Traveling from the UK to Morocco without taking a flight has become an intriguing adventure for many, offering a unique and sustainable journey to explore another culture and continent. The abundance of Spain to Morocco ferries and the expanding options for reaching mainland Europe from the UK without flying make this journey relatively straightforward, even surpassing the ease of reaching some remote parts of Europe.
When I made the decision to abstain from flying in Europe a couple of years ago, I anticipated that international travel would become more challenging. However, embarking on a plane still seemed inevitable for distant journeys. Surprisingly, traveling from the UK to Morocco without flying turned out to be one of the simplest sustainable journeys, especially with the availability of Spain to Morocco ferries.
In this detailed account, I will share my recent journey using trains and a ferry to traverse from the UK to Morocco without flying. Additionally, I’ll provide insights and alternative methods for those with more time or budget constraints who wish to undertake the same route.
The Cost of Flight-Free Travel from the UK to Morocco
The most economical way to travel from the UK to Morocco without flying is often by bus. FlixBus covers the majority of the route, connecting London to Paris through either the Eurotunnel or ferry. Tickets can be as affordable as £25, but additional costs and complexities may arise during the journey.
For a quicker and flight-free option, trains offer a viable alternative. By securing deals and booking in advance, train travel can be reasonably priced. My recent route involved the following: London to Paris via Eurostar (€39 – promo tickets), Paris to Barcelona on a high-speed rail (€35 – promo tickets), Barcelona to Madrid to Seville using Iryo’s discounted high-speed rail ticket (€28 for both), Seville to Tarifa on Comes Bus (€24 – no discount tickets available), and a ferry from Tarifa to Tangier, Morocco (€25 – advanced discount). This entire one-way trip cost €151, approximately £130 at the current exchange rate.
Immigration and Customs on the Spain to Morocco Ferry
As a British passport holder, no visa is required for Morocco if the stay is less than 90 days. The standard 90-day rule applies when crossing the EU/Schengen Zone. Passport criteria must align with the details on the UK Gov Website, but the process on the ferry is similar to flying, involving customs and immigration checks.
Stage One: From the UK to Spain by Train, Bus, or Ferry
The journey to Spain depends on the chosen ferry port. The Tarifa to Tangier route is recommended, allowing for a scenic trip through Spain. The Barcelona option is longer and pricier, suitable for those aiming for a quicker connection.
UK to Spain by Train (Quickest)
Opting for trains is the preferred method for a flight-free journey. Taking the earliest Eurostar from London to Paris and then a TGV with SNCF from Paris to Barcelona offers a swift connection. Advance bookings can secure affordable prices, with alternatives like the night train or traveling via Bordeaux. From Barcelona, Spain’s high-speed train network facilitates an easy continuation of the journey.
UK to Spain by Ferry
While ferries from the UK to France may not be practical, those from the UK to Spain (Bilbao or Santander) offer a viable option, albeit more expensive. Overnight sailings may necessitate cabin bookings and additional costs for the Spain to Morocco ferry connection.
UK to Spain by Bus (Cheapest)
The most economical and time-consuming option is exclusively traveling by bus. FlixBus and National Express provide connections to Paris, followed by bus options to Spain. The overnight journey to Paris allows arrival in the French capital in the morning, and subsequent bus changes lead to the Spain to Morocco ferry.
Stage Two: From Spain to Morocco by Ferry
Choosing the Spain to Morocco ferry involves multiple options, such as overnight sailings from Barcelona, quick trips from Tarifa to Tangier, or alternatives to Tangier Med and Nador.
Tarifa to Tangier Ferry
The Tarifa to Tangier route is the quickest, taking around one hour and arriving near the historic center of Tangier. FRS Ferries and InterShipping operate this crossing, with options for foot passengers and car travelers.
Algeciras to Tangier Med Ferry
A second short sailing option is from Algeciras to Tangier Med. This is similar to the Tarifa option but requires consideration of the arrival location, which is not in the city center.
Gibraltar to Morocco Ferry
For those interested in visiting Gibraltar, this option is available but requires entry into the British Overseas Territory. The ferry from Gibraltar to Morocco is less regular and may need more planning.
Alternative Ferries from Spain to Morocco
GNV operates an overnight sailing from Barcelona to Tarifa, taking around 36 hours and providing choices for Tangier Med or Nador. Other options include Motril to Nador, Al Hoceima, and Tangier Med, or Almeria to Nador.
Spain to Morocco via Ceuta or Melilla
Spain’s exclaves, Ceuta and Melilla, offer unique options. Ferry departures from Algeciras to Ceuta and from Malaga or Almeria to Melilla are available. Customs and border crossings on land must be considered when leaving these exclaves.
Stage Three: Onwards Connections from the Spain to Morocco Ferry
For those whose final destination is not Tangier, convenient onward travel options include trains, buses, or Grand Taxis.
Trains
High-speed Al Boraq train services from Tangier connect to Casablanca in around two hours, allowing further travel to Marrakech or other destinations.
Buses
CTM and SupraTours operate major bus routes in Morocco. These can be utilized for onward travel within Tangier City or to other locations.
Can You Do a Spain to Morocco Day Trip?
Yes, a day trip from Spain to Morocco is feasible, particularly using the ferries from Tarifa to Tangier. While package deals are available, exploring independently with the first and last ferry provides flexibility for exploration.
In conclusion, embarking on a flight-free journey from the UK to Morocco opens up a world of possibilities. Whether by train, bus, or ferry, this sustainable adventure offers a unique perspective on travel and cultural exploration. The diverse options for crossing from Spain to Morocco cater to different preferences, making it a memorable and enriching experience for those seeking alternatives to traditional air travel.
