1 August, 2025

How to Get From Casablanca to Chefchaouen

Planning your journey from Morocco’s economic capital to the enchanting Blue Pearl? As a licensed local guide and private driver With over 15 years of experience navigating Morocco’s roads, I’ll share everything you need to know about traveling from Casablanca to Chefchaouen – including the hidden gems only locals know about.

Quick Answer: Distance & Travel Time

The distance between Casablanca and Chefchaouen is approximately 340-400 kilometers depending on your chosen route. Travel times vary significantly by transportation method:

Private Driver (Recommended): 4.5-5 hours with scenic stops
Direct Bus: 6.5-7 hours
Train + Bus Combination: 4.5-5.5 hours total
Flight + Ground Transport: 3-4 hours including transfers

Transportation Options from Casablanca to Chefchaouen

1. Private Driver & Luxury Transfer (Most Recommended)

Why I recommend this option: As someone who has driven thousands of travelers on this route, I can confidently say that taking a private driver offers the most rewarding experience. Here’s why:

Advantages:

Flexible scheduling – Depart when you want, not when the bus schedule dictates
Scenic route exploration – Stop at hidden gems like Moulay Bousselham lagoon, traditional Berber villages, and panoramic viewpoints
Comfort & safety – Air-conditioned vehicles with licensed, experienced drivers
Cultural insights – Your driver becomes your first local guide, sharing stories and recommendations
Door-to-door service – No hassle with transfers or luggage

What makes our service special at Morocco Private Transport:

All drivers are fully licensed and speak multiple languages
Modern, well-maintained vehicles with comprehensive insurance
Option to customize your route with stops at:
- Moulay Bousselham: Stunning coastal lagoon perfect for bird watching
- Larache: Historic port city with Portuguese and Spanish influences
- Tetouan: UNESCO World Heritage medina (if taking the northern route)
- Local artisan workshops where you can see traditional crafts being made

Cost: Starting from $180-250 for up to 4 passengers (depending on vehicle type and season)

Pro Tip from Faysal: Book your private transfer at least 48 hours in advance, especially during peak season (March-May and September-November). This ensures vehicle availability and better rates.

Hire your Private Transfer

best transportation from Casablanca to Chefchaouen

2. High-Speed Train + Bus Combination

The Route:

Take the Al Boraq high-speed train from Casablanca Casa-Voyageurs to Tangier (2 hours 10 minutes)
From Tangier, take a CTM bus to Chefchaouen (2 hours)

Costs:

Train: 149-280 MAD ($15-28) depending on class
Bus: 35-45 MAD ($3.5-4.5)
Total: Approximately $20-35 per person

Advantages:

Fastest public transportation option
Experience Morocco’s modern rail infrastructure
Relatively comfortable

Disadvantages:

Requires transfers and coordination
Limited baggage space
No scenic stops
Schedule dependency

3. Direct Bus Service (CTM)

Schedule: Currently only one direct bus daily

Departure: 1:45 PM from Casablanca CTM Terminal
Arrival: Approximately 9:00 PM in Chefchaouen
Cost: 90-150 MAD ($9-15) depending on season

Important Notes:

Book tickets at least one week in advance during peak season
Arrive at the terminal 30 minutes early
Additional luggage fee: 6 MAD per bag
The bus makes several stops along the way

Advantages:

Most economical option
Direct route (no transfers)
Air-conditioned and generally comfortable

Disadvantages:

Limited schedule (only one daily departure)
Longest travel time
No flexibility for stops or delays
Can be crowded during peak season

4. Flight to Tetouan + Ground Transport

The Route:

Royal Air Maroc flight from Casablanca (CMN) to Tetouan (TTU) – 1 hour 30 minutes
Private taxi or transfer from Tetouan to Chefchaouen – 1 hour

Costs:

Flight: $60-120 return (depending on booking time)
Taxi from Tetouan: $25-40

When to Consider:

Limited time for travel
Willing to pay premium for speed
Already planning to fly within Morocco

Can You Do a Day Trip from Casablanca to Chefchaouen?

Short answer: Yes, but it’s extremely rushed and I don’t recommend it.

Here’s the reality: With a 5-hour drive each way, you’d only have 2-3 hours in Chefchaouen if you want to return the same day. The Blue Pearl deserves at least a full day to explore properly.

Better alternatives:

2-day trip: Spend one night in Chefchaouen
3-day extended tour: Include stops in Tetouan, Tangier, or coastal cities
Week-long northern Morocco circuit: Combine with Fes, Meknes, and Rabat

You can also customize a tour with our partner, Luxury Travel Morocco.

Customize Your Tour

Best Routes & Scenic Stops

Route 1: Coastal Highway (Recommended for First-Time Visitors)

Casablanca → Rabat → Larache → Tetouan → Chefchaouen

Must-see stops:

Moulay Bousselham: Morocco’s premier bird-watching destination
Larache: Explore the Spanish colonial architecture
Cap Spartel: Where Atlantic meets Mediterranean (near Tangier)

Route 2: Interior Route (Faster but Less Scenic)

Casablanca → Kenitra → Ouazzane → Chefchaouen

Highlights:

Traditional rural Morocco landscapes
Ouazzane: Sacred city with beautiful architecture
Authentic Berber villages

When to Travel: Best Times & Seasonal Considerations

Peak Season (March-May, September-November):

Perfect weather for photography
Higher prices and crowds
Book transportation well in advance

Summer (June-August):

Hot but manageable temperatures
Longer daylight hours for sightseeing
Good for early morning departures

Winter (December-February):

Cooler temperatures, possible rain
Fewer crowds
Best prices for private transfers

Practical Travel Tips from a Local Expert

Essential Preparation:

Passport: Always carry your original passport for police checkpoints
Cash: Bring Moroccan Dirhams – many services don’t accept cards
Clothing: Comfortable shoes for Chefchaouen’s steep, cobbled streets
Photography: Bring extra batteries – the Blue City is incredibly photogenic

What to Pack for the Journey:

Snacks and water (especially for bus travel)
Motion sickness medication if needed
Phone charger/power bank
Light jacket (mountain temperatures can drop)

Language Tips:

Arabic: “Shukran” (Thank you)
Berber: “Tanemmirt” (Thank you)
French: Widely spoken in northern Morocco

Why Choose Morocco Private Transport?

After driving this route hundreds of times, I can honestly say that every journey offers something new. Whether it’s spotting flamingos at Moulay Bousselham, sharing tea with local families in mountain villages, or watching the sunset over the Rif Mountains, a private driver opens doors that public transportation simply cannot.

Our drivers aren’t just transport providers – we’re cultural ambassadors who take pride in showing visitors the real Morocco. Every vehicle in our fleet is regularly maintained, fully insured, and equipped with:

Air conditioning and heating
Phone charging ports
Complimentary water
First aid kit
GPS tracking for safety

Discover Our Premium Fleet

Booking Your Journey

For private driver services with Morocco Private Transport:

Contact us at least 48-72 hours in advance
Specify any special requests or stops
Confirm pick-up location and time
We accept payment in cash (MAD/EUR) or bank transfer

For other transportation:

CTM Bus: Book online at ctm.ma or at the terminal
Train: Use ONCF Voyages website or app
Flight: Royal Air Maroc official website

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a bus from Casablanca to Chefchaouen?

Yes, there is a direct bus service from Casablanca to Chefchaouen operated by CTM (Compagnie de Transports au Maroc). Currently, there are 7 buses per day from CTM that travel from Casablanca to Chefchaouen, with prices starting from $24. However, there is typically only one direct trip per day, with the bus leaving at 1:45 PM from Casablanca and arriving in Chefchaouen around 9:00 PM, taking approximately 6-7 hours. The cost ranges from 165 Moroccan dirhams (approximately $16-17) to $31 depending on the service class and time of booking.

How do I get from Casablanca to Blue city?

There are several ways to reach Chefchaouen (the Blue City) from Casablanca:

Direct CTM Bus: The fastest bus takes 6 hours and costs $31, with the earliest departure at 7:30 AM and latest at 9:00 PM

Train + Bus: Take the Al Boraq high-speed train to Tangier (2 hours 10 minutes), then a bus to Chefchaouen (2 hours)

Private Driver: 4.5-5 hours with flexibility for scenic stops

Flight + Transfer: Fly to Tetouan airport, then 1-hour drive to Chefchaouen

Is there a train to Chefchaouen?

No, Chefchaouen does not have a train station. Your only options for getting to Chefchaouen are by car or bus. However, you can take the train to nearby cities and then continue by bus or private transport. The closest option is taking the train to Tangier, then a 2-hour bus ride to Chefchaouen.

Can you do a day trip from Casablanca to Chefchaouen?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. With the fastest bus taking 6 hours each way, you would only have 2-3 hours in Chefchaouen if returning the same day. Most travel experts recommend spending at least 2 days in Chefchaouen to properly explore the Blue Pearl. A better option is a 2-day trip with an overnight stay.

How much is the bus fare in Casablanca?

For local transportation within Casablanca:

Tram: 8 dirhams per journey (approximately $0.80), with weekly tickets at 60 dirhams and monthly tickets at 230 dirhams

City Buses: 5 dirhams regardless of the stop (approximately $0.50)

Intercity CTM Bus (Casablanca to other cities): Prices start from $24 depending on destination

Where to stop between Casablanca and Chefchaouen?

The scenic route offers several excellent stops:

Moulay Bousselham: Stunning coastal lagoon perfect for bird watching

Larache: Historic port city with Portuguese and Spanish influences

Asilah: Charming coastal town with beautiful medina

Tetouan: UNESCO World Heritage medina, about 70km (1 hour) from Chefchaouen

Are 2 days enough for Casablanca?

Yes, 2 days is sufficient for Casablanca’s main attractions. Key sights include the Hassan II Mosque, Old Medina, Corniche waterfront, and Quartier Habous. Casablanca offers variety of public transit options, including trains, buses, and trams, making it easy to navigate the city efficiently.

Is there public transport in Casablanca?

Yes, Casablanca has excellent public transportation:

Modern Tram System: Four tram lines (T1, T2, T3, T4) with T3 and T4 opening in September 2024, covering 72 km with 110 stops when fully operational

Bus Network: Buses operate from 06:00 to 24:00 for most routes

Two types of taxis: Grand taxis (white, functioning like buses with fixed routes) and Petit taxis (red, shared four-passenger taxis)

BRT System: Two Bus Rapid Transit lines (BW1 and BW2) activated in 2024

How many days in Chefchaouen?

Most travel experts recommend 2 days in Chefchaouen. With 2 nights (meaning at least 1 full day), you’ll have time to explore all the nooks and crannies of the town and still have time to relax. This allows you to visit unique attractions beyond the Medina, such as God’s Bridge or sunrise at the Spanish Mosque. Some travelers enjoy staying longer – one backpacker planned 2 days but ended up staying 5 days due to the city’s relaxed atmosphere.

Which city is closest to Chefchaouen?

The two major cities closest to Chefchaouen are Tangier (2 hours by car) and Fes (4 hours away). More specifically:

Tetouan: Located merely 70km away – the closest city

Tangier: 114km north of Chefchaouen

Fes: About 4 hours away to the south

The nearest airport to Chefchaouen is Tetouan (TTU) Airport which is 29 miles away, followed by Tangier (TNG) at 53.5 miles.

Are buses good in Morocco?

Yes, Morocco has reliable bus services, particularly CTM buses. Travelers report that CTM buses are comfortable, with fast journeys and affordable prices. CTM is the government-subsidised company that employs the best drivers who don’t take stupid overtaking risks on the mountain highways. CTM buses are air-conditioned and usually have snack and drink service on board, with WiFi available on some buses. However, it’s recommended to book tickets 2-3 days in advance because even though there are multiple daily departures on most routes, they can fill up.

Final Recommendation

Having guided thousands of travelers on this route, I strongly recommend the private driver option, especially for first-time visitors to Morocco. The additional cost pays for itself in comfort, flexibility, and the irreplaceable experience of discovering hidden Morocco with a local expert.

The journey from Casablanca to Chefchaouen isn’t just about reaching your destination – it’s about embracing the adventure of Moroccan travel. Whether you choose the economic bus option or invest in a private luxury transfer, you’re embarking on a journey to one of the world’s most photogenic cities.

Safe travels, and welcome to Morocco!

Faysal

Faysal is a licensed local guide and private driver with Morocco Private Transport, specializing in personalized tours across Morocco. With over 15 years of experience and thousands of satisfied travelers, he provides expert insights into authentic Moroccan travel experiences.