How to Travel from Tangier to Chefchaouen Safely
For international travelers arriving in Morocco via the ferry from Spain or touching down at the Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport, the port city of Tangier serves as the crucial gateway to the north. But the true gem everyone is rushing to see lies two hours into the Rif Mountains: the sparkling blue walls of Chefchaouen.
Traveling from Tangier to Chefchaouen is incredibly common, meaning the route is well-serviced, very safe, and easy to navigate regardless of your budget.
Quick Facts: Tangier to Chefchaouen
- 🚗 Distance: Roughly 112 kilometers (70 miles).
- ⏱️ Travel Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes by private car; 2.5 hours by bus.
- 🚌 Cheapest Route: The CTM Bus.
- 🚕 Fastest Route: Private Taxi Transfer.
- 🚂 Train Availability: There is NO train line connecting Tangier to Chefchaouen.
Option 1: The CTM Bus (The Backpacker Favorite)
If you want comfort, reliability, and air conditioning for an unbeatable price, the official Moroccan tourist bus (CTM) is your answer. The CTM bus departs from the Tangier CTM Bus Station (Gare Routière CTM) multiple times a day.
Tickets cost roughly 45 to 60 MAD ($4 to $6 USD) depending on the season. The buses are clean, safe, and have designated seating. Because this is the most popular route for tourists heading to the Blue Pearl, tickets sell out extremely fast. We highly recommend purchasing your ticket online at the official CTM website at least two days in advance.
Option 2: The “Grand Taxi” (Shared or Private)
If you miss the bus or don’t want to adhere to a rigid schedule, head to the Grand Taxi rank in Tangier (your local petit taxi driver will know where to drop you off). These are large, usually cream-colored minivans or older Mercedes sedans that operate on a shared system.
You can purchase a single seat for roughly 75 MAD, but you will have to wait until all 6 passenger seats are sold before the driver turns the key. If you don’t want to wait, or if you simply want a completely private and comfortable ride for your family, you can “buy out” the entire taxi for roughly 450 to 500 MAD (about $45-$50 USD). This creates a direct, private transfer directly to the Chefchaouen medina walls!
Arriving in the Blue Pearl
Whether you arrive by bus or private taxi, you will be dropped off outside the historic medina, as the sprawling blue alleyways are heavily restrictive to cars. Ensure you have booked a highly accessible, luxurious guesthouse like Casa Olea Vista, where you can park easily or be dropped off directly at the door, avoiding the nightmare of dragging luggage up the steep blue stairs.
