How to Get from Tangier to Chefchaouen: Local’s 2024 Guide

Planning a trip to Chefchaouen but not exactly sure how to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen? If so then this epic local guide is for you.

I live in Morocco and have traveled between Chefchaouen and Tangier many times. So I know all about traveling between Tangier and Chefchaouen and one of the best day trips from Tangier.

Sadly, there is no train between these two cities in Morocco. There is also no airport in Chefchaouen.

So, there are really only a few ways to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen. You could hire a private transfer, rent a car and drive, take a “grand taxi” (long-distance shared taxi), or take a bus.

In this article, I’ll help you decide which option is best for you so that you can plan the perfect trip to Chefchaouen.

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What is the Best Way to Get From Tangier to Chefchaouen?

For most people, the best way to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen is by bus. It’s cheap, safe, convenient, and easy.

You can reserve tickets online in advance and a CTM bus will take you directly from one city to the next.

There are also multiple departures daily, so you can leave at a time that is convenient for you.

However, if you are traveling in a large group then a Grand Taxi could be a good option. You could fill up the taxi and just split the cost between the passengers.

The downside is that you have to make your way to the Grand Taxi station. Grand Taxis also sometimes have limited space so it can be hard to pack all of your luggage into one car.

But, it’s a safe place since Tangier is safe to visit and you should have no problems traveling around the city. Just make sure you know when to go to Tangier for the best trip possible.

Lastly, I only recommend a private transfer for anyone with limited mobility or for families with children.

It’s really only worth it when traveling in a group and if you have a ton of luggage and need a lot of space. Alternatively, you could rent a car and do a mini road trip through Morocco if you like.

How to Get from Tangier to Chefchaouen

By Bus

The first thing you need to know about traveling from Tangier to Chefchaouen by bus is that there are three different bus stations. So, familiarize yourself with them even if you only are in Tangier for 24 hours.

Be sure to go to the bus station that corresponds to the company you bought your ticket from. So, if you choose to use CTM, which I recommend, then be sure to go to the CTM station.

TBH there’s not a huge difference between companies like CTM, Alsa, and Supratours. I just think CTM has the most departures between the two cities and is most convenient.

If you choose to book your bus tickets with CTM, please note that the bus station is 6.0 km outside the city.

We tried to take the bus here (11/18/20 will all take you there) but it would have taken us a silly amount of time, like 45 minutes. So, we just grabbed a taxi instead.

In total, the journey from Tangier to Chefchaouen should take between 2 hours and 15 minutes and 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

You will usually stop in Tetouan along the way. I have done this three times and you do not need to get off the bus or change buses when you arrive in Tetouan.

Just sit in your seat and wait for the bus to continue to Chefchaouen.

Personally, I always go with CTM. They are fast, safe, efficient, and easy to use. There are also generally five departures daily at 7:45 am, 9:00 am, 12:15 pm, 4:00 pm, and 8:15 pm.

But, departures can change seasonally so always check their website before you book tickets.

Yes, there are other cheaper companies you can use. But, on the whole you won’t be as comfortable and the ride will take a lot longer since you will make all the local stops.

You will also only save maybe 20 Dirham ($2.00), so it’s not really worth it IMHO.

Tickets cost between 50 Dirham ($5.00) and 90 Dirham ($9.00) depending on the day and time of year.

I would definitely go online and book your tickets in advance since tickets can be hard to come by during peak travel season (April – September/October).

Yeah, it’s just a popular city to visit and many people do a quick trip from Tangier to Chefchaouen. It’s worth visiting Chefchaouen but plan a bit ahead (maybe like a week) and stop by one of the best places to eat in Chefchaouen.

It’s also worth noting that when you take the bus, your ticket only includes your seat and luggage that can fit in the overhead compartment of the bus.

If you need to put larger luggage beneath the bus then you will need an additional ticket for your luggage that costs no more than 5 Dirham ($0.50).

Upon arrival at the bus station in Tangier, go to the luggage counter and pay for your ticket in cash.

They will then give you a ticket for your luggage, Put a sticker, or fasten, the tag on your bag and then keep the other half so that you can save it to collect your luggage at the end of your trip.

You’ll then bring your luggage to the bus as you board and someone will put it beneath the bus for you as you board.

Now, once you arrive in Chefchaouen, you can take a taxi from the bus station to your Chefchaouen hotel for no more than 10 Dirham ($1.00) or walk there.

If you are staying in the Medina (and you should) it will take you between 15 and 25 minutes to walk uphill to where you’re staying.

It’s definitely doable but can be intense when you have a lot of luggage and it’s super hot outside. Because, yes, Chefchaouen was super hot the last time we visited in September.

Group Taxi/Grand Taxi

If you’ve never been to Morocco before then you might not be familiar with group taxis. Essentially, it is like a shared taxi and you pay for your seat, not the entire taxi.

So, you’ll go to a designated Grand Taxi station and find the group taxi that will take you to Chefchaouen.

You’ll then wait for the taxi to fill up with between 6 people before you depart for Chefchaouen.

The main issue with a group taxi is that it can take a long time for the taxi to fill up with passengers. They are also not super spacious.

So, if you have a ton of luggage then you probably won’t have anywhere to put it. Plus. unless you are traveling with 6 people and can fill up the taxi, I would take the bus instead.

If you want to use a Grand Taxi (group taxi) to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen, then it will take around two hours, depending on the driver and the traffic.

It will cost around 70 Dirham ($7.00) per person and that station is next to the CTM bus station in Tangier.

Upon arrival, you’ll also get dropped off near the Medina in Chefchaouen and can just walk to your hotel from there.

Drive Yourself There

The final way to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen is to drive yourself there. A car rental is pretty cheap (maybe $40.00 per day) but you will pay for gas.

You’ll also have to drive on sometimes windy, mountain roads and will have to navigate highways where signs are sometimes only in Arabic.

You also definitely don’t need a car rental in Chefchaouen. The city is super small and very walkable.

Plus, group taxis are readily available to take you to nearby hikes like the one to Akchour waterfall.

Personally, I wouldn’t drive myself but that is just me.

FAQs

How Much Does a Taxi Cost from Tangier to Chefchaouen?

A private taxi from Tangier to Chefchaouen will cost anywhere between 700 Dirham and 1000 Dirham ($70 and $100). Try to haggle and see if you can get the best price possible when departing from your riad in Tangier.

Is a Day trip to Chefchaouen Enough?

You can do a day trip to Chefchaouen from Fes, Tangier, and Tetouan. It’s enough time to explore the beautiful blue Medina after enjoying cool cooking classes in Tangier.

But, it’s not enough time to catch the sunset at the Spanish Mosque, do cool Chefchaouen hikes to places like Akchour waterfall, and experience all of the top things to do in Chefchaouen.

How Much is the Bus from Tangier to Chefchaouen?

The bus from Tangier to Chefchaouen can cost anywhere between 50 Dirham ($5.00) and 90 Dirham ($9.00). It just depends on what time of day and year you travel.

How Long is the Bus Ride from Tangier to Chefchaouen?

The bus ride from Tangier to Chefchaouen can take anywhere between 2 hours and 15 minutes and 2 hours and 30 minutes. It just depends on traffic, delays, etc.

It is a great option if you are wondering how to get from Chefchaouen to Tangier.

How Long Do You Need to Visit Chefchaouen?

To enjoy all of the best things to do in Chefchaouen, I would spend two full days there. This way you can explore the medina and watch the sunset at the Spanish Mosque on the first day.

You can then get up on the second day and do a fun hike to Akchour waterfall and maybe even figure out why Chefchaouen is blue.

That wraps up this guide on how to get from Tangier to Chefchaoeun. I hope you found this post useful and are super excited for your trip.

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