Which transport for which trip?
| Route | Best option | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Casablanca – Rabat | Train | About 1 hour |
| Tangier – Rabat | Al Boraq high-speed train | About 1 h 20 |
| Tangier – Casablanca | Al Boraq high-speed train | About 2 h 10 |
| Casablanca – Marrakech | Train | About 2.5–3 hours |
| Rabat – Fez | Train | About 2.5–3 hours |
| Fez – Meknes | Train | Under 1 hour |
| Marrakech – Fez | Train (or flight) | About 7 hours |
| Marrakech – Essaouira | Bus (Supratours / CTM) | About 3 hours |
| Fez – Chefchaouen | Bus (CTM) or private transfer | About 4–5 hours |
| Marrakech – Ouarzazate | Bus, car or tour | About 4–4.5 hours |
| Marrakech – Merzouga | Car or tour (2–3 days recommended); overnight bus | 9–10 hours driving |
| Marrakech – Agadir | Bus or car (motorway) | About 3–3.5 hours |
Times are approximate and depend on the specific service and traffic.
Trains (ONCF)
Morocco's national railway, ONCF, runs a network linking Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez, Meknes and Oujda, plus a few branch lines (including El Jadida, Safi and Nador). There are no trains to Chefchaouen, Essaouira, Agadir, Ouarzazate or the desert.
Classes. Trains have first and second class. First class has assigned seats and is noticeably more comfortable on long journeys; second class can be crowded at weekends and on holidays.
Tickets. Buy on the ONCF website or app, or at station counters and machines. Booking ahead is wise for Al Boraq and for Friday or Sunday travel. Keep your ticket until you leave the destination station.
Al Boraq high-speed train. Africa's first high-speed line, opened in 2018, connects Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat and Casablanca. Trains reach up to 320 km/h on the Tangier–Kenitra section. In Rabat it stops at Rabat-Agdal, and in Casablanca at Casa-Voyageurs.
Extension to Marrakech. A new high-speed line from Kenitra to Marrakech is under construction, with completion targeted before the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Until it opens, journeys to Marrakech use the conventional line.
Night trains. Overnight trains with couchettes have run between Tangier and Marrakech and between Casablanca and Oujda; check current availability on the ONCF website.
Long-distance buses
Two companies dominate tourist routes and are reliable, air-conditioned and punctual by regional standards:
- CTM — the national bus company, with the widest network, including Chefchaouen, the desert and the south.
- Supratours — owned by ONCF; its buses connect with trains (combined tickets are possible) and serve Essaouira, Agadir, Ouarzazate, Merzouga and the Western Sahara.
Book on their websites or apps, or at their own stations (CTM and Supratours often have separate stations from the main public bus station, the gare routière). A small fee is usually charged for checked luggage. Cheaper private bus companies exist but are less comfortable.
Taxis
Petits taxis operate within cities. They carry up to three passengers, and each city has its own colour: red in Casablanca and Fez, beige in Marrakech, blue in Rabat and Essaouira. They should use the meter (compteur); fares rise by about 50% at night. If the driver refuses the meter, agree the fare before you get in or wait for the next taxi. Drivers may pick up other passengers going in the same direction — this is normal.
Grands taxis are older large cars (traditionally Mercedes, now often Dacia minivans) running fixed routes between towns or to suburbs. They leave when all six seats are filled; you pay per seat. You can buy the remaining seats to leave immediately or travel more comfortably. They are also available for private hire for day trips.
Ride-hailing apps. Apps such as Careem, Heetch and inDrive operate in some cities but their legal status has been uncertain, and Morocco has been preparing legislation to regulate rideshare services. Availability varies.
Renting a car
A car gives you freedom for the Atlas, the valleys and the desert, and Morocco's motorways (tolled) and main roads are generally in good condition.
- Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 (sometimes 23 or 25) and to have held a licence for a year or more. A foreign licence is accepted for tourist stays; an International Driving Permit is a useful backup.
- Drive on the right. Speed limits are typically 120 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on main roads and 60 km/h or lower in towns. Police speed checks are frequent, and fines are paid on the spot — ask for a receipt.
- Avoid driving at night outside cities: unlit vehicles, pedestrians, animals and cyclists share the road.
- Mountain roads such as the Tizi n'Tichka are paved but winding; allow extra time.
- Parking in cities is supervised by attendants in hi-vis vests (gardiens) who expect a few dirhams.
- Do not try to drive in the medinas. Park outside and walk.
Domestic flights
Royal Air Maroc and low-cost airlines operate domestic routes, many via Casablanca. Flights are useful for long distances — for example Fez to Marrakech, or reaching Ouarzazate, Errachidia (for Merzouga), Dakhla or Laayoune — when time is short.
Private drivers and tours
Hiring a car with a driver is common and, for groups of three or four, often good value. It is the most comfortable way to do a desert circuit or reach Chefchaouen. Book through a licensed agency or your accommodation; agree the itinerary, number of days, inclusions and price in writing beforehand.
Getting around cities
- Walking is the only way to explore the medinas.
- Trams run in Casablanca and Rabat–Salé and are the easiest way to cross those cities.
- City buses exist everywhere but routes are hard to understand for visitors; Marrakech's airport bus is an exception worth using.
Tips for a smooth journey
- Download offline maps; mobile data can be weak in mountain areas.
- Carry small change for taxis — drivers often cannot break large notes.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early for CTM and Supratours buses to check in luggage.
- Book transport for public holidays and the end of Ramadan (Eid) well ahead — the whole country travels.
Related: visa and entry, money and payments and our 7-day itinerary.
This guide was last reviewed in October 2026. Entry rules, opening hours, transport timetables and prices change; check official sources shortly before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.