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Table of Contents
Driving in Tangier often begins at the ferry port or the airport, then continues along the coast or into the Rif mountains. This guide explains what to expect on arrival, how traffic behaves, where to park and which drives start from the city.
Arriving in Tangier by ferry or plane
Two ferry routes bring visitors from Spain. The car ferry from Algeciras goes to Tanger Med, a port about an hour from the city centre. The passenger ferry from Tarifa goes to the port in Tangier itself. Ferries can run late, so leave extra time on both sides, and remember that Morocco and Spain have a one-hour time difference.
| Arrival | Where you land | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Car ferry from Algeciras | Tanger Med port | Allow time for checks and the drive into town |
| Passenger ferry from Tarifa | Tangier port | Short taxi to the centre, collect a car later |
| Flight | Tangier airport | Pick up a car at the airport or in town |
Traffic when driving in Tangier
Tangier is a hilly port city with a busy centre and a wide coastal boulevard. Traffic is heaviest in the morning and late afternoon, and in summer when the beaches fill. Keep a safe distance, watch for taxis stopping suddenly and use your indicators early.
Parking
- Paid car parks near the port and the main squares
- Hotel parking, which is worth confirming before you book
- Street parking, with attendants who expect a small tip
The old medina is for pedestrians, so park nearby and walk in.
Drives from Tangier
- Chefchaouen: the blue city in the Rif mountains, see our guide to Tangier to Chefchaouen by car
- Asilah: a quiet walled town on the coast
- Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules: short coast drives west of the city
- Tetouan: a historic city on the road to the Mediterranean
Choosing a car
A compact car is easiest in town and for the coast. For the mountains, a compact SUV is more comfortable. See the best car for a Morocco road trip for more options and read our guide to Morocco highway tolls if you plan to drive south.
Practical tips
- Confirm with the supplier whether you can collect the car at the port or the airport
- Carry your passport, licence and booking confirmation for the checks at the port
- Keep small cash for tolls and parking
- Plan long drives in daylight
- Check the weather before you head into the mountains
Renting for driving in Tangier
Browse cars on the Tangier rental page and send your dates and pickup point. If you plan to continue south, see our guides to Casablanca to Marrakech by car and the 10 best road trip tips. A 20% advance through OneClickDrive secures the booking, and the balance is paid to the supplier at handover.
Tangier and the wider north
From Tangier you can reach the Mediterranean coast, the Rif mountains and the Atlantic beaches in a short time. A car makes these trips easy, while buses and trains are limited outside the main towns. Our guide to renting a car in Morocco explains what you need on arrival, and our 10 best road trip tips cover the basics of driving here.
Driving in Tangier and onward to the south
If you continue south, you will join the coastal motorway towards Rabat and Casablanca. It is a toll road, and prices change, so read our Morocco highway tolls guide before you go. Fill the tank in Tangier and plan a break at a service area.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the car ferry from Spain arrive?
The car ferry from Algeciras goes to Tanger Med, about an hour from the city centre. The Tarifa ferry is for passengers and goes to Tangier port.
Is driving in Tangier difficult?
It is busy in the centre but manageable. The coast and the motorway are easy.
Can I collect a rental car at the port?
Ask the supplier. Many offer delivery to the port, the airport or your hotel.
Where do I park near the medina?
In paid car parks near the port and the main squares.
What is the best drive from Tangier?
Chefchaouen is the most popular, and Asilah and Cap Spartel are good short trips.
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