The cheapest ferry crossings between Europe and the Maghreb are on the Strait of Gibraltar: from €39 one way per foot passenger (Algeciras or Tarifa to Tangier, 1 h to 1 h 30). Here is the full top 5, from cheapest to most expensive, with foot passenger and car ranges observed in early 2026.
The top 5 in one table
| Rank | Crossing | Duration | Foot from | Car + cabin up to | Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Algeciras / Tarifa → Tangier | 1 h – 1 h 30 | €39 | ~€400 | Baleària, Armas, AML, FRS |
| 2 | Almería / Motril / Málaga → Nador, Melilla, Al Hoceima | 5 – 8 h | €90 | ~€800 | Baleària, Naviera Armas, GNV |
| 3 | Valencia / Almería → Oran, Algiers, Mostaganem, Ghazaouet | 8 – 14 h | €120 | ~€1,000 | Baleària, Naviera Armas |
| 4 | Palermo / Genoa / Civitavecchia → Tunis | 12 – 28 h | €150 | ~€1,100 | GNV |
| 5 | Sète → Tanger Med, Nador, Algiers | 26 – 40 h | €199 | ~€1,200–1,300 | GNV, Baleària |
1. The Strait of Gibraltar — from €39
This is the cheapest crossing in the whole western Mediterranean. Algeciras–Tanger Med (1 h to 1 h 30) and Tarifa–Tangier City (1 h) offer dozens of departures a day. The catch: you have to drive the length of Spain (about 1,000 km from the French border). The upside: even counting fuel and tolls, it is often the most economical option for a family with a vehicle.
2. Spain → eastern Morocco — from €90
For Nador, Al Hoceima or Melilla, sail from Almería, Motril or Málaga. Crossings of 5 to 8 hours, often overnight: board in the evening, arrive at dawn and save a hotel night. The favourite route of families from the Rif.
3. Spain → Algeria — from €120
The Valencia–Oran/Algiers/Mostaganem (Baleària) and Almería–Oran/Ghazaouet (Armas) routes are the cheapest to Algeria. 8 to 14 hours at sea, versus about 26 h from Sète. A serious alternative if the road detour through Spain doesn't put you off.
4. Italy → Tunisia — from €150
Palermo–Tunis is the shortest (~12 h) and cheapest link to Tunisia. Genoa–Tunis (~22 h) and Civitavecchia–Tunis (~28 h) complete GNV's offer. From France, Marseille–Tunis (Corsica Linea, CTN) is more direct but generally pricier.
5. Sète, the direct departure from France — from €199
Sète–Tanger Med (~40 h), Sète–Nador and Sète–Algiers (~26 h) are the only direct links from France outside Marseille. Pricier per ticket, but without 1,000 km of driving to southern Spain: do the full maths (fuel + tolls + possible hotel) before comparing.
The real maths: ticket + road
| Typical itinerary (from Paris, car + 2 pax) | One-way ticket | Drive to port | Indicative total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris → Sète → Tanger Med | ~€350–600 | ~750 km (≈ €130) | ~€480–730 |
| Paris → Algeciras → Tanger Med | ~€120–400 | ~1,850 km (≈ €320) | ~€440–720 |
On a one-way trip, the two options often come out even — the Strait wins mainly off season, when Sète tickets are at their ceiling. Book early and compare both scenarios on Bladia: payment in 4 interest-free instalments and ANCV holiday vouchers accepted. Indicative early-2026 fares, to be confirmed at booking.