You’ve just arrived at Tanger Med Passenger Port after crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. The views are amazing… and then the practical question appears: how do I actually get to Tangier city?
Tanger Med is around 45–50 km from Tangier, so you can’t just walk into town. In 2025, most tourists choose between bus, grand taxi or private transfer, each with different prices, comfort levels and stress levels. This guide breaks down what each option is really like so you can decide calmly before you leave the ship.
Table of contents
Quick overview: distance, time and main options
Tanger Med to Tangier: 2025 prices & travel times
What bus, taxi and private transfer are really like
Safety, luggage & night arrivals for first-time visitors
How to choose the best option for your itinerary
FAQ: Tanger Med to Tangier city transfers
Quick overview: distance, time and main options
Tanger Med Passenger Port is a huge hub outside the city, handling millions of passengers each year on Morocco–Europe ferry routes.
The distance to Tangier city centre is roughly 49 km by road, and the journey normally takes about 50–70 minutes depending on traffic and where exactly you’re staying
From the terminal, tourists usually choose between:
Public bus : the cheapest option, about 1 hour into Tangier
Grand taxi : mid-priced, flexible, can be shared or private
Private transfer : pre-booked car or van waiting with your name
If you want to see how the port is organised (access roads, terminals, activities) before you arrive, the official Tanger Med Port Authority website at tangermedport.com gives a clear overview of the complex and passenger access areas.
Tanger Med to Tangier: 2025 prices & travel times
Below are approximate 2025 ranges, just to help you plan. Exact amounts change with fuel prices, time of day and demand.
1. Bus from Tanger Med to Tangier city
Travel time: about 1 hour to the city area.
Price: by far the cheapest option, usually only a small amount per person.
Departure point: buses leave from the passenger port area and go to Tangier (often towards station zones and main roads).
The wider Tangier urban network is operated by ALSA under contract, with multiple lines connecting the city and its outskirts, so you may switch to another local bus or a short city taxi once you arrive.
Best for: solo travellers or backpackers with light luggage and plenty of time.
2. Grand taxi from Tanger Med
Travel time: usually 50–60 minutes into the city, depending on traffic.
Price: mid-range. A private grand taxi costs more than the bus but can be good value split between 3–5 people.
Where to find them: follow signs to the official taxi rank at the passenger terminal.
These are the classic Moroccan intercity grand taxis. For a private ride, you pay the full car; for a shared ride, you pay per seat. Always clarify:
Is the taxi private or shared?
Is the price for the whole car or per person?
Does the fare include your exact drop-off area (Medina, Corniche, train station, etc.)?
Pros: flexible, can drop you close to your hotel or riad.
Cons: you need to negotiate clearly, and most drivers work cash-only in dirhams.
3. Private transfer from Tanger Med to Tangier city
Travel time: around 1 hour, with no time wasted on tickets or negotiation.
Price: higher than public bus, similar or slightly more than a private grand taxi, but fixed in advance per vehicle, not per person.
How it works: you book online; your driver waits at arrivals with your name and takes you directly to your accommodation.
This is usually the most comfortable choice if:
You’re travelling with family, older relatives or a group
You have multiple suitcases, bikes or surfboards
Your ferry arrives late at night or after a long overland trip
What bus, taxi and private transfer are really like
Bus experience
Comfort: basic public bus, no-frills but functional.
Luggage: fine for backpacks and medium suitcases; very big or multiple bags can be awkward in crowded buses.
Navigation: you may still need a short city taxi ride from the bus arrival point to your hotel or riad in the Medina or Corniche.
Taxi experience
Comfort: varies with the car; air-conditioning may or may not be used.
Luggage: good if you want your bags in the trunk and less lifting.
Negotiation: normal in Morocco. Agree the price before the car moves and don’t be afraid to walk away if the fare feels unreasonable.
Private transfer experience
Comfort: modern vehicles, AC, reserved only for you or your group.
Luggage: driver expects bags and helps load/unload.
Reassurance: you know the price, route and drop-off point in advance; you just walk out, find your name board and sit down.
For first-time visitors, nervous travellers or anyone arriving tired, that “zero stress” factor is often worth the difference in price.
Safety, luggage & night arrivals for first-time visitors
Safety at the port: Tanger Med is busy but structured; stick to signed areas, ignore unofficial “helpers” and use official taxis or pre-booked transfers.
Late-night crossings: after dark, it’s more comfortable to step straight into a taxi or private transfer rather than working out bus times.
Families with kids: minimise waiting and changes. A direct taxi or private transfer is usually best.
Big luggage / sports gear: surfboards, bikes or very heavy suitcases are easier with a taxi or private transfer than on a bus.
Once you reach Tangier, you can dive into the medina, Kasbah and Corniche. The official Moroccan National Tourist Office page for Tangier gives a good overview of the city’s neighbourhoods and highlights, so you can choose where to stay and what to see after your transfer. You’ll find it at visitmorocco.com/en/travel/tangier.
How to choose the best option for your itinerary
Choose the bus if…
You’re on a tight budget
You’re travelling solo or as a couple with light luggage
You don’t mind taking a local taxi once you reach the city
Choose a grand taxi if…
You want flexibility without booking ahead
You’re a small group and can share the fare
You prefer to be dropped close to your hotel or riad
Choose a private transfer if…
You’re arriving late at night or very early
You’re travelling with children, elderly relatives, or lots of luggage
You value a fixed price and minimal stress after the ferry
A common pattern for many tourists is: bus into the city when you have time and energy, and private transfer or taxi when catching an early-morning return ferry so there are no timing surprises.
FAQ: Tanger Med to Tangier city transfers
How far is Tanger Med from Tangier city?
The distance by road is roughly 49 km, with a travel time of about 50–70 minutes depending on traffic and where you’re staying in Tangier.
Is there a direct bus from Tanger Med to Tangier?
Yes, there is a direct bus service between Tanger Med Passenger Port and Tangier with a journey time of around one hour. Timetables can change, so confirm locally on arrival or at the bus information point.
Are taxis from Tanger Med to Tangier safe?
Official taxis at the port are a standard way to travel. Use the official taxi rank, confirm the fare clearly before departure, and pay in Moroccan dirhams. If you’re uncomfortable with the price, you can simply refuse and ask another driver.
Can I pay by card for my transfer?
Most public buses and classic grand taxis are cash-only. Some private transfer companies allow card payment if you book online in advance, but don’t assume this unless it is clearly stated in your confirmation.
What is the best option for families with children?
For families, a pre-booked private transfer or a private grand taxi is usually best: no ticket queues, no changes and a direct run to your hotel, apartment or riad.
Is it easy to find my way from the bus arrival point in Tangier to the Medina?
It’s doable, but with luggage it’s often easier to take a short city taxi from the bus station area to your riad or hotel. Tangier has plenty of small taxis; just show the address or a maps pin and confirm the approximate fare before you get in.