Marrakech to Chefchaouen: Choose Your Adventure
The journey from vibrant Marrakech to the dreamy blue streets of Chefchaouen is one of Morocco's most rewarding drives. While it's too far for a comfortable day trip, the route offers incredible opportunities to explore Morocco's diverse landscapes.
This guide presents three distinct routes with different experiences, timeframes, and highlights.
Route Overview
| Route | Distance | Drive Time | Recommended Days | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via Fes | 590 km | 7-8 hours | 2-3 days | First-timers, culture lovers |
| Coastal via Rabat | 620 km | 7-8 hours | 2-3 days | City explorers, beach lovers |
| Direct via Beni Mellal | 520 km | 6-7 hours | 1-2 days | Time-limited travelers |
Route 1: Via Fes (Recommended)
Distance: 590 km | Pure driving: 7-8 hours | Recommended: 2-3 days
This is our top recommendation, combining excellent roads with unmissable cultural stops.
Day 1: Marrakech to Fes (530 km)
Morning Departure Leave Marrakech by 7-8 AM to maximize your day. The A7 highway to Casablanca is excellent.
Route: Marrakech → Casablanca (bypass) → Rabat (bypass) → Meknes → Fes
Key Points:
- Mostly toll highway (autoroute)
- Excellent road conditions
- Service stations every 30-50 km
- Drive time: approximately 5 hours direct
Optional Stop: Meknes Just 60 km before Fes, consider stopping at this underrated imperial city:
- Bab Mansour (Morocco's most impressive gate)
- Moulay Ismail Mausoleum
- Heri es-Souani (royal granaries)
- Allow 2-3 hours
Overnight in Fes Stay in a traditional riad in the medina for an authentic experience.
Day 2: Fes to Chefchaouen (200 km)
Morning in Fes Don't rush out! Spend the morning exploring:
- Chouara Tanneries
- Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque
- Medina streets and souks
Afternoon Drive The scenic route from Fes to Chefchaouen takes 3-4 hours through beautiful countryside.
Route: Fes → Sidi Kacem → Ouezzane → Chefchaouen
Highlights:
- Rolling agricultural landscapes
- Olive groves and farmland
- First views of the Rif Mountains
- Approach to Chefchaouen through mountains
What to Expect:
- Mix of highway and national roads
- Good road conditions
- Less traffic than major routes
- Winding mountain roads near Chefchaouen
Route 2: Coastal via Rabat
Distance: 620 km | Pure driving: 7-8 hours | Recommended: 2-3 days
Perfect for travelers who want to combine their journey with Morocco's Atlantic coast.
Day 1: Marrakech to Rabat (320 km)
Morning Drive Take the A7 highway north to Morocco's capital.
- Drive time: 3-3.5 hours
- Excellent toll road
- Bypass Casablanca via Mohammedia route
Afternoon in Rabat Explore Morocco's often-overlooked capital:
- Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V
- Kasbah of the Udayas (stunning views)
- Rabat Medina (less touristy than Marrakech or Fes)
- Chellah Necropolis
Optional Extension: Casablanca Add a few hours to visit:
- Hassan II Mosque (one of the world's largest)
- Corniche beachfront
- Art Deco architecture downtown
Day 2: Rabat to Chefchaouen (300 km)
Morning Drive Head north through the heart of Morocco:
- Rabat → Kenitra → Souk el Arbaa → Ouezzane → Chefchaouen
- Drive time: 4-5 hours
- Mix of highways and scenic national roads
Stop: Larache (Optional) This coastal town offers:
- Spanish colonial architecture
- Fresh seafood
- Lixus ancient Roman ruins nearby
- Less touristy atmosphere
Route 3: Direct via Beni Mellal
Distance: 520 km | Pure driving: 6-7 hours | Recommended: 1-2 days
The fastest route for those short on time, though with fewer attractions.
Single Day Drive
Route: Marrakech → Beni Mellal → Fes → Chefchaouen
Or alternatively: Marrakech → Beni Mellal → Ifrane → Fes bypass → Chefchaouen
Key Points:
- Starts with scenic Middle Atlas route
- Less traffic than coastal highway
- More rural landscapes
- Fewer service stations (fuel up in Beni Mellal)
Recommended Stops:
Beni Mellal
- Gateway to the Middle Atlas
- Ain Asserdoun springs
- Good breakfast/coffee stop
Azrou
- Cedar forests with Barbary macaques
- Cool mountain air
- Quick photo stop
Ifrane
- "Little Switzerland" of Morocco
- European-style architecture
- Popular stone lion statue
Arriving in Chefchaouen
What to Expect
Parking:
- No cars in the blue medina
- Public parking lots outside medina walls
- Guarded parking: 30-50 MAD/night
- Hotels may help with parking arrangements
First Impressions:
- The famous blue is concentrated in the old medina
- Best explored on foot
- Steep, narrow streets
- Stunning mountain backdrop
Essential Chefchaouen Experiences
-
Wander the Blue Streets
- Every corner is photogenic
- Early morning or late afternoon best for photos
- Get lost intentionally
-
Plaza Uta el-Hammam
- Main square
- Cafes, restaurants
- 15th-century Kasbah museum
-
Ras el-Maa Spring
- Natural spring at medina edge
- Local women do laundry
- Path to mountain viewpoints
-
Spanish Mosque Hike
- 30-minute uphill walk
- Best sunset views over town
- Iconic photography spot
-
Akchour Waterfalls (Day Trip)
- 30 km from Chefchaouen
- Beautiful hiking
- Natural swimming areas
- Rent a car with good clearance
Driving Tips for This Route
Highway Sections
- Toll booths accept cash and cards
- Keep some MAD handy for tolls
- Service stations are modern
- Speed limit: 120 km/h
- Speed cameras are common
Mountain Sections Near Chefchaouen
- Roads are winding but paved
- Drive slowly around blind curves
- Watch for:
- Slow-moving trucks
- Motorcycles
- Goats and sheep
- Use horn on blind corners
Parking in Blue City
- Arrive before dark if possible
- Follow signs to parking areas
- Accept gardien services
- Keep parking ticket safe
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May)
- Perfect temperatures
- Wildflowers in bloom
- Green landscapes
- Book accommodation early
Fall (September-November)
- Pleasant weather
- Fewer tourists than spring
- Good driving conditions
Summer (June-August)
- Hot for driving
- Cool evenings in Chefchaouen (mountain air)
- European holiday crowds
Winter (December-February)
- Can be cold and rainy
- Snow possible in mountains
- Quietest season
- Cozy riad atmosphere
Budget Planning
Per Person (2 Days, Mid-Range)
| Category | Cost (MAD) |
|---|---|
| Car rental share (2 days) | 250-400 |
| Fuel share | 200-300 |
| Highway tolls share | 100-150 |
| Accommodation | 300-600 |
| Meals | 200-400 |
| Activities/entrance | 50-150 |
| Total | 1,100-2,000 |
Money-Saving Tips
- Share car rental costs with travel companions
- Stay in riads (breakfast often included)
- Eat at local restaurants away from main squares
- Free activities: wandering, hiking, photography
What to Pack
For the Drive:
- Sunglasses
- Water and snacks
- Phone charger/car adapter
- Cash for tolls
- Downloaded offline maps
For Chefchaouen:
- Comfortable walking shoes (steep streets!)
- Layers (mountain temperatures vary)
- Camera
- Small daypack
Return Options
Same Route
Drive back the way you came, stopping at places you missed.
Loop via Tangier
- Continue north to Tangier
- Return via coastal route
- Adds 1-2 days
- Different scenery
Fly One Way
- Drop car in Tangier
- Fly Tangier to Marrakech
- Check one-way rental fees
Book Your Blue City Adventure
Ready to discover Chefchaouen? Book your rental car with Carman:
Pickup Options:
- Marrakech Menara Airport
- Casablanca Airport (for coastal route)
- Fes Airport (shorter route to Chefchaouen)
Why Carman:
- Unlimited mileage for road trips
- One-way rentals available
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Transparent pricing
Start planning your Marrakech to Chefchaouen adventure today!