a seatbelt. Morocco has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving.

Safety Advice

  • Driving can be aggressive; watch for pedestrians and donkey carts.
  • Night driving beyond the city limits not recommended.
  • Parking challenging in city centers; use paid lots.

Border Crossing Information

  • Morocco shares land borders with Algeria (currently closed) and Mauritania.
  • For Tangier, the most relevant land crossings involve ferry services from Spain.
  • These services technically constitute sea travel but act as common entry points for overland travelers from Europe.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports mirror those at airports.
  • Present your passport, fill out a landing card, receive an entry stamp.
  • On some longer ferry routes, passport control may occur on board.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Ports

Tangier is a significant maritime gateway, connecting Morocco to Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar. No substantial river transportation options exist within Tangier or its immediate vicinity.

Ports & Routes

  • Tangier Med: Modern port 40km east of city, frequent services to Algeciras, Spain.
  • Tangier Ville: City center port, faster services to Tarifa, Spain, suitable for foot passengers.
  • Operators: FRS, Balearia, Inter Shipping, GNV, Grimaldi Lines.

Connections & Cruise Port

The Tangier Ville port usually has cruise ships, allowing passengers direct entry to the city center and its attractions. Shuttle buses and grand taxis link Tangier Med port to the city center, train station, and other locations, generally coordinated with ferry arrivals.

Port Access

  • Tangier Med: Shuttle buses and large taxis connect to the city.
  • Tangier Ville: Direct access to city center, walking distance to hotels, Medina, train station.
  • Cruise Ports: Tangier Ville provides immediate city access for cruise passengers.

Maritime Gateway

Tangier functions as a major maritime entry point, connecting Morocco to Spain.

Ferry Options

Frequent services from Tangier Med to Algeciras and Tangier Ville to Tarifa.

City Access

Tangier Ville port provides direct city center access for ferry and cruise passengers.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Morocco does not levy specific exit fees or taxes for tourists departing by air or sea. Any such fees are typically included in your ticket price.

Timing Recommendations

  • Air Travel: 2-3 hours before international flights (TNG); 1.5-2 hours for domestic.
  • Ferry Travel: Tangier Ville (1 hour before); Tangier Med (2-3 hours before for vehicles).
  • Train/Bus: 30-45 minutes before departure.

Station Facilities

Tanger Ville Train Station: Waiting areas, cafes, shops, ticket counters. Tanger Ibn Battouta Airport: Duty-free shopping, cafes, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange. Port of Tangier Ville: Cafes, ticket offices, waiting areas.

Pre-Departure Check

  • Confirm flight, ferry, or train departure times the day before you travel.
  • Check terminal information. Schedules may sometimes change.
  • Allow ample time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.

Intercontinental Flight Connections

North America

Travelers typically connect via large Cities in europe or Casablanca (CMN) for flights to North America.

Asia & Oceania

Connections to Asia plus The oceania often occur through European or Middle Eastern hubs.

Africa

Flights within Africa mostly connect through Casablanca (CMN), a regional hub.

Final Travel Reminder

Always confirm your flight, ferry, or train departure times and terminal information the day before you travel. Schedules can sometimes change.