Fes to Chefchaouen tickets

About the ride from Fes to Chefchaouen

You've been in the bustling city of Fes long enough to see its fascinating medina, smell its tanneries, and get lost in its souks.

Now it's time to head due north 131 miles (212 km) to Chefchaouen, the "Blue Pearl of Morocco."

To get between the two cities, you can take a bus, a car, or a minivan for the three- to four-(ish)-hour overland journey.

Unique things to do in Chefchaouen

In the northwest Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is a stunning city known for its blue-washed old town, cobblestone lanes, and exquisite leather and textile crafts. If you're curious about Morocco's rich heritage or want to breathe the clear mountain air, it should be on your itinerary.

1. Get lost in the Blue Medina. Wandering through the winding, blue-washed alleyways is basically mandatory in Chefchaouen. Every corner is Instagram gold — perfect for snapping photos, grabbing mint tea at a chill café, or just vibing in the laidback energy, unlike so many places in Morocco.

2. Shop local at the souks. Skip the touristy stuff and hunt for unique, handcrafted goods — think woven blankets, leather bags, colorful ceramics, and cool jewelry. Bargaining is part of the fun, so get ready to haggle (politely!).
   
   

3. Hike to the Spanish Mosque at sunset. A short hike outside of town leads you to this mosque, where you'll score panoramic views of Chefchaouen glowing under the sunset. Bring snacks and chill at the top. It's a favorite local hangout spot, especially at golden hour.
   
   

4. Take a day trip to Akchour Waterfalls. About 45 minutes outside Chefchaouen, you'll find a natural wonderland of waterfalls and turquoise pools. It's the ideal escape if you're down for hiking, cliff-jumping, or just cooling off in the water.
   
   

5. Join a cooking class. Why not level up your tagine game? There are plenty of local spots offering casual, hands-on Moroccan cooking classes. 

Bonus: You get to feast afterward.

How to get from Fes to Chefchaouen

It's a very straightforward journey from Fes to Chefchaouen. You'll have to take a bus, car, or minivan for up to four-ish hours. But that's it. See? Pretty easy, right?

Below are the details of each mode of transportation to help you decide which is best for you.

Option one: Bus

Duration: Four to four and a half hours

Starting price: $16

Buses are the most affordable way to get between the two destinations. CTM Bus operates this ride. There are multiple departures throughout the day and into the afternoon.

Buses are modern, have air-conditioning, and offer 15 lbs/7 kg of hand luggage. Additional luggage can be purchased for a small fee. 

You'll be picked up at the CTM Bus Station in Fes and arrive at the CTM Bus Station in Chefchaouen.

Option two: Private car

Duration: Three to four hours

Starting price: $138 for the car 

Hiring a private car is one of the most convenient modes of transport from Fes to Chefchaouen. 

Door-to-door service is always a luxury, and in this case, it's not too expensive. Since the cars generally hold three to four passengers, and the cost is split, you can indulge in this service for a little more than the cost of the bus ride — $34.50.

Additionally, you choose your departure time and can bring around 44 lbs/20 kg of luggage and 15 lbs/7 kg of hand luggage. Check the exact amount with the operator, as each differs slightly.

Option three: Shared or private minivan

Duration: Three to four hours

Starting price: Shared = $39 per person, private = $156

If you're traveling in a small group, hiring a private minivan is the most cost-effective way to get from Fes to Chefchaouen. 

Private minivans hold between three and six people, so you can split your costs. For example, if you have four people in your party, and the total is $156, each person only pays $39. 

If you are a solo traveler, buying a seat in a shared minivan is an option, but some require a minimum of three people.

Either way, you'll get picked up at your hotel in Fes and dropped off at your new hotel in Chefchaouen. 

There are dozens of departures a day with almost as many companies to choose from. Each has its own set of luggage rules and amenities, so read the fine print. Regardless of which company you choose, the minivan will be modern, comfortable and air-conditioned.    

The best time to travel to Chefchaouen

Chafchaouen has delightful, sunny weather nearly all year. Since it's in the Rif Mountains, it has a slightly cooler temperature than many other places in the country. 

Spring and fall are the sweet spots if you want blue skies, comfy temps, and fewer crowds. It's the best time for exploring and wandering without the summer heat. 

In the summer months, you get highs of 86°F/30°C. 

The coldest months are January and February when temperatures fall to 59°F/15°C. 

How long should you spend in Chefchaouen?

You can spend one day in Chefchaouen and see a lot of it. But why? What's your rush? Stay for two to three days and take some hikes, indulge in all the food, and take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Morocco. 

Where to travel after Chefchaouen

After spending a few days in the Rif Mountains, take a trip from Chefchaouen to Tangier at the northern tip of Morocco. 

Tangier is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. The journey takes two hours overland. And from there you can easily enter Spain.