ferry Rusadir Balearia
ferry Rusadir
âš“ The Rusadir is the conventional Baleària ferry that links mainland Spain with Melilla, working mainly on the Almería–Melilla route. What sets her apart is how closely she is tied to the service to the Autonomous City of Melilla, a public service obligation route that demands regular sailings and plenty of room for vehicles and freight. The Rusadir offers cabins, seats and a café service, and is the steady, dependable choice for Melilla residents, holidaymakers and hauliers who need to cross at the eastern end of the Strait.
The ship takes her name from Rusadir, the Latin and Phoenician name for present-day Melilla, which reflects the direct historical link between the vessel and the territory she serves. This kind of naming is common in the Baleària fleet, which tends to honour the destinations or the figures associated with its routes.
History and background of the ship
The Rusadir has an unusual history: she was ordered in June 2017 by Brittany Ferries from the German yard Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG) under the name Honfleur, at a cost of some 200 million euros, to run between Portsmouth and Caen. Launched in December 2018, her construction suffered lengthy delays and in June 2020, with the ship still unfinished, Brittany Ferries cancelled the order. She was towed in October 2020 to the Fosen yard in Trondheim (Norway) for completion, and then lay up in Poland waiting for an operator.
In late February 2023, Baleària chartered the ship for six months with an option to buy for the Málaga–Melilla route, renaming her Rusadir on 1 March — the Phoenician name for Melilla. She entered service in May 2023. She is one of the most modern and highest-capacity ships in the Baleària fleet on the Melilla corridor, powered entirely by LNG.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Conventional Ro-Pax ferry |
| Length overall | 166 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Service speed | ~21 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~900 people |
| Vehicle capacity | on request |
| Freight capacity | Lanes for lorries and vans |
| Passenger decks | Several (seats + cabins) |
| Propulsion | Conventional diesel |
| IMO number | 9232527 |
| Year built | 2001 |
| Shipyard | Astilleros de Huelva (Spain) |
| Flag | Spain |
| Historical name | Rusadir (the Latin and Phoenician place name for Melilla) |
| Current operator | Baleària |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Almería → Melilla | ~6–8 h | Check |
| Melilla → Almería | ~6–8 h | Check |
| Málaga → Melilla | ~7–8 h | Check |
| Melilla → Málaga | ~7–8 h | Check |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact 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 main way in and out of the Autonomous City. As this is Spanish territory in North Africa, Spanish and EU citizens do not need a passport to travel to Melilla by ferry from the mainland — a Spanish ID card (DNI) or equivalent is enough — but you should carry valid vehicle papers if you are bringing a car or motorbike.
The port is well connected to the centre of Melilla, just a few minutes away on foot or by taxi. The terminals in Almería and Málaga have their own waiting area for passengers on the Melilla ferry. We recommend arriving at least 90 minutes beforehand if you are travelling with a vehicle, and 45 minutes if you are a foot passenger.
During the Operación Paso del Estrecho (the summer Strait crossing operation, in July and August), the number of passengers and vehicles rises sharply. At these times it is essential to book well ahead and to allow for longer waits at the port.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat on the Almería–Melilla route starts at very competitive prices in low season, and can rise significantly in summer and during the Operación Paso del Estrecho. We recommend booking ahead, particularly in July and August.
Available discounts:
- Melilla resident: residents of the Autonomous City of Melilla are entitled to discounts on the base fare on public service obligation routes. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
- Carnet Joven (youth card): reduced fare for passengers aged 14 to 30. Check availability when you book.
- Baleària Club: the operator's points scheme. Collect points on every trip and redeem them for discounts on future bookings.
- Large families: may qualify for benefits under the rules in force. Check with the operator or during the booking process.
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 | Standard seat |
| As a family or with young children | Inside cabin |
| Looking for privacy and a proper night's rest | Outside cabin with window |
| On an overnight sailing or a long crossing | Cabin (inside or outside) |
| With a pet | Seat + pet place |
| As a haulier or professional driver | Standard seat + heavy vehicle place |
ferry Rusadir · Accommodations
Standard seat
The cheapest option on board the Rusadir. Reclining seats in a shared area, with access to every part of the ship. Ideal for travellers who put price first on daytime crossings.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to the café and public areas
✓ SmartB Wi-Fi on board
✓ The most affordable fare on the ship
Inside cabin
A private cabin without a window, ideal for overnight crossings or for anyone who needs to rest in privacy. Available with a double bed or with berths for families and small groups.
✓ Complete privacy throughout the crossing
✓ Beds with bed linen included
✓ Private bathroom
✓ Individual air conditioning
Outside cabin · With window
The most comfortable accommodation on the Rusadir. The same as the inside cabin but with a window facing outwards, letting in natural light and giving you sea views. The favourite choice for families and travellers who want maximum comfort.
✓ Window with natural light and sea views
✓ Beds with bed linen included
✓ Private bathroom
✓ Individual air conditioning
ferry Rusadir · On-board services
Café and food on board
The Rusadir has an onboard café serving hot and cold food and drink throughout the crossing. Ideal for keeping your strength up on a sailing of six to eight hours. The onboard shop also stocks snacks, drinks and basic travel items.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Rusadir has facilities to make boarding and the time on board easier for passengers with reduced mobility. If you have particular accessibility requirements — a wheelchair, assistance boarding or disembarking, and so on — we recommend contacting Baleària in advance to arrange the service and make sure your journey goes as smoothly as possible.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
On board the Rusadir you have access to Baleària's SmartB platform, the fleet's digital entertainment and connectivity system:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the crossing
- Completely free WhatsApp, without using up your own data allowance
- On-demand series and films on your smartphone
- Digital magazines through the entertainment platform
- Free British and international newspapers through PressReader
- Digital boarding pass with online seat allocation
- Real-time journey information on your phone
Frequently asked questions about the Rusadir ferry
Which routes does the Rusadir ferry operate?
She works mainly on the Almería–Melilla and Málaga–Melilla routes for Baleària. She is one of the mainstay ferries on the link between mainland Spain and the Autonomous City of Melilla.
How long does the Rusadir take from Almería to Melilla?
The crossing between Almería and Melilla takes roughly 6–8 hours, depending on the weather. Check up-to-date timetables in our search engine.
Does the Rusadir carry cars and other vehicles?
Yes. She is a Ro-Pax ferry with room for cars, motorbikes, vans and freight vehicles. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand.
Do I need a passport to travel to Melilla by ferry?
No. Melilla is a Spanish Autonomous City, so Spanish and EU citizens only need a Spanish ID card (DNI) or equivalent. If you are travelling with a vehicle, carry valid papers for it.
What accommodation does the Rusadir offer?
Three types: the standard seat (the cheapest), the inside cabin (no window, with a private bathroom) and the outside cabin (with a sea-facing window and a private bathroom). The cabins are ideal for overnight crossings.
Is there free Wi-Fi on the Rusadir?
Yes. Baleària's SmartB platform includes free Wi-Fi, WhatsApp that does not use your data, on-demand series and films, and digital newspapers through PressReader.
Is there a Melilla resident discount?
Yes. Melilla residents are entitled to discounts on public service obligation routes, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). Check the exact percentage currently in force.
Are pets allowed on the Rusadir?
Yes. She has a dedicated pet area. You need to book a pet place when you buy your ticket. Check Baleària's conditions for your animal's species, size and breed.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
The Rusadir has facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend contacting Baleària in advance to arrange boarding and any assistance you need.
When is the best time to book the ferry to Melilla?
The sooner the better. In July and August — during the Operación Paso del Estrecho — demand soars and tickets sell out fast. Book ahead here.
How early should I arrive at the port?
With a vehicle: at least 90 minutes beforehand. Foot passengers: 45 minutes is enough. In high season it is worth allowing extra time.
Why is the ship called Rusadir?
Rusadir is the Latin and Phoenician name for present-day Melilla, the city the ship serves. The name reflects the direct historical link between the vessel and the territory she connects to the mainland.
