How to Get from Fes to Chefchaouen in 2024: Epic Local’s Guide

Planning a very merry Moroccan itinerary and wondering how to get from Fes to Chefchaouen?

If so then you have come to the right place my friend. I have been living in Morocco for well over a year and have traveled between Fes and Chefchaouen multiple times.

So, I am the beyond perfect person to give you expert advice on how to actually travel from Fes to Chefchaouen.

The good news is that traveling from Fes to Chefchaouen is really easy. The bad news is that no trains or planes operate between the two cities.

So, your only options to get from Chefchaouen to Fes are to take a private/shared taxi, drive yourself, or take the bus.

I’ll deep dive into which option is best for you throughout this post.

After all, what you do depends on your personal needs and what is most important to you: comfort, convenience, or saving money.

But, enough chit-chat. You’re a busy human so let’s get right to it and find out how to travel from Fes to Chefchaouen.

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The Best Way to Get to Fes from Chefchaouen

So, the best answer on how to get from Fes to Chefchaouen will vary a bit based on your personal needs.

However, for most people, the bus will be the best and cheapest way to travel between these two cities after enjoying the best things to do in Fes.

Buses depart multiple times a day and are very safe and comfortable. They are also super affordable and have ample space for your luggage, regardless of what season you visit Fes.

Group taxis are not a great option since you’ll have to get out at Ouezzane and then hop into another group taxi.

You could also take a private transfer if you have mobility issues or are traveling with a large group.

But, this can be expensive and can cost between 1000 and 1700 Dirhams for the car ($100 and $170). However, the price does get more reasonable when split between multiple people or if you rent a car and plan a Morocco road trip itinerary.

Just be sure to try one of the best restaurants in Chefchaouen while you’re here.

Fes to Chefchaouen by Bus

I put this option first because traveling from Fes to Chefchaouen by bus is my favorite way to travel between these two cities.

I have done it many times and it is fast, comfortable, easy, and safe. I use CTM.

They are a great company, have nice buses, use safe drivers, have many departures to Chefchaouen daily, and are super affordable.

Yes, there are other, cheaper companies that you can use. But, my Moroccan partner has always warned against this since these are local buses that make all the local stops.

So, the journey will take a lot longer and just won’t be as comfortable. Now, if you decide to use CTM, tickets cost around 120 Dirham ($12.00).

However, prices can vary based on the time of day you depart and the time of year you will be visiting.

So, always check the CTM website for the latest fare and schedule information to stay up to date.

I would also try to book your bus tickets in advance online via the CTM website (maybe a week in advance) since they can sell out.

After all, Chefchaouen is a popular day trip from Fes – especially during the busy season which is from April through October.

At this time, buses depart daily from Fes to Chechaouen at 9:30 am, 1:15 pm, and 2:30 pm.

Again, times can change throughout the year so please check up-to-date timetables before booking your ticket.

Now, if you use CTM please be aware that there are three different bus stations in Fes. So, you’ll want to go to the CTM bus station, not Gare Routiere.

To get here, you’ll need to use a taxi to get from the Medina to the bus station since it’s just not walkable. The ride will take around 15 minutes and usually costs 20 Dirhams ($2.00).

Try and get there at least 15 minutes early because, upon arrival, you’ll have to head to the luggage counter and buy a ticket for any large bags that will be stored beneath the bus.

Don’t worry, you won’t have to pay for any bags that you’ll bring with you on the bus.

Tickets usually cost no more than 5 Dirhams ($0.50) and must be paid in cash upon arrival at the luggage counter.

You’ll then place your tag/sticker on your bag and keep one for yourself before handing your luggage to a CTM employee before you board the bus.

Then, just enjoy a 4+ hour ride to Chefchaouen. It takes a little over 4 hours usually but timing can vary based on traffic.

Once in Chefchaouen, you’ll be at the Chefchaouen central bus station. It’s about a 15 or 20-minute walk uphill, to the Medina, where most people stay in Chefchaouen.

The walk is doable but it is uphill and can be difficult when you are carrying a bunch of stuff and it is super hot out.

So, if you want to take a taxi to the Medina from the bus station, it will cost around 10 Dirham ($1.00) and take maybe five minutes.

Fes to Chefchaouen by Private Taxi/Private Transfer

Another way to travel between Chefchaouen and Fes is through a private transfer or private taxi.

The benefit of traveling this way is you don’t have to worry about bus timetables, getting to the bus station, or finding your hotel upon arrival.

You just tell your driver when to show up at your hotel and they will take you directly from Fes to Chefchaouen.

This is a good option for people with mobility issues, people with tons of luggage, and anyone traveling in a group since you can split the total cost of the vehicle.

Generally, private transfers and taxis can cost anywhere between 1000 Dirhams ($100.00) and 1700 Dirhams ($170.00).

Honestly, the total cost just depends on who you ask and how good you are at haggling. But, if you have enough people then you can end up paying like $30.00 per person.

The trip will take between 3.5 and 4 hours, depending on traffic, how fast your driver is, and how many stops you make along the way.

Another benefit of a private driver is that you can stop as much as you like along the way. I never really opt for a private driver since I usually travel alone or with my partner.

However, this could be a good option for you. Just as your Fes hotel about good companies to use.

Fes to Chefchaouen by Group Taxi (aka Grand Taxi)

If you haven’t traveled to Morocco before then the concept of a group taxi, or Grand Taxi, might be new to you.

It’s kind of like a private taxi, except that you pay for your seat in the taxi and not the entire taxi. You also find them waiting at a Grand Taxi station and they take you to one set destination.

They are a lot cheaper than private taxis but you will have to wait for the taxi to fill up with passengers, usually 6 people, before you leave the station – which can take a lot of time.

The other downside is that when the taxi is full, there isn’t a whole lot of room for luggage. So, if you are carrying a ton of luggage then this may not be a great option for you.

To use a Grand Taxi to travel between Fes and Chefchaouen, you’ll have to head to the Grand Taxi Station.

The last time I was there it was near the CTM Bus Station and Gare Routière. But, the location can sometimes change so ask your hotel first.

There is also no direct Grand Taxi from Fes to Chefchaouen. Instead, you’ll have to take a Grand Taxi from Fes to Ouezzane and then from Quezzane to Chefchaouen.

Honestly, it’s a bit of a pain in the ass and I would not recommend taking a Grand Taxi if you’re trying to figure out how to get to Chefchaouen from Fes.

Fares are reasonable though and can cost around 150 Dirham ($15.00) per person.

I am not 100% sure about the price and would ask your hotel first if you are interested in doing this.

Drive Yourself Between Fes and Chefchaouen

Another option is to drive yourself from Fes to Chefchaouen. TBH, the Medina in Fes and Chefchaouen is small and very walkable.

Most of the roads in the Medina are tiny and inaccessible by car. So, I don’t think you need a car in either city.

Sure, you could use a car to drive to the Akchour waterfall hike in Chefchaouen.

But, there is a Grand Taxi station right near the Chefchaouen bus station that can take you there with no problem.

I have done this multiple times and you never have to wait long since everyone goes to Akchour.

So, I don’t think you need a rental car in either Fes or Chefchaouen.

Sure, they are affordable (maybe like $40.00 per day), but you have to pay for gas and you’ll need to navigate through windy mountain roads when road signs are in Arabic.

Plus, there isn’t a ton to stop and see along the way. Sure, you could stop to take photos of the scenery, but you’ll just basically take a photo and then hop right back in your car.

Therefore, I would not suggest renting a car and driving yourself to Chefchaouen from Fes. You’ll also love how safety is not a concern in Chefchaoun and much less an issue than safety in Fes.

FAQs on How to Get from Fes to Chefchaouen

How Do I get from Fez to Chefchaouen?

The cheapest way to get from Fez to Chefchaouen is by bus. However, the fastest and easiest way to get to Chefchaouen from Fez is by taxi or private transfer.

However, you could also take a group taxi or drive yourself, both of which are not recommended.

How Long is the Bus Ride from Fes to Chefchaouen?

The bus ride from Fes to Chefchaouen is about 4 hours and 10 minutes. However, it can vary based on your driver and traffic.

Can You Do a Day Trip from Fes to Chefchaouen?

Yes, you can do a day trip here from Fes. It’ll be a long day since it will take you four hours to get here and four hours to get back to Fes.

This is why I don’t recommend it unless you are short on time and this is the only way you can visit Chefchaouen.

There are a lot of things to do in Chefchaouen and you just won’t have time to experience them all during a day trip, like hiking in Chefcheouen.

Is Chefchaouen Worth a Day Trip?

Yes, Chefchaouen is worth visiting, even if it’s just part of a day trip. If you’re not sure how many days to spend in the blue city, you’ll want to spend at least a few days here.

But, if you are short on time then a quick day trip is better than nothing.

Is Half a Day Enough for Chefchaouen?

A half-day is enough time to explore the Medina in Chefchaouen and maybe even figure out why it’s called the blue city.

But it is not enough time to watch the sunset at the Spanish Mosque or do the hike to Akchour in a nearby national park. To do these things you’d need to spend more time in the city.

Can you Take a Train from Fes to Chefchaouen?

You cannot take a train from Fes to Chefchaouen since it does not exist (not like the train between Fes and Marrakech). You also cannot fly to Chefchaouen since there is no airport. The nearest airport would be Tetouan.

That wraps up this guide on traveling from Fes to Chefchaouen. I hope you now know how to get from Fes to Chefchaouen and can plan the perfect getaway.

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