How to Get to Morocco
Main airports, flights from Europe, ferries across the Strait of Gibraltar and the entry rules to check before you travel.
Main airportsMarrakech, Casablanca
Shortest ferryTarifa–Tangier, about 1 h
VisaNot needed by most Europeans
Own carPossible by ferry
The Short Answer
Most travellers fly. Marrakech and Casablanca have direct flights from many European cities, and Fes, Tangier, Rabat, Agadir and Essaouira add more options. If you are coming from Spain, or want to bring your own car, the ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar takes as little as an hour.
Your arrival city matters for your route. Fly into one city and out of another, for example into Casablanca or Tangier and out of Marrakech, and you will see more of the country without driving back the same way.
Flying to Morocco: The Main Airports
| Airport | Code | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech Menara | RAK | Marrakech, the Atlas, Essaouira and the Sahara via Ouarzazate |
| Casablanca Mohammed V | CMN | The main hub for long-haul flights; routes north to Rabat, Fes and Chefchaouen |
| Fes Saïss | FEZ | Fes, Meknes, Chefchaouen and the Sahara via the Middle Atlas |
| Tangier Ibn Battouta | TNG | Tangier, Chefchaouen, Tetouan and the north |
| Rabat-Salé | RBA | Rabat and the imperial cities |
| Agadir Al Massira | AGA | The southern coast |
| Ouarzazate and Errachidia | OZZ / ERH | Small airports near the desert, usually via Casablanca |
Low-cost and full-service airlines fly to Morocco from across Europe. From further afield, most long-haul routes arrive in Casablanca, where you can connect to other Moroccan airports or take the train.
Ferries From Spain and Europe
Ferries are the main way to arrive by sea, and the only practical way if you want to bring your own vehicle.
| Route | Crossing time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tarifa → Tangier Ville | About 1 h | Arrives in the city centre; ideal for foot passengers |
| Algeciras → Tanger Med | About 1.5 h | The busiest car route; Tanger Med is about 45 km from Tangier |
| Algeciras → Ceuta | About 1 h | Ceuta is Spanish; you cross the land border into Morocco |
| Málaga or Almería → Melilla or Nador | Several hours | Useful for the east of Morocco |
| Sète (France) or Genoa (Italy) → Tanger Med | Long overnight crossings | Seasonal schedules; check operators |
Crossing times are approximate and schedules change with the season and the weather. Avoid the peak weeks of the summer “Operation Crossing the Strait”, when waits at the ports can be long.
Taking Your Own Car to Morocco
Documents You Need
Your passport, driving licence, the vehicle registration document and insurance valid in Morocco: a green card that does not exclude Morocco (code MA), or frontier insurance bought at the port. If the car is not in your name, carry written authorisation from the owner.
At the Border
Customs registers the temporary import of the vehicle when you enter, and it must leave Morocco with you. Keep the paperwork safe until you exit. Our guide to driving in Morocco covers the rules of the road.
Local Tips
- Book ferry tickets in advance in summer and around Easter.
- From Tangier, the Al Boraq high-speed train reaches Rabat in a little over an hour and Casablanca in about two.
- If you arrive by ferry, a route through Chefchaouen and Fes is the natural start of your trip.
- Prefer not to drive once you arrive? We can meet you at the port with a private driver.
Entry Requirements
Citizens of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and many other countries can enter Morocco without a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. National identity cards are generally not accepted for entry: bring a passport, including for children.
Rules can change and depend on your nationality, so check the official information from Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Moroccan consulate before you book. Our Morocco travel tips cover money, SIM cards and the rest of the practical side.
Start Your Tour Where You Land
Our private tours start from the main arrival cities, with airport or port pick-up included.
Getting to Morocco: Questions
Which airport should I fly into for a Morocco tour?
Marrakech (RAK) and Casablanca (CMN) have the most flights. Fly into one and out of the other, or into Fes or Tangier, to avoid backtracking on your route.
How long is the ferry from Spain to Morocco?
Tarifa to Tangier Ville takes about one hour, and Algeciras to Tanger Med about one and a half hours, depending on the operator and the weather.
Can I take my own car to Morocco?
Yes, by ferry. You need the vehicle registration documents and insurance valid in Morocco, either a green card that includes Morocco or a policy bought at the border. Customs registers the car’s temporary import when you arrive.
Do I need a visa to enter Morocco?
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada and many other countries do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Check the rules for your nationality before you book.
Is there a train from Europe to Morocco?
No direct train. Travellers coming overland take a train or drive to southern Spain and then the ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Plan Your Arrival With Us
Tell us where you are flying or sailing from. We will plan a route that starts where you land and ends near your flight home.