How to Get to Chefchaouen: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Chefchaouen is a charming town in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, famous for its blue-washed buildings and scenic views. Indeed, Chefchaouen is a perfect destination for travelers who want to experience the authentic Moroccan culture, enjoy the natural beauty, and relax in a peaceful atmosphere. But how do you get to Chefchaouen from the major cities of Morocco? In this article, we’ll show you the best ways to travel to Chefchaouen from Tangier, Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Rabat, and Essaouira. Whether you prefer to fly, take a train, hop on a bus, or hire a taxi, we’ll help you find the most convenient and affordable option for your trip. So, if you’re wondering how to get to Chefchaouen, keep reading and discover the ultimate travel guide for this blue pearl of Morocco.
1. Getting from Tangier to Chefchaouen
– Distance between Tangier and Chefchaouen: about 113 km.
Tangier is the closest major city to Chefchaouen and one of the easiest ways to get there. You can choose from different modes of transportation, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are the main options:
1.1. By Bus
Taking a bus is one of the most popular and affordable ways to get to Chefchaouen from Tangier. Several bus companies operate on this route, but the most reliable and comfortable one is CTM. CTM buses run daily from Tangier to Chefchaouen, and vice versa. The journey takes about 2.5 hours and costs around 112 MAD (about 11 USD) per person. You can book your tickets online or at the CTM office in Tangier.
The CTM bus station in Tangier is located at Boulevard Mohamed V, near the train station and the port. The CTM bus station in Chefchaouen is situated at Avenue Hassan II, at the bottom of the town. From there, you can take a taxi or walk uphill to the medina (the old town).
1.2. By Taxi
Another option to get to Chefchaouen from Tangier is to take a shared taxi. This is a common way of traveling in Morocco, where you share a large car with other passengers and split the cost. You can find shared taxis at the Grand Taxi station in Tangier, near the medina and the port. Look for the taxis with a sign that says “Chefchaouen” or ask the drivers. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs around 100 MAD (about 11 USD) per person. You can also negotiate with the driver to have the whole car for yourself, which will cost around 1,266 MAD (about 124 USD) in total.
The shared taxi will drop you off at the Grand Taxi station in Chefchaouen, located at Place Mohammed V, near the main gate of the medina. From there, you can walk to your accommodation or take a petit taxi (a small car) for a short ride.
1.3. By Private Car
If you want more flexibility and convenience, you can book a private transfer or rent a car and drive to Chefchaouen from Tangier. This way, you can stop along the way and enjoy the scenic views of the Rif Mountains.
- You can find many car rental agencies in Tangier, either at the airport, in the city center, or online. The average price for a small car is around 670 MAD (about 66 USD) for 7 days, excluding fuel and tolls. You will need an international driving license and a credit card to rent a car in Morocco. It’s better to book online in advance to well-planning your trip.
- Renting a relaxing car for an individual or even a group of up to 15 passengers will cost you around 1,106 MAD (about 109 USD). There is a professional driver who is willing to support you on the trip. It’s better to book online in advance to well-planning your trip.
The drive from Tangier to Chefchaouen takes about 2 hours along highways N2 and N13. The road is well-paved and signposted, but it can be narrow and winding in some parts. Be careful of speed bumps, animals, and pedestrians on the road. There are some parking lots near the medina of Chefchaouen, where you can leave your car for a small fee.
2. Getting from Fes to Chefchaouen
– Distance between Fes and Chefchaouen: about 199 km.
Fes is another popular city in Morocco, and a good option to visit Chefchaouen from. You can choose from different modes of transportation, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are the main options:
2.1. By Bus
Taking a bus is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get to Chefchaouen from Fes. There are several bus companies that operate on this route, but the most reliable and comfortable one is CTM. CTM buses run daily from Fes to Chefchaouen, and vice versa. The journey takes about 4 hours and costs around 133 MAD (about 13 USD) per person. You can book your tickets online or at the CTM office in Fes.
The CTM bus station in Fes is located at Boulevard Oued Fes, near the train station and the medina. The CTM bus station in Chefchaouen is situated at Avenue Hassan II, at the bottom of the town. From there, you can take a taxi or walk uphill to the medina (the old town).
2.2. By Taxi
Another option to get to Chefchaouen from Fes is to take a shared taxi. This is a common way of traveling in Morocco, where you share a large car with other passengers and split the cost. You can find shared taxis at the Grand Taxi station in Fes, near the medina and the train station. Look for the taxis with a sign that says “Chefchaouen” or ask the drivers. The journey takes about 3 hours and costs around 150 MAD (about 17 USD) per person. You can also negotiate with the driver to have the whole car for yourself, which will cost around 1,890 MAD (about 185 USD) in total.
The shared taxi will drop you off at the Grand Taxi station in Chefchaouen, located at Place Mohammed V, near the main gate of the medina. From there, you can walk to your accommodation or take a petit taxi (a small car) for a short ride.
2.3. By Private Car
If you want more flexibility and convenience, you can rent a car and drive to Chefchaouen from Fes. This way, you can stop along the way and enjoy the scenic views of the Rif Mountains.
- You can find many car rental agencies in Fes, either at the airport or in the city center. The average price for a small car is around 1,355 MAD (about 133.6 USD) per day, plus fuel and tolls. You will need an international driving license and a credit card to rent a car in Morocco. You should book online in advance to well-planning your trip.
- Besides that, you can rent a relaxing car for an individual or a family will cost you around 1,471 MAD (about 145 USD). There is a professional driver who is willing to support you on the trip. It’s better to book online in advance to well-planning your trip.
The drive from Fes to Chefchaouen takes about 3 hours along highways N13 and N2. The road is well-paved and signposted, but it can be narrow and winding in some parts. Be careful of speed bumps, animals, and pedestrians on the road. There are some parking lots near the medina of Chefchaouen, where you can leave your car for a small fee.
3. Getting from Rabat to Chefchaouen
– Distance between Rabat and Chefchaouen: about 252 km.
Rabat is the capital and the political center of Morocco, and a cultural and historical attraction. You can also use it as a base to visit Chefchaouen since it’s not too far away. You can choose from different modes of transportation, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are the main options:
3.1. By Train
Taking a train is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get to Chefchaouen from Rabat. There are no direct trains between the two cities, so you will need to take a train to Tangier first, and then take a bus or taxi to Chefchaouen. The train time from Rabat to Tangier is about 1 hour 20 mins, and the bus or taxi ride from there to Chefchaouen is about 2 hours.
You can find several trains that operate daily from Rabat to Tangier, run by Moroccan Railways (ONCF). The prices vary depending on the class and the time of departure, but you can expect to pay around 213 MAD (about 21 USD) for a one-way ticket. You can book your tickets online or at the train station.
The Rabat train station is located at Avenue Hassan II, near the city center. The Tangier train station is located at Place du Maghreb Arabe, near the port. You can take a bus or taxi from the train stations to the bus stations, where you can find buses to Chefchaouen.
3.2. By Bus
Taking a bus is another option to get to Chefchaouen from Rabat, but it will take longer and be less comfortable than taking a train. There are direct buses between the two cities, run by CTM. The journey takes about 4 hours and costs around 214 MAD (about 21 USD) per person. You can book your bus tickets online or at the CTM office in Rabat.
The CTM bus station in Rabat is located at Avenue Hassan II, near the train station. The CTM bus station in Chefchaouen is situated at Avenue Hassan II, at the bottom of the town. From there, you can take a taxi or walk uphill to the medina (the old town).
3.3. By Taxi
Another option to get to Chefchaouen from Rabat is to take a shared taxi. This is a common way of traveling in Morocco, where you share a large car with other passengers and split the cost. You can find shared taxis at the Grand Taxi station in Rabat, near the medina and the train station. Look for the taxis with a sign that says “Chefchaouen” or ask the drivers. The journey takes about 3 hours and costs around 200 MAD (about 22 USD) per person. You can also negotiate with the driver to have the whole car for yourself, which will cost around 2,400 MAD (about 235 USD) in total.
The shared taxi will drop you off at the Grand Taxi station in Chefchaouen, located at Place Mohammed V, near the main gate of the medina. From there, you can walk to your accommodation or take a petit taxi (a small car) for a short ride.
3.4. By Private Car
If you want more flexibility and convenience, you can rent a car and drive to Chefchaouen from Rabat. This way, you can stop along the way and enjoy the scenic views of the Rif Mountains.
- You can find many car rental agencies in Rabat, either at the airport or in the city center. The average price for a small car is around 1,055 MAD (about 104 USD) per day, plus fuel and tolls. You will need an international driving license and a credit card to rent a car in Morocco. Remember to book the car online in advance to well-planning your trip from Rabat to Chefchaouen.
- You can rent a relaxing car for an individual or a family will cost you around 2,872 MAD (about 283 USD). There is a professional driver who is willing to support you on the trip. It’s better to book online in advance to well-planning your trip.
The drive from Rabat to Chefchaouen takes about 3 hours along highways N1 and N2. The road is well-paved and signposted, but it can be narrow and winding in some parts. Be careful of speed bumps, animals, and pedestrians on the road. There are some parking lots near the medina of Chefchaouen, where you can leave your car for a small fee.
4. Getting from Casablanca to Chefchaouen
– Distance between Casablanca and Chefchaouen: about 320 km.
Casablanca is the largest and most modern city in Morocco and a major hub for transportation. However, getting to Chefchaouen from Casablanca is not very straightforward, since there is no direct connection. You will need to take a combination of plane, train, bus, or taxi to reach the blue town. Here are the main options:
4.1. By Plane
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Chefchaouen from Casablanca, but also the most expensive. There are no direct flights between the two cities, so you will need to fly to either Tangier or Fes first, and then take a bus or taxi to Chefchaouen. The flight time from Casablanca to Tangier or Fes is about 1 hour, and the bus or taxi ride from there to Chefchaouen is about 2 hours.
You can find several airlines that operate flights from Casablanca to Tangier or Fes, such as Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia Maroc, or Ryanair. The prices vary depending on the season, the demand, and the booking time, but you can expect to pay around 1,005 MAD (about 99 USD) for a one-way ticket. You can book your tickets online or at the airport.
The Casablanca airport is located about 30 km from the city center, and you can take a train or taxi to get there. The Tangier airport is located about 12 km from the city center, and the Fes airport is located about 15 km from the city center. You can take a bus or taxi from the airports to the bus stations, where you can find buses to Chefchaouen.
4.2. By Train
Taking a train is another option to get to Chefchaouen from Casablanca, but it will take longer and require more transfers than flying. There are no direct trains between the two cities, so you will need to take a train to either Tangier or Fes first, and then take a bus or taxi to Chefchaouen. The train time from Casablanca to Tangier or Fes is about 5 hours, and the bus or taxi ride from there to Chefchaouen is about 2 hours.
You can find several trains that operate daily from Casablanca to Tangier or Fes, run by Moroccan Railways (ONCF). The prices vary depending on the class and the time of departure, but you can expect to pay around 150 MAD (about 31 USD) for a one-way ticket. You can book your tickets online or at the train station.
The Casablanca train station is located at Place des Nations Unies, in the city center. The Tangier train station is located at Place du Maghreb Arabe, near the port. The Fes train station is located at Avenue des Almohades, near the medina. You can take a bus or taxi from the train stations to the bus stations, where you can find buses to Chefchaouen.
4.3. By Bus
- Taking a bus is another option to get to Chefchaouen from Casablanca, but it will take longer and be less comfortable than flying or taking a train. The journey takes about 6.5 hours and costs around 285 MAD (about 28 USD) per person. You can book your bus tickets online or at the CTM office in Rabat.
- On the other hand, you can find several buses that operate daily from Casablanca to Rabat and from Rabat to Chefchaouen, run by CTM. The prices vary depending on the season and the demand, but you can expect to pay around 295 MAD (about 29 USD) for a one-way ticket. You can book your tickets online or at the CTM offices.
The CTM bus station in Casablanca is located at Boulevard Ba Hmad, near the port. The CTM bus station in Rabat is located at Avenue Hassan II, near the train station. And, the CTM bus station in Chefchaouen is situated at Avenue Hassan II, at the bottom of the town. You can take a taxi or walk uphill to Medina (the old town).
5. Getting from Marrakech to Chefchaouen
– Distance between Marrakech and Chefchaouen: about 468 km.
Marrakech is one of the most visited cities in Morocco and a great base to explore the country. However, getting to Chefchaouen from Marrakech is not as easy as from Tangier, since there is no direct connection. You will need to take a combination of plane, train, bus, or taxi to reach the blue town. Here are the main options:
5.1. By Plane
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Chefchaouen from Marrakech, but also the most expensive. There are no direct flights between the two cities, so you will need to fly to either Tangier or Fes first, and then take a bus or taxi to Chefchaouen. The flight time from Marrakech to Tangier or Fes is about 1 hour, and the bus or taxi ride from there to Chefchaouen is about 2 hours.
You can find several airlines that operate flights from Marrakech to Tangier or Fes, such as Royal Air Maroc, Ryanair, TAP Portugal, or Vueling Airlines. The prices vary depending on the season, the demand, and the booking time, but you can expect to pay around 1,126 MAD (about 111 USD) for a one-way ticket. You can book your tickets online or at the airport.
The Marrakech airport is located about 6 km from the city center, and you can take a bus or taxi to get there. The Tangier airport is located about 12 km from the city center, and the Fes airport is located about 15 km from the city center. You can take a bus or taxi from the airports to the bus stations, where you can find buses to Chefchaouen.
5.2. By Train
Taking a train is another option to get to Chefchaouen from Marrakech, but it will take longer and require more transfers than flying. There are no direct trains between the two cities, so you will need to take a train to either Tangier or Fes first, and then take a bus or taxi to Chefchaouen. The train time from Marrakech to Tangier or Fes is about 6.5 hours, and the bus or taxi ride from there to Chefchaouen is about 2 hours.
You can find several trains that operate daily from Marrakech to Tangier or Fes, run by Moroccan Railways (ONCF). The prices vary depending on the class and the time of departure, but you can expect to pay around 245 MAD (about 24 USD) for a one-way ticket. You can book your tickets online or at the train station.
The Marrakech train station is located at Avenue Hassan II, near the city center. The Tangier train station is located at Place du Maghreb Arabe, near the port. The Fes train station is located at Avenue des Almohades, near the medina. You can take a bus or taxi from the train stations to the bus stations, where you can find buses to Chefchaouen.
5.3. By Bus
Taking a bus is another option to get to Chefchaouen from Marrakech, but it will take longer and be less comfortable than flying or taking a train. There are no direct buses between the two cities, so you will need to take a bus to Casablanca first, and then take another bus to Chefchaouen. The bus time from Marrakech to Casablanca is about 3.5 hours, and the bus time from Casablanca to Chefchaouen is about 6.5 hours.
You can find several buses that operate daily from Marrakech to Casablanca and from Casablanca to Chefchaouen, run by CTM. The prices vary depending on the season and the demand, but you can expect to pay around 428 MAD (about 42 USD) for a one-way ticket. You can book your tickets online or at the CTM offices.
The CTM bus station in Marrakech is located at Rue Aboubakr Seddiq, near the train station. The CTM bus station in Casablanca is located at Boulevard Ba Hmad, near the port. And the CTM bus station in Chefchaouen is situated at Avenue Hassan II, at the bottom of the town. You can take a taxi or walk uphill to Medina (the old town).
6. Getting from Essaouira to Chefchaouen
– Distance between Essaouira and Chefchaouen: about 703 km.
Essaouira is a coastal town in western Morocco, known for its windsurfing, fishing, and artsy vibe. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze, but it’s also quite far from Chefchaouen. You will need to take a combination of plane, bus, or taxi to reach the blue town. Here are the main options:
6.1. By Plane
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Chefchaouen from Essaouira, but also the most expensive. There are no direct flights between the two cities, so you will need to fly to either Tangier or Fes first, and then take a bus or taxi to Chefchaouen. The flight time from Essaouira to Tangier or Fes is about 1 hour, and the bus or taxi ride from there to Chefchaouen is about 2 hours.
You can find several airlines that operate flights from Essaouira to Tangier or Fes, such as Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia Maroc, or Ryanair. The prices vary depending on the season, the demand, and the booking time, but you can expect to pay around 1,218 MAD (about 120 USD) for a one-way ticket. You can book your tickets online or at the airport.
The Essaouira airport is located about 15 km from the city center, and you can take a bus or taxi to get there. The Tangier airport is located about 12 km from the city center, and the Fes airport is located about 15 km from the city center. You can take a bus or taxi from the airports to the bus stations, where you can find buses to Chefchaouen.
6.2. By Bus
Taking a bus is another option to get to Chefchaouen from Essaouira, but it will take longer and be less comfortable than flying. There are no direct buses between the two cities, so you will need to take a bus to Marrakech first, and then take another bus to Chefchaouen. The bus time from Essaouira to Marrakech is about 3 hours, and the total bus time from Marrakech to Chefchaouen is about 10 hours.
You can find several buses that operate daily from Essaouira to Marrakech and from Marrakech to Chefchaouen, run by CTM. The prices vary depending on the season and the demand, but you can expect to pay around 143 MAD (about 14 USD) for a one-way ticket getting from Essaouira to Marrakech. Then, you can refer to the bus guide above for getting from Marrakech to Chefchaouen. You can book your tickets online or at the CTM offices.
The CTM bus station in Essaouira is located at Avenue Mohammed V, near the medina. The CTM bus station in Marrakech is located at Rue Aboubakr Seddiq, near the train station. And the CTM bus station in Chefchaouen is situated at Avenue Hassan II, at the bottom of the town. You can take a taxi or walk uphill to Medina (the old town).
6.3. By Taxi
Another option to get to Chefchaouen from Essaouira is to take a shared taxi. This is a common way of traveling in Morocco, where you share a large car with other passengers and split the cost. You can find shared taxis at the Grand Taxi station in Essaouira, near the medina and the port. Look for the taxis with a sign that says “Chefchaouen” or ask the drivers. The journey takes about 12 hours and costs around 400 MAD (about 44 USD) per person. You can also negotiate with the driver to have the whole car for yourself, which will cost around 2400 MAD (about 264 USD) in total.
The shared taxi will drop you off at the Grand Taxi station in Chefchaouen, located at Place Mohammed V, near the main gate of the medina. From there, you can walk to your accommodation or take a petit taxi (a small car) for a short ride.
6.4. By Private Car
If you want more flexibility and convenience, you can rent a car and drive to Chefchaouen from Essaouira. This way, you can stop along the way and enjoy the scenic views of the Atlantic coast and the Rif Mountains. You can find many car rental agencies in Essaouira, either at the airport, in the city center, or online. The average price for a small car is around 1,695 MAD (about 167 USD) per day, plus fuel and tolls. You will need an international driving license and a credit card to rent a car in Morocco. Make sure to book a car in advance to well-planning your trip to Chefchaouen.
The drive from Essaouira to Chefchaouen takes about 10 hours along highways N1 and N2. The road is well-paved and signposted, but it can be busy and congested in some parts. Be careful of speed limits, traffic cameras, and police checkpoints on the road. There are some parking lots near the medina of Chefchaouen, where you can leave your car for a small fee.
Resources for Booking Transportation to Chefchaouen
If you want to save time and money when booking transportation to Chefchaouen from different cities in Morocco, you may want to use some of the online platforms that offer a variety of services and choices. Here are some of the best resources that you can use to find and book your transportation online, grouped by their main categories:
Flight and Train Booking Platforms
If you prefer to fly or take a train to Chefchaouen from different cities in Morocco, you may want to check out these online platforms that offer a wide range of flight and train options, as well as information and booking services:
This is a leading online platform for finding cheap flights with cashback in Morocco and around the world. You can find a wide range of flight options, from low-cost to full-service airlines, at competitive prices and with flexible cancellation policies. You can also read reviews and ratings from other customers and book online with ease and security.
This is the official website of Moroccan Railways, the national railway operator in Morocco. You can find information about the train schedules, fares, and routes in Morocco. In addition, you can easily book your tickets online in advance or at the train stations. You can also check the status of your train and get alerts for any delays or disruptions.
Car Rental and Bus, Taxi Booking Platforms
If you want more flexibility and convenience when traveling to Chefchaouen from different cities in Morocco, you may want to check out these online platforms that offer a variety of car rental and taxi options, as well as comparison and booking services:
This is a popular online platform for booking trains, buses, ferries, flights, and transfers in Morocco and across Asia. You can find a comprehensive selection of transportation options, from budget to premium, with reliable operators and instant confirmation. You can also compare prices, schedules, and amenities and book online with convenience and confidence.
This is a leading online platform for comparing and booking car rentals in Morocco and around the world. You can find a wide range of cars, from economy to luxury, at competitive prices and with flexible cancellation policies. You can also read reviews and ratings from other customers. Besides that, the booking process is effortless, clear, and secure.
Travel Service Review and Booking Platforms
If you want to get more information and recommendations about the best travel services in Morocco, such as hotels, restaurants, attractions, and transportation services, you may want to check out these online platforms that offer reviews, ratings, and booking services:
This is a well-known online travel platform that offers reviews, ratings, and recommendations for hotels, restaurants, attractions, and transportation services in Morocco and around the world. You can find a variety of options for getting around Morocco, such as car rentals, taxis, buses, trains, and planes. You can also compare prices, read reviews, and book online with confidence and convenience.
This is a leading online platform for booking tours, activities, and transportation services in Morocco and around the world. You can find a wide range of options for getting around Morocco, such as private transfers or shuttles. In particular, you can easily find options for private transfers from other cities to Chefchaouen. You can also compare prices, read reviews, and book online with ease and security.
How to Plan Your Trip to Chefchaouen
As you can see, there are many ways to get to Chefchaouen from different cities in Morocco. You can choose the one that suits your budget, time, and preference. No matter how you travel, you’ll be rewarded with a memorable experience in this magical town. Chefchaouen is a place where you can immerse yourself in the colorful culture, admire the stunning landscapes, and enjoy the friendly hospitality of the locals. It’s a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with yourself and nature. It’s a place where you can find inspiration and tranquility. If you’re ready to plan your trip to Chefchaouen, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information and tips. We’ll be happy to help you make your dream come true.
Note:
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Khoi Nguyen
Khoi Nguyen builds The Broad Life with a desire to inspire people go exploring the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life. This blog shares the stories, pictures, and experiences at destinations where he has traveled to.
4 Comments
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Khoi Nguyen
Yeah, I think this article would help a lot for travelers in Morocco. Probably there are less info about the Moroccan cities so I want to share more.
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Monidipa
Your travel guide to Chefchaouen is fantastic! The detailed information on different transportation options, along with tips and suggestions, makes it easy for readers to plan their journey. The beautiful photos also add to the allure of this charming destination.
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Khoi Nguyen
Thanks a lot for your comment! I’ve tried my best to share helpful and useful info to everyone.
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Bryan
Good, thorough guide on how to get to Chefchaouen, Morroco. I like that you include so many different travel options. most people, like me, probably know little about this city and the transportation options available.