Ciudad de Granada Trasmed
Ciudad de Granada
âš“ The Ciudad de Granada is one of the mainstay ferries on the links between mainland Spain and Melilla, operated by Trasmed. She covers the Almería–Melilla and Motril–Melilla routes, two of the most important sea connections between southern Spain and the autonomous city, serving residents, holidaymakers and hauliers alike. The ship carries passengers, cars and roll-on/roll-off freight on the same sailing, which makes her central to both Melilla's transport links and its supply chain.
The Ciudad de Granada is part of the fleet of Trasmed (Transportes Marítimos Mediterráneos), a Spanish ferry operator with a long history on domestic coastal routes and services to the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Trasmed runs under the Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract that guarantees the essential links between the mainland and Melilla.
History and background of the ship
The Ciudad de Granada (IMO 9307375) was built between 2003 and 2005 at the Hijos de J. Barreras yard in Vigo and delivered to Trasmediterránea as the Volcán de Tijarafe — not to be confused with the Volcán de Tijarafe that Armas operates today. In 2021, after Trasmediterránea was absorbed into the Naviera Armas group, she was renamed Ciudad de Granada in line with the company's naming policy. She is an efficiently designed Ro-Pax that pairs a large freight capacity with a full range of passenger services.
Today her core route is the Motril–Melilla link, one of the pillars of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) scheme that guarantees connectivity with the autonomous city of Melilla. The Port of Motril is the closest crossing point to Granada for North Africa, and the route is essential both for Melilla residents and for people from northern Morocco who work or live on the Spanish mainland.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Conventional Ro-Pax ferry |
| Length overall | 166 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Service speed | ~19 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~900 people |
| Vehicle capacity | Yes (car deck for cars and heavy vehicles) |
| Propulsion | Conventional diesel engines |
| Operating company | Trasmed |
| Main routes | Almería–Melilla · Motril–Melilla |
| Type of service | Public Service Obligation (PSO) |
| Flag | Spain |
| IMO number | 9222286 |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Almería → Melilla | ~7 h | Check timetable |
| Melilla → Almería | ~7 h | Check timetable |
| Motril → Melilla | ~5 h 30 min | Check timetable |
| Melilla → Motril | ~5 h 30 min | Check timetable |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The port of Melilla: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The port of Melilla is the arrival and departure point for every route the Ciudad de Granada works. Melilla is a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast, about 12 km from the Moroccan shoreline. You do not need a passport to travel there if you are a Spanish or EU citizen, but you do need a valid Spanish ID card (DNI).
The port of Melilla is very well connected to the city centre, only a few minutes away on foot or by taxi. If you are arriving from Almería, it is about 15 minutes on foot or 5 by taxi from the port of Almería to the city centre. If you sail from Motril, the port is roughly 3 km from the centre of town.
If you are travelling with a vehicle, we recommend arriving at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand. As a foot passenger, 45 minutes is enough in low season, though in summer and during the Operación Paso del Estrecho it is worth allowing extra time.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Prices on the Ciudad de Granada vary with the season, the type of accommodation you choose and whether the passenger is a resident of Melilla. Standard seat fares start at roughly €30–45 one way in low season, rising in summer and at peak times (Operación Paso del Estrecho, Easter, public holidays).
Available discounts:
- Melilla resident: 75% off the base ticket price. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). It is the single most significant discount and applies on practically every sailing.
- Large family: a reduced fare for holders of a general or special large-family card.
- Groups: contact Trasmed directly for groups of more than 10 people.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Tourist seat |
| With children, or wanting a proper rest | Inside cabin (2 or 4 berths) |
| Looking for more privacy and comfort | Outside cabin with window |
| With a pet | Cabin (check the pet policy) |
| A haulier or driving a heavy vehicle | Tourist seat + lorry space |
| Overnight | Inside or outside cabin |
Ciudad de Granada · Accommodations
Tourist Seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the Ciudad de Granada. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, with access to every part of the ship. Perfect for daytime sailings or for travellers whose main concern is the price.
✓ Reclining seat
✓ Access to the café and public areas
✓ Access to all passenger decks
✓ The lowest fare available
Inside Cabin · 2 and 4 berths
A private cabin without a window, available with 2 or 4 berths. Ideal for overnight sailings or for families who want to rest during the crossing in complete privacy.
✓ Private cabin with its own key
✓ Berths made up with bed linen
✓ Private bathroom
✓ Individual air conditioning
Outside Cabin · With window
A private cabin with a window to the outside, available with 2 or 4 berths. It lets you enjoy natural light and sea views, with all the privacy and comfort of a cabin of your own.
✓ Window with sea views
✓ Private cabin with its own key
✓ Berths made up with bed linen
✓ Private bathroom
✓ Individual air conditioning
Ciudad de Granada · On-board services
Café and catering
The Ciudad de Granada has a café on board serving hot and cold food, drinks, snacks and set menus. It is the main gathering point on these medium-distance crossings, especially on overnight and early-morning sailings. The café stays open throughout the crossing.
Travelling with a dog on board
Trasmed allows pets on the Ciudad de Granada. As a rule, pets must travel in a cabin or in a dedicated area, with up-to-date health documentation (vaccination record, identification microchip). You must say that you are travelling with a pet when you book and check the conditions in force, as they can change from season to season and with the applicable regulations.
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Ciudad de Granada has facilities adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: accessible entrances, adapted toilets and accessible rest areas. We recommend telling Trasmed when you book so that the assistance you need can be arranged for boarding, the crossing and disembarkation.
The Ciudad de Granada's role in the link with Melilla
The Ciudad de Granada is one of the lifelines of Melilla, the Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast. Beyond carrying passengers, the ship plays a fundamental part in keeping the city supplied, moving goods, commercial vehicles and roll-on/roll-off freight on a regular basis.
The route runs under a Public Service Obligation (PSO), which means Trasmed is committed to maintaining the frequency and availability of the service whatever the seasonal demand, guaranteeing an essential link for the people of Melilla and for the city's economy.
Over the summer, demand soars with the arrival of holidaymakers and with the Operación Paso del Estrecho, which sees hundreds of thousands of people of North African origin living in Spain and the rest of Europe return home through the southern ports. Although most of that traffic goes through Algeciras and Tarifa, the routes to Melilla also see a marked increase in these months.
Frequently asked questions about the Ciudad de Granada
Which routes does the Ciudad de Granada ferry operate?
The Ciudad de Granada operates the Almería–Melilla and Motril–Melilla routes for Trasmed. Both fall under a Public Service Obligation that guarantees the essential link with the autonomous city of Melilla.
How long does the ferry from Almería to Melilla take?
The Almería–Melilla crossing takes roughly 7 hours. The Motril–Melilla crossing is shorter, at around 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Does the Ciudad de Granada carry cars?
Yes. She is a Ro-Pax ferry with a car deck for private cars and lorries. If you are travelling with a vehicle, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand.
What accommodation does the Ciudad de Granada offer?
Three types: Tourist Seat (the cheapest, in a shared lounge), Inside Cabin (private, no window, 2 or 4 berths) and Outside Cabin (with a sea-view window, 2 or 4 berths).
Do I need a passport to travel to Melilla?
No. Melilla is a Spanish autonomous city. Spanish and EU citizens only need a valid Spanish ID card (DNI). No passport is required.
Is there a discount for Melilla residents?
Yes. Residents of Melilla are entitled to a 75% discount on the base ticket price, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on board?
Yes, with an advance booking and valid health documentation (vaccination record, identification microchip). You must say so when you book and check the conditions in force, as they can change.
Is the Ciudad de Granada accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has adapted facilities, including accessible entrances and adapted toilets. We recommend telling Trasmed when you book so that the assistance you need can be arranged.
How much does it cost to travel on the Ciudad de Granada?
Seat fares start at roughly €30–45 one way in low season. Prices go up in summer and at peak times. Residents of Melilla pay 75% less. Check real-time prices here.
When should I get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 90 minutes beforehand. As a foot passenger: 45 minutes. In high season and during the Operación Paso del Estrecho it is worth allowing extra time.
Is it better to sail to Melilla from Almería or from Motril?
It depends where you are setting out from. Motril is handier if you are coming from Granada or the Costa Tropical, and the crossing is about 90 minutes shorter. Almería tends to have more sailings and is the usual choice for heavy vehicle and freight traffic.
Is there a café on board the Ciudad de Granada?
Yes. The Ciudad de Granada has a café on board serving hot and cold food, drinks and snacks throughout the crossing.
What is Trasmed and which routes does it operate?
Trasmed (Transportes Marítimos Mediterráneos) is a Spanish ferry operator with a long history on domestic coastal routes and services to the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. It runs several routes under Public Service Obligation contracts, guaranteeing essential links between mainland Spain and North Africa. Discover the whole Trasmed fleet here.
