Would you like to visit the blue pearl of the Moroccan Rif? Chefchaouen nestles in the mountains of northern Morocco. This pretty, colorful town seduced us with its blue-and-white-painted alleyways, hilly medina and singular atmosphere. Here we share all the practical information you need to organize your journey to Chefchaouen and find out how to get there, whether you arrive by car, bus or guided tour from another city.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Summary: How to get to Chefchaouen
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- In the Rif mountains of northern Morocco
- 1h30min drive from Tétouan (national road N13)
- 2h20min drive from Tangiers (N2)
- 4-hour drive from Fez
- Most practical: day trips available from Fez, Tangiers and Tetouan
- No airport in Chefchaouen: the nearest airport is Tangier Ibn Battouta, about 2h20min drive away – see available flights
- Scheduled buses from Tangiers, Tetouan, Fez, Rabat, Casablanca (CTM and other operators)
- To rent a car, see options here
WHERE TO STAY IN Chefchaouen
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Where is Chefchaouen and map
Chefchaouen is located in the Rif mountains in northern Morocco, at an altitude of around 600m. It backs onto the wooded hills of the Talassemtane National Park and borders the Laou valley. This geographical position gives it a dual character: the freshness of the heights on the one hand, and the proximity of the major cities of the north on the other.
Here are the distances from the main cities:
- From Tetouan: 1h30min drive
- From Tangier: 2h30min drive
- From Fez: 4h drive
- From Casablanca: 5h15min drive
Chefchaouen has no airport. The most direct international access is via Tangier’s Ibn Battouta airport, then by road. We detail all the options below.
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- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Adapt your choice of vehicle to your itinerary!
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Option 1: Day trip
In our opinion, this is the best option for discovering this northern gem in complete tranquillity. If you’re staying in another town in northern Morocco and would like to visit Chefchaouen without spending the night, there are several options available. We’ve classified them according to departure point.
From Tangier
Tangier is one of Morocco’s most frequent gateways, especially for travelers arriving from Europe by ferry or plane. From Tangier, Chefchaouen is about a 2h15min drive through the Rif mountains. The road is narrow and winding over the last few kilometers: we advise against driving it for the first time at night or in bad weather.
Opting for a guided tour from Tangier is a good alternative: you avoid mountain driving and benefit from a local guide to understand the historical and cultural context of the blue city. Combine with the magnificent Akchour waterfalls.
See the excursions available from Tangier.
From Fez
From Fez, it’s about a 4-minute drive. The distance is longer, but the day trip is still feasible if you leave early. We recommend, however, that you plan an overnight stay to enjoy the city without rushing, especially after the tourist groups have left. See guided tours from Fez
From Tetouan
Tétouan is the closest town to Chefchaouen: only 1h30min drive. It’s the quickest option for a day trip. By car, the 4-lane national highway crosses the Rif mountains and already offers beautiful scenery such as the Sed Nakhla dam lake. A marvel on the way between Tétouan and Chefchaouen! Note that the last 20 kilometers are on a narrower 2-lane road, dotted with twists and turns. It’s best to have an experienced driver and a local guide along for the ride!
Choose your excursion from Tetouan
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Option 2: by car
A car is a flexible way to get to Chefchaouenn. It allows you to plan your journey at your own pace, making stops along the way and then reaching other destinations in the Rif region.
From Tangier or Tetouan, the national roads are fairly well maintained but very busy. They are also punctuated by numerous bends. We recommend avoiding this stretch at night or in wet weather, as the road is slippery and visibility is reduced on bends. In fine weather, the scenery is breathtaking! However, inexperienced drivers should avoid this route. A guided tour is the ideal option in this case.
To rent a car in Morocco, compare available offers: see rental cars in Morocco.
For parking in Chefchaouen, please note that the old town is not accessible by car. Paid parking is available in the new town, at the entrance to Chefchaouen. Follow the signs. Bring change in dhs (MAD) for parking meters and attendants. In high season, it’s very difficult to find a parking space easily. It’s best to arrive early.
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Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Option 3: by bus
Chefchaouen is linked by bus to Morocco’s main cities. CTM and other operators such as Supratours provide regular services from Tangiers, Tetouan, Fez, Rabat and Casablanca. Buses are air-conditioned and have luggage compartments.
- From Tangiers: approx. 2h40 journey time
- From Tetouan: approx. 2h drive
- From Fez: approx. 4h15
- From Casablanca: approx. 7h
The Chefchaouen bus station is located in the new town, about a 10-minute walk from the medina. We advise you to buy your tickets in advance in high season (June-September), as departures sell out quickly.
Option 4: by plane
Chefchaouen has no airport. The nearest airport is Tangiers Ibn Battouta International Airport, around 2 hours 20 minutes away. It’s the logical point of arrival if you’re flying directly from Europe or another international destination.
From Tangier airport, there are several options for getting to Chefchaouen:
By rental car
Rental agencies are available outside the Tangier Ibn Battouta terminal. This is the most autonomous option: you pick up the vehicle on landing and drive directly to Chefchaouen, without connecting. Book in advance in high season to guarantee vehicle availability. Compare rental offers in Morocco.
Private transfer
A driver will meet you at the terminal exit and take you directly to your accommodation in Chefchaouen. This is the most comfortable solution, especially for families or groups. The cost per person decreases as the group grows. We consider this a very attractive option for travelers arriving in the evening, or in the event of a rainy mountain journey. See available transfers.
By bus from Tangier
From the airport, a cab or local bus will take you to Tangier city center, where you’ll find the bus station. From there, CTM buses and other companies serve Chefchaouen (approx. 2h20 travel time). You’ll need to plan for a connection and potentially a wait, depending on the timetable. This is an economical option, but requires more organization.
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Practical tips for organizing your trip
Best time to visit
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the best climatic conditions: pleasant temperatures between 8°C (46.4°F) and 18°C (64.4°F), lush vegetation and moderate visitor numbers. In summer (June-August), the city is very busy and much hotter. In fact, temperatures can reach 35°C (95°F) and higher in the mountains. This makes for less pleasant walking. Winter remains an interesting option for those wishing to avoid the crowds: temperatures vary between 3°C (37.4°F) and 15°C (59°F) maximum, and evenings are cool. Bring warm clothing for nights at altitude.
Plan to spend at least one night on site
Chefchaouen is best discovered on foot, following the rhythm of the narrow streets. We recommend spending at least one night here. Early in the morning and in the evening, once the groups of day visitors have left, the medina reveals a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. It’s also at these times that the light is at its best for photography enthusiasts. Note that this is a year-round destination that welcomes many visitors. We recommend that you book your accommodation as early as possible to have a choice and attractive rates.
Driving in the Rif mountains: what you need to know
- The roads are narrow on the last few kilometers of the approach
- Numerous twists and turns: if you’re not used to this type of driving, allow more time than the advertised duration.
- Avoid driving at night and in wet weather on these mountain stretches
- In winter, some roads may be slippery due to rain or frost at higher altitudes.
- Stay alert in town: driving in Morocco can be intense, especially in urban areas.
Getting around Chefchaouen
Once you’ve arrived in the new town, the best way to get around is on foot. Cabs are available on site, but note that once you’re near the entrance to the medina, you’ll have to continue on foot, as tourist vehicles are not allowed in. Only residents have access by car.
Remember to wear good shoes. There are many stairs and cobblestones, some of them slippery.
And once in Chefchaouen…
Once there, the city can be explored entirely on foot. You’ll find that the medina is quite hilly. Among the must-sees, we particularly enjoyed the Place El Haouta, the 15th-century Kasbah and its ethnographic collections, the small waterfalls of Ras El Ma on the edge of the medina, and of course the blue alleyways for which the town is famous.
See our complete guide: what to do in Chefchaouen.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
The most beautiful landscapes in Morocco
What to do in Morocco (coming soon)
The most beautiful riads
The most beautiful cities
The most beautiful medinas
The most beautiful gardens (coming soon)
The best museums (coming soon)
The most beautiful beaches in Morocco (coming soon)
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Morocco (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
Where to stay in Morocco (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fès
Meknès
Chefchaouen
Sahara Desert (coming soon)
