How to Get to Tetouan. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airports Serving Tetouan

Tetouan and its surrounding region use several airports.

Airports

Sanat R'mel Airport (TTU): Tetouan's local airport. Small, mainly for domestic and some international (e.g., Spain) flights.
Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG): Approx. 60 km (37 miles) north. A larger international airport with more frequent flights and connections to major European cities.
Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA): Approx. 230 km (143 miles) south. Another option for international arrivals.

Flight Connectivity & Seasonality

Direct flights from major global hubs often arrive at Casablanca (CMN) or Tangier (TNG).

Connecting Flights & Best Booking Times

Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN): Approx. 330 km (205 miles) south. Morocco's busiest airport, widest range of international connections.
Flight frequency and prices fluctuate seasonally. Peak summer (July-August) and major holidays are more frequent and expensive.
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) bring good weather and reasonable prices. Booking in advance can yield better deals.

Airport Facilities

TTU has basic facilities (cafes, car rental, taxis). TNG, RBA, CMN provide more extensive facilities (restaurants, duty-free, currency exchange).

Flight Resources

For deals: Dollar Flight Club. Compare prices: Skyscanner.

Airline Carriers

TTU: Royal Air Maroc, Ryanair, TUI fly Belgium. TNG: Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia Maroc, Ryanair, Transavia, Vueling, Eurowings.

Airport Transfers to Tetouan

From TTU Tetouan Airport

Petit Taxi: Readily available. Fixed rate to city center, around 50-70 MAD. Negotiate if no meter.
No public bus service directly from TTU to city center.
Some hotels may offer shuttle services.
Car rental desks are available.

From TNG Tangier Airport

Grand Taxi: Direct transfer to Tetouan (400-600 MAD for private, less for shared).
Bus + Grand Taxi: Bus from airport to Tangier city, then grand taxi to Tetouan (time-consuming, cheaper).
Private Transfer: Pre-booked services offer convenience and a fixed price.
Train: Not directly from airport. First to Tangier Ville.

Transfers from CMN Casablanca Airport

Train Option

Train from airport station to Casa Voyageurs, then connecting train to Tangier, finally grand taxi or bus to Tetouan.

Bus Services

Long-distance CTM or Supratours buses offer services from Casablanca to Tetouan.

Domestic Flight

Connect from CMN to TTU for a faster, though more expensive, option.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings

Morocco has a developed land transportation network, connecting Tetouan to other cities and regions.

Entry Points from Spain

Ceuta/Fnideq Border: For travelers from Spanish enclave Ceuta, border crossing is at Fnideq, approx. 10 km north of Tetouan. Procedures involve passport control. Crossing can be busy, with delays during holidays.
Melilla/Beni Ansar Border: Another option from Spanish enclave Melilla, further east.
No specific entry fees at land borders.

Train & Bus Services

Morocco's national railway company and long-distance bus services.

Rail & Coach Travel

ONCF (National Railway): Tetouan has no train station. Closest major station is Tangier Ville. It offers high-speed Al Boraq services to Kenitra, Rabat, Casablanca, and conventional trains.
CTM and Supratours: Morocco's most reliable and comfortable long-distance bus companies. Regular services to/from Tetouan, connecting with major cities.
Purchase tickets in advance for popular routes or peak season.

Self-Driving in Morocco

Consider self-driving for flexibility. Be aware of requirements and conditions.

Car Rental & Road Conditions

Requirements: Valid national driver's license and International Driving Permit (IDP). Minimum age 21 (sometimes 23-25). Credit card for deposit.
Navigation: GPS (Google Maps, Maps.me). Download offline maps. Fuel stations widely available.
Major roads are well-maintained. Rif Mountains roads can be winding/narrow. DiscoverCars.com for rentals.

Driving Safety & Habits

Driving in Morocco poses challenges. Drive defensively.

Road Awareness

Safety: Driving can be challenging due to varying driving styles, pedestrians, animals.
Driving Habits: Drivers may show aggressive driving, sudden stops, less adherence to lane discipline. Stay alert.
Night Driving: Avoid driving at night, especially rural areas, due to poor lighting, unmarked obstacles, unlit vehicles/pedestrians.

Sea Arrivals Ports

Tetouan has no direct ferry port for passengers.
Tangier Med Port: Main ferry/cargo port, 50 km (31 miles) northeast of Tetouan. Serves ferries from Algeciras (Spain), Sete (France), Genoa (Italy).
Tangier Ville Port: Tangier city center. Serves fast ferries from Tarifa (Spain) and some cruise ships.

Immigration: Similar to airport procedures. Expect passport control and customs. Fill an arrival card.
Transfers from Ports: Grand taxis readily available from Tangier Med and Tangier Ville ports.
Buses connect Tangier Med to Tangier city for onward transport to Tetouan.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Airport Arrival

Prepare for departure from Tetouan.

Departure Essentials

No specific exit fees or taxes on departing tourists from Morocco. Airfares typically include departure taxes.
Airport Arrival: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic. Allow extra time for check-in, security, and queues.
Bus Station: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

Port & Station Facilities

Check with ferry operator for arrival times.

Terminal Amenities

Port: Arrive well in advance for ferry departures (often 1-2 hours) for check-in and passport control.
TTU (Tetouan Airport): Limited facilities. TNG, CMN: Duty-free, cafes, restaurants, lounges.
Bus Stations (Tetouan): Basic facilities, small shops, cafes.

Road Quality

Highways are excellent (often with tolls). Secondary roads vary in quality.

Driving Side

Drive on the right side of the road.

Speed Limits

60 km/h urban, 100 km/h national roads, 120 km/h highways. Seatbelts mandatory.

Rental Options & Driving

Car Rental Requirements

Major international agencies and local companies operate at airports and in major cities. Book in advance for best rates.

Essentials for Rental

Minimum age 21-25 (varies by company/car).
Valid national driver's license.
International Driving Permit (IDP).

Motorcycle & Bicycle

Alternative rental options in Tetouan.

Other Vehicle Rentals

Motorcycle/Scooter rentals are less common and not generally recommended due to traffic.
No formal bicycle sharing. Cycling in medina is impractical; city traffic challenging.
No tuk-tuks, jeepneys, or similar specialty vehicles.

Parking & Local Driving

Parking Challenges

Parking can be challenging in the city center. Designated paid parking lots exist near the medina and major squares.

Parking Attendants

Attendants (gardiens de voitures) assist with parking and expect a small tip, typically 5-10 MAD.

Road Conditions

Roads within the medina are pedestrian-only. Main routes outside are generally good.

Final Transport Note:

Morocco generally lacks comprehensive accessibility infrastructure. The medina has challenges for wheelchairs due to uneven surfaces, steps, and narrow passages. Public transport is generally not accessible. Private taxis or pre-arranged accessible transfers are necessary for travelers with significant mobility needs.

How to Get to Tetouan