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Getting Around Tetouan

Getting Around Tetouan

Tetouan The Mediterranean Coast And The Rif, Morocco Travel Guide

Public Transportation

Tetouan offers local public transport options for getting around the city. There is no metro or tram system. Local Buses (Autobus) are the main public transportation within Tetouan. A network of local buses connects different neighborhoods and the city center.

Bus routes are not always clearly marked or easily accessible for tourists. Ask locals or bus drivers for assistance with your route. The main bus station (Gare Routière) serves as a hub for long-distance buses, but local buses have various stops throughout the city. The area around Place Moulay El Mehdi (near the Royal Palace) is a central point for many routes.

Bus Details

  • Tickets: Purchase directly from the bus driver upon boarding.
  • Fares: Very low, typically 3-5 MAD per ride. No multi-day passes or electronic card systems.
  • Operating Hours: Generally from early morning (around 6:00 AM) until late evening (around 9:00-10:00 PM). Frequency varies by route, typically every 10-30 minutes.
  • Accessibility: Public buses are generally not wheelchair accessible.

Petit Taxis

Often more convenient and affordable for short distances.

Walking

The only and best option for exploring the medina.

Long-Distance Buses

Main bus station (Gare Routière) for CTM and Supratours.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Petit & Grand Taxis
  • Petit Taxis: Blue in Tetouan. Operate within city limits. Hail on street or at stands. Insist on meter ("compteur"). Fares increase 50% after 8:00 PM.
  • Grand Taxis: Older Mercedes, beige/white. Fixed routes between cities, or shared for longer distances. Find at designated stands.
  • Fares: Petit Taxi short rides: 7-20 MAD. Grand Taxi (shared): e.g., Tetouan to Chefchaouen ~50-80 MAD/person. Cash only.
Ride-Sharing & Safety
  • Ride-Sharing: InDriver may be available for private car services. Uber/Careem are not officially operating.
  • Safety: Licensed taxis are generally safe. Choose officially marked taxis. Note taxi number.
  • Negotiation: Always agree on fare before starting if meter not used (petit taxis) or for grand taxi private hires.

Taxi & Bus Station Tips

Airport Taxis

Taxis readily available outside Tetouan Sanat R'mel Airport (TTU).

Grand Taxi Stands

At bus stations and grand taxi stands, expect drivers to approach.

Polite Interactions

Be firm but polite in your interactions with drivers.

Shared Grand Taxis

Can be crowded (up to 6 passengers plus driver).

Walking & Cycling

Walking is the best way to experience much of Tetouan, especially its historic heart.

Walking Zones

  • Medina: The entire medina is a pedestrian-only zone. Its narrow, winding alleys are best explored on foot.
  • Ville Nouvelle: The modern part of the city has wider sidewalks and boulevards suitable for walking.
  • Avenue Mohammed V: This central promenade in the Ville Nouvelle is popular for strolls.
  • Guided Tours: Highly recommended for exploring the medina, as it is a labyrinth. Hire local, licensed guides through hotels.

Cycling & Safety Notes

  • Cycling: Limited to non-existent dedicated bicycle infrastructure. Cycling in dense city traffic or within the medina is not practical or safe.
  • Some guesthouses or tour operators might offer bike rentals.
  • Night Safety: Certain small alleys within the medina can feel isolated or less safe at night; stick to main thoroughfares. Avoid walking alone in unlit areas after dark.
  • Self-guided: Possible with a good map or offline navigation app, but you can easily get lost.

Accessibility Considerations

  • Morocco generally lacks comprehensive accessibility infrastructure.
  • Medina: Very challenging for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues due to uneven surfaces, steps, and narrow passages.
  • Ville Nouvelle: More accessible with wider sidewalks, but may still have uneven surfaces.
  • Public transport is generally not accessible.
  • Private taxis or pre-arranged accessible transfers are necessary for travelers with significant mobility needs.
  • No formal hop-on-hop-off tour buses. Tour operators may offer private/group day tours.

Other Transport Types

River Transport

No significant river transportation options in Tetouan.

Water Taxis

Tetouan is not a major port for passenger water taxis.

Specialty Vehicles

None in Tetouan, like tuk-tuks or jeepneys.

Shared Grand Taxis

The most common way to use grand taxis is shared, where you pay per seat. You wait for the taxi to fill up. You can also hire them privately for a higher, negotiated fare.

Shared Grand Taxi Benefits

  • Significantly cheaper than private options for inter-city travel.
  • A popular local transport method, offering a cultural experience.
  • They operate on fixed routes between cities or carry multiple passengers for longer distances.
  • Find them at designated grand taxi stands (e.g., near the main bus station, outside the medina gates).

Shared Grand Taxi Considerations

  • Waiting time until the taxi fills up before departure.
  • Can be crowded, often carrying up to 6 passengers in a regular car, plus the driver.
  • Payment is cash only; have small denominations ready.
  • Always confirm the fare per seat before boarding.

Car Rental Breakdown

Age and Licensing

You need to be at least 21-25 years old (varies by company and car class).

Valid national driver's license and International Driving Permit (IDP).

Payment and Companies

A credit card is required for the deposit.

Major international (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) and local companies operate.

Booking Advice

Book your car in advance, especially during peak season.

This helps secure the best rates and vehicle availability.

Walking in Tetouan

Benefits of Walking
  • The best way to experience much of Tetouan.
  • Especially rewarding in the historic medina.
  • Unveils hidden gems and photo opportunities.
Medina Exploration
  • The medina is a pedestrian-only zone.
  • Its narrow, winding alleys are best traversed on foot.
  • Allows for immersive cultural observation.

Safety while Walking

  • Stick to main thoroughfares, especially at night.
  • Avoid walking alone in unlit areas after dark.
  • Certain small alleys within the medina can feel isolated or less safe.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for complex medina navigation.
  • Maintain awareness of your surroundings.
  • Be mindful of uneven surfaces and steps in the medina.
  • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
  • Have emergency numbers readily available.

Renting & Hailing Taxis

Taxis are a common and convenient way to travel within Tetouan and to nearby areas.

Petit Taxi Usage

  • These are blue in Tetouan and operate within city limits.
  • Hail them on the street or find them at designated taxi stands.
  • Insist on the meter ("compteur"). If the driver refuses, negotiate a fare beforehand.
  • After 8:00 PM, fares increase by 50%.

Grand Taxi Usage

  • Typically older Mercedes cars, beige or white. They operate on fixed routes between cities.
  • Most common use is shared, where you pay per seat. You wait for the taxi to fill up.
  • Find them at designated grand taxi stands (e.g., near the main bus station, outside the medina gates).
  • You can hire a grand taxi privately for a higher, negotiated fare.

Taxi Fares

Petit Taxi: Short rides 7-20 MAD. Grand Taxi (shared): Varies by destination, e.g., Tetouan to Chefchaouen ~50-80 MAD/person.

Payment

Cash only. Have small denominations ready.

Ride-Sharing Apps

InDriver may be available. Uber or Careem do not officially operate in Tetouan.

Taxi Safety & Logistics

Safety Precautions
  • Licensed taxis are generally safe. Always choose officially marked taxis.
  • Note the taxi number or license plate for your records.
  • Always agree on a fare before starting the journey if the meter is not used (for petit taxis) or for grand taxi private hires.
Taxi Availability
  • Taxis are readily available outside Tetouan Sanat R'mel Airport (TTU).
  • At bus stations and grand taxi stands, expect to be approached by drivers.
  • Be firm but polite in your interactions.

Final Tip for Exploring Tetouan:

While the modern city has wider sidewalks, the medina's charm lies in its pedestrian-only, intricate pathways. Embrace getting lost and discovering its hidden corners.

For a understanding of the medina's history and unique features, consider a local licensed guide. This can transform your visit into an enriching cultural journey.