Tangier Med to Tangier City Center: The Complete Transport Guide 2026

You’ve just arrived at Morocco’s mega-port after crossing the Mediterranean, passport stamped, ready to explore Tangier’s chaotic medina and coastal cafés. There’s just one problem: you’re not in Tangier. You’re 50 kilometers away at an industrial port complex, and the city you want to reach might as well be on another planet.

Welcome to the **Tangier Med port logistics puzzle** that confuses thousands of travelers every year. The confusion starts before you even book your ferry, continues through arrival, and culminates in potentially paying triple the fair price for a taxi because you didn’t understand the system.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll explain the critical difference between Tangier Med and Tangier Ville, break down your three transport options (train, bus, grand taxi), reveal the actual fair prices, and arm you with the phrases you need to avoid getting ripped off. Whether you’re arriving from Algeciras on a massive cargo ferry or from Tarifa on a quick passenger crossing, you’ll know exactly what to do the moment you step off the boat.

The Great Confusion: Tanger Med vs. Tanger Ville

Before we dive into transport options, you need to understand the single most important distinction that catches travelers off-guard: **there are two ports in the Tangier region, and they’re completely different**.

Tanger Med: The Industrial Giant

**Tanger Med** (also spelled Tangier Med or Tanja Med) is Africa’s largest port and one of the busiest container terminals in the Mediterranean. Located approximately **50 kilometers east** of Tangier city center, it’s a massive, modern facility that handles cargo ships, ferries from Spain, and passenger traffic.

This is where ferries from **Algeciras** arrive — the main crossing point from Spain to Morocco. The journey from Algeciras takes about 1.5-2 hours, and you’ll dock at Tanger Med’s passenger terminal.

**What it’s like:** Industrial. Efficient. Soulless. Think shipping containers, highway interchanges, and zero Moroccan charm. There’s no medina here, no cafés, no accommodation worth staying at — just a functional port designed to move cargo and passengers quickly. Your goal is to get out and reach actual Tangier as fast as possible.

**Distance to Tangier city center:** 50 kilometers (31 miles), approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour by road depending on traffic.

Tanger Ville: The City Port

**Tanger Ville** (Tangier Ville or Tangier City Port) is the old port located right in the heart of Tangier city, at the bottom of the medina. This is where ferries from **Tarifa** (Spain) arrive — the quick 35-40 minute crossing popular with foot passengers and day-trippers.

**What it’s like:** You step off the ferry and you’re literally in central Tangier. The medina walls are visible, cafés are 200 meters away, hotels and riads are within walking distance. This is infinitely more convenient.

**If you’re arriving at Tanger Ville port, you don’t need this guide** — just walk out of the terminal, and you’re already in the city. This guide is specifically for those arriving at the distant Tanger Med port.

Tangier Med port ferry terminal building with passengers disembarking from Algeciras ferry

How to Know Which Port You’re Using

Check your ferry booking:

  • **Ferry from Algeciras** → You’re arriving at **Tanger Med** (need transport to city, 50km away)
  • **Ferry from Tarifa** → You’re arriving at **Tanger Ville** (already in city center, no extra transport needed)

Most travelers coming from mainland Europe with vehicles use the Algeciras-Tanger Med route because it handles cars, trucks, and campers. Foot passengers and day-trippers often prefer the quicker Tarifa-Tanger Ville crossing.

Now that we’ve established you’re arriving at Tanger Med and need to cover 50 kilometers to reach the city, let’s break down your options.

Option 1: The Train (The ONCF Shuttle Connection)

Morocco’s national railway company, **ONCF**, operates a train service connecting Tanger Med port directly to Tangier city and beyond. On paper, this sounds perfect — comfortable, affordable, modern train from port to city. In practice, it’s the least flexible option due to limited frequency.

How the Tanger Med Train Works

Inside the Tanger Med port complex, there’s a small railway station called **Tanger Med Port Station** (Gare Tanger Med Port). After clearing customs and immigration, follow signs for “Train” or “ONCF” — it’s about a 5-10 minute walk from the ferry terminal through covered walkways.

The train service runs between Tanger Med Port and **Tanger Ville train station** in the city center. Journey time is approximately **45 minutes** to Tangier city.

**Cost:** Approximately **35-40 MAD** ($3.50-$4 USD) for a second-class ticket. First class costs slightly more (around 50 MAD) and offers more comfortable seating.

ONCF train at Tangier Med port station platform ready for departure to Tangier city

Read More: Train Schedule & TGV Connection →

The Schedule Problem

Here’s the catch: **trains run only 4-5 times per day** from Tanger Med to Tangier. Unlike buses or taxis that run continuously, you’re dependent on a limited schedule that may or may not align with your ferry arrival time.

Ferry arrivals from Algeciras are scheduled, but they’re often delayed by 30 minutes to an hour due to loading, weather, or port congestion. If you miss your connecting train by 10 minutes, you could be waiting 2-3 hours for the next one.

**Check the current schedule:** Visit the ONCF website (oncf.ma) before your trip and note the departure times from Tanger Med. Plan for at least 1 hour buffer between your scheduled ferry arrival and the train departure to account for delays and customs clearance.

The Al Boraq High-Speed Connection

If your destination is Casablanca, Rabat, or Kenitra, the train from Tanger Med becomes more attractive because you can connect to the **Al Boraq high-speed train** (Africa’s first TGV-style service) at Tangier Ville station.

The route works like this:

  1. Tanger Med Port → Tanger Ville train station (45 minutes, 35-40 MAD)
  2. At Tanger Ville station, transfer to Al Boraq high-speed train
  3. Tangier → Casablanca (2 hours 10 minutes at speeds up to 320 km/h)

This seamless rail connection is one of the main advantages of taking the train from Tanger Med, especially if you’re not actually staying in Tangier but continuing south. For more details on Morocco’s rail network and planning multi-city trips, see our Morocco travel logistics guide.

Buying Your Train Ticket

You can purchase tickets:

  • **At Tanger Med Port station:** Ticket windows are inside the small station building. Cash (dirhams) is preferred, though some accept credit cards.
  • **Online via ONCF:** Book in advance at oncf.ma, though this is only worthwhile if you’re confident about your ferry arrival time.
  • **Automated machines:** Available at the station, accepting credit cards.

**Pro tip:** Unless you’re confident your ferry will arrive on time and you’ll clear customs quickly, don’t pre-book. Buy your ticket at the station for the next available departure.

The Pros of Taking the Train

  • **Comfortable and modern:** Clean ONCF trains with air conditioning and decent seating
  • **Affordable:** 35-40 MAD is excellent value for 50km
  • **Connects to Al Boraq:** Perfect if continuing to Casablanca or Rabat
  • **Avoids taxi negotiation:** Fixed price, no haggling or scam risk
  • **City center arrival:** Tanger Ville station is well-located for onward travel

The Cons of Taking the Train

  • **Very limited frequency:** Only 4-5 trains per day, long gaps between departures
  • **No flexibility:** Miss your train = wait 2-3 hours for the next one
  • **Not ideal for late arrivals:** Last train typically leaves by early evening
  • **Walk required:** 5-10 minute walk from ferry terminal to train station with luggage
  • **Station location:** Tanger Ville station is convenient but still requires taxi to most hotels/riads

Who Should Take the Train?

The train makes sense if your ferry arrival aligns with a train departure (allowing 1+ hour buffer for delays), you’re continuing onward to Casablanca/Rabat via Al Boraq, or you value comfort and fixed pricing over flexibility. It’s less suitable for night arrivals, travelers with tight schedules, or those going directly to a Tangier medina riad.

Option 2: The Bus (Alsa Shuttle I-3 — The Budget Secret)

The best-kept budget secret for **getting from Tangier Med port to Tangier city center** is the public bus service operated by Alsa (a Spanish-Moroccan transport company). For the price of a coffee in Europe, you can ride from the port to Tangier’s main bus station.

The Alsa I-3 Shuttle Service

**Line I-3** is a dedicated shuttle bus connecting Tanger Med port with Tangier city. The bus is white with blue markings, clearly labeled “I-3” and showing “Tanger Ville” or “Tanger” as the destination.

**Where to find it:** Exit the ferry terminal building and look for the bus stop/parking area. The Alsa buses wait near the taxi rank. Ask any port worker “Alsa? I-3?” and they’ll point you in the right direction.

**Cost:** Approximately **7-10 MAD** ($0.70-$1 USD). This is by far the cheapest option and makes the bus the go-to choice for backpackers and budget travelers.

**Frequency:** Buses run every **30-60 minutes** during daytime hours (roughly 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM). The schedule loosely coordinates with ferry arrivals, though you might wait 20-40 minutes for the next departure.

**Journey time:** Approximately **1 hour** from Tanger Med to Tangier, depending on traffic and stops.

Read More: Bus Route & Practical Details →

The Route and Where It Goes

The I-3 bus travels from Tanger Med port to **Tangier’s main bus station** (Gare Routière), which is located near the train station, about 2 kilometers southwest of the medina and city center.

From the bus station, you’ll need:

  • **A petit taxi to your hotel/riad:** 15-25 MAD to the medina, depending on exact location and your negotiation skills
  • **Or a 20-30 minute walk:** Possible if you’re traveling very light and know where you’re going

**Total cost including taxi to medina:** 25-35 MAD ($2.50-$3.50), still incredibly cheap.

Buying Your Bus Ticket

Pay directly to the bus driver when you board. Have small bills (10 MAD or 20 MAD notes) ready — drivers often don’t have change for large bills. Coins work too.

**No advance booking needed or possible.** This is a simple public bus service — just show up, pay, and ride.

What to Expect on the Bus

The Alsa I-3 buses are basic but functional — air-conditioned (usually), reasonably clean, with overhead luggage racks and some storage underneath for larger bags. Don’t expect luxury coach comfort, but it’s perfectly acceptable for an hour-long journey.

**Crowding:** This varies wildly. If a large ferry just arrived, the bus can be packed with standing room only. At off-peak times, you might have rows to yourself. There’s no reserved seating — first come, first served.

**Luggage:** Overhead racks accommodate backpacks and small suitcases. Larger bags go in the luggage hold underneath. If you’re traveling with a lot of gear (surfboards, bikes, massive suitcases), the bus becomes less practical and a taxi starts to make more sense.

The Pros of Taking the Bus

  • **Extremely cheap:** 7-10 MAD is budget-traveler gold
  • **Regular frequency:** Every 30-60 minutes during the day beats the train’s 4-5 daily departures
  • **No negotiation required:** Fixed price, no taxi scam risk
  • **Reliable and predictable:** The I-3 has been running for years and locals use it regularly
  • **Accessible:** Easy to find, simple to use

The Cons of Taking the Bus

  • **Can be crowded:** Packed bus with big luggage is uncomfortable
  • **Longer journey time:** 1 hour vs. 45 minutes by train or taxi
  • **Bus station not city center:** Still need taxi to most accommodations
  • **No service late at night:** Last bus typically around 9:00 PM
  • **Standing room only possible:** During peak times, you might not get a seat
  • **Language barrier:** Drivers typically speak Arabic/French, minimal English

Who Should Take the Bus?

The Alsa I-3 bus is perfect for backpackers, solo travelers on a budget, anyone with reasonable luggage (not multiple giant suitcases), and travelers arriving during daytime hours. If you’re comfortable with basic public transport and want to save money, this is your best bet. Not ideal for families with young children, late-night arrivals, or anyone with mobility issues or excessive luggage.

White Alsa I-3 shuttle bus at Tangier Med port waiting area for Tangier city route

Option 3: Grand Taxis (The Fastest Way — and the Scam Minefield)

**Grand taxis** waiting outside Tanger Med port offer the most direct, fastest route to Tangier city center. They’re also where unsuspecting tourists get absolutely fleeced if they don’t know the fair price and aren’t prepared to negotiate firmly.

How Grand Taxis Work at Tanger Med

As you exit the ferry terminal building at Tanger Med, you’ll see a line of **white or beige Mercedes sedans** — these are grand taxis. Drivers will approach you, often aggressively, offering “taxi to Tangier.”

Grand taxis operate on two pricing models:

**1. Shared (à la place):** You pay for one seat in a 6-passenger taxi. The driver waits until all six seats are filled, then departs. Cost per person: **30-50 MAD** ($3-$5 USD).

**2. Private (course privée):** You pay for the entire taxi (all 6 seats), and you leave immediately without waiting for other passengers. Cost for the whole vehicle: **200-300 MAD** ($20-$30 USD).

**Journey time:** Approximately **40-50 minutes** from Tanger Med to central Tangier, making it the fastest option.

White Mercedes grand taxi waiting at Tangier Med port taxi rank for passengers to Tangier

Read More: Grand Taxi Pricing & Negotiation →

The Pricing Reality: Where Tourists Get Scammed

Here’s where it gets tricky. Drivers at Tanger Med port know most arriving passengers are disoriented, tired from the crossing, and unfamiliar with local prices. They’ll quote outrageous fares hoping tourists don’t know better.

**Common scam prices you’ll hear:**

  • “Private taxi to Tangier: 500 MAD” (should be 200-300 MAD)
  • “Per person: 100 MAD” (should be 30-50 MAD for shared)
  • “Tangier center 300 MAD each” for a shared ride (absurd, you’re being charged private taxi price per person)

**Fair prices to insist on (as of 2025):**

  • **Shared grand taxi:** 30-50 MAD per person (you share with 5 others)
  • **Private grand taxi:** 200-300 MAD for entire vehicle (negotiate toward 200 MAD)

How to Negotiate and Avoid Getting Ripped Off

**Step 1: Know the price BEFORE approaching taxis.** You just read it above. Memorize it.

**Step 2: Ask the price clearly.** Walk up to the taxi rank and ask: “Tangier ville, combien?” (Tangier city, how much?) or “How much to Tangier?”

**Step 3: Clarify shared vs. private.** If they quote a low price (30-50 MAD), confirm: “C’est à la place?” (That’s per seat?) If they quote a higher price (200-300 MAD), confirm: “C’est pour le taxi complet?” (That’s for the whole taxi?)

**Step 4: Walk away from bad prices.** If someone quotes 500 MAD for a private taxi, laugh, say “Non, merci,” and walk to the next taxi. There are dozens of drivers. Don’t be intimidated.

**Step 5: Agree on the price BEFORE loading luggage.** This is critical. Once your bags are in the trunk, you lose negotiating leverage. Confirm the total price, then load bags.

**Useful phrases:**

  • “C’est trop cher!” (That’s too expensive!)
  • “Je connais le prix normal” (I know the normal price)
  • “Non, merci” + walk away (No, thank you + walk away)

**Pro tip:** If you’re traveling as a couple or small group (2-3 people) and the shared taxi wait looks long, consider splitting a private taxi. At 250 MAD divided by 3 people (83 MAD each), it’s only slightly more than the shared rate but you leave immediately and get door-to-door service.

Shared Grand Taxi: The Waiting Game

If you opt for the cheaper shared grand taxi, be prepared to wait. Drivers don’t depart until all 6 seats are sold.

**Wait times:** Highly variable. If a large ferry just arrived, taxis fill quickly — you might leave in 10-15 minutes. During quiet periods or if you’re the first passenger, you could wait 45 minutes to an hour.

Some passengers get impatient waiting and end up paying for the empty seats just to leave. Don’t fall for this trap unless you’re genuinely in a rush.

Door-to-Door Service

One major advantage of grand taxis (especially private) is **door-to-door service**. Unlike the train or bus which drop you at stations requiring onward taxis, grand taxis can take you directly to your hotel or riad in the medina.

**Important:** The medina is mostly car-free, so taxis drop you at the nearest medina gate (typically Bab Kasbah or Bab Fes), not at your exact riad address. Have your accommodation’s address written down and a phone number to call if you get lost in the medina alleys.

The Pros of Grand Taxis

  • **Fastest option:** 40-50 minutes direct to Tangier
  • **Door-to-door:** Drops you at your hotel/riad, no onward taxi needed
  • **Flexible timing:** Available 24/7, leave when you want (if private)
  • **Good for groups:** Split among 3-4 people, private taxi is cost-effective
  • **Luggage space:** Plenty of trunk room for bags
  • **Only option late at night:** After 9-10 PM, buses and trains stop running

The Cons of Grand Taxis

  • **Scam risk:** Tourists routinely get overcharged without negotiation
  • **Aggressive drivers:** Pushy tactics, pressure to accept inflated prices
  • **Shared taxi wait:** Can be 30-60 minutes until taxi fills
  • **Cramped if shared:** 6 people in a sedan is tight
  • **Requires negotiation skills:** Not ideal if you’re uncomfortable haggling
  • **Higher cost:** More expensive than bus (7 MAD) or train (35 MAD) for solo travelers

Who Should Take a Grand Taxi?

Grand taxis make sense for groups of 3-4+ people (private taxi cost splits nicely), late-night arrivals (only option after 9-10 PM), families with lots of luggage, travelers who value speed and convenience over budget, or anyone confident in their negotiation skills who wants door-to-door service. Not ideal for solo budget travelers (bus is cheaper) or those uncomfortable with aggressive negotiation.

Arrival at Night: What Changes After 10 PM?

If your ferry from Algeciras arrives late in the evening — and many do, especially during summer when there are night crossings — your transport options narrow significantly.

Night Logistics Reality

**Trains:** The last train from Tanger Med to Tangier typically departs between 7:00-8:00 PM. If you’re arriving after this, the train is not an option.

**Buses:** The Alsa I-3 shuttle runs until approximately 9:00-9:30 PM. After that, no more buses.

**Grand taxis:** Available 24/7. This becomes your only option for late arrivals.

Night Pricing and Safety

**Official night tariff:** Moroccan taxis are supposed to charge a 50% surcharge after 8:00 PM. In practice, at Tanger Med, drivers often try to charge even more to late arrivals, knowing you have no alternatives.

**Expected night prices:**

  • **Shared grand taxi:** 50-80 MAD per person (vs. 30-50 MAD during day)
  • **Private grand taxi:** 300-400 MAD for entire vehicle (vs. 200-300 MAD during day)

**Safety:** The road from Tanger Med to Tangier is well-maintained and well-lit. Night driving is not inherently dangerous on this route. The main risk is overpaying, not safety.

**Pro tip for night arrivals:** If possible, book accommodation near Tanger Ville train station or the city center that can arrange a pick-up for a fixed price. Many hotels and riads offer airport/port transfer services at reasonable fixed rates (250-350 MAD) that eliminate the haggling stress after a long ferry journey.

The Comparison: Which Option is Right for You?

Here’s a quick summary to help you decide which transport option best fits your situation:

ModeFrequencyCost (approx.)Journey TimeBest For
Train (ONCF)Very Low (4-5/day)35-40 MAD~45 minComfort, TGV connections, avoiding haggling
Bus (Alsa I-3)Every 30-60 min7-10 MAD~1 hourBackpackers, budget travelers, daytime arrivals
Grand Taxi (Shared)Instant (after waiting)30-50 MAD per person~45 minModerate budget, some flexibility needed
Grand Taxi (Private)Instant departure200-300 MAD total~40 minFamilies, groups, late arrivals, door-to-door

Final Recommendations: The Smart Choice Based on Your Situation

After helping countless travelers navigate the Tanger Med arrival experience, here’s our honest advice tailored to different situations:

Take the Bus (Alsa I-3) If…

  • You’re a solo traveler or couple on a budget
  • You’re arriving during daytime hours (before 8:00 PM)
  • You’re comfortable with basic public transport
  • You don’t have excessive luggage
  • You want to avoid taxi negotiation completely

At 7-10 MAD, the bus is unbeatable value. Yes, you’ll need an onward taxi from the bus station (add 20 MAD), bringing your total to around 30 MAD — still cheaper than any other option. Perfect for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.

Take the Train If…

  • Your ferry arrival aligns with a train departure (with 1+ hour buffer)
  • You’re continuing to Casablanca or Rabat via Al Boraq
  • You value comfort and air conditioning
  • You want fixed pricing without negotiation
  • You don’t mind the limited schedule

The train is the sweet spot for comfort and cost if the timing works. At 35-40 MAD with a comfortable journey and seamless connection to Morocco’s high-speed rail network, it’s ideal for travelers heading beyond Tangier.

Take a Private Grand Taxi If…

  • You’re traveling as a group of 3-4+ people (cost splits nicely)
  • You’re arriving late at night (after 9:00 PM)
  • You have lots of luggage or young children
  • You want door-to-door service directly to your riad
  • You’re comfortable negotiating firmly on price
  • Speed and convenience are worth the extra cost

Split 4 ways, a 250 MAD private taxi costs 62.50 MAD per person — only slightly more than a shared taxi but with immediate departure and direct service. Just make sure you negotiate the price down from the initial inflated quote.

Consider a Shared Grand Taxi If…

  • Buses aren’t running but trains are too infrequent
  • You don’t mind waiting 20-40 minutes for the taxi to fill
  • You’re okay with cramped seating
  • 30-50 MAD fits your budget better than 200+ MAD private

Shared grand taxis are a middle ground — faster than the bus, cheaper than private taxi, but with waiting time and negotiation hassle.

Beyond Transport: Continuing Your Morocco Journey

Once you’ve successfully navigated from Tanger Med to Tangier city center, you’re at the northern gateway to Morocco’s many wonders. Tangier itself deserves at least 1-2 days to explore the kasbah, enjoy mint tea with Atlantic views, and wander the revitalized medina.

From Tangier, many travelers continue to:

  • **Chefchaouen (the Blue City):** 2-3 hours by bus or shared taxi, one of Morocco’s most photogenic destinations
  • **Fes:** 5-6 hours by train or car, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital
  • **Marrakech:** 8 hours by train or overnight bus, the tourism heartbeat of Morocco
  • **The Rif Mountains:** For hiking, rural villages, and stunning landscapes

If you’re planning a broader Morocco road trip, Tangier is an excellent starting point. Consider renting a car to explore at your own pace — our complete guide to car rental in Morocco covers everything from documentation to navigating Moroccan roads.

For tips on driving in Morocco, including what to expect on highways and in cities, check our detailed driving guide.

You’ve Arrived: Welcome to Morocco

The confusion of Tanger Med vs. Tangier Ville, the negotiation dance with grand taxi drivers, the budget calculation between bus and private car — it’s all part of arriving in Morocco. Within an hour of stepping off that ferry, you’ll be navigating medina alleys, sipping mint tea, and wondering why you stressed so much about the port transport logistics.

Now you know the reality: the bus costs 10 MAD and runs every hour, the train costs 35 MAD but runs 4-5 times daily, and the grand taxi should be 30-50 MAD shared or 200-300 MAD private (not a dirham more, no matter what the driver claims).

Armed with this knowledge, you’re not a confused tourist stepping off the boat anymore. You’re someone who knows the system, knows the prices, and knows how to navigate one of Morocco’s trickiest arrival points.

Welcome to Morocco. The adventure starts now.