The Ultimate Fes to Chefchaouen Day Trip + Secret Local Tips for 2024

Short on time and want to fit a quick Fes to Chefchaouen Day Trip into your Morocco itinerary? If so then this local’s guide is for you. 

I have been to Chefchaouen multiple times and live in Morocco. So, I know how to get  from Fes to Chefchouen and how to make a day trip to Chefchaouen from Fes worthwhile. 

Personally, I don’t recommend it since there is a lot to see and do in Chefchaouen. Plus, Chefchaouen is about a 3 hour and 45 minute drive away from Fes. 

And since there is no airport and no train station in Chefchaouen, you can really only drive there. 

So, regardless of how you plan your day trip from Fes to Chefchaouen, you’re gonna be spending 8 hours in the car (minimum). Personally, I think that is a lot of driving. 

But, if you’re short on time then you gotta do what you gotta to do. Yes, it will be a long day but it’s worth it to walk down the beautiful blue streets of this mountain town. 

Now, let’s figure out how to plan a Chefchaouen day trip from Fes. 

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How to Get From Fes to Chefchaouen

The short answer is that a group tour is probably the most affordable and easiest way to get to Chefchaouen after one day in Fes. 

It’s not that much more expensive than the bus (especially when you factor in the cost fo taxis) and is a lot easier than the bus. 

You won’t get a guide but you don’t really need one since the town is super small and easy to navigate on your town. 

You are also guaranteed 4 hours in the blue city and don’t have to stress about wonky bus timings after being exhausted from enjoying all the best things to do in Fes and Chefchaouen.

Private Taxi/Transfer

One way to get from Fes to Chefchaouen is by private taxi, The ride generally takes between 3.5 and 4 hours and rates start at around 1700 Dirham ($170) one way. 

For safety reasons, I would arrange this transfer through your hotel. That way you know the driver is reliable and your hotel knows where you are and who you are with (safety first) in case something should happen. 

You may be able to negotiate a reduced rate if you hire a driver for the day. Other than that, just enjoy the ride since you’ll embark on a beautiful drive through the mountains. 

You can also stop to take pictures at scenic spots along the way. 

This is a good option if you are part of a large group since you’ll only pay around $35.00 per person for the trip (one way). 

You can also haggle. Haggling is big in Morocco and it’s a great way to get a reduced rate. Just get your driver’s number upon arrival and setup a meeting point for the trip back. 

If you want you could also try booking a car rental in Morocco and then doing the drive yourself.

Group Taxi/Shared Taxi/Grand Taxi

A group taxi is a great option if you are doing a day trip from Fes to Chefchaouen as a group. 

Generally, group taxis stand at a specific meeting point (kind of like a bus stop) and wait for the taxi to fill up (usually 5 or 6 passengers) before they depart for one specific destination. 

They are cheaper than regular taxis because all of the passengers share the fee. So, instead of paying for the whole taxi you just pay for your seat. 

The problem is that you never really know when the taxi will fill up. You could wait hours for the taxi to depart because it won’t leave until it has enough passengers. 

However, if you are part of a group then you could easily fill up the taxi and then quickly make your way to Chefchaouen from Fes.  

If you want to take a Grand Taxi, ask your hotel wear the stop is and how much it costs per person. 

The Grand Taxi stop can change but the last time I was in town it was by the bus station. 

Bus

The bus is a great way to get from Fes to Chefchauoen. I personally love and use CTM since buses are fast, efficient, safe, and reliable. 

Tickets are also affordable at 120.00 MAD ($12.00) each way. You can book them online or in person. 

But, prices do vary based on the day and time of year. So, always check their website for the most up to date info. 

At the time of writing, buses departed daily from Fes for Chefchaouen at 9:30 am, 1:15 pm, and 2:30 pm. Buses then return from Chefchaouen to Fes at 10:15 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. 

I know that gives you like 2 hours in Chefchaouen but definitely check the bus times before you make a decision because I have used the bus to do a day trip to Chefchaouen from Fes. 

Plus, I know that bus times can change based on the time of year and how busy it is. 

Additionally, there are other cheaper, local bus companies that you can use for your day trip. 

But, they tend to take forever (they make a lot of local stops) and save you maybe 20 Dirham ($2.00) on your ticket. So, not really worth it, especially if you’re short on time. 

In terms of the bus station, CTM has its own station. It’s also a bit far from the Medina. So, you will need to take a taxi from the Medina to the CTM station. 

Remember,  Fes has like three bus stations (I think) and it is the CTM station, not Gare Routiere. The bus ride will also take around 4 hours each way, depending on traffic. 

It’s also worth noting that you will have to take a taxi to the bus station since it’s not walkable and buses can be tricky to use if you don’t speak Moroccan dialect. 

Just ask your hotel about the price of a taxi first since taxis are notorious scammers. 

Finally, last thing I promise. If you take the bus from Fes to Chefchaouen, the Chefchaouen bus station is NOT near the pretty blue area, or the Medina. 

You can either take a taxi (5 minutes) or walk between 20 and 25 minutes uphill to the Medina. I usually walk but if you’re short on time there are plenty of taxis around the bus station. 

Just factor this in when trying to catch your bus back to Fes since you don’t want to be late. I also try to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before my bus departs so that I am not late. 

Group Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.3/5.0 (1265 Reviews) Price: $28.23 per person Duration: 12 hours 📍Meeting Point: pick up available Operator: 3T Travel S.A.R.L Morocco Details; Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

A group tour is the easiest way to get from Fes to Chefchaouen and is a lot more affordable than a private taxi since it costs under $30.00 per person. 

So, this is a great option for solo travelers or for anyone who doesn’t really want to deal with getting to the bus station and waiting for buses. 

TBH, given the price of bus tickets and the amount of money you’ll spend on taxis to/from bus stations, this option is probably around the same price as the bus in terms of total cost. 

It’s also a lot easier since you don’t have to worry about bus timings, getting to the station, and missing your bus. 

“We started the trip on the wrong foot; At a roadblock, the police immobilized the bus due to the lack of some paperwork, but they quickly relocated us to other vehicles. Moha (our new driver) and Yassin (the guide) were very attentive at all times and made the trip very enjoyable. Chefchaouen is a very beautiful town and is worth visiting.”

Laura (read more reviews now)

Upon booking, they just give you a designated meeting point and you need to be there ten minutes early. However, if you can’t make it there then they will pick you up. 

The one downside is that you do not get a local guide unless it’s a private tour and you have at least 8 people in your group. 

But, honestly, you don’t really need a guide. The town is super small and very easy to navigate on your own. 

So, if it were me and I was doing a day trip from Fes to Chefchaouen then I would probably choose this option since it’s basically just like one giant group bus to Chefchaouen. 

You are also guaranteed to have four hours to explore the city, which is enough time to enjoy the highlights and get a feel for this amazing place. 

Just be aware that you’ll be in a group of 20+ people. So, sometimes you’ll have to wait for people and this can cause delays. 

Best Things to do in Chefchaouen in One Day

Regardless of how you get to Chefchaouen from Fes, you’ll have plenty of time to walk around and explore this beautiful blue place. You won’t have time to do any hikes around Chefchaouen but that’s okay.

So, here are my picks for some of the best things to do in Chefchaouen during your day trip. 

1. Explore the Beautiful Blue Medina

Every Moroccan city has its very own Medina. It’s a historically rich old quarter that is encircled by ancient walls and accessible through various city gates. 

In Chefchaouen, wandering through the Medina’s cobblestone alleys is a true delight since you’ll be greeted by stunning doorways and the etheral blue houses that have made this city famous.

Discover hidden pathways, charming squares, and captivating shops offering a plethora of unusual items. 

Keep your camera handy to capture the town’s mesmerizing blue architecture. 

The Medina’s whimsical layout guarantees new surprises around every turn, though some picturesque spots might require a small fee (typically 5 or 10 Dirhams) for a photo.

Just be sure to ask permission before photographing locals and respect their wishes if they decline your offer.

Also remember that photographing children is not only inappropriate but illegal in Morocco.

2. Enjoy the Views from a Rooftop Café

One of my favorite things to do during a day trip to Chefchaouen from Fes is to relax at a rooftop café, like Café Clock. 

It’s the perfect place to unwind and indulge in a spiced Cappuccino, with lots of cinnamon and cocoa powder on top, after a long day of traveling. 

This restaurant has three floors and a gorgeous rooftop where you can take in impressive views of the city and the surrounding mountains. 

Plus, Café Clock has live music nightly and even offers calligraphy and cooking workshops for interested visitors.  

Every time I visit, I order the Berber Omelet and my partner gets the pancakes. 

However, you can always try their signature camel burger and don’t have to worry about the prices since most dishes are between 50 and 100 Dirham ($5.00 and $10.00). 

3. Capture Chefchaouen’s Beauty with Photos

Yes, Chefchaouen is super touristy. But, that’s because it’s so dang beautiful and blue. 

So, enjoy the beauty and dress up. This way you can take amazing photos with vibrant blue alleys, lined with rainbow-hued potted plants, in the background. 

There are also amazing doorways that you can stand in front of too. Just be respectful and always let locals go about their daily lives. 

You can also take photos by Ras El Maa Waterfall or at the Spanish Mosque high on the hill. 

4. Discover Local Markets and Unique Local Foods

Visiting Chefchaouen on a Monday or a Thursday means that you can visit a local food market where cheese, veggies, and bread are all sold.

However, no matter when you visit, you can always sample local specialties like Jben. 

It’s a soft, mild goat cheese that is found in Tangier, Tetouan, and Chefchaouen.

Though it may not be to everyone’s taste, sampling this iconic cheese is a must in Chefchaouen, even though I personally am not a fan. But it is readily available at top restaurants in Chefchaoeun.

5. Visit the Spanish Mosque

If you are going on a day trip from Fes to Chefchaouen then you’ll probably miss watching the sunset at the Spanish Mosque. 

But, a climb up to this historic site is feasible any time of day and worth your time since the views are stunning. 

After all, this mosque was built in the 1920s by the Spanish (hence the name) and now stands as a silent guardian over the city. 

Plus, the climb is a fairly easy, 20-minute walk along a well-paved path that lies just past Ras El Maa waterfall.

So, wear those walking shoes and enjoy all that Chefchaouen has to offer. 

6. Say Hi to the Kitties

Like most cities in Morocco, there are stray cats everywhere! So, be sure to pet them and cuddle them while exploring the blue city. 

My boyfriend likes to feed them spreadable cheese but feel free to play with them or do anything you like. 

Just be careful because they are strays and can definitely bite or scratch you if you’re not careful. 

7. Visit the Kasbah

Located in Plaza Uta El Hammam, this significant, earthen-colored structure dates back to the 15th century and was once a prison.

Today, it houses the Center for Research and Andalusian Studies, as well as a small art gallery.

Entrance fees are 60 Dirhams ($6), granting access to a beautiful Andalusian garden and the Portuguese Tower. 

Be sure to climb to the top of the tower if you want to enjoy impressive views of the city. 

8. Enjoy a Meal at Sofia’s

Sofia’s is a totally female owned and operated restaurant that overlooks the main square. 

They serve up some of the best food I have had in Morocco, which is saying something since my partner’s mom is an excellent cook. 

It’ s a great place to try authentic Moroccan cuisine, with many vegan options available too. 

So grab a seat outside at one of the plastic white tables and order the vegan soup or the vegetable tagine. 

Both are amazing. I have also ordered the veggie sandwich but wasn’t a fan. 

And if you can’t find Sofia’s, try Bab Ssour instead. It’s not as good as Sofia’s but I loved their chickpea tagine. 

9. Do a Free Walking Tour

Like I said before, Chefchaouen is super compact and easy to explore on your own. 

But, if you want to learn more about the history and culture of this city in the Rif Mountains then you can sign up for this free walking tour 

It’s a great way to meet locals and better your understanding of this unique place in Morocco. 

Both Carlota and Ali are amazing local guides who will take you on a fun, 2-hour tour through the city. Just don’t forget to tip them at the end of the tour. 

Why is Chefchaouen Blue?

The real answer is that no one really knows. Some people say that the color helps keep the mosquitos away. Other people claim the color cools the town off during the hot summer months. 

Still other people claim that Jews introduced the color to the town in 1492 when they fled the Spanish Inquisition or after WWII when they fled Hitler. 

Apparently they chose blue to represent the sky and heaven. Regardless of the reason, this cobalt blue color is absolutely stunning. 

It is now reapplied to local homes twice a year and is one of the many reasons why you need to visit Chefchaouen.

Best Time to Visit Chefchaouen

Chefhcaouen has a mild climate. It gets hot in the summer (32°C or 90°F in July) and mildly cold in the winter (15°C or 59°F in January). 

I’ve been to the town in April and in February and much preferred February.

 I mean, it was chilly in the winter but not FREEZING. April however was hot. I vividly remember walking up a hill and sweating hardcore with my boyfriend. 

It was hot but definitely not Marrakech hot. So, IMHO I think the best time to visit Chefchaouen is in spring or fall. 

Sometime between October and November and March and April. However, I personally found the weather to be pleasant in winter and would 100% recommend visiting at that time of year. 

There will be no snow and highs are in the 60s°F (15-18°C). So, you can definitely go hiking without getting insanely hot. 

What Currency is Used in Chefchaouen?

Like all of Morocco, the currency in Chefchaouen is Moroccan Dirham (DH or MAD). Generally, the exchange rate is 10 Dirham to $1.00 USD (or €1.00) 

Do check the exchange rate before you visit since this is only an estimate and it changes regularly. 

Additionally, Chefchaouen and all of Morocco is still a very cash-based society. So, you should always have cash on you, regardless of where you go. 

To minimize foreign transaction fees, I withdraw cash at a bank ATM in a larger city (like Marrakech). 

I just find the withdrawal limits are higher in big cities. So, you can save money on fees by withdrawing one large amount of money at one time. 

I do not recommend using ATMs that are not affiliated with banks since these are run independently and can be operated by scammers (the fees can also be super high). 

FYI, there are plenty of bank ATMs in Chefchaouen. So, you should have no problem getting cash if you need it. 

What to Wear in Chefchaouen?

A question I get all the time is, what should I wear in Morocco as a woman? Personally, I think people over complicate it. 

The simple answer is, dress like you are going to visit your grandma or like you are going to a funeral. 

I mean I wouldn’t walk around in a mini skirt and tube top, but I also wouldn’t buy an entirely new wardrobe and have every inch of skin covered. It’s not necessary. 

As far as Muslim countries go, Morocco is pretty liberal. The country also has a lot of tourists, so they are used to foreigners. 

Now, if you’re a woman traveling solo, definitely dress more modestly just to reduce the amount of unwanted male attention you get (it didn’t really help me but was worth the effort). 

However, when I was traveling around Morocco with my partner, I wore shorts above the knee and tank tops and was just fine. I also wore leggings and had no problem. 

In the summer though, you might want to wear thin, baggy pants. They just keep you cool and protect your legs from the sun. 

The exception to this rule is in small villages and non-touristy destinations. 

These places tend to be much more conservative and you need to cover up. So have those knees and shoulders covered ladies. 

We got a complaint in a village near Fes because I was wearing biker shorts above my knees.

No one yelled at me but the guy at the hotel did ask my partner to ask me to dress more modestly. 

Finally, wear something nice because you will be taking a ton of photos and want to look AMAZING in all of your pics. 

FAQs About A Fes To Chefchaouen Day Trip

Can you Do a Day Trip from Fes to Chefchaouen?

Yes you can do a day trip from Fes to Chefchaouen. But, it will be a long day since it will take you around 4 hours (each way) to get to the city. 

You also won’t have a ton of time to enjoy the city, which is why I would recommend spending a night or two at one of the best hotels in Chefchaouen if you have the time. 

Can you do a Day Trip to Chefchaouen?

Yes, you can do a day trip to Chefchaouen from Tangier and Fes. However, the day is long and you won’t be able to enjoy everything the city has to offer. 

So, if possible, try to spend a night or two in the city. 

How long is the Bus Ride from Fes to Chefchaouen?

The bus ride from Fes to Chefchaouen can take anywhere between 4 hours and 4.5 hours. It really just depends on traffic and any delays along the way. 

Is Fes Safe to Visit?

Yes, Fes is a safe place to visit. Just use my local Fes safety tips and you’ll have an amazing visit.

Can You Take a Train from Fes to Chefchaouen?

No, you cannot take a train from Fes to Chefchaouen. You could take a train from Fes to Tangier, or Fes to Marrakech, but then you’d still be a 3-hour drive away from Chefchaouen. 

That wraps up this guide to the perfect Fes to Chefchaouen day trip. I hope you found this post helpful and are ready to spend an epic day in Chefchaouen. 

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