Morocco transport guide

Tangier to Chefchaouen

No train runs to Chefchaouen. Take the CTM bus (about 3 hours, from 50 MAD), a shared grand taxi (about 2 hours, from 45 MAD a seat), a private transfer or your own car for the 115 km into the Rif.

Chefchaouen on its Rif hillside. Photograph: Badr Rachadi, CC BY-SA 4.0

Distance: 115 km by road
Train: None: Chefchaouen has no station
CTM bus: About 3 hours, from 50 MAD
Grand taxi: About 2 hours, from 45 MAD a seat

Getting from Tangier to Chefchaouen

Tangier is where most travelers arriving by ferry from Europe enter Morocco, and Chefchaouen is often their first stop inland. The town sits 115 km southeast of Tangier in the Rif Mountains, a half-day journey by bus, taxi or car, and the land changes on the way from flat coastal plain to forested mountain slopes.

Chefchaouen has no railway, so the choice is between the CTM bus, a shared grand taxi, a private transfer or driving yourself. Below are 2026 prices for each, with notes for arrivals at Tangier's ports and airport.

Quick Comparison

Tangier to Chefchaouen transport options compared
Option	Time	Price
CTM Bus	3 hours	From 50 MAD
Grand Taxi	2 hours	From 45 MAD/person
Private Transfer	2 hours	From 600 MAD
Rental Car	2 hours	From 250 MAD/day

Comfort and reliability are our editorial judgement of each option.

All Transport Options in Detail

Four ways to make the trip, with what each costs and how to book it.

Best for: Budget travelers, solo travelers

CTM Bus

The CTM bus is the most predictable public option: fixed departures from the Tangier CTM station, air-conditioned coaches, assigned seats and luggage in the hold. The road runs southeast through Tetouan province, then climbs into the Rif past terraced hillsides, olive groves and pine forest. Buses arrive at Chefchaouen bus station, about a 15-minute walk below the medina.

Time: 3 hours
Price: From 50 MAD
Departures: Several a day; check ctm.ma
Comfort: Good
Route: Tangier CTM station, Tetouan (some services), Chefchaouen bus station

Best for: Faster travel, flexible timing

Grand Taxi

Shared grand taxis are the fastest public option, about 2 hours for the 115 km. They leave from the grand taxi stand near the main bus station in Tangier once all six seats are sold, and morning taxis fill quickest. Some run straight through to Chefchaouen; at other times you change at Tetouan and pay a second fare.

Time: 2 hours
Price: From 45-60 MAD per person
Departures: Leaves when all 6 seats are sold
Comfort: Basic
Route: Direct when a Chefchaouen taxi is filling; otherwise change at Tetouan

Best for: Families, groups, ferry arrivals, comfort seekers

Private Transfer

A driver collects you from your hotel, the port or the airport and takes you to the edge of the medina in Chefchaouen, about 2 hours away, with stops at Rif viewpoints if you ask. It is the simplest option off a ferry at Tangier Ville or Tanger Med, because the driver meets you at arrivals.

Time: 2 hours
Price: From 600-1,000 MAD (entire vehicle)
Departures: On demand
Comfort: Excellent
Route: Door to door, with optional stops in the Rif

Best for: Independent travelers, onward exploration of the Rif

Rental Car / Self-Drive

The 115 km route follows the N2, paved and maintained throughout, from the coastal lowlands up into the Rif through eucalyptus forest, farmed valleys and village roads. The mountain section winds but is easier than the Fes to Chefchaouen road. A car lets you stop where you like and carry on from Chefchaouen to Fes, Tetouan or elsewhere in the north.

Time: 2 hours
Price: From 250 MAD/day + fuel
Departures: Flexible
Comfort: Depends on vehicle
Route: Your own pace: Tangier, Rif viewpoints, Chefchaouen

From Tangier Port & Airport

Where you land decides how easy the onward trip is.

Tangier bay and the port breakwater seen from the rooftops of the medina — Tangier bay and port from the medina. Photograph: Maged, CC BY 2.0

From Tangier Ville Port (Ferry Terminal)

Ferries from Tarifa in Spain (35-60 minutes) dock at Tangier Ville, in the city centre. After customs, walk or take a petit taxi (from 15-20 MAD) to the CTM bus station or the grand taxi stand. If your ferry lands late in the day, stay the night in Tangier and leave the next morning.

Walk from port to CTM station: 10-15 minutes
Petit taxi to the bus or taxi stand: from 15-20 MAD
Consider a night in Tangier if you arrive on a late ferry

From Tanger Med Port

Tanger Med is the large commercial port about 50 km east of Tangier, used by most car ferries from Spain (Algeciras, Barcelona). Onward travel is harder than from Tangier Ville: take a shuttle bus to Tangier city (from 20-30 MAD, 1 hour) and change there, or book a private transfer straight to Chefchaouen (from 800-1,200 MAD, about 2.5 hours).

Shuttle bus from Tanger Med to Tangier city: from 20-30 MAD
Direct private transfer to Chefchaouen: from 800-1,200 MAD
Grand taxis wait outside Tanger Med for Tangier city
With your own car off the ferry, you can drive directly to Chefchaouen (2.5 hours)
Book transfers in advance: options at the port are limited

From Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport

Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG) is about 15 km southwest of the city centre, and no public transport runs from it to Chefchaouen. A pre-booked private transfer goes direct (from 700-1,000 MAD, about 2 hours). Otherwise take a taxi (from 150 MAD) or the airport bus (from 30 MAD) into Tangier and pick up a CTM bus or grand taxi there. On a late flight, sleep in Tangier and travel the next morning.

No direct public transport from the airport to Chefchaouen
Private transfer from the airport: from 700-1,000 MAD
Airport taxi to Tangier centre: from 150 MAD
Airport bus to the city centre: from 30 MAD (limited schedule)

Which Option Is Best for You?

Budget Backpackers
Grand Taxi. From 45-60 MAD a seat and about 2 hours, the grand taxi is fast and cheap. The CTM bus costs about the same (from 50 MAD) and adds air conditioning, a timetable and an assigned seat.
Ferry Arrivals from Spain
Private Transfer or Grand Taxi. At Tangier Ville, a grand taxi is the quickest way on to Chefchaouen. From Tanger Med, public connections are thin, so book a private transfer before you sail.
Families with Children
Private Transfer. From 600 MAD for the vehicle, about 150 MAD each for a family of four. The driver handles the mountain road, you stop when the children need to, and you are dropped close to your riad.
Photography Enthusiasts
Rental Car or Private Transfer. With your own car you can stop at viewpoints, villages and forested slopes on the way. A transfer driver will also stop for photos if you ask in advance.
Solo Travelers
CTM Bus. A fixed schedule, an assigned seat and a known arrival point, from 50 MAD. Grand taxis are fine too, but the seating is tight.

Practical Notes for the Journey

Timing from the ferry
A morning crossing from Spain lands you in Tangier by midday, leaving the afternoon for the bus or taxi. On a late ferry, plan a night in Tangier.
The mountain road
The road climbs steeply in the last stretch. If you get travel sick, take medication before you leave and sit at the front of the bus or taxi. The bends are well paved.
Weather and altitude
Chefchaouen sits at about 600 m and is cooler than coastal Tangier; summer evenings can be fresh, so pack a layer. In winter, rain and fog are common in the mountains and the road can be slippery.
Arriving in Chefchaouen
Buses and grand taxis stop outside the medina. From the bus station it is a 15-minute walk uphill to the medina, or a petit taxi from 10-15 MAD. The main gate is Bab el-Ain, and most riads can send a porter to meet you there and carry bags through the car-free lanes.
Cash
Withdraw dirhams in Tangier, where the port, airport and centre all have ATMs and exchange offices. Grand taxis take cash only, and CTM takes cards online but not always at the counter. Chefchaouen has ATMs, but they can run dry in peak season.
Onward from Chefchaouen
Common next legs are Fes (4 hours by bus), Tetouan (1 hour by taxi) or back to Tangier. Book your exit in peak season, as the town has few departures.

Driving Route Details

The drive follows the N2 southeast. Out of Tangier you cross the flat coastal hinterland before the road starts to climb into the western Rif, and scrub and farmland give way to pine, cork oak and eucalyptus.

Road: A national road with good asphalt. The mountain section has tight curves and some steep gradients but is far easier than many Moroccan passes. Take bends slowly and watch for slow vehicles, pedestrians and livestock.
Fuel: Fill up in Tangier: stations are fewer in the mountains. Budget about 100-150 MAD for the trip, depending on the car.
Viewpoints: Several pull-offs on the mountain road look over the Rif valleys. On the approach, the town appears below the twin peaks of Jebel el-Kelaa; stop only where it is safe to pull over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a train from Tangier to Chefchaouen?

No, there is no train from Tangier to Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen does not have a railway station. You need to take a bus, grand taxi, private transfer, or drive. The CTM bus and grand taxi are the most popular options, both departing from Tangier city center.

How long does it take to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen?

By CTM bus, the journey takes approximately 3 hours. Grand taxis take about 2 hours. Driving takes approximately 2 hours via the N2 road. Private transfers also take about 2 hours. The route is 115 km and passes through the Rif Mountains with some winding mountain roads.

How do I get from Tangier port to Chefchaouen?

From Tangier Ville port (ferry terminal), take a petit taxi to the CTM bus station (from 15-20 MAD) or the grand taxi stand. From Tanger Med port (larger port, 50 km east), you can take a shuttle bus to Tangier city or arrange a private transfer directly to Chefchaouen (from 800-1,200 MAD). Some tour companies offer direct transfers from Tanger Med to Chefchaouen.

How much does a grand taxi from Tangier to Chefchaouen cost?

A shared grand taxi from Tangier to Chefchaouen costs from 45-60 MAD per person. Taxis depart from the grand taxi stand near the main bus station in Tangier and leave when they have 6 passengers. You can also buy extra seats for more comfort or hire the entire taxi for from 300-400 MAD.

Can I do Tangier to Chefchaouen as a day trip?

A day trip is possible but very tight with only about 4-5 hours in Chefchaouen after transit. With a private driver (from 600-1,000 MAD), you leave Tangier early morning, spend the midday hours exploring the Blue City, and return by evening. However, staying overnight is strongly recommended to fully appreciate Chefchaouen, especially its magical early morning and late afternoon light.

What is the best way to get from Tangier airport to Chefchaouen?

From Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport, the easiest option is a private transfer directly to Chefchaouen (from 700-1,000 MAD, approximately 2 hours). Alternatively, take a taxi or bus to Tangier city center (from 150 MAD or 30 MAD by airport bus) and then catch a CTM bus or grand taxi to Chefchaouen. There is no direct public transport from the airport to Chefchaouen.