At just two hours apart, Tangier and Chefchaouen are often visited together, sometimes as a day trip from one another. These two northern cities are both enchanting but completely different - one whitewashed and coastal, the other mountainous and blue-hued - so I’d definitely recommend trying to fit both into your Morocco itinerary.
If you’re wondering how to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen or what I think is the best way of getting from Chefchaouen to Tangier, then you’ve come to the right place. While there is no once-size-fits-all answer, some options will appeal to those on a budget while others to travellers who are short on time or just value convenience above all else.
So I thought I’d created an article that outlines the different ways to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen, including bus, grand taxi and private transfer options. Additionally, I’ll discuss the benefits of renting a car for a scenic road trip into the Rif Mountains, as well as the option of booking a full-day guided tour from Tangier to Chefchaouen.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!
DON’T HAVE TIME TO READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE?
Here are my top picks for the best way to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen:
Most convenient way of getting from Tangier to Chefchaouen
Cheapest way to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen
Most flexible way to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen
Best way to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen if you’re short on time
Best way to get from Chefchaouen to Tangier
How to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen by bus
The best way to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen
In my opinion, the best way to travel from Tangier to Chefchaouen is by bus, especially if you're on a budget. Buses operate regularly throughout the day and the journey is comfortable - expect reclining seats, air conditioning and adequate legroom, depending on which company you use.
In Tangier, buses to Chefchaouen depart from the bus station on La Rocade, around 15 minutes’ drive from the medina. The easiest way to get there is by taking a petit taxi and telling the driver to take you to the “Gare Routière CTM” or you can use a ride-sharing app like Careem to arrange your ride.
How to purchase bus tickets for Tangier to Chefchaouen
When planning your bus journey from Tangier to Chefchaouen, I’d recommend purchasing your tickets online a few days before your travel date. If your trip coincides with major holidays like Eid al Adha (6-10 June 2025) or Eid al Fitr at the end of Ramadan (30-31 March 2025), when many Moroccans are on the move to visit loved ones, it's best to book your tickets a couple of weeks in advance. This ensures you have a seat reserved for your preferred date and time.
You can travel from Tangier to Chefchaouen with several different bus companies, although the main ones tourists use are CTM and Supratours. Although there are more affordable bus options available, they often make numerous stops along the way, adding significantly to the journey time. While I have travelled with Supratours several times, I find their website less user-friendly, so I’ll detail CTM buses from Tangier to Chefchaouen below.
At the time of writing, CTM has five daily buses from Tangier to Chefchaouen, with prices starting from 60 dirhams. It’s important to note that fare prices fluctuate depending on seasonal demand, so check the CTM website for your exact dates for the most precise information.
Buses from Tangier to Chefchaouen
Bus one: Departs Tangier at 07:45 and arrives in Chefchaouen at 10:00 (duration 2 hours and 15 minutes)
Bus two: Departs Tangier at 09:00 and arrives in Chefchaouen at 11:30 (duration 2 hours and 30 minutes)
Bus three: Departs Tangier at 12:15 and arrives in Chefchaouen at 14:50 (duration 2 hours and 35 minutes)
Bus four: Departs Tangier at 16:00 and arrives in Chefchaouen at 18:30 (duration 2 hours and 30 minutes)
Bus five: Departs Tangier at 19:30 and arrives in Chefchaouen at 22:10 (duration 2 hours and 40 minutes)
Buses from Chefchaouen to Tangier
Bus one: Departs Chefchaouen at 12:20 and arrives in Tangier at 15:30 (duration 3 hours and 10 minutes)
Bus two: Departs Chefchaouen at 15:30 and arrives in Tangier at 18:20 (duration 2 hours and 50 minutes)
Bus three: Departs Chefchaouen at 17:45 and arrives in Tangier at 20:15 (duration 2 hours and 30 minutes)
Bus four: Departs Chefchaouen at 18:45 and arrives in Tangier at 21:30 (duration 2 hours and 45 minutes)
Buses travelling from Tangier to Chefchaouen stop in the “Blue City” at the Gare Routiere located on Avenue Maghreb Arabe. From there, it’s about a five-minute taxi ride (approximately 20 dirhams) to Bab El Ain, the gateway to the medina. If you prefer to walk, it will take around 15 minutes to reach the medina, but be prepared for an uphill trek!
To buy bus tickets on the CTM website, just fill in your name, email, phone number and the type of ID you’ll be using, as well as the ID number. Most international travellers will use their passports for this. After you’ve entered your information, you’ll have the option to change your assigned seat if you’re not happy with the one you received.
Top tip: The road between Tangier and Chefchaouen is quite winding and beautiful, but it can cause motion sickness for some travellers. If you’re prone to this, consider choosing one of the front seats (numbers 1 to 4). Many others will have the same idea, so it’s a good idea to book early to secure one of these seats before they fill up!
Once you’ve completed your payment, you’ll get an immediate confirmation email along with a downloadable PDF ticket to show the bus driver when you board—no need to print anything out. If you prefer to pay in cash, you can simply go to the bus station to buy your ticket in person.
What to expect on the Tangier to Chefchaouen bus
Whether you're heading to the bus station on foot or catching a taxi or ride-share, it's a good idea to arrive at least 15 minutes early (if you've already bought your ticket). This extra time will allow you to check in any luggage you might have, similar to checking in at an airport. Simply take your bags to the luggage counter, pay a small fee (typically between 5 and 10 dirhams) and you'll receive a tag or sticker. Staff will then assist you in loading your bags onto the bus.
After that, it's time to board and find your seat, with seat numbers clearly displayed above. Always sit in your assigned seat to avoid confusion as others board.
Just a quick note: there are no restrooms on the bus from Tangier to Chefchaouen, so make sure to use the facilities before you board. When using public restrooms in Morocco, it's wise to keep a few dirhams handy for tipping the attendant.
Once you're settled in your seat, all you need to do is relax and take in the spectacular views outside.
How to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen
How to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen by private transfer
If you’re travelling in a group or just want the fastest way of getting from Tangier to Chefchaouen, then a private transfer is my recommendation. While the journey can take as little as 2 hours, most end up being a little more with stops at scenic viewpoints along the way. With a private transfer, you can tailor the journey to your preferences, allowing you to take breaks whenever needed.
By arranging a private transfer in advance, you can enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your Tangier hotel, which saves you the hassle and cost of getting to the bus station. Upon arriving in Chefchaouen, the driver will take you straight to your riad or as close as possible to the pedestrian-only medina.
If you’re travelling with a lot of luggage or have young children, choosing a private transfer from Tangier to Chefchaouen can significantly simplify the trip. You won’t have to navigate busy bus stations or manage public transport with little ones or heavy bags in tow. Additionally, you can select your own departure time, giving you the flexibility to travel at your convenience, whether that’s in the early morning or late at night.
Private transfers from Tangier to Chefchaouen cost anywhere from around 135 USD for up to four people, so they aren’t extremely expensive. This one comes with excellent reviews and has been awarded the Viator Badge of Excellence as a result.
"The driver was friendly and accommodating, even helped us find our riad in the medina. Highly recommended.” - Cheryl (read more reviews here)
While a private transfer from Tangier to Chefchaouen may cost more than a bus ride, the benefits make it more than worth it for those looking for a stress-free experience and who are happy to spend a bit more for added comfort.
Most convenient way to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen
How to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen by grand taxi
If you're looking for one of the cheapest ways to travel from Tangier to Chefchaouen and want to experience a traditional Moroccan mode of transport, consider taking a grand taxi. These shared taxis can accommodate up to six passengers, which means you’ll save money compared to hiring a private vehicle. While you won’t have the luxury of a private ride, the cost savings can be great for those who are trying to save their dirhams. Prices typically start from around 70 dirhams for a single seat in a grand taxi from Tangier to Chefchaouen.
That being said, you can hire a grand taxi just for yourself (and it might even be more economical than a private transfer). Just keep in mind that you'll need to head to the grand taxi station in Tangier (adjacent to the CTM bus station), as they don’t pick you up directly. Grand taxis in Morocco are often slightly older vehicles (usually Mercedes-Benz) and may not be quite as comfortable as what will turn up if you book a private transfer.
While I have used grand taxis to travel around Morocco, I find them to be a bit squishy (there are four passengers in the back and two in the front, plus the driver). Also, there are no set departure times - you have to wait until they fill up to leave. In some scenarios, you could arrive at the grand taxi station and it will leave almost immediately. In others, you’ll be waiting around for other passengers twiddling your thumbs!
Because of this, I usually use grand taxis for shorter distances or when buses aren’t an option. For longer trips, like from Tangier to Chefchaouen, I prefer the comfort and space that buses provide.
Best way to get from Chefchaouen to Tangier
How to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen by rental car
We’ve made the drive from Tangier to Chefchaouen several times, and it really is a spectacular (albeit winding) trip, especially as you near the Rif Mountains. While we didn’t need our car once we arrived in Chefchaouen (everything is easily accessible on foot), we did use it to visit the beautiful Cascades d’Akchour and Talassemtane National Park. Having our own vehicle made it so much easier to explore the region, without the constraints of public transport schedules.
If you’re considering a road trip in Morocco or just want to rent a car from Tangier to Chefchaouen, I highly recommend it. Driving is not only one of the most convenient and efficient ways to travel between these two cities, but it also allows you the freedom to make stops along the way. And despite what you might think, driving in Morocco is quite straightforward (you can learn more here!)
If you're thinking about renting a car in Morocco, I recommend checking out Discover Cars for your reservations. They offer free cancellation and 24/7 support, which makes the process super convenient. Their selection includes everything from compact automatics to manual vans, so you can find something that fits your travel style and needs. Plus, their rates are quite reasonable, starting at about 25 USD per day.
For those seeking road trip ideas, consider this one-week itinerary from Tangier to Fes, which includes a visit to Chefchaouen and the lovely coastal town of Asilah.
How to get from Chefchaouen to Tangier
How to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen by guided tour
If you're looking to explore Chefchaouen from Tangier without staying overnight, a guided tour is ideal. This is especially suitable for travellers who have limited time but still want to experience the "Blue Pearl".
There are several full-day tours from Tangier to Chefchaouen available, all of which include pick up and drop off at your hotel of choice. With a 2-hour drive each way, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the highlights of Chefchaouen, including its blue-hued streets, red-walled kasbah and the octagonal minaret of the Great Mosque.
Having a local guide with you is a fantastic way to discover the rich cultural heritage of Chefchaouen and the Rif Mountains. In many cases, you’ll uncover insights that you might not otherwise if you were exploring solo. Additionally, you'll be supporting locals who are passionate about connecting with travellers and sharing their stories.
This Chefchaouen day trip from Tangier receives rave reviews and offers great value, especially when you think about the price of a private transfer, even if it's just one way. You'll have about four hours to explore Chefchaouen, which is plenty of time to check out all the main attractions.
“Wonderful overview of the magical Chefchaoeun with Ahmed. We learned so much in a short time and were able to tailor our stops to our interests. A really memorable day!” - Karen (read more reviews here)
If you’ve got an extra day up your sleeve, consider this 2-day tour from Tangier to Chefchaouen, which also includes a visit to Tetouan. It allows you to spend a night in a Chefchaouen riad and experience the “Blue City” once the day trippers leave, as well as discover the whitewashed streets of Tetouan in the Martil Valley.
“Our driver Ilias went above and beyond to make our trip one of the best ever. Not only was he a wonderful driver but provided a connection to understanding the people of Morocco.” (read more reviews here)
How to get from Chefchaouen to Tangier
FAQs about travelling from Tangier to Chefchaouen
What is the best way to get to Chefchaouen?
The best way to get to Chefchaouen depends on your budget and preferences, with options including bus, private transfer and grand taxi. There are no trains to Chefchaouen and the city does not have an airport (the closest airport is 1.5 hours away in Tetouan). It’s also possible to visit Chefchaouen as part of a day tour from either Tangier or Fes.
Can you fly from Tangier to Chefchaouen?
The answer is “No” as there is no airport in Chefchaouen. The closest airport to Chefchaouen is Sania Ramel Airport (TTU) in Tetouan, which is around 1.5 hours away. The drive from Tangier-Ibn Battouta International Airport to Chefchaouen is only 2 hours and 15 minutes.
How long is the bus ride from Tangier to Chefchaouen?
The bus ride from Tangier to Chefchaouen takes anywhere from 2 hours and 15 minutes to 3 hours and 10 minutes, depending on the time of day.
Is there a train from Tangier to Chefchaouen?
Unfortunately, there is no train from Tangier to Chefchaouen as the railway doesn’t extend into the Rif Mountains.
By purchasing through my links, you’ll be supporting my website at no additional cost to you
Find hotels via booking.com
Book tours and attractions via Viator
Find a rental car via Discover Cars
Book flights/buses/trains via Kiwi.com
Get travel insurance via Visitors Coverage
About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.