Nestled in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, Chefchaouen—nicknamed The Blue Pearl—is a visual dream. With its narrow blue-washed alleys, peaceful mountain views, and laid-back pace, it's one of the country’s most photogenic towns. And yes—it can absolutely be done in a day trip from Fez.
Whether you're looking to go independently or on a guided tour, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your Fez to Chefchaouen day trip.
Option 1: Taking the CTM Bus from Fez to Chefchaouen
If you're traveling independently, CTM is the most reliable and comfortable bus company operating between Fez and Chefchaouen.
- Departure: Buses leave from the Fez station, located about 3 km from the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud). If you're staying in the medina, it's around a 40-minute walk, or a short taxi ride.
- Travel Time: The journey takes approximately 4.5 hours each way.
- Comfort Level: CTM buses are air-conditioned, have assigned seating, and generally run on time. It's best to book in advance online—this route is popular.
- Price: A round-trip ticket costs MAD 252 (approx. €26)
When to Choose the Bus:
The CTM bus is a good option only if you plan to stay overnight in Chefchaouen. Otherwise, the long travel time and higher cost make it less practical for a one-day trip.
Option 2: Shared Day Tour from Fez (What We Did)
For a day trip, a shared group tour is actually the cheaper, faster, and more convenient option.
- Departure: The tour departs from the Blue Gate at 8:00 AM, which is ideal if you're staying in the medina.
- Travel Time: Around 3.5 hours each way, with short stops for snacks and bathroom breaks.
- Return Time: You’ll be back in Fez by 7:00 PM.
- Price: Just €18 per person (approx. MAD 190) for a shared transfer in a minivan with a max of 16 people.
What We Did with 4 Hours in Chefchaouen
You get about 4 full hours in the Blue City, which was more than enough for:
- Non-stop photos around every blue-washed alley and charming stairway
- Lunch at El Cielo – Easily one of the best meals we had during 9 days in Morocco
- A sweet break in the main square (Place Outa el Hamam) with a scoop of ice cream and people-watching
Why I Recommend the Tour:
For a one-day trip, the tour is faster, cheaper, and less hassle than the bus. Plus, being picked up from the medina is a major convenience.
Happy Travels! x
For more travel inspiration, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @journeywithme.mt
Disclaimer: All content and photos in this blog post are my own unless otherwise stated. Please do not copy, reproduce, or use any images or text without written permission.
Affiliate Disclosure:
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support allows me to continue providing helpful content like this.