Chefchaouen (the “Blue City”) is one of the most popular day-trip and overnight escapes from Fes, and choosing the right transport can decide whether you arrive relaxed… or already tired before you even start walking the medina streets.
Most tourists end up picking between three options:
CTM bus (best budget + simple)
Taxi / grand taxi (best flexibility when you don’t want a bus schedule)
Private transfer (best comfort, door-to-door, and low stress)
The best choice depends on your travel style: Are you arriving from Fes Airport? Carrying big suitcases? Traveling with seniors or kids? Staying inside Chefchaouen’s medina and wanting the closest drop-off?
This guide breaks it down in a practical way for 2025, no guesswork, just decision logic you can use.
Table of Contents
Quick answer for tourists
Route reality: time, roads, and why trips feel longer than expected
CTM bus: best for budget and solo travelers
Taxi / grand taxi: best for flexibility and “leave now” trips
Private transfer: best for families, seniors, and luggage
What to choose based on your situation (simple decision matrix)
Booking and arrival tips (Fes + Chefchaouen)
FAQs
1) Quick answer for tourists
What’s the best option from Fes to Chefchaouen?
Best on a budget: CTM bus (reliable, comfortable enough, easy to book).
Best balance of price + flexibility: Taxi / grand taxi (especially if you can share).
Best overall for comfort and convenience: Private transfer (door-to-door, stops when needed, easiest with luggage/seniors/kids).
If you only care about “least hassle,” private transfer wins. If you care most about cost, CTM wins.
2) Route reality: time, roads, and why it feels longer than expected
Even though Fes and Chefchaouen are both in northern Morocco, the ride isn’t a straight motorway sprint the whole way. You’ll typically be on a mix of national roads with curves and elevation changes as you approach the Rif region, so the trip can feel longer than the map suggests, especially if you hit:
mid-day traffic leaving Fes
slow-moving stretches through towns
rain/fog in cooler months
breaks for food, restrooms, or kids
If you want a neutral “road style” view (distance, time estimates, and cost planning), ViaMichelin’s route tool is useful for setting expectations before you pick a transport type: https://www.viamichelin.fr/itineraires/resultats/chefchaouen-91000-chefchaouen-tanger_tetouan_al_hoceima-royaume_du_maroc-to-fes-30000-fes-fes_meknes-royaume_du_maroc ViaMichelin
3) CTM bus: best for budget and solo travelers
Why tourists like CTM for this route
CTM is the most common “tourist-friendly” bus option because it’s straightforward: you buy a ticket, show up, ride, arrive. On busy travel weeks, that simplicity matters.
CTM is usually best when:
you’re traveling solo or as a couple
you don’t have huge luggage
you’re okay planning around a fixed departure time
you want the cheapest predictable option
Comfort and onboard basics
CTM promotes features like comfortable seating and onboard services such as Wi-Fi and USB charging on some services. That can be a real plus for tourists who want to keep phones charged for navigation and photos.
The trade-offs (the “hidden” costs)
You must get yourself to the station in Fes and then from Chefchaouen’s arrival point to your accommodation.
If you’re staying deep in Chefchaouen medina, you’ll likely walk the last stretch (often uphill).
If you land late at Fes Airport, you might not love waiting for the next bus time.
Booking tip: In peak periods (weekends, school holidays), book earlier so you’re not stuck with the last seat—or a departure time that doesn’t match your hotel check-in.
(Official CTM booking/timetables are here, use this to confirm departures on your exact date: https://ctm.ma/)
4) Taxi / grand taxi: best for flexibility and “leave now” trips
“Taxi” on this route can mean two different experiences:
A) Shared grand taxi (cheaper if you don’t mind sharing)
You pay per seat (or negotiate your share)
You may wait for the taxi to fill
You share space with other passengers and luggage
Best for: budget travelers who want to depart sooner than a bus schedule but don’t need privacy.
B) Private taxi (faster departure, more flexible, more expensive)
You pay for the whole vehicle
You can leave when you’re ready
You can ask for a quick stop (ATM, restrooms, snacks)
Best for: couples or small groups who want flexibility and can split the cost.
Taxi advantages vs bus
More flexible pickup point (especially if you’re not near the station)
Potentially shorter “door-to-door time” because you skip station logistics
Easier if you have a tight schedule (day trip return timing, for example)
Taxi risks tourists should know
Price can vary widely depending on season, time of day, and negotiation
Comfort depends on vehicle condition
Language and clarity matter, agree the price and drop-off point clearly before leaving
If you want taxi simplicity, treat it like this: confirm total price + confirm drop-off point + confirm whether stops are included.
5) Private transfer: best for families, seniors, and luggage
Private transfer is the “vacation-mode” option: you pay more, but you remove most friction.
Why it wins for many tourists
Door-to-door: pickup at your hotel/riad (or airport) and drop where vehicles can reasonably access in Chefchaouen
Easier with seniors and kids: fewer stairs, less rushing, fewer “where do we meet?” moments
Better luggage experience: you’re not lifting bags on/off buses or squeezing them into a shared taxi
Stops when needed: breaks for restrooms, food, or just stretching legs (especially important for older travelers)
When private transfer is worth the extra cost
You’re a family of 4–7 (cost per person becomes reasonable)
You’re traveling with seniors who don’t want station walking
You have large suitcases or strollers
You arrive late or want a very specific departure time
You’re staying in medina areas and want a planned, easy drop-off strategy
If your goal is “start Chefchaouen in a good mood,” private transfer is usually the safest bet.
6) What to choose based on your situation
Use this quick matrix:
Choose CTM bus if…
Budget is priority
You’re traveling light
You’re fine with fixed departures
You don’t mind station-to-hotel logistics
Choose taxi/grand taxi if…
You want flexibility without paying “full transfer” pricing
You can share the ride (or split cost with friends/family)
You want a faster departure than bus timing
Choose private transfer if…
You have seniors/kids/stroller
You have heavy luggage
You want door-to-door and less walking
You want stops and control over timing
7) Booking and arrival tips (Fes + Chefchaouen)
If you’re leaving from Fes
If you’re staying in the Medina of Fes, plan extra time to reach the pickup point (streets can be slow).
For early departures, confirm the pickup location the night before (hotel lobby, main road point, etc.).
Keep water and snacks, road stops are easier with kids.
If you’re arriving in Chefchaouen
Many accommodations are inside the medina area where cars don’t reach every door. Ask your hotel/riad for the best vehicle drop point and whether they can help with luggage.
Wear comfortable shoes, Chefchaouen is beautiful, but it’s not flat.
FAQs
Is CTM reliable for tourists going to Chefchaouen?
Generally yes, and it’s a common choice for budget travelers. Confirm the schedule for your exact date on CTM’s official site.
Is a taxi cheaper than a private transfer?
Often yes, especially if you can do a shared grand taxi. Private transfers cost more but usually include better comfort and planning.
What’s best for seniors staying in Chefchaouen medina?
Private transfer is usually best because it reduces station walking and lets you choose the easiest drop point.
Can I do Fes → Chefchaouen as a day trip?
Yes, but it’s a long day. If you want a relaxed experience, consider an overnight so you can enjoy Chefchaouen in the evening and morning.
What’s the biggest mistake tourists make on this route?
Choosing based only on price, then realizing they still need extra taxis/walking with luggage. Always think “door-to-door,” not just “ticket price.”
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