How to Get to Chefchaouen, Morocco By Taxi, Bus, & Private Car (2024)

Last Updated April 10, 2024

How to get to Chefchaouen is a question that has many travelers scratching their heads. With so many transportation options, it can be hard to determine how to get to Chefchaouen from different destinations across Morocco. Not to mention the remote setting high in the Rif Mountains.

After living in Chefchaouen for three months, I’ve figured out all the best ways to get to this iconic city from anywhere in the country. Whether you’re traveling by train, bus, or taxi, coming from the north, south, or coast of Morocco, this is how to get to Chefchaouen from five popular Moroccan cities. 

How to Get to Chefchaouen, Morocco

This article explains in detail how to get to Chefchaouen, Morocco, from Tangier, Tetouan, Fes, Casablanca, and Marrakech. 

Wondering the best time to visit Chefchaouen? Check out my complete guide.

The main entry points in Chefchaouen are the shared taxi station at the foot of the medina and the CTM bus station at the bottom of Chefchaouen. Both are shown on the map below.

How to Get from Tangier to Chefchaouen

Tangier is only a two-hour drive from Chefchaouen and is the closest major city (besides Tetouan). There are a couple of different ways to get to Chefchaouen from Tangier:

How to Get from Tangier to Chefchaouen by Taxi

One of the most common ways to get to Chefchaouen from Tangier is a big shared taxi. In my opinion, this is the best option because you get to share the route with locals. 

The way it works is you arrive at a central taxi location, find the operator (usually wearing a neon vest), and tell him you want to go to Chefchaouen. He’ll take you to the next taxi set to leave, where you’ll wait until all six seats fill up. When it’s time to go, you’ll pay the operator and be on your way. 

The journey normally takes just under two hours, depending on how fast the driver is. It’s beautiful the entire way, passing through picturesque Tetouan, over winding mountain roads, and past a huge dam. 

It costs 70 dirhams per person, and the taxi station is located next to the CTM bus station in Tangier. When you arrive in Chefchaouen, the taxi will drop you down the street from the main entrance to the medina. Take the steps up from the taxi stand and go right at the top.

Tip: If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, it’s better to take the bus. There’s limited space in the rear of the taxi, and when it fills up, the driver will tie larger suitcases to the roof. This happened to us, and while everything arrived intact, I’ve learned to travel light since. 

Tangier to Chefchaouen by Bus

Alternatively, you can take a CTM bus to Chefchaouen from Tangier. The bus station is a 10 minute taxi ride to the station from the Grand Socco in Tangier, and tickets are between 60 and 80 dirhams, plus about 5 dirhams per piece of luggage. 

You can book bus tickets online on the CTM website. 

Benefits of taking the bus are there’s plenty of storage underneath for big suitcases, and the seats are super comfortable. Some people also find the bus to be a safer option, rather than trusting notoriously reckless taxi drivers. 

The main downside to taking the bus to Chefchaouen is the arrival point (marked on the map above). The bus station is at the bottom of a massive hill on the outskirts of town. It’s quite the climb to reach the medina and even more of an uphill battle if you’re staying inside the old city. Lugging roller bags is less than ideal, which is why many people opt to take the bus when they’re leaving Chefchaouen rather than arriving. 

How to Get to Chefchaouen from Tangier With a Private Car

If you’d rather take private transportation, there are several ways to get to Chefchaouen, though this is definitely the most expensive way to go.

One option is to rent a taxi. A single seat in a shared taxi costs 70 dirhams, but you can pay for all six seats for 420 dirhams (about $42) and have the car to yourself. This is a good option if you’re traveling with friends or lots of luggage. 

Alternatively, you can book a car service through your accommodation. This is typically much more expensive than a taxi, so be prepared to pay more than $100 USD. Car services are also rarer, since most people rely on taxis. 

Finally, you can also rent a car, which is a reasonably economical option and is the best choice if you’re visiting for a day trip. A car rental is also a nice choice if you plan on hitting up Akchour or other places close to Chefchaouen. 

Car rental prices vary greatly, but in general, it’s much less expensive to rent one from the Tangier city center rather than the airport. 

How to Get to Chefchaouen from Tetouan

Only an hour away from Tetouan, Chefchaouen is very accessible by both taxi and bus. 

How to Get to Chefchaouen from Tetouan by Taxi

The easiest way to get to Tetouan from Chefchaouen is with a shared taxi. It’s the cheapest and fast option, too. 

One seat in a shared taxi costs 35 dirhams ($3.5), and the trip takes under an hour. The taxi collective station in Tetouan is on Avenue Hassan I, and it’s the best option to be dropped off right in the middle of Chefchaouen. Taxis tend to fill up quickly because a lot of people travel between the two places. 

How to Get to Chefchaouen from Tetouan by Bus

Otherwise, you can also take a bus to Chefchaouen from Tetouan. The bus takes about an hour and costs either 35 or 40 dirhams. 

The one downside to taking the bus is it drops you off much further from the center of Chefchaouen than a taxi. But it’s the best option if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage. 

How to get From Fes to Chefchaouen

It’s quite easy to get from Fes to Chefchaouen, even though the two cities are decently far from one another. 

How to Get From Fes to Chefchaouen by Bus

The easiest way to get from Fes to Chefchaouen is on a CTM bus. There are four trips every day, and it takes a little over four hours. The bus only costs 90 or 100 dirhams, which is about $10, making it quite a cheap way to cross half of Morocco. 

How to Get From Fes to Chefchaouen by Taxi

It’s also possible to take a taxi from Fes to Chefchaouen.

According to my Moroccan friends, you have to take a shared taxi from Fes to Ouezzane, and then another taxi from Ouezzane to Chefchaouen.

Otherwise, if you’re traveling at night or off peak hours, you may be able to bargain with a taxi driver to get the whole car to yourself for between $100 and $150. My partner once paid 100 euros for a private taxi ride from Fes to Chefchaouen after a bit of negotiating. 

How to Get from Casablanca to Chefchaouen

There are a couple of ways to get from Casablanca to Chefchaouen.

How to Get From Casablanca to Chefchaouen by Train

The best way to get from Casablanca to Chefchaouen is by train and taxi. Morocco built a TGV fast train line in 2018 that runs between Casablanca and Tangier. It goes up to 320 kilometers per hour, making the journey an astonishingly quick two hours. 

The TGV is extremely comfortable, even in second class, and the scenery is stunning throughout the entire ride. It leaves from Casa Voyagers, and tickets cost about 250 dirhams ($25) on short notice, but if you reserve in advance, you’ll get a massive discount. 

You can book tickets on the ONCF Voyages website or in person at the station. 

When you arrive in Tangier, you’ll need to hail a small taxi to take you to the taxi collective station next to the CTM bus stop (shown on the map above).

Note: It can be tricky to get a small taxi outside of the station, and it’s easy to get ripped off. If possible, cross the street and walk a little bit away from the station to get a cab. It should only cost between 10 and 20 dirhams with the meter. 

Find the operator, pay 70 dirhams, and wait for the taxi to fill up. From Tangier, it’s just under two hours to Chefchaouen. 

Alternatively, you can take the bus from Tangier to Chefchaouen if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or don’t want to take a taxi. 

How to Get From Casablanca to Chefchaouen by Bus

You can also take a CTM bus between Casablanca and Chefchaouen. There’s one direct bus every day that leaves at 1:30pm and arrives in Chefchaouen at 8pm. It costs 185 dirhams, making it much cheaper than the train if you’re traveling on short notice (though it is much longer).

If you can’t make the 1:30 train, there are lots of other buses between Casablanca and Chefchaouen, but they include a transfer in Tetouan, Fes, or Tangier. 

There are a few CTM stations in Casablanca, with a convenient choice in the city center.

How to Get From Marrakech to Chefchaouen

Marrakech to Chefchaouen is basically crossing the whole country. It’s a long trip, but definitely doable in a single day. These are the best ways to get from Marrakech to Chefchaouen, hands down. 

How to Get From Marrakech to Chefchouen by Train

The easiest way to get from Marrakech to Chefchouen is by train and taxi, though it’s quite a lengthy journey.

The trip involves three different legs: 

First, you’ll take a train from Marrakech to Casablanca, which takes about three hours.

Second, from Casablanca, you’ll take the TGV fast train to Tangier. This portion of the trip is only two hours.

Note: You can book tickets in advance on the ONCF website that include both train trips. If you book more than a week ahead, they’re way less expensive. 

Third, when you arrive in Tangier, get a small taxi to the taxi collective station, which is next to the CTM bus stop.

When you arrive at the taxi collective area, find the station manager (wearing a neon vest) and tell him you want to go to Chefchaouen. He will bring you to the next taxi leaving, where you’ll wait for it to fill up. 

Once all six seats are full, you pay the taxi manager 70 dirhams. If no one is coming or you want to leave sooner, you can pay for the extra seats (at an additional 70 dirhams each). The taxi ride to Chefchouen is a little under two hours, depending on how fast your driver is, and you’ll be dropped off outside of the medina. 

If you don’t want to take a taxi, you can take the CTM bus between Tangier and Chefchaouen instead. 

How to Get From Marrakech to Chefchaouen by Bus

Another way to get from Marrakech to Chefchaouen is by bus. This is a super long journey, taking between twelve to fifteen hours, but many of the buses run overnight, so you don’t have to miss out on a full day.

The CTM bus runs from Marrakech to Chefchaouen with one transfer either in Tangier, Fes, or Casablanca, depending on the route you choose. The bus makes several stops, which adds to the time, but it’s also easy to throw in some earplugs and pass out for the night.

The bus costs between 260 and 340 dirhams, depending on the duration of the trip. 

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