Tangier is Morocco’s most accessible city for European travelers: a 35-minute ferry from Spain and served by a modern high-speed train line from Casablanca. The city has a reputation for hassle from unofficial guides and touts that is partially outdated (the situation has improved significantly since 2018) but still requires street-smart navigation. This FAQ covers the practical details.
Tangier Travel Tips: Getting to Tangier
Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG)
Tangier Airport (TNG) is 12km southwest of the city. It handles flights from several European cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Brussels, and London plus domestic connections from Casablanca. A taxi from the airport to the city center costs 100-150 MAD (fix the price before getting in) and takes 20 minutes. No public bus serves the airport reliably. The Al Boraq high-speed train station is 3km from the airport at Tanger Ville station in the city center.
Arriving by Ferry from Spain
Tangier has two ferry ports: Tanger Ville (city center, for passenger ferries to Tarifa, Spain) and Tanger Med (40km east, for vehicle ferries to Algeciras). The Tarifa-Tangier Ville fast ferry takes 35 minutes and costs approximately 40 EUR one way. Ferries run 8-12 times daily summer, 4-6 times daily winter. Book through FRS or Intershipping. The Tanger Ville port is a 5-minute walk from the medina.
High-Speed Train (Al Boraq)
The Al Boraq high-speed train connects Tangier to Casablanca in 2 hours 10 minutes (from 150 MAD second class). Trains run every 2 hours from Tanger Ville station. The line stops at Kenitra and Rabat. Book through the ONCF website or at the station.
Getting Around Tangier
Tangier’s medina is walking-only. The ville nouvelle is walkable for most purposes. Petit taxis (blue) operate within the city limits with meters starting at 7 MAD. A ride within the city center costs 10-20 MAD. Grand taxis (cream-colored Mercedes) serve longer distances and run shared routes to Cape Spartel, the Caves of Hercules, and Asilah. Agree on the fare before entering a grand taxi.
Tangier Travel Tips: Practical Information
Money in Tangier
Morocco uses the Dirham (MAD). 1 EUR equals approximately 10-11 MAD. ATMs are plentiful in the ville nouvelle and at the airport. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants in the ville nouvelle but rarely in the medina. Carry cash for medina purchases, taxis, and small cafes. Tipping (bakshish) is expected for services: 5-10 MAD for porters, 10-20 MAD for restaurant service, round up taxi fares.
Visas for Morocco
US, Canadian, UK, EU, Australian, and New Zealand passport holders can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date. No visa fees apply for these nationalities at the time of writing.
Safety and Scams in Tangier
Tangier has a lower crime rate than Casablanca but higher than Marrakech for petty theft. Keep valuables in front pockets in the medina. The main annoyance is unofficial guides (faux guides) who offer to show you around the medina or to a ‘special’ market, then demand payment. A firm ‘la, shukran’ (no, thank you) repeated as needed works. Do not follow anyone offering to take you to a hotel, restaurant, or shop; they earn commission and you’ll pay inflated prices. Tangier’s police tourism brigade (Brigade Touristique) patrols the medina; their number is 190.
Tangier Travel FAQ
Is Tangier safe for solo female travelers?
Tangier is safe for solo female travelers who take standard precautions. Dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) to reduce unwanted attention. Street harassment is less common than in Marrakech or Fes but still occurs. Walk confidently, ignore catcalls, and stick to the main medina streets after dark. The ville nouvelle is relaxed by comparison.
Can I drink alcohol in Tangier?
Yes, Tangier has more bars and licensed restaurants than most Moroccan cities due to its international history. Hotel bars, the El Dorado bar in the ville nouvelle, and beachfront restaurants serve alcohol. Drinking on the street or in the medina is not acceptable. During Ramadan, most bars close; hotel bars may serve discreetly to non-Muslims.
Suggested Hotels in Tangier
La Tangerina
Ten-room riad inside the Kasbah walls with panoramic terrace views across the Strait to Spain. Individually decorated rooms with Moroccan textiles, tadelakt bathrooms, and Tangier’s best breakfast terrace. Best for couples and travelers wanting a boutique Kasbah experience with stunning views. Check rates and availability
Grand Hotel Villa de France
Historic 1880 hotel where Matisse painted, with 57 Art Deco-Moroccan rooms, a garden pool, and a terrace restaurant overlooking the Strait. Central location between the medina and ville nouvelle. Best for history-minded travelers wanting Matisse-era atmosphere with modern luxury. Check rates and availability
Bayt Alice
Budget guesthouse in a restored medina house with a plant-filled courtyard and rooftop Strait views. Dorm beds from 12 EUR, private rooms from 35 EUR. Simple, clean, and well-located in the medina. Best for backpackers and budget travelers wanting medina atmosphere at hostel prices. Check rates and availability
