Guide Summary
Chefchaouen, known worldwide as the “Blue City”, is one of the top and most photogenic destinations in northern Morocco. Nestled in the Rif mountains, it attracts thousands of visitors every month.
Since Chefchaouen does not have an international airport, the vast majority of travelers land at Tangier Airport (TNG) to get there. Here is our exhaustive guide to understanding the distances and choosing the best transport option.
What is the distance between Tangier and Chefchaouen?
The distance between Tangier Ibn Battouta International Airport and the center of Chefchaouen is exactly 115 kilometers.
The journey is primarily via the N2 national road. It takes an average of 2h15 to 2h30 of driving. The path crosses the beautiful rolling landscapes of the Tetouan region and begins to rise and wind as you approach the Rif mountains. The road is paved and in good condition but requires careful driving due to sharp turns in the last 30 kilometers.
Option 1: Renting a car (Total Freedom)
This is the preferred option for travelers taking a “road trip” through northern Morocco. By renting a car right at the airport, you get behind the wheel as soon as you step off the plane.
- The journey: You easily join the road to Tetouan. Google Maps works very well on this route.
- Advantages: You can stop along the way to take panoramic photos of the mountains, or take a detour through the beautiful white medina of Tetouan.
- Disadvantages: Chefchaouen is a mountain town with many steep, stepped alleys. You will not be able to drive in the medina with your car. It must be parked in a paid parking lot (about 30 to 50 MAD per night) outside the city walls.
Option 2: Private or Collective Grand Taxi
If you don’t want to drive, a taxi is an excellent Moroccan alternative, offering a good compromise between comfort and price.
Private Taxi (Full fare)
You can negotiate with a Grand Taxi directly at the airport exit to take you straight to Chefchaouen without picking up other passengers.
- Cost: Between 600 and 800 MAD (60 to 80€) depending on your negotiation skills and arrival time.
- It is very similar to a pre-booked private transfer, although the vehicles are sometimes slightly less recent.
Collective Taxi
This is the local option. A grand taxi takes up to 6 passengers and only leaves when it is full.
- Cost: Around 70 to 100 MAD per seat.
- Disadvantage: There is no direct collective taxi from the airport. You will first have to take an urban taxi to the Tangier taxi station, find a taxi to Tetouan, and then change there for another taxi to Chefchaouen. Very tiring with luggage.
Option 3: CTM Bus (The budget option)
The national bus company CTM offers high-quality, safe, and air-conditioned connections.
- The journey: A ticket costs around 50 to 80 MAD. The journey takes nearly 3 hours due to stops.
- Logistics: The buses do not depart from the airport. You must take a taxi from the airport to the Tangier CTM bus station (around 100 MAD and 20 mins drive).
- Booking: Seats sell out fast. It is essential to buy your ticket in advance on the official CTM website or via their app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the mountain road to Chefchaouen dangerous?
No, the N2 national road is fully paved and maintained. However, it is winding and frequented by slow trucks. Just be patient, don't overtake blindly, and avoid driving at night if you are not used to it.
Is there a train between Tangier and Chefchaouen?
Unfortunately not. The ONCF railway network stops in Tangier and does not penetrate the Rif mountains. Bus or road are the only overland options.
Can I do a day trip from Tangier?
Yes, it's technically possible (about 5 hours round-trip driving time), but it's very tiring. We highly recommend spending at least one night there to enjoy the magical atmosphere of the blue city at sunrise or sunset, when the day-tripper crowds have left.