The Moroccan city of Chefchaouen, in the Rif Mountains, is famous for its distinctive blue-painted buildings. Chefchaouen is usually combined with a trip to Tangier. However, it can easily be accessed from other Moroccan cities as well, like Fes and Rabat.

You can see Chefchaouen and Tangier, plus Morocco's other highlights, with this seven-day itinerary.

From Tangier

Duration: 2-3 hours

The most comfortable way to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen is by hiring a private transfer. You can also rent a car and drive, take a "grand taxi" (long-distance shared taxi), or take a bus.

Note that traffic and transit may be crowded around late March/early April; this is the time of the Semana Santa (Holy Week) vacation in Spain when northern Morocco is crowded with Spanish tourists. Public transit throughout the country is also often disrupted during the month-long Ramadan fast.

The drive from Tangier to Chefchaouen takes a little over two hours. Be cautious if you choose to self-drive, as mountain roads are steep, and drivers may be erratic.

If you would like to take a grand taxi, you should be prepared to share the vehicle with up to four or five other passengers. It is useful to have small bills on hand, as some drivers may claim not to have change.

Grand taxis generally congregate in a taxi rank and leave once all seats are occupied. Taxi ranks can be found outside major transport hubs, such as train stations, bus stations, and the airport.

Buses from Tangier to Chefchaouen are operated by two companies: CTM and Nejme Chamal. CTM buses can be booked in advance and leave from the private CTM Bus Station. Two CTM buses leave per day. Nejme Chamal buses leave from Tangier's main bus terminal (Gare Routière). 

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From Fes

Duration: 3-5 hours

To get to Chefchaouen from Fes, you have the option of booking a private transfer, driving, taking a grand taxi, or taking a bus. Trains do not run on this route.

The drive from Fes to Chefchaouen takes just under four hours along Highway N13.

CTM runs five or six buses per day between Fes and Chefchaouen. Other private bus companies also run on this route; however, departure times and bus/driver quality can be unreliable. If you wish to take the bus, it is a good idea to book CTM tickets in advance.  

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From Rabat

Duration: 4-5 hours

The best way to get from Rabat to Chefchaouen is by driving, private transfer, or grand taxi. The drive from Rabat takes about four hours along Highway N1. This route has tolls, so plan to have a small amount of cash in hand, and try to bring exact change—short-changing at toll booths is a common scam.

There is also the option of taking a bus. There is only one CTM bus daily. Some local bus companies also operate on this route.

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