Arriving in Tangier by ferry or plane and traveling from Tangier to Fes? It is the natural first leg of a trip through northern Morocco. You can take the train, drive the motorway, or travel through the blue town of Chefchaouen and the Roman ruins of Volubilis. This guide compares the options so you can choose the best one.
Quick answer: the train or the motorway takes about 4 to 5 hours. However, the best route goes through Chefchaouen, with a night in the blue town, then Volubilis and Meknes on the way to Fes. All our tours from Tangier follow it, such as the 5-day desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech.
Tangier to Fes: The Options Compared
| Book | Direct (train or car) | Private route via Chefchaouen |
|---|---|---|
| Time | About 4 to 5 hours | Two days, with a night in Chefchaouen |
| Stops | None | Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes |
| From the ferry port | Taxi to the station first | Pick-up at the port |
| Best for | Travelers in a hurry | First-time visitors to the north |
In short, the direct route is a transfer, while the route via Chefchaouen shows you the best of northern Morocco.
Option 1: The Direct Trip
By train
ONCF trains connect Tangier and Fes in about 4 to 5 hours, sometimes with a change. Check times on the official ONCF website.
By private car
A private driver takes you door to door in about 4 hours, and can meet you at the port or the airport. Read how a private driver in Morocco works.
Option 2: Via Chefchaouen, Volubilis and Meknes
Day 1: Cape Spartel, the Hercules Caves and Chefchaouen
First, you visit Cape Spartel and the Hercules Caves near Tangier. Then, you drive into the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, about 3 hours away, and sleep in the blue medina.
Day 2: Volubilis, Meknes and Fes
Next, you walk among the mosaics of Volubilis, see the Bab Mansour gate in Meknes and reach Fes in the evening. About 4.5 hours of driving.
Our Tours from Tangier via Fes
- 5-day desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech
- 5-day northern Morocco tour from Tangier to Casablanca
- 6-day desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech via Fes
- 7-day Sahara desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech
- 8-day itinerary from Tangier to Marrakech
- 10-day grand desert and imperial cities tour from Tangier
Compare the 5-day options in our 5 day tour from Tangier guide.
Arriving from Spain?
Ferries from Tarifa arrive at the Tangier Ville port in the city, while many ferries from Algeciras use Tanger Med, about an hour away. Your driver can meet you at either one. Read our guide to Morocco tours from Spain.
After Fes
- The Sahara: read our 3 day tour from Fes guide.
- Marrakech: read Fes to Marrakech or Tangier to Marrakech.
- The imperial cities: read our Morocco imperial cities tour guide.
In Fes, keep a day for a guided medina tour.
Chefchaouen: One Night or a Day Trip?
A night is better, because the town is calm in the evening and early morning. If you are short on time, read our Chefchaouen day trip guide.
Best Time to Travel
Spring and autumn are ideal. The north is green but rainy in winter. Read the best time to visit Morocco or the official Tangier guide.
Tangier to Fes FAQ
How long does it take from Tangier to Fes?
About 4 to 5 hours by train or car.
Is Chefchaouen on the way from Tangier to Fes?
It is a short detour into the Rif Mountains, and most private routes stop there for a night.
Can you pick me up at the Tangier ferry port?
Yes. We can meet you at Tangier Ville, Tanger Med or the airport.
Can I visit Volubilis between Tangier and Fes?
Yes. Volubilis and Meknes are on the way from Chefchaouen to Fes.
Do your tours from Tangier go to the Sahara?
Yes. Most continue from Fes to the Erg Chebbi dunes and end in Marrakech.
Plan Your Trip from Tangier to Fes
In short, the train is quick, but the route via Chefchaouen and Volubilis is the best introduction to northern Morocco. Tell us when you arrive and we will plan the rest.
Plan this trip: ask for a free quote, write to us on WhatsApp, or see all our tours from Tangier.
