Chefchaouen The Mediterranean Coast And The Rif, Morocco Travel Guide
Closest airport: Sania Ramel Airport (TTU), Tetouan (60 km / 1-hour drive). Offers limited domestic and some international routes, mainly from Spain and Belgium. Other airport: Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport (TNG) (110 km / 2-hour drive). Offers more international connections, mainly serving various European cities.
Several airlines operate flights into these Moroccan airports, mainly from Europe. These include Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia Maroc, Ryanair, Transavia, and Vueling. These airlines bridge Morocco to cities across Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK.
Private grand taxi: MAD 300-400. Shared grand taxi: MAD 50-70 per person. Bus: Petit taxi to Tetouan's bus station, then CTM or local bus to Chefchaouen.
Private grand taxi: MAD 600-800. Shared grand taxi: MAD 100-150 per person. Bus: Taxi to Tangier's bus station, then CTM or local bus to Chefchaouen.
Private grand taxi: MAD 900-1200. Bus: Taxi from Fes Airport to Fes bus station, then CTM bus to Chefchaouen (4 hours, MAD 90-120).
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Long-distance buses offer the most common and economical way to travel to Chefchaouen from other Moroccan cities. CTM and Supratours are the most reputable, comfortable, and reliable bus companies. They offer modern coaches, often with air conditioning, and operate on fixed schedules.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary in addition to your national driving license. Major roads leading to Chefchaouen are generally well-maintained, though they can be winding and mountainous. Driving into Chefchaouen's medina is not permitted.
Grand taxis are larger, usually cream-colored Mercedes cars. They cater to inter-city travel or longer distances beyond Chefchaouen's immediate limits. You can use them as shared or private options.
Chefchaouen does not have a train station. The nearest major train stations are in Tangier and Fes, which hold good connections to Morocco's national rail network (ONCF). Land border crossing information typically pertains to entry points before reaching Chefchaouen.
Chefchaouen is an inland mountain town, without direct sea or river access. However, many international travelers reach Morocco via ferry, mainly from Spain. The nearest major ferry ports are in Tangier.
Standard Moroccan immigration procedures apply upon arrival by ferry. You will typically complete a landing card and present your passport to immigration officers upon disembarking. The process mirrors airport arrivals.
Chefchaouen's mountainous location means no navigable rivers or coastal access for boat travel.
Cruise ships occasionally dock in Tangier, with visitors often organizing day trips to Chefchaouen.
Tangier's port infrastructure acts as the main sea entry point for travelers bound for Chefchaouen.
Morocco does not impose specific departure taxes or exit fees for tourists leaving the country by air or land. Your ticket price generally includes any relevant taxes.
Chefchaouen's Bus Station offers basic amenities, including a waiting area, small cafes, and public restrooms. You may also find vendors selling snacks and drinks. Major airports provide a wider range of services for departing travelers.
Book CTM or Supratours bus tickets a day or two in advance, especially for popular routes like Fes or Tangier.
If taking a grand taxi from an airport, agree on the fare before starting the journey to prevent misunderstandings.
Consider a private transfer from a major airport if traveling with significant luggage or a group, for increased ease and comfort.
Check your flight status and airport requirements a day before departure. Confirm all necessary documents are accessible.
