Arriving by ferry from Spain or by plane, many travellers start their trip in Tangier. The Tangier to Chefchaouen route is the natural first step towards Fes and the Sahara.
Options
| Option | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day trip | 1 day | Chefchaouen medina, return to Tangier |
| Chefchaouen + Fes | 2–3 days | Blue city, Volubilis, Fes |
| North to Sahara | 6 days | Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Marrakech |
On the way
- The Rif mountain landscapes.
- Tetouan’s white medina (UNESCO), an optional stop.
- Chefchaouen’s blue alleys and Ras el Maa spring.
Longer trips such as the 6-day Chefchaouen and desert tour continue to Fes, the Merzouga dunes and Marrakech. See also our tours from Tangier.
Tips
- A day trip is long (about 5 hours of driving in total).
- Stay one night in Chefchaouen to see it without crowds.
- Ferries from Spain arrive at Tanger Med, about 45 minutes from the city.
Where to stay in Chefchaouen
Small riads inside the medina let you enjoy the quiet streets in the early morning and evening. From there, the drive to Fes takes about four hours, stopping at Volubilis and Meknes if you have time.
From Tangier port or airport
Many travellers arrive in Tangier by ferry from Tarifa or Algeciras, or fly into Tangier Ibn Battouta airport. A private driver can meet you at arrivals and reach Chefchaouen in about 2 hours, with optional stops at Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules before leaving the city.
Popular routes starting in Tangier
- Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fes: 2 to 3 days, the classic northern loop.
- Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fes – Merzouga – Marrakech: 6 to 8 days including the Sahara.
- Tangier – Asilah – Rabat – Casablanca: coastal route with the high-speed train as an alternative.
For a smooth start to your trip, book a private transfer from Tangier or a Chefchaouen and desert tour.
Tangier to Chefchaouen: bus, taxi or private driver?
| Option | Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (CTM) | About 3 h | Cheapest | Fixed schedules, luggage limits |
| Grand taxi | About 2 h | Faster than bus | Shared, less comfort |
| Private driver | About 2 h | Door to door, stops on request | Higher price for solo travellers |
For travellers arriving by ferry with luggage, a private transfer from Tangier to Chefchaouen is the most comfortable option: your driver waits at the port or airport, helps with bags and can stop at viewpoints in the Rif mountains.
What to see in Tangier before leaving
If you have a few hours, visit the Kasbah museum, the Grand Socco and the terraces overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. On clear days you can see Spain from the Café Hafa.
On the way from Tangier to Chefchaouen, the road climbs through green hills and cork oak forests, very different from the desert south. In spring, wild flowers cover the fields, and in winter the Rif mountains can be misty and fresh. A short stop in Tetouan, with its white medina listed by UNESCO, is easy to add if you leave early.
From Chefchaouen, many travellers continue to Fes (about four hours) and then to the Sahara, which makes Tangier a practical starting point for a complete Morocco tour.
Key takeaways
- About 2.5 hours Tangier–Chefchaouen.
- Easy start for a north-to-south trip.
- One night in Chefchaouen recommended.
Browse our Morocco tours.
To prepare your trip, also see the official website of the Moroccan National Tourist Office.
FAQ: tangier to chefchaouen
How far is Chefchaouen from Tangier?
About 115 km, roughly two and a half hours by road.
Is a day trip to Chefchaouen worth it?
Yes, but staying one night lets you enjoy the medina early and late without crowds.
Can I go from Tangier to the Sahara?
Yes, a 6-day tour links Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga and Marrakech.
Do you pick up at Tanger Med port?
Pick-ups at the port or airport can be arranged.