Getting Around Morocco: Complete Transportation Guide

Morocco offers diverse transportation options to suit every budget and travel style. From the modern high-speed train connecting Tangier to Casablanca to shared grand taxis winding through mountain villages, understanding your options helps you travel efficiently and authentically.

Overview of Transportation Options

Trains (ONCF)

Morocco's national railway, ONCF, operates a reliable and comfortable rail network connecting major cities. The 2018 launch of Al Boraq, Africa's first high-speed train, revolutionized travel in the north.

Al Boraq High-Speed Train

The flagship route connects Tangier to Casablanca via Rabat in just over 2 hours (previously 5 hours).

Route: Tangier → Kenitra → Rabat → Casablanca

Features:

• Speeds up to 320 km/h
• Modern, comfortable cars
• First and second class available
• Café car with refreshments
• WiFi on board
• Power outlets at every seat

Tickets:

• First class: 250-350 MAD
• Second class: 150-250 MAD
• Book at oncf.ma or at stations

Regular Trains

The conventional network covers:

• Casablanca → Marrakech (3 hours)
• Casablanca → Fes (4 hours)
• Casablanca → Meknes (3.5 hours)
• Rabat → Fes (3 hours)

Classes:

• First class (Première): Reserved seats, air conditioning, more space
• Second class (Deuxième): Comfortable but busier, sometimes standing room only

Tips:

• Book first class for long journeys—the price difference is minimal
• Buy tickets in advance for popular routes (especially Marrakech)
• Arrive 15-20 minutes before departure
• Keep your ticket—inspectors check regularly

Stations to Know

• Casa-Voyageurs: Main Casablanca station (not Casa-Port)
• Marrakech: Central station, walkable to medina
• Fes: Station is 2km from medina—take a taxi
• Rabat-Ville: City center location
• Tanger-Ville: Central Tangier (not Tangier-Med port)

Buses

Buses reach destinations trains don't, making them essential for exploring beyond the rail network.

CTM (Compagnie de Transports au Maroc)

Morocco's premier bus company offers reliable, comfortable service nationwide.

Features:

• Air conditioning
• Reclining seats
• Luggage storage
• Rest stops on long journeys
• Assigned seating
• Professional drivers

Popular routes:

Booking: ctm.ma (book 2-3 days ahead for popular routes)

Supratours

Owned by ONCF, Supratours connects train stations to destinations not on the rail network.

Key routes:

• Marrakech → Essaouira
• Agadir → Marrakech
• Nador → Fes

Booking: Available at train stations or supratours.ma

Local Buses

Every town has local bus companies offering cheaper but less comfortable service. These are fine for budget travelers comfortable with adventure:

Pros:

• Very cheap (50-70% of CTM prices)
• More frequent departures
• Reach smaller towns

Cons:

• Less comfortable seats
• No guaranteed air conditioning
• May wait until full before departing
• Luggage handling less organized

Taxis

Morocco has two distinct taxi systems—understanding the difference is essential.

Petit Taxis

Small cars (typically Fiat Uno or Dacia Logan) operating within city limits.

Characteristics:

• Different colors in each city (red in Casablanca, blue in Rabat, beige in Marrakech)
• Metered (though you may need to insist)
• Maximum 3 passengers
• Cannot leave city limits

Using petit taxis:

1. Hail on the street or find at designated stands
2. Confirm the driver will use the meter ("compteur")
3. If no meter, negotiate the fare before entering
4. Have small bills ready—drivers rarely have change

Typical fares:

• Short ride (1-2 km): 10-15 MAD
• Medium ride (3-5 km): 20-30 MAD
• Airport to city center: 50-150 MAD (negotiate or insist on meter)

Night rates: 50% supplement after 8 PM

Grand Taxis

Larger vehicles (Mercedes sedans or minivans) operating between cities and towns.

How they work:

• Depart from designated stations ("station de grand taxi")
• Wait until full (6 passengers for sedans)
• Fixed routes and prices
• Can hire privately for flexibility

Shared vs. Private:

• Shared ("place"): Wait for other passengers, cheapest option
• Private ("course"): Pay for all seats, leave immediately

Example prices (shared):

Tips:

• Arrive early for popular routes
• Front seat costs extra but offers more comfort
• Women traveling alone can request the front seat
• Agree on the price before departing

Car Rental

Renting a car offers maximum flexibility, especially for exploring the Atlas Mountains, desert regions, or off-the-beaten-path villages.

Requirements

• Valid driving license (international driving permit recommended but not always required)
• Passport
• Credit card for deposit (often 3,000-5,000 MAD hold)
• Minimum age 21-25 (varies by company)

Major Rental Companies

International:

• Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt
• Higher prices but reliable insurance and service
• Airport locations

Local:

• Medloc, Afric Cars, Jazz Car
• Often 30-40% cheaper
• Variable quality—check reviews

Costs

• Economy car: 200-350 MAD/day
• SUV/4x4: 500-800 MAD/day
• Insurance (recommended): 80-150 MAD/day
• GPS: 50-80 MAD/day

Fuel: Approximately 12-14 MAD/liter for gasoline

Driving in Morocco

Road conditions:

• Highways (autoroutes): Excellent, toll-based
• National roads (routes nationales): Generally good
• Mountain roads: Narrow, winding, sometimes unpaved
• Desert tracks: 4x4 recommended, or essential in some areas

Tips for driving:

• Drive defensively—local driving style can be aggressive
• Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, donkeys, and livestock
• Mountain roads require confident driving skills
• Avoid night driving outside cities
• Keep your fuel tank at least half full in remote areas
• Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me)

Tolls

Highways charge tolls collected at booths:

• Casablanca → Marrakech: ~100 MAD
• Rabat → Fes: ~90 MAD
• Tangier → Casablanca: ~150 MAD

Cash payment is standard; some booths accept cards.

Domestic Flights

For long distances, domestic flights save significant time.

Airlines

Royal Air Maroc (RAM):

• National carrier
• Hub at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport
• Most domestic routes
• Book at royalairmaroc.com

Air Arabia Maroc:

• Low-cost option
• Some domestic routes
• Book at airarabia.com

Popular Routes

Tip: Prices vary dramatically—book early for best rates.

City-by-City Transport Tips

Marrakech

• Walk or take petit taxis in the medina
• Horse carriages (calèches) are tourist traps—negotiate hard
• Grab apps work
• Rent bikes through hotels for the new city

Fes

• Walking is best in the medina (no cars allowed)
• Petit taxis for getting to/from medina edges
• Hire a guide for your first medina exploration

Casablanca

• Tramway system covers major areas
• Petit taxis abundant
• Traffic can be heavy—allow extra time

Tangier

• Compact old town is walkable
• Petit taxis for the port or new city
• Ferries to Spain from Tangier-Med (40km from city)

Chefchaouen

• Entirely walkable medina
• Grand taxis for arriving/departing (no train station)
• Day trips to Akchour require private taxi

Practical Advice

Planning Your Route

1. Map your journey: Use Rome2Rio to see all options between destinations
2. Book in advance: Trains and CTM buses for popular routes
3. Build in buffer time: Moroccan transport can be unpredictable
4. Consider comfort vs. cost: Sometimes the extra expense is worth it

Staying Connected

• Download offline maps before traveling
• Save your accommodation's contact info
• Screenshot important booking confirmations
• Keep your phone charged for navigation

Safety Tips

• Use licensed taxis only
• Agree on prices before departing (for un-metered transport)
• Keep valuables secure on buses
• Avoid overnight buses if possible (driving quality varies)
• For car rental, photograph any existing damage before accepting

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the best way to get from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert? A: Most visitors take organized tours or hire private drivers. CTM buses reach Merzouga (10-11 hours), but breaking the journey in Ouarzazate is more comfortable.

Q: Can I use Uber in Morocco? A: Uber operates in Casablanca and some other cities, but local alternatives like Careem (now owned by Uber) have better coverage.

Q: How do I get from Tangier port to the city? A: Tangier-Med port is 40km from the city. Free shuttle buses connect to Tangier train station. Regular taxis cost 300-400 MAD.

Q: Is it safe to travel by bus at night? A: CTM and Supratours are generally safe. Local bus companies vary in quality—daytime travel is recommended when possible.

Q: Do I need a 4x4 for the desert? A: For Merzouga/Erg Chebbi, a regular car reaches the town fine; camel or 4x4 tours go into the dunes. For remote areas like M'hamid, 4x4 is recommended.