Tucked in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, Chefchaouen—the country’s iconic Blue City—is a place that feels like a dream. Getting there takes some planning, as there’s no train station in town, but the journey itself is full of scenic stops and mountain views.
This guide explains how to reach Chefchaouen from Morocco’s main cities — Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, Tangier, and Rabat — using the most up-to-date routes and travel times.
From Casablanca to Chefchaouen
Distance: ~336 km
Travel Time: 5–6 hours by car
Options:
- By Car: Take the A1 motorway north toward Kenitra, then continue east via the N13 highway into the Rif Mountains. The drive is comfortable and scenic, but expect winding roads as you approach Chefchaouen.
- By Bus: Daily CTM and Supratours buses connect Casablanca to Chefchaouen, taking 6–7 hours depending on stops and traffic.
- By Train + Bus:
- Option 1: Take the train from Casablanca to Kenitra (about 1 h 30 min) and then connect to a CTM or local bus to Chefchaouen (about 4 h 30 min).
- Option 2: Take the train from Casablanca to Rabat (around 1 h 10 min), then transfer to a bus heading to Chefchaouen (roughly 5 hours).
From Marrakech to Chefchaouen
Distance: ~575 km
Travel Time: 8–9 hours by car
Options:
- By Car: Drive north on the A3 and A1 motorways, passing Casablanca and Rabat before turning inland toward the mountains. It’s a long day’s journey but offers an amazing cross-section of Morocco’s landscapes.
- By Train + Bus:
- Option 1: Take a train from Marrakech to Rabat (about 4 h 30 min), then transfer to a CTM bus to Chefchaouen (around 5 hours).
- Option 2: Take a train from Marrakech to Kenitra (about 5 hours), then catch a bus to Chefchaouen (about 4 h 30 min).
- Option 3: Fly to Tetouan then take bus or grand taxi (about 3 hours)
- By Bus (Direct): A few long-haul buses travel the full route, usually taking 10–11 hours.
💡 Recommended: Spend a night in Rabat or Casablanca before continuing north — it breaks up the journey and lets you explore another beautiful city on the way.
From Fes to Chefchaouen
Distance: ~200 km
Travel Time: 3.5–4 hours by car
Options:
- By Car: A straightforward and scenic drive across green hills and rural landscapes.
- By Bus: Multiple CTM and Supratours departures daily, usually 4 h 30 min to 5 h.
- By Taxi: Shared “grand taxis” operate from Fes to Chefchaouen; they’re faster but slightly more expensive.
💡 Tip: This route is among the most popular for travelers combining Fes and Chefchaouen in a northern Morocco trip.
🚐 From Tangier to Chefchaouen
Distance: ~115 km
Travel Time: 2–2 h 30 min by car
Options:
- By Car: Follow the N2 highway south through the Rif Mountains — a quick and beautiful drive.
- By Bus: CTM runs several buses per day, taking around 2 h 30 min.
- By Taxi: Shared taxis are available and cost roughly 70 MAD per person, depending on the time of day.
💡 Best Option: This is the easiest and shortest route to Chefchaouen — ideal if you’re flying into Tangier.
From Rabat to Chefchaouen
Distance: ~250 km
Travel Time: 4–5 hours by car
Options:
- By Car: Drive north on the A1 highway through Kenitra and Larache, then turn east toward the mountains.
- By Bus: CTM offers direct routes from Rabat to Chefchaouen, averaging 5 h 30 min.
- By Train + Bus: Take a train from Rabat to Kenitra or Tangier, then connect to a bus to Chefchaouen. Total travel time is around 6 hours including transfers.
💡 Tip: Rabat is an excellent halfway point if you’re traveling from southern Morocco and want a more relaxed route north.
🌟 Travel Tips for Visiting Chefchaouen
- Book bus tickets early — especially during spring and autumn when buses sell out.
- Carry cash (MAD) since ATMs are limited in smaller mountain towns.
- Travel by daylight when possible — mountain roads can be tricky at night.
- Stay at least 2 nights to enjoy the peaceful rhythm and blue-washed charm of Chefchaouen.
- Private Transfers: Simply Morocco offers custom transport options and guided itineraries if you prefer stress-free travel.
Travel with Us Across Morocco
Join Simply Morocco for a journey through mountains, deserts, and blue cities. Whether you’re exploring Chefchaouen’s alleys or riding through the Sahara, we handle every detail—so you can just enjoy the magic.