Distance 83 km (51.9 miles) | |
Price range US$9-US$167 | |
Ride Duration Range 2h-3h 10m | |
Earliest Departure 23:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest bus: 2h 30m
Cheapest bus: US$9
Chefchaouen is a social media darling.
And for good reason.
In recent years, this mountain town in Northern Morocco has leaped onto travelers’ maps. Visitors come to explore the rustic architecture and take their pictures in the blue streets of the town’s medina.
The nearest major city is the famous port of Tangier. After the relatively uncrowded streets of Chefchaouen, your arrival there may initially feel like a shock to the senses.
Here you’ll find a maze of narrow alleyways, busy markets, and more North African flavor than you can handle. Located just across the Straits of Gibraltar, it’s also an easy starting point for crossing into Europe.
Tangier is a real, working city with less polish than more touristy destinations like Casablanca or Marrakech. Still, what it lacks in polish it more than makes up for in authentic experiences.
The city's exotic vibe has drawn artists and writers for decades. You, too, may enjoy getting lost in its timeless streets. And once you get out and about, you’ll feel the thrill of discovery as you explore its hidden corners.
With centuries of history and a background that fuses Arab, African, and European influences, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Tangier. Here are some of the best:
Explore the medina: A true rite of passage for any visitor to Morocco, Tangier’s medina is a maze of winding alleys and classic buildings. It’s a great place to shop for handicrafts or sit and sip some mint tea. From the top, you can get great views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. If you remember that getting lost is all part of the fun, this will be a highlight of your visit.
Visit the Kasbah Museum: Housed in a former sultan's palace known as Dar El Makhzen, the museum offers exhibits and a chance to feast your eyes (and camera) on the restored courtyards and tile work of this beautiful building.
Caves of Hercules: This cave system outside of town is the stuff of legend — literally. On a quest to fulfill his 12 labors, the legendary Hercules is said to have slept in these caves. You probably won’t find any sleeping heroes on your visit, but the caverns will still be impressive.
Splurge on a traditional Hammam (bath). To truly sample the cultural side of a visit to Morocco, plan a visit to an authentic bathhouse or hammam. Do as the locals do by choosing a public one. Or, for a more distinct spa vibe, splurge on an international one. Either way, you’ll leave clean, refreshed and culturally richer.
Despite the short distance (80 kilometers/50 miles) between Chefchaouen and Tangier, figure on at least two hours of driving time — more if going by bus.
The route takes you deep into the Rif Mountains, with many winding turns that may make the trip feel much longer than it is.
On the plus side, this is no boring drive along a straight highway. Those narrow turns will give you stunning views over the mountainous landscape of Northern Morocco.
Your options for traveling between the two cities come down to price and time. Here are the choices:
There is regular bus service from Chefchaouen to Tangier. Buses take longer than other vehicles, so the ride can take anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours.
There are usually three classes of service — standard, express, and comfort. Each class offers its own pricing and features. Standard includes A/C and WiFi. Comfort and Express also offer reclining seats, TVs, and charging stations. For the extra dollar, comfort class is the way to go.
In most cases, the bus is the least expensive option to get to Tangier from Chefchaouen. Prices come in at around $9 and just a dollar more for comfort class. If you don't mind the additional time and the company of fellow travelers, this is the most affordable option available.
Buses departing Chefchaouen for Tangier leave from the CTM bus station (Gare Routiere), which is on the opposite side of town from the famous Blue Medina.
There’s a taxi station nearby if you’re taking transport from elsewhere in town.
The bus from Chefchaouen will arrive at the CTM Bus Station in Tangier. The station is located along the N2 highway on the outskirts of town.
You can catch a bus to the medina and other city attractions just a few steps away.
It's not impossible to self-drive this route. However, narrow roads require your full attention, and random police checks with the risk of a fine might cause you unnecessary stress.
A far more relaxing option is to hire a private car and driver.
A car service will make the run in about two hours.
Inside the car, you can expect an English-speaking driver and A/C. Luggage is limited to one large bag per passenger. The cost may be more than taking the bus, but this is a quicker, private, and personalized ride that will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.
Taking a minivan is similar to taking a car, though, unless you have enough in your travel party to fill it, you may be sharing the ride.
Again, you can expect hotel pick-up and drop-off by your English-speaking driver.
Depending on the operator you choose, you might also find reclining seats, WiFi, and charging stations. The trip will also usually last just two hours.
The best time to visit Tangier is during the Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November). Temperatures are mild and far more comfortable for touring than in the brutal summer months. If you do happen to come in summer, a steady sea breeze will provide some relief.
Crowds, too, are lower these times of year, meaning more space and better pricing on hotels and other accommodations.
In theory, you could knock out the prime attractions in Tangier in one day. But what a stressful, hurried day that would be!
A far better option is spending at least one night in town. This will give you time to lose yourself in the medina, grab some food at the Grand Socco Market, and take your sweet time wandering the Kasbah Museum without the rush.
If you want to take in area beaches, add on another day
Although the world is experiencing an unprecedented shutdown, there’s no reason why we can’t still dream about our next family destination.
Not sure what to pack for the long bus ride you have coming up? Here`s with a short list of things you can`t forget to take with you.
Need another great reason to travel the globe? Your next trip may lead to a brilliant new startup idea and kickoff the business journey of a lifetime.
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