Ferry to Algeciras and helicopter to Algeciras & Málaga: duration, prices and honest tips
Ceuta has no road link to mainland Spain: you go by ferry (to Algeciras) or by helicopter (Helity). Here's the honest comparison of both options — prices and schedules verified in September 2026.
| Operator | Sailings | Duration | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balearia | ~9 daily (from early morning past midnight) | 1 h – 1 h 30 min | From ~€42 one-way · ~€59 return per foot passenger · ~€119 with a car (return) |
| FRS Iberia/Maroc | Up to 5 a day | 1 h | From ~€38 one-way |
| Armas Trasmediterránea | Several daily | ~1 h 30 min | From ~€35 one-way |
First sailing usually 00:30–07:00, last between 22:30 and 00:30 depending on the day and operator. Timetables change every season: check the live table at El Faro de Ceuta or booking sites like Ferryhopper before you travel.
Ferry tips:
| Route | Flight time | Standard fare | Ceuta residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceuta ↔ Algeciras | ~10 min | €60–98 (by day and time; off-peak sailings from ~€60) | from ~€19 |
| Ceuta ↔ Málaga (airport) | ~30 min | €205–215 | from ~€58 |
The Ceuta heliport is a few minutes' walk from the city centre. Bookings and exact schedules: helity.es — official schedules and fares · Tel. 856 59 01 46 (Ceuta). Helity applies a 75% resident bonus for Ceuta residents and a non-resident bonus with ~65% off Málaga–Ceuta–Málaga if your stay doesn't exceed 15 days (see conditions on their site). Prices vary by day and time: off-peak sailings are cheaper.
| 🚢 Ferry | 🚁 Helicopter | |
|---|---|---|
| Door to door | ~3–4 h including transfers and boarding | ~1 h (straight to Málaga airport) |
| Price | By far the cheapest | 3–5× more expensive |
| Best for | Regular travel, cars, big shopping | Flight connections, emergencies, the experience |
Compare and buy the ferry (Balearia/FRS) or book the helicopter:
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Colas Frontera Ceuta — prices and schedules verified on the official Helity, Balearia and ferry-aggregator sites (Sep 2026); they change seasonally: confirm before buying. Updated: 1 September 2026 (prices verified on helity.es and the operators' official sites).