How to Get to Chefchaouen from Casablanca or Tangier
Tucked into the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco, Chefchaouen (aka the Blue City) is one of the most photogenic and charming destinations in the country — but getting there takes some planning. Unlike cities connected by Morocco’s rail network, Chefchaouen requires a bit more effort to reach, whether you’re arriving from Casablanca, Fes, Tangier, or even Marrakech. But I promise: it’s worth the journey.
I’ve made the trek myself, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through all your transportation options with honest advice, updated prices, and local travel tips. You’ll also find extra help planning your time in Chefchaouen, including where to stay and things to do once you arrive.
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Is chefchaouen worth visiting?
Absolutely! Though the town is a bit out of the way from the easily accessible cities and towns on the rail line, Chefchaouen is still worth a 2-3 day visit. However if you have a quick trip perhaps skipping the Blue City from something easier to get to would be a better fit.
Keep in mind, too, that Chefchaouen is becoming a tourist attraction with the old medina full of shops selling the same sort of merchandise. It doesn’t take away from the beauty of the city but it does make it feel less local than it did just a few years ago.
How to get to Chefchaouen from Casablanca
There are 3 main ways to get to the famous Blue City from Casablanca: rail and taxi, public bus, and private transfer. With each you’ll pay more for convenience and ease but all will get you to Chefchaouen.
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Option 1: by rail (sort of)
You can’t take the train directly to Chefchaouen from Casablanca. In fact, there is no rail option into the town. But you can take the train to Tangier and then a taxi the remaining 2 hours to Chefchaouen. Here’s how that works:
First, you’ll need to take the high speed train (Al Boraq train) from Casablanca to Tangier. The train ride is about 2 hours and costs between $11-21 USD depending on your class of service. There are 5 daily departures to Tangier but be sure to book your ticket in advance as the train does sell out.
Travel Tip! My favorite way to buy train tickets in advance is Omio. Buy your train tickets online with the easy to navigate app and QR code tickets.
Once in Tangier you have a few options to get to Chefchaouen but the easiest is hiring a taxi to take you on the 2-hour drive. It’s very important you negotiate your price before getting in the taxi but it should cost you no more than $70 USD. If you have more time you could take the public bus from Tangier to Chefchaouen but it might be easier to just do that from Casablanca instead.
Option 2: Chefchaouen by bus
There is one bus that runs daily from Casablanca to Chefchaouen. The bus schedule is always the same, starting at 1:30 pm and arriving in Chefchaouen around 8:00 pm. The ride takes about 6.5 hours in an air conditioned bus with space for your baggage.
The cost of the bus is around $19 USD for the journey, far cheaper than a private transfer and the rail but you will have a much longer journey. To book your bus ticket you can do so through the CTM website or at the bus station.
There are 2 CTM stations in Casablanca to board the bus, too. One near the city center and another near the train station.
Option 3: private transfer
The most convenient and expensive method to get to the Blue City is with a private transfer. A transfer will cost you around $200-300 USD per car with door to door service. The good news is a private transfer is by the car and not per person so you can easily split the cost if you’re traveling with a group.
Booking a private transfer can be as simple as booking online. But you can also ask your hotel about making arrangements with their recommendations, too.
How to Get to Chefchaouen from Tangier
Tangier is one of the easiest jumping-off points for getting to Chefchaouen. While there’s no direct train route into the Blue City, Tangier gives you multiple affordable ways to reach it — including bus and taxi.
Option 1: Taxi
Taking a taxi from Tangier to Chefchaouen is the most convenient option. The ride takes about 2 hours and typically costs between 600–800 MAD ($60–$80 USD) for the entire car, not per person. You can find taxis outside the train station or book one in advance through your hotel or a ride service like Careem.
Travel Tip: Always negotiate the rate before getting in the car. Most drivers expect it, and many will start high. If you’re traveling solo, try connecting with other travelers to split the fare — it’s common and easy to do at hostels or train stations.
Option 2: Bus from Tangier to Chefchaouen
CTM offers a few daily departures from Tangier to Chefchaouen, typically taking 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on stops. Buses are modern, air-conditioned, and usually reliable. Expect to pay around 70–90 MAD ($7–$9 USD).
You can book tickets online in advance at CTM’s website or at the station, though popular routes can sell out in peak season or on weekends.
Departure Stations in Tangier:
- Gare Routière CTM (main station)
- Tangier Ville (near the train station)
Arrival Station in Chefchaouen:
The bus station is a short walk or quick taxi ride to the Medina. Some riads offer pickups, so ask in advance.
How to Get Around Once You Arrive in Chefchaouen
Once you’ve made it to the Blue City, the good news is you won’t need to worry much about transportation. Chefchaouen is a compact, walkable town — and wandering its winding streets is half the experience.
Walking is the Best Way to Explore
Chefchaouen’s Old Medina is built on a hillside, with steep alleys and narrow passageways. No cars are allowed inside, and even scooters are rare. Most major attractions — including the Spanish Mosque, Ras El Ma, and the Kasbah — are reachable on foot.
Bring comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for some uphill climbs and cobblestone steps.
Local Taxis
If you’re staying outside the Medina or arriving at the CTM bus station (which is about a 10–15 minute walk), small red taxis are available and inexpensive. A ride from the bus station to the main square should cost no more than 15–20 MAD ($1.50–$2 USD) — always confirm the price before you get in.
Tours & Experiences
Because the city is small, many tours (like cooking classes, hammams, or weaving workshops) include meeting points right in the Medina or pick-up services. If you’re unsure how to find a location, your riad host can always point you in the right direction.
Sample 2-Day Itinerary for Chefchaouen
While Chefchaouen isn’t packed with activities like bigger Moroccan cities, it’s exactly that slower pace that makes it such a magical place to visit. Two days is the perfect amount of time to soak in the scenery, enjoy a few unique experiences, and still leave feeling relaxed.
Day 1: Settle In + Explore the Blue Streets
Start your visit by checking into a riad in the Old Medina — this puts you right in the heart of Chefchaouen’s blue-washed charm. Spend the afternoon wandering the Medina’s maze-like alleys, stopping for snacks, mint tea, and colorful photo ops. In the evening, hike up to the Spanish Mosque for sunset. The golden hour views over the city and Rif Mountains are some of the best in Morocco.
Day 2: Dive into Local Culture
Your second day is perfect for experiences that connect you to the culture. Start with a Moroccan cooking class or weaving workshop. Visit a local hammam or take a walking tour to dive into Chefchaouen’s history. In the afternoon, stroll the river path to Ras El Ma, grab a bite at a family-run café, and relax with tea in the main square before heading out.
Want more inspiration? I’ve rounded up the best things to do in Chefchaouen to help you plan your time in the Blue City.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Chefchaouen
Getting to Chefchaouen might take a little effort, but the reward is worth every winding road and travel connection. Whether you arrive by bus, taxi, or private transfer, you’ll be greeted by one of Morocco’s most picturesque towns — full of color, charm, and culture. Use this guide to plan your route, make the most of your stay, and experience the magic of the Blue City for yourself.
Need more help planning your Morocco adventure? Browse my full Morocco travel library for itineraries, tips, and destination guides.
