Malaga - Melilla Ferry Tickets | Prices & Schedules
- Passenger ferry tickets from €53 for Malaga - Melilla with Baleària
- Car tickets: a maximum basic fare of €40 applies to eligible standard cars, excluding port charges
- Journey duration from 6 hours to 6 hours and 30 minutes on recorded services
- Ferry company: Baleària
- Frequency: 6 weekly departures in the regular timetable, with seasonal adjustments
- Recorded departure times: 15:00 and 17:00 on different operating days
- Vessel: Rusadir, a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry
- Direct crossing with cabins, reserved seats, vehicle garages and online booking
Malaga - Melilla: Ferry tickets and crossings to North Africa
The Malaga - Melilla ferry connects southern Spain with the Spanish autonomous city of Melilla on the North African coast. It is particularly useful if you want to travel with your own car rather than fly.
Baleària operates the connection using Rusadir, a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry equipped with cabins, seating areas, restaurants and large garages.
Passenger tickets start from €53 for a one-way crossing. Eligible Melilla residents can access specially reduced fares, with Baleària advertising resident tickets from €13.
For standard passenger cars within the specified size limits, the route's regulated maximum basic vehicle fare is €40, excluding port charges. This is not a guaranteed starting price or a complete passenger-and-car ticket.
The fastest recorded crossings take 6 hours. Baleària also advertises a journey time of 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Recent regular timetables include 6 departures per week, mainly in the afternoon. Recorded departures are at 15:00, with some Sunday services leaving at 17:00.
Rusadir sails directly between Malaga and Melilla, without changing vessels or stopping at another port.
The ferry carries cars, motorcycles and other permitted vehicles. Passengers can choose reserved seating or a private cabin.
Online booking is available. Boarding documentation may require additional checks at the port, so passengers should follow Baleària's instructions rather than assuming that an email confirmation alone is sufficient for boarding.
How much are Malaga - Melilla ferry tickets?
Baleària advertises one-way passenger fares starting from €53.
The final price depends on the departure date, accommodation category and available discounts.
The route also has regulated maximum basic fares for certain passenger categories:
- Standard reserved seat: €50
- Premium reserved seat: €60
These basic fares exclude applicable port charges.
This explains why the final advertised ticket price may be higher than the regulated basic seat fare.
Private cabins are available at different prices, with the cost determined by cabin category and occupancy.
Before confirming your reservation, check the total amount payable, including port charges and any additional services.
Car ferry tickets from Malaga to Melilla
Rusadir has extensive garage facilities for passenger vehicles.
Cars, motorcycles and other approved vehicles can travel on the ferry, provided they are booked in the correct category.
For a standard passenger car measuring no more than 5.5 metres in length, 2.2 metres in width and 2 metres in height, the regulated maximum basic fare is €40, excluding port charges.
The vehicle fare is separate from the passenger ticket.
Larger vehicles, including vans and motorhomes, may have different charges.
If your car has a roof box, trailer or bicycle rack, include the additional dimensions when booking.
For a family travelling with a car, compare the full price for all passengers, accommodation and vehicle transport before paying.
Rusadir: The Baleària ferry serving Malaga - Melilla
Rusadir is a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry designed for medium-distance Mediterranean crossings.
The vessel can accommodate up to 1,670 passengers and has 261 cabins.
Its two vehicle decks provide 2,600 lane metres of garage capacity.
This allows the ship to transport passenger cars as well as larger vehicles and commercial freight.
Rusadir also has dual-fuel engines capable of operating with natural gas.
Onboard facilities include passenger lounges, reserved seats, private cabins, a restaurant and a cafeteria.
The ship is designed for conventional ferry travel rather than high-speed crossings.
What time does the ferry leave Malaga?
The regular afternoon timetable includes departures at 15:00 on several operating days.
Sunday departures have also been recorded at 17:00.
The corresponding arrival times in Melilla are 21:00 and 23:00.
The route generally operates on six days each week, although additional or revised services may be introduced during busy periods.
Departure times may change around public holidays or for operational reasons.
Check the exact departure date before making your booking, especially if you need to arrive in Melilla at a particular time.
Where does the ferry depart from in Malaga?
Baleària operates from the passenger facilities at the Port of Malaga.
Its passenger service facilities include Estación Marítima 3, office B-05.
Port address: Avenida Manuel Agustín Heredia 1, 29001 Málaga, Spain.
Google Maps - Malaga Ferry Terminal
The exact boarding point should be checked on your reservation confirmation.
Passengers travelling with cars must follow the designated vehicle boarding instructions rather than entering through the pedestrian terminal.
How early should passengers arrive at Malaga port?
If you are taking a vehicle, plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before departure, unless Baleària specifies an earlier deadline.
Foot passengers should also allow enough time for ticket and identification checks.
Boarding procedures can take longer when several vehicles are waiting to enter the garage.
If you require accessibility assistance or are travelling with a pet, inform the ferry company before departure.
Waiting areas and passenger facilities at Malaga port
Malaga's passenger terminal provides sheltered waiting areas, toilets and passenger service facilities.
Air-conditioned facilities and access to specific waiting areas can vary within the port.
During hot summer days, it is preferable to wait inside the designated passenger terminal when access is permitted.
Keep drinking water, identification documents and essential personal items close at hand.
Arrival at the Port of Melilla
The ferry arrives at the Port of Melilla, close to the city's central districts.
Port address: Calle Muelle de Ribera 1, 52001 Melilla, Spain.
Google Maps - Port of Melilla Passenger Terminal
The central area of Melilla is a short distance from the port.
Taxis provide transport to hotels and other parts of the city.
If your ferry arrives late in the evening, arranging your onward journey in advance can be useful.
Passengers with their own cars can continue directly after disembarkation and completing the required checks.
Cabins and seating on the Malaga - Melilla ferry
Rusadir offers several passenger accommodation categories.
You can choose a standard reserved seat, a premium seat or a private cabin.
Cabins are available in different sizes, including accommodation for families.
For a six-hour crossing, a reserved seat can be a practical and economical choice.
A cabin provides privacy and a place to rest, particularly when travelling with children.
Check the number of beds and whether the cabin includes a private bathroom before completing your reservation.
What is the onboard experience like?
Rusadir has a restaurant, cafeteria and passenger lounges.
Some ticket categories or promotions may include meals.
Wi-Fi availability, internet charges and connection quality should be checked for the selected crossing.
Charging sockets are not guaranteed beside every economy seat.
Shared toilets are maintained by the crew, although their condition can change during busy periods.
The vehicle garages remain closed during the crossing.
Before leaving your car, take any medication, chargers and personal belongings you will need onboard.
Baleària discounts for children, young travellers and seniors
Special passenger discounts are available on the Malaga - Melilla connection.
Under the applicable route fare conditions, reductions include:
- Children under 12: 50% discount
- Eligible youth card holders up to 30 years old: 20% discount
- Passengers over 60: 20% discount
Eligible residents of Melilla may also qualify for government-supported reduced fares.
Baleària advertises resident passenger tickets from €13 on selected bookings.
These discounts do not automatically apply to vehicle transport or every additional service.
For general information, visit:
Some promotions listed on these pages apply specifically to Greek ferry routes. For Malaga - Melilla, only the offers accepted by Baleària for the selected booking can be used.
How to book Malaga - Melilla ferry tickets online
On booktickets.gr, select Malaga as your departure port and Melilla as your destination.
Choose your travel date and enter the number of passengers.
If you are taking a car, add its category and dimensions.
Compare the available seating and cabin options.
Before payment, check the full fare, applicable discounts, port charges and cancellation conditions.
Your booking confirmation will be sent electronically.
Follow Baleària's instructions to obtain the boarding pass and complete any required identification checks.
Find all the routes on booktickets.gr.
Ferry connections from Melilla to other Spanish ports
Melilla has ferry connections with ports on the southern Spanish mainland.
An alternative route is Melilla - Almeria, useful for travellers continuing towards eastern Andalusia.
You can also consider Almeria - Melilla if you prefer a different departure port in mainland Spain.
When planning a return journey towards Malaga, search for departures from Melilla separately on booktickets.gr.
Check the arrival port carefully when comparing alternative connections, particularly if you are travelling with a vehicle.
What to visit after arriving in Melilla
Melilla is a Spanish autonomous city situated on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa.
One of its most distinctive attractions is Melilla la Vieja, the fortified historic district.
You can walk through its old streets and explore the defensive walls overlooking the sea.
Plaza de España is another important landmark, surrounded by notable buildings.
Melilla is also known for its modernist architecture, with many examples found in the city centre.
Several beaches are located close to the urban area.
Its location gives the city a distinctive combination of Spanish, Mediterranean and North African influences.
Strong winds and rough seas in the Alboran Sea
The Malaga - Melilla ferry crosses the Alboran Sea, in the western Mediterranean.
Strong easterly and westerly winds can create rough sailing conditions.
During periods of severe weather, ferry departures may be delayed, rescheduled or cancelled.
If you are prone to seasickness, consider booking a seat near the middle of the ship.
Avoiding heavy meals immediately before sailing may also help.
Frequently asked questions about Malaga - Melilla ferries
Can EU citizens travel to Melilla with a national identity card?
Melilla is Spanish territory. Eligible EU citizens can travel with a valid national identity card accepted as a travel document or a passport.
Are there customs checks in Melilla?
Yes. Melilla has a special tax and customs regime. Certain goods and purchases are subject to specific controls and allowances.
Can I take a bicycle onboard?
Baleària accepts bicycles under its transport conditions. Check whether your bicycle must be registered during booking.
Are pets allowed on Rusadir?
Yes. Baleària provides facilities for transporting pets. Accommodation options and documentation requirements should be checked before travelling.
Can I change my ticket after booking?
Changes depend on the selected fare and availability. An amendment fee or fare difference may apply.
Is the ferry accessible to passengers with reduced mobility?
Baleària offers assistance and accessible facilities on suitably equipped vessels. Contact the company before travelling to arrange any required support.
In brief
The Malaga - Melilla ferry route is operated by Baleària using Rusadir, a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry.
The direct crossing connects Andalusia with Melilla, with regular afternoon departures and accommodation options including reserved seats and cabins.
Passengers can transport cars and motorcycles, while eligible travellers may benefit from special discounts.
On booktickets.gr, you can search for available departures and book your ferry tickets online.
Last updated: 31 October
Content edited by: booktickets.gr