Marrakech to Chefchaouen: How to Make the Journey
Chefchaouen, the blue city of the Rif, is on almost every traveller's list. But it lies at the other end of the country from Marrakech, and no train serves it. The key is not to treat it as a trip from Marrakech, but as a stop on a northern route.
Chefchaouen has no train station and lies a full day's travel from Marrakech. The simplest solution is to take the train to Fes (6 to 7.5 hours, usually with a change in Casablanca) or to Tangier (via Casablanca and the Al Boraq high-speed line), then a bus or transfer to Chefchaouen, about 3 to 4 hours from Fes and a little less from Tangier. By car, allow a long day's drive. The ideal is to build Chefchaouen into a northern loop (Fes, Chefchaouen, Tangier) rather than doing a return trip from Marrakech. From Fes or Tangier, highly rated day trips exist (more than 3,000 reviews each, from €17), but a night there lets you see the blue medina in peace, early in the morning.
Travel Options
| Option | Route | Indicative total time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train + bus via Fes | Marrakech → Fes (train) → Chefchaouen (bus) | A long day | Public transport travellers |
| Train + bus via Tangier | Marrakech → Casablanca → Tangier (Al Boraq) → Chefchaouen | A long day | A northern route |
| Car | Via Casablanca and Rabat | A long day | Freedom, stopovers |
| Multi-day guided tour | Marrakech, desert, Fes, Chefchaouen | 4 to 7 days | Seeing the most without driving |
The Best Way to Plan It
Rather than a Marrakech-Chefchaouen return trip, build a loop: Marrakech, the desert, Fes, Chefchaouen, then Tangier or Casablanca for your flight home. See northern Morocco in 7 days and Marrakech to Fes.
From Fes or Tangier: Day Trips
| Trip | Rating | Reviews | Duration | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tangier: Chefchaouen trip with a local guide | 4.8 | 3,717 | 9.5-10 h | €43 |
| Fes: budget day trip to Chefchaouen | 4.6 | 2,233 | Full day | €18 |
| Fes: shared-group trip to Chefchaouen | 4.6 | 3,336 | Full day | €17 |
| Tangier: Chefchaouen and Akchour waterfalls | 4.7 | 505 | 11.5 h | €67 |
Ratings, reviews and prices taken from GetYourGuide; they vary with the season.
See Chefchaouen trips from Fes· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities
See Chefchaouen trips from Tangier· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities
See also Chefchaouen from Fes and Chefchaouen from Tangier.
By Car
A car lets you stop in Rabat, Moulay Idriss or Ouezzane. Rif roads are winding: avoid driving at night. See renting a car in Morocco.
Compare rental cars in Marrakech· Discover CarsDozens of rental companies compared · free cancellation on most offersSmall car categories go fast in high season: compare early
Where to Stay in Chefchaouen
A night in the medina lets you photograph the blue lanes without crowds early in the morning, and walk up to the Spanish Mosque at sunset. See things to do in Chefchaouen and where to stay in Chefchaouen.
See riads in Chefchaouen· Booking.comFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
FAQ — Marrakech to Chefchaouen
Can you get from Marrakech to Chefchaouen by train?
How long does it take from Marrakech to Chefchaouen?
Can you visit Chefchaouen as a day trip from Marrakech?
Is it better to reach Chefchaouen from Fes or from Tangier?
How long should you stay in Chefchaouen?
In Short
- No direct train → train to Fes or Tangier, then bus.
- Best strategy → a Fes-Chefchaouen-Tangier loop.
- On the spot → at least one night for a peaceful medina.
