Train from London to Tangiers

Overview

Route: London to Tangiers via Paris, Madrid (sleeper) and Algeciras (ferry)

Journey time: Approximately 48 hours.

Journey highlights:

Watch the sun set over the French heartland as you enjoy a three-course meal and a bottle of Rioja en route to Madrid. The following day down to Algeciras, see how the countryside morphs into a Moorish landscape, then take the ferry across the Straits of Gibraltar to the vast continent of Africa.

Return journey: Tangiers to London via Algeciras (ferry), Madrid (sleeper) and Paris

Detailed itinerary

Option 1: via Paris, Madrid (sleeper) and Algeciras (ferry)
Sample itinerary: Take the Eurostar to Paris to catch the 1947 train hotel which arrives Madrid 0955. Spend the morning in the capital, then catch the 17:05 from Madrid Atocha arriving in Algeciras at 23:15. Early the next morning take the ferry across to Tangier - it takes just one hour to cross the Straits of Gibraltar... just enough time to wipe the sleep from your eyes and pinch yourself. You’re in Africa. Price: Eurostar to Paris then sleeper to Madrid and on to Algeciras, from £300 return. Algeciras-Tangier ferry about €60 rtn. Book your train ticket to Algeciras (before taking the ferry across to Tangiers) Book your ferry ticket from Algeciras to Tangiers
Leg 1:	London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord in the heart of Paris. Don't forget check-in time for Eurostar is at least 30 mins before departure.	Frequency of service: About 15 trains a day Operator: Eurostar Journey time: From 2 hrs 15 mins
Transfer	Cross the centre of Paris by metro from Gare du Nord to Gare d'Austeritz. From the Eurostar platform, turn left, walk down the stairs and follow the signs for Metro line M5 to Gare d'Austerlitz (which is signposted 'direction Place d'Italie'). It's 9 stops from Gare de Nord to Gare d'Austerlitz and takes 20-30 minutes, but we recommend you leave at least 50 minutes for the entire transfer.	Long hop Transfer time: Allow 50 mins. Book a hotel near Gare du Nord Book a hotel near Gare d'Austerlitz
Leg 2:	Paris Gare d'Austerlitz to Madrid (sleeper) Train departs 1947 arrives Madrid 0955.	Frequency of service: Daily Operator: EuroNight Journey time: 14 hrs 08 mins
Transfer	From Madrid Charmatin to Madrid Atocha you can take the Cercanias local rail service, three stops, taking around ten minutes. The journey is free with a valid trainhotel (Paris - Madrid sleeper train) ticket, or costs around €1.	Long hop Transfer time: Allow 45 minutes. Book a hotel near Madrid Chamartin Book a hotel near Madrid Atocha
Leg 3:	Madrid Atocha to Algeciras Trains depart Madrid daily at 0905 (arrives 1445) and 1705 (arrives 2315).	Frequency of service: 2 trains a day Operator: Renfe Journey time: From 5 hours 40 minutes
Transfer	From Algeciras train station to Algeciras ferry port. From the train station main exit concourse it's an 800m walk straight ahead to the marina where you'll see directions to the modern ferry passenger terminal.	Short hop Transfer time: Allow 30 minutes Book a hotel in Algeciras
Leg 4:	Algeciras port to Tangiers port (by ferry)	Frequency of service: Operator: various Journey time:
Destination	Ahlan al Tanja Bienvenue à Tanger Trains are only bookable through Rail Europe as far as Algeciras. To buy ferry tickets from Alceciras to Tangiers, go to greentraveller's ferry booking system.