How To Get From Fes To Chefchaouen

Fes and Chefchaouen are two of the most-visited destinations in northern Morocco, separated by roughly 196 km (about 122.1 miles). Overland travel typically takes 3h 26m, depending on the route, traffic, weather in the Rif Mountains, and your mode of transport. You can get there by guided tour/transfer, intercity bus, shared “grand taxi,” private driver, or rental car. Costs vary by comfort level and how far in advance you book.

If you want a smooth, low-stress trip with curated stops and local insight, joining a guided tour or arranging a door-to-door transfer is the easiest option. Below, you’ll find the best ways to travel from Fes to Chefchaouen—plus practical tips so you can choose what fits your time, budget, and travel style.

BEST WAY TO GET FROM FES TO CHEFCHAOUEN: JOIN A TOUR (OR BOOK A PRIVATE TRANSFER)

For maximum comfort and zero logistics, go with a guided day trip or private transfer. You’ll be picked up at your riad/hotel in Fes, driven through the scenic foothills of the Rif, and dropped right by Chefchaouen’s medina—no bus stations, no haggling, no hauling bags uphill.

Group day tours: Typically include round-trip transport Fes ⇄ Chefchaouen, free time in the medina, and sometimes a short guided walk. Expect about 10–12 hours door-to-door with 3–4 hours in Chefchaouen. Prices commonly start around $35–$60 per person depending on season and inclusions.
Private transfers or private tours: Door-to-door in a comfortable vehicle with AC, flexible photo stops, and the option to add viewpoints. For a sedan/van, figure 1–4 passengers from 1,200–1,900 MAD total (rough guide range), more for larger groups or same-day round trips. Time on the road is ~3h 26m each way.

Why choose this: No transfers, no waiting for buses to fill, and you’re dropped as close as possible to the medina entrances (Chefchaouen is hilly and partially pedestrian). It’s the most relaxing way to go, especially if you’re short on time or carrying luggage.

OTHER WAYS TO GET FROM FES TO CHEFCHAOUEN

1) BY INTERCITY BUS

This is the budget-friendly and straightforward public option.

Companies: CTM and other reputable operators run several daily departures (schedules vary by season).
Duration: 4–5 hours depending on route and intermediate stops.
Price: Generally 90–150 MAD per person (plus a small fee for hold luggage). Buying ahead (online or at the station) helps on busy days and holidays.
From/To: Buses depart from Fes’s main bus stations/terminals and arrive at Chefchaouen’s bus station, about a 15–20 minute walk or short taxi ride to the medina.
Comfort & tips: Modern coaches with AC; bring water and a snack, and keep your ticket + baggage tag handy for pickup.

Good for: Solo travelers and anyone keeping costs low without sacrificing reliability.

2) BY SHARED “GRAND TAXI”

Grand taxis are long-distance shared cars (often large sedans or minivans) that leave when full. You can buy a single seat or pay for the whole vehicle to leave immediately.

Duration: Often 3h 26m, a bit quicker than many buses because they stop less.
Price: Varies by route and seat count. As a ballpark, 120–220 MAD per seat is common; 700–1,000 MAD to hire the entire taxi is typical, depending on bargaining and vehicle size.
Where to find them: Grand taxi ranks in Fes (ask your riad for the current stand). Some runs are direct; others may change in Ouazzane or another junction town—your driver will advise.
Comfort & caveats: Less legroom and more people than a private car; leaves only when all seats are sold. Agree on the price before getting in.

Good for: Travelers who want faster-than-bus travel at a modest price and don’t mind shared seating.

3) BY PRIVATE DRIVER (POINT-TO-POINT)

Hiring a licensed driver is a step below a guided tour in structure but just as convenient.

Duration: ~3h 26m, with optional scenic/photo stops.
Price: Typically 1,200–1,800 MAD for a standard car/van, depending on date, group size, and pickup/drop locations.
Pros: Door-to-door, flexible timing (leave early to enjoy calmer streets on arrival), space for baggage, no station logistics.

Good for: Couples, families, or small groups prioritizing comfort and flexibility without a full guided program.

4) BY RENTAL CAR (SELF-DRIVE)

Confident driver? A rental car gives you freedom to leave early, stop for views, and control the pace.

Route basics: Common routes run via N13 → N2 (scenic Rif foothills). Expect winding mountain segments near the end.
Duration: ~3h 26m of driving time depending on traffic and stops.
Costs: Daily rental rates vary widely; budget 250–500+ MAD/day plus fuel and any insurance upgrades.
Parking in Chefchaouen: Cars are not allowed inside the medina. Use public lots or street parking near medina gates (ask your riad which gate is closest; popular areas include lots by main entrances and near Ras El-Ma). Be ready for short uphill walks with luggage.
Safety & tips: Daylight driving is easier in the mountains. Watch for speed changes near towns, and avoid last-minute braking on curves. Keep some small cash for parking attendants.

Good for: Travelers who value independence and want to set their own schedule.

5) TRAIN + BUS/TAXI (WHY IT’S NOT PRACTICAL)

There’s no railway station in Chefchaouen. Any “train” plan from Fes would require you to train to another city and then transfer to a bus or taxi back into the mountains—adding time and complexity versus a direct bus or road transfer. If your goal is speed and simplicity, stick with bus, grand taxi, private driver, tour, or car.

6) FLIGHTS (NOT APPLICABLE)

There are no commercial flights that make sense between Fes and Chefchaouen. The journey is purely overland.

SAMPLE TIMES & COST SNAPSHOT (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Guided group day trip: ~10–12 hrs round trip; from ~$35–$60 pp
Private transfer/driver: 3h 26m one way; ~1,200–1,800 MAD per vehicle
Intercity bus: 4–5 hrs; ~90–150 MAD pp (+ small baggage fee)
Grand taxi (shared seat): 3h 26m; ~120–220 MAD pp
Grand taxi (private hire): leave immediately; ~700–1,000 MAD per vehicle
Rental car: 3h 26m drive; 250–500+ MAD/day rental + fuel

Prices are rough ranges that fluctuate by season, demand, fuel, and exact service—always check and book early in peak months.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR A SMOOTH TRIP

Leave early: Morning departures mean cooler temps, lighter traffic, and more daylight for photos when you arrive.
Book ahead in busy seasons: Spring and fall are popular; buses and tours can sell out.
Pack smart for the medina: Chefchaouen’s lanes are steep; bring a small daypack and comfy shoes.
Cash helps: Keep small MAD bills/coins for taxis, snacks, and parking.
Mind mountain weather: It can be cooler and breezier than Fes—carry a light layer.
Navigation on arrival: Ask your riad the nearest gate/parking and whether they can meet you at the lot; porters can help with bags for a small tip.

BOTTOM LINE

Traveling from Fes to Chefchaouen is straightforward. If you want comfort and zero hassle, book a guided tour or private transfer. For budget value, the intercity bus is reliable and simple. If speed matters and you’re flexible, a shared grand taxi can be quicker. Drivers who enjoy the open road will like renting a car, but plan for mountain bends and medina parking. However you go, you’ll be rewarded with one of Morocco’s most photogenic towns—blue lanes, mountain air, and a laid-back pace that makes the journey absolutely worth it.