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Al Boraq train at a Moroccan station
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Morocco by Train,
Bus & Ferry

Trains are the easiest way to move between Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech and Fès. For Agadir, Essaouira, Chefchaouen and many smaller destinations, the bus takes over. Ferries matter when your trip continues between Morocco and Spain.

Search Morocco transport
Route orientation

Main Morocco routes at a glance

Main Morocco routes, transport choices, journey times and fares
RouteBest optionTypical timeTypical fareKey point
Casablanca → TangierAl Boraq~2h–2h20variableFastest rail corridor
Casablanca → MarrakechTrain~2h40–3h~120 MAD typicalDirect from Casa Voyageurs
Marrakech → FèsTrain~6½–7h+variableFirst class worth comparing
Marrakech → AgadirBus~3–3½hfrom ~135 MADNo train
Marrakech → EssaouiraBus~3h~80–130 MADNo train
Tangier → ChefchaouenBus~2h15–2h40from ~85 MADNo railway
Fès → ChefchaouenBus~4h10–4h50from ~145 MADDirect road journey
Marrakech → OuarzazateBus~4h30–4h45from ~115 MADHigh Atlas road
Casablanca → AgadirBus / flight~5½h+ by bus~285–345 MADNo rail
Tangier Med → AlgecirasFerry~1½–2h crossingvariableInternational ferry

Use this table for orientation. Check live times and fares before booking.

Overview

Getting around Morocco

This page identifies the train, bus or ferry to take, where to board, when first class earns its premium, and which destinations require road transport.

Morocco is one of the easier countries in North Africa to travel without a car, but the best transport changes depending on where you're going.

If your route follows Tangier–Rabat–Casablanca, the train is normally the obvious choice. Al Boraq makes this corridor fast and simple.

South of Casablanca, conventional ONCF trains continue to Marrakech. Eastbound services connect Meknès, Fès, Taza, Oujda and Nador. These journeys are slower than Al Boraq, but the stations are usually in useful parts of the city and you avoid airport transfers.

Once you leave the railway network, buses become essential. Agadir, Essaouira, Chefchaouen, Ouarzazate and Merzouga are places where trying to force a train into the itinerary usually makes the trip worse.

Ferries are a separate part of the network. If you're entering or leaving Morocco through southern Spain, Tangier Med–Algeciras is one of the main sea crossings.

Train, bus or ferry?

Which transport to take for common Morocco journeys
TripWhat I would takeWhy
Casablanca → TangierAl BoraqFast, direct and city-to-city
Rabat → TangierAl BoraqThe simplest rail journey north
Casablanca → MarrakechONCF intercity / Al AtlasDirect and easier than flying
Marrakech → FèsONCF intercity / Al AtlasLong, but straightforward
Marrakech → AgadirBusNo passenger train
Marrakech → EssaouiraBusNo railway
Tangier → ChefchaouenBus / road transferChefchaouen has no station
Fès → ChefchaouenBus / road transferNo rail connection
Tangier Med → AlgecirasFerryDirect Morocco–Spain sea crossing
Casablanca Airport → CasablancaTrainAirport has its own railway station

Use the train where the railway serves the route directly, and switch to bus or ferry where it does not.

Find your route

Already know where you're going? Jump straight to the route. The links below stay on this Morocco page and take you to the relevant train or bus section.

Trains

Additional rail routes

Buses — Marrakech

Additional road routes

Buses — North

Buses — Casablanca / Coast

Route decisions

When I would take the train, bus or ferry

Train

I would start with the train for Casablanca–Tangier, Rabat–Tangier, Casablanca–Marrakech, Casablanca–Fès and Marrakech–Fès.

The railway already connects these cities well enough that road transport is usually the fallback, not the first choice.

Bus

I would start with the bus for Marrakech–Agadir, Marrakech–Essaouira, Tangier–Chefchaouen, Fès–Chefchaouen and Marrakech–Ouarzazate.

These are road journeys because the railway simply does not reach the destination.

Ferry

I would use the ferry when the journey itself crosses the sea: Tangier Med–Algeciras is the obvious example.

Do not choose a transport mode because you prefer trains or buses in general. Choose the one that actually serves the route cleanly.

Before departure

Things people only discover after booking

Morocco's trains are straightforward once you're onboard. The small details before departure cause more trouble than the journey itself.

A few things are worth knowing before you buy the ticket.

Your ticket belongs to a specific journey

An ONCF ticket is tied to the train, date, time, class and route shown on it unless the fare conditions explicitly allow something different. Do not buy one departure and assume you can simply board another later in the day.

Check the station before ordering the taxi

Casablanca and Rabat both have more than one important railway station. Casa Voyageurs is not Casa Port. Rabat Agdal is not Rabat Ville. Read the station printed on the ticket before leaving your hotel.

Do not arrive at the last second

You do not need airport-style check-in for a normal train journey, but arriving with one or two minutes to spare is unnecessary risk. Give yourself enough time to enter the station, find the platform and board without running.

Keep your ID with you

If your ticket is issued in a passenger's name, carry the same passport or identification used for the booking. Ticket inspectors may ask to match the passenger details.

Payment problems

ONCF payment not working with a foreign card?

A failed card payment does not necessarily mean the train is sold out.

International travelers sometimes run into payment failures when trying to book Moroccan trains online. One card may fail while another works normally.

  • check that the passenger and card details are correct;
  • try another Visa or Mastercard if you have one;
  • try the official ONCF app or another browser;
  • check whether your bank blocked the transaction;
  • use another legitimate booking channel if the official checkout still fails;
  • buy at the station if the journey is not likely to sell out before you arrive.

Do not keep submitting the same failed payment repeatedly without checking whether your bank has placed a temporary authorization on the card.

A rejected payment is a payment problem, not proof that there are no seats.
Train travel

Trains in Morocco

ONCF runs Morocco's passenger railway network. For visitors, there are three train types worth understanding: Al Boraq, Al Atlas and TNR.

You do not need to memorize every train number. First work out which family your route belongs to, then check the actual departure for your date.

Al Boraq train in Morocco
Train family

Al Boraq

Take Al Boraq if you're travelling between Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat and Casablanca.

This is Morocco's high-speed railway and the easiest train product to understand. It serves Tanger Ville, Kenitra, Rabat Agdal and Casa Voyageurs on the main high-speed corridor.

Casablanca–Tangier takes roughly around two hours on the faster services, while Tangier–Rabat is shorter again.

Second class is already comfortable. First class is worth paying for mainly if you want more space or the first-class station experience rather than because second class is poor.

See the Al Boraq route
Check Al Boraq trains
Al Atlas train in Morocco
Train family

Al Atlas

Al Atlas is the train you will use for many of Morocco's longer conventional journeys.

Marrakech, Fès, Meknès and the eastern network are where Al Atlas becomes important.

The trains are slower than Al Boraq, but that does not make them a bad choice. On routes such as Casablanca–Marrakech or Marrakech–Fès, rail still gives you a city-center departure and arrival without airport formalities.

On a long Al Atlas trip, class matters more. First class can be worth the difference simply because you will be sitting there for several hours.

TNR train in Morocco
Train family

TNR

TNR is for shorter regional journeys.

Think Casablanca–Rabat–Kenitra, airport connections and similar commuter-style corridors.

If you're only going from Casablanca to Rabat, there is usually no reason to obsess over finding the most premium train. Choose a departure that fits your day.

Train comparison

Morocco train families and when to use them
TrainBest forSpeedClass adviceTypical use
Al BoraqTangier–Kenitra–Rabat–CasablancaHigh-speed2nd is already good; 1st for extra comfortFast north–south intercity
Al AtlasMarrakech, Fès, Meknès, eastern MoroccoConventional long-distanceCompare 1st seriously on long journeysIntercity
TNRCasablanca–Rabat–Kenitra and regional corridorsRegionalUsually choose by timetableShorter trips
Classes

First class or second class?

First class is not automatically the “correct” choice on Moroccan trains.

For a short trip such as Casablanca–Rabat, second class usually makes more sense. You are not onboard long enough for the extra space to change the journey very much.

For Casablanca–Marrakech, Casablanca–Fès or Marrakech–Fès, first class becomes easier to justify. The difference matters more after several hours than it does after 45 or 60 minutes.

On Al Boraq, second class is already a strong product. First class is an upgrade, not something you need in order to travel comfortably.

First class

Choose first class for longer trips, extra space and a quieter ride where the train offers it. It is the option I would compare first on Marrakech–Fès or another long conventional journey.

Second class

Choose second class for value. It works very well on short and medium routes, and Al Boraq second class is already perfectly suitable for most travelers.

A closer decision

Is first class actually worth it?

The answer depends much more on journey length than on status.

On Casablanca–Rabat, I would normally take second class. The trip is short and the extra room does not change much.

On Casablanca–Tangier, Al Boraq second class is already comfortable. First class is mainly about extra space and a quieter experience.

On Casablanca–Marrakech, the choice becomes closer. If the first-class premium is modest, it can be worth paying for because you are onboard for several hours.

On Casablanca–Fès or Marrakech–Fès, I would compare first class seriously. A small difference in comfort becomes much more noticeable halfway through a long journey.

The useful rule is simple: the longer the trip, the more first class matters.

Morocco train class decisions by journey
JourneyWhat I would book
Casablanca → Rabat2nd class
Rabat → Kenitra2nd class
Casablanca → TangierAl Boraq 2nd; 1st for extra comfort
Casablanca → MarrakechCompare both
Casablanca → Fès1st worth considering
Marrakech → Fès1st if the price difference is reasonable
Tickets

Are seats reserved on Moroccan trains?

Reservation rules depend on the train product.

Al Boraq uses reserved seating.

Long-distance intercity products may also assign seats depending on the train and class.

Regional services can work differently.

Do not assume every Moroccan train works exactly like Al Boraq. Check the ticket or booking result for the actual service.

Can I choose my exact seat?

Seat-selection options depend on the booking channel and train. If a specific seat matters to you, check whether the booking screen actually offers seat selection rather than assuming it will.

Bags

Travelling with luggage

Moroccan trains are not airlines. You normally carry your luggage onboard with you rather than checking it at a counter.

A normal suitcase is not unusual, but the amount of useful storage depends on the train and carriage.

  • arrive early enough to board calmly;
  • keep valuables and documents with you;
  • do not block doors or aisles;
  • expect storage to feel tighter on a busy train;
  • consider first class on a long journey if extra personal space matters to you.

The railway does not take responsibility for watching your luggage while you sleep, use the toilet or leave your seat.

Can I take a large suitcase on ONCF?

Yes, normal travel luggage is common. The practical question is where it will fit, not whether it looks like airline cabin baggage.

Animals

Can you take pets on Moroccan trains?

Small pets can be possible under ONCF's passenger rules, but this is not a “bring any animal onboard” policy.

Small cats or dogs may need to travel in an appropriate carrier and an animal fare may apply.

If you are travelling with a pet, check the current ONCF conditions before booking because carrier, size and fare rules can change.

When plans change

What happens if you miss your train?

Do not assume your ticket automatically transfers to the next departure.

What happens depends on the ticket conditions and fare you bought.

  • speak to ONCF staff as soon as possible;
  • check whether the fare allows a change;
  • do not simply board another reserved train using the old ticket;
  • expect a new fare to be possible if the ticket is no longer valid.

This is one reason I would not book an extremely tight train after an international flight.

Can I use my ONCF ticket on a later train?

Not automatically. Use the train shown on the ticket unless the fare conditions or ONCF staff confirm that a change is allowed.

Route authority

Morocco's main train routes

Use the route notes to decide which train, station and class make sense for the journey.

Casablanca ↔ KenitraCasablanca ↔ MohammediaCasablanca ↔ SettatCasablanca ↔ El JadidaCasablanca ↔ KhouribgaCasablanca ↔ Oued ZemCasablanca ↔ SafiRabat ↔ KenitraMeknès ↔ FèsFès ↔ TazaFès ↔ OujdaFès ↔ NadorTangier ↔ Oujda
Casablanca to Tangier by train

Casablanca to Tangier by train

Take Al Boraq. There is no reason to make this route complicated.

Board at Casa Voyageurs and get off at Tanger Ville. The train runs through Rabat Agdal and Kenitra, and both stations are useful intermediate stops rather than awkward detours.

This is one of the routes where Morocco's railway works exactly as you hope it will: central station, reserved seat, fast journey, no airport transfer.

How long does it take?

Expect a little over two hours depending on the train. ONCF's published timetable currently shows Casa Voyageurs–Tanger Ville journeys of roughly 2 hours 17 minutes on many Al Boraq departures.

For trip planning, think about 2 to 2¼ hours, then check the live train for your date.

How much is Casablanca to Tangier?

Al Boraq does not have one fare that should be hard-coded forever. Price depends on class, fare conditions and availability.

As a useful orientation, second-class Casablanca–Tangier fares are often around the mid-100-MAD range, while flexible or first-class tickets can cost substantially more.

ONCF's own current pricing material shows that fares vary by tariff product, so the live booking result matters more than an old price table.

First or second class?

I would book second class unless the first-class difference is small or you specifically want more space.

This journey is short enough that second class works very well. First class is a nice upgrade rather than something you need.

Which Casablanca station?

Casa Voyageurs.

Do not go to Casa Port because Google Maps says it is closer to your hotel. Al Boraq uses Casa Voyageurs.

Which Tangier station?

Tanger Ville.

This is the city railway station. Do not confuse it with Tangier Med ferry port.

What the journey actually feels like

There is very little friction on this route. Once you are seated, the train leaves Casablanca's dense northern suburbs and runs toward Rabat before accelerating farther north.

The important part is not scenery; it is how much travel hassle disappears. You are not travelling out to Mohammed V Airport, waiting through security and then paying for another airport transfer in Tangier.

When the train reaches Tanger Ville, you are already in the city.

That is why I would take Al Boraq even before comparing the environmental argument. It simply fits this journey better than flying.

See schedule & prices
Rabat to Tangier by train

Rabat to Tangier by train

Take Al Boraq from Rabat Agdal.

This is another easy decision. You board south of central Rabat and arrive directly at Tanger Ville.

The common mistake here is the station: Rabat Agdal, not Rabat Ville.

How long?

Roughly around 1½ hours depending on the departure.

Class

Second class.

I would only move to first class here if the price difference is modest or the seating arrangement matters to you.

See schedule & prices
Casablanca to Rabat by train

Casablanca to Rabat by train

Choose the departure that fits your schedule.

This corridor has frequent rail service and is too short to justify overthinking class.

Check whether Rabat Ville or Rabat Agdal is closer to where you actually need to be.

See schedule & prices
Casablanca to Marrakech by train

Casablanca to Marrakech by train

Take the direct train from Casa Voyageurs.

Marrakech is not on the Al Boraq high-speed line. That does not mean you need a bus, a flight or a complicated transfer.

Conventional ONCF trains run directly south from Casablanca to Marrakech, and for most travelers this remains the sensible way to make the trip.

How long?

Most current services take roughly 2 hours 40 minutes to just under 3 hours.

That is long enough for first class to be worth comparing, but short enough that second class is still perfectly reasonable.

Example fare

Current public fare data puts a typical Casablanca–Marrakech train around 120 MAD, with a broader indicative range of roughly 100–200 MAD depending on fare and class.

Treat this as an orientation, not a guaranteed price. Check the live fare before paying.

Which train?

Look for the conventional intercity / Al Atlas service. Do not search specifically for Al Boraq because Al Boraq does not run to Marrakech.

First or second class?

For this route, compare the actual price difference.

If second class is substantially cheaper, take it. If first class is only a modest step up, this is long enough for the upgrade to make sense.

Arrival in Marrakech

Marrakech station is in Guéliz, outside the medina.

This is actually useful. The station is modern, taxis are easy to find, and you avoid trying to drag a suitcase through the medina immediately after getting off the train.

Journey walkthrough

Leaving Casa Voyageurs, the city takes a while to disappear. The railway then runs south through a much flatter landscape.

Settat is one of the important intermediate stops. Later comes Benguerir, where the surroundings feel noticeably drier.

By the time the train approaches Marrakech, the journey has changed character completely from Casablanca's dense urban start.

It is not a sightseeing train. I would not sell it as one.

The reason to choose it is simpler: you board in Casablanca and get off in Marrakech without airports, motorway traffic or a bus terminal halfway across town.

See schedule & prices
Casablanca to Fès by train

Casablanca to Fès by train

Take an Al Atlas intercity train from Casa Voyageurs.

This is a straightforward long-distance railway journey and one where first class can be worth comparing.

Fès station is outside the old medina, so plan on a short road transfer after arrival.

Which class?

For a journey of several hours, compare first class against the live second-class fare rather than assuming one class is always best.

Arrival in Fès

Fès station is in Ville Nouvelle. Continue by taxi if you're staying inside Fès el-Bali.

See schedule & prices
Marrakech to Casablanca by train

Marrakech to Casablanca by train

Take the direct train north.

This route is the reverse of Casablanca–Marrakech and is one of the easiest long-distance journeys from Marrakech.

Which Casablanca station?

For most travelers, Casa Voyageurs is the important arrival.

It is also the station to use if you are continuing north on Al Boraq.

See schedule & prices
Marrakech to Fès by train

Marrakech to Fès by train

Yes, you can take the train all the way from Marrakech to Fès — but this is a long day on the rails.

The route runs north through Benguerir and Settat, reaches Casablanca, continues through Rabat and Kenitra, then heads east through Meknès before Fès.

You are not jumping between tourist cities on a high-speed train. You are crossing a substantial part of Morocco.

How long?

Plan on roughly 6½ to 7+ hours, depending on the service.

ONCF's Al Atlas material has historically quoted around 6h35 for the corridor, while current observed journey data can be closer to seven hours on some trains.

Current fare orientation

Recent observed fares put second class commonly around the mid-200-MAD range and first class significantly higher, with cheaper advance fares sometimes available.

Do not hard-code one “Marrakech–Fès price.” Check the live fare because this is exactly the kind of long-distance journey where fare type and class matter.

Which class?

This is one of the Morocco routes where I would seriously consider first class.

Seven hours is very different from Casablanca–Rabat. If the difference fits your budget, extra space becomes valuable long before you reach Fès.

Should I fly?

Usually I would still compare the train first.

A flight looks much shorter when you only compare time in the air. Once airport transfers, check-in and waiting are added, rail becomes more competitive than the raw flight time suggests.

But if you only have a few days in Morocco, a flight can still be worth checking.

Journey walkthrough

This journey is almost a lesson in Morocco's railway geography.

Marrakech begins dry and southern. Casablanca brings you back into the country's largest urban area. Rabat and Kenitra mark the northern Atlantic corridor, then the train turns toward Meknès and Fès.

You feel the distance.

That is why I would not write “sit back and enjoy the scenery” and leave it there. Seven hours is seven hours.

Bring water, bring something to eat, choose your class deliberately and use the journey as a travel day rather than pretending it is a short transfer.

See schedule & prices
Tangier to Fès by train

Tangier to Fès by train

Check both the direct train and the Kenitra connection.

This route is interesting because the train with the fastest section is not automatically the best complete journey.

Direct option

ONCF's conventional eastern route runs from Tangier through places including Asilah, Ksar El Kebir, Sidi Kacem and Meknès before reaching Fès.

One published timetable example shows a morning departure from Tanger Ville at 07:30 reaching Fès at 12:50.

That is a direct journey of about 5h20 on that service.

Al Boraq connection

Another option is Al Boraq from Tangier to Kenitra and then a conventional eastbound train toward Meknès and Fès.

This can be faster when the connection is good.

But do not take a connection merely because the first train is high-speed. Compare the final arrival time.

What I would choose

If the direct train arrives within a reasonable time of the connection, I would take the direct train and avoid changing.

If Al Boraq plus the connection saves an hour or more, I would take the connection.

Compare the whole journey, not the train brand.

Journey walkthrough

A direct conventional train from Tangier feels completely different from Al Boraq.

You leave the fast north–south corridor and cross smaller towns on the classic railway toward Sidi Kacem and Meknès.

It takes longer, but you stay in the same train.

The connected option feels more modern at the beginning: Al Boraq runs quickly south to Kenitra, then you change onto the slower eastbound network.

Neither option is universally better. The timetable decides.

See schedule & prices
Marrakech to Tangier by train

Marrakech to Tangier by train

There are two very different ways to do this: travel during the day using the rail network, or sleep on the overnight service.

During the day, the fastest options may combine a conventional train from Marrakech with Al Boraq farther north.

At night, the couchette avoids using most of the following day for travel.

What I would choose

If this is your first trip and you want the most comfortable daytime experience, compare the daytime connection.

If your itinerary is tight and you are comfortable sleeping in a shared couchette, the night train can save a valuable day.

See schedule & prices
Reading the timetable

Why we show timetable examples instead of a giant timetable

A schedule example tells you whether a route has one bus a day or a choice every few hours. That is useful.

Copying an entire timetable into an evergreen travel page is not. Operators change schedules, add holiday services and adjust fares.

Use the examples here to plan the shape of your day. Use the live booking result to choose the actual departure.

Morocco transport by city pair

Morocco transport choices by city pair
RouteBest transportTypical journeyTypical fare exampleMy choice
Casablanca → TangierAl Boraq~2h–2h20dynamicTrain
Casablanca → MarrakechTrain~2h40~120 MAD typical orientationTrain
Marrakech → FèsTrain~6½–7h+variableTrain, consider 1st
Tangier → FèsTrain~3–5½h depending connection/directvariableCompare final arrival
Marrakech → AgadirBus~3–3½hfrom 135 MAD CTM exampleBus
Marrakech → EssaouiraBus~3h~80–130 MAD orientationBus
Essaouira → AgadirBus / roadvariablecheck live operator resultCompare direct road service
Tangier → ChefchaouenBus~2h15–2h40from 85 MAD CTM exampleBus
Fès → ChefchaouenBus~4h10–4h50from 145 MAD CTM exampleBus
Tangier → TetouanBus / roadshort road journeycheck live operator resultRoad transport
Marrakech → OuarzazateBus~4h30–4h45from 115 MAD CTM exampleBus
Casablanca → AgadirBus / flight~5½h+ direct bus~285–345 MAD CTM examplesCompare bus vs flight

Fares above are examples from current searches, not fixed tariffs.

Train decisions

Direct train or connection?

A direct train is usually easier. It is not always faster.

Routes such as Tangier–Fès can present a real choice: stay on a conventional direct train, or use Al Boraq to Kenitra and connect east.

Compare:

  • final arrival time;
  • number of changes;
  • waiting time;
  • luggage;
  • class;
  • how much time is actually saved.

If the connection saves only 10–15 minutes, I would usually take the direct train.

If it saves an hour, the change is probably worth it.

Sleep on the way

Overnight train in Morocco

Morocco still has a useful overnight option on some of its longest rail journeys.

The route most visitors are likely to care about is Marrakech–Tangier.

Instead of spending a large part of the day travelling north, the night train lets you cover the distance while you sleep.

The night service is part of the conventional network, not Al Boraq.

ONCF four-berth couchette in a Moroccan night train
ONCF four-berth couchette used on selected Morocco night trains.

Marrakech → Tangier overnight

If your priority is saving daytime, the overnight train is worth checking.

The service includes shared couchette accommodation on selected departures. A couchette gives you a berth rather than making you sit upright all night.

Do not treat it like a hotel room. The value is that you wake up much farther north without losing most of a sightseeing day.

Is there an overnight train between Marrakech and Tangier?

Yes. Check the current timetable for the date because departure times can change.

Is there a couchette?

Yes, on the night-train product where offered. A couchette is a shared sleeping compartment with proper berths.

Is it worth it?

Yes if saving daytime matters more than privacy. If you know you sleep badly in a shared compartment, take the daytime train instead.

Road travel

Buses in Morocco

The bus becomes important the moment you leave the railway map.

For Agadir, Essaouira, Chefchaouen, Ouarzazate, Merzouga and many smaller cities, road transport is often the only practical public option.

The two names most visitors encounter are CTM and Supratours.

CTM bus in Morocco
Bus operator

CTM

CTM is the bus company I would check first for a direct city-to-city route.

It covers major cities and many destinations with no train service.

It is particularly useful for places such as Agadir and Chefchaouen, or when the railway would force an unnecessary detour.

Supratours bus in Morocco
Bus operator

Supratours

Supratours is especially useful when your journey begins or ends on the ONCF network.

The classic examples are Marrakech–Agadir and Marrakech–Essaouira, where the bus continues beyond the end of the railway.

Marrakech's Supratours terminal is beside the railway station, which makes a train-to-bus connection much simpler than it sounds.

Major bus routes in Morocco

Marrakech to Agadir by bus

Marrakech to Agadir by bus

No train. Take the bus.

This is one of the clearest transport decisions in Morocco.

Marrakech has a railway station. Agadir does not. CTM and Supratours both make road travel between the two cities practical.

How long?

Most direct buses take around 3 to 3½ hours, depending on the service and stops.

How much?

Current fares often start around 135 MAD for an adult one-way ticket.

Treat that as a current example rather than a guaranteed fixed fare.

CTM or Supratours?

Compare both.

If you are arriving in Marrakech by train, Supratours has one very practical advantage: its terminal is beside the railway station.

If you are simply starting in Marrakech, compare departure time, price and terminal location instead of choosing by logo.

What the journey is actually like

This is not a railway substitute where you spend the whole trip wondering whether a train would have been better. There is no train.

Once the bus leaves Marrakech, the journey heads toward the Atlantic side of the High Atlas rather than north toward Casablanca.

For most travelers, the important choice is departure time. A morning bus gets you into Agadir with much of the day left. A late departure can be useful if you would rather use the day in Marrakech.

When you arrive in Agadir, remember that the city is spread out. Your hotel may still require a taxi from the bus station.

The bus is not second-best here. It is the normal public-transport solution.

See schedule & prices
Marrakech to Essaouira by bus

Marrakech to Essaouira by bus

Take the bus. Essaouira has no railway station.

This route is simple enough that there is no reason to build a complicated rail-plus-road itinerary.

How long?

Direct buses typically take around 3 hours.

Example price

Current public fare data puts the route roughly around 80–130 MAD, with about 100 MAD as a useful orientation.

Again, check the live operator fare.

Supratours advantage

If you are arriving in Marrakech by train, Supratours is particularly easy because the bus terminal is beside the railway station.

That means you can walk off the train and make the road connection without crossing Marrakech to another terminal.

What the journey is actually like

The bus heads west rather than following Morocco's railway north toward Casablanca.

Once Marrakech is behind you, the journey becomes mostly a road transfer across open country toward the Atlantic.

There is no change and no station puzzle at the other end.

Essaouira is much smaller than Marrakech, Casablanca or Fès, so arrival feels simpler.

This is one of those routes where not having a train is not really a problem. The direct bus already does the job.

See schedule & prices
Tangier to Chefchaouen by bus

Tangier to Chefchaouen by bus

There is no train to Chefchaouen. Take the bus or go by road.

CTM currently has several direct departures from Tangier.

What I would book

For most travelers, I would choose a departure that gets into Chefchaouen during daylight rather than automatically taking the cheapest or latest bus.

The medina is built on a hillside, so arriving tired with luggage late at night is less appealing than arriving in the afternoon.

What the journey feels like

This route leaves the railway world almost immediately.

Tangier is a major transport city with Al Boraq, ferries and long-distance buses. Chefchaouen is the opposite: smaller, mountainous and reached by road.

The road journey is part of that transition.

When you arrive, the bus does not drop you inside the blue medina. Expect a final taxi or walk depending on where you are staying.

See schedule & prices
Fès to Chefchaouen by bus

Fès to Chefchaouen by bus

Take the bus. There is no useful train connection.

Trying to go by rail first only sends you away from the destination.

Which departure?

I would favor the morning departure if you want time in Chefchaouen on arrival.

The late-afternoon bus gets in at night, which is fine if you already have accommodation arranged but wastes the arrival day.

Journey walkthrough

Fès starts as a major inland city connected to Morocco's rail network. Chefchaouen sits north in the Rif and never joined that network.

That means this is a proper road journey rather than a last-mile shuttle.

Around four hours is long enough that departure time matters. An 08:00 bus turns the trip into a morning transfer. A 16:30 departure turns it into your evening.

I would decide based on the day you want at the destination, not just the ticket price.

See schedule & prices
Marrakech to Ouarzazate by bus

Marrakech to Ouarzazate by bus

There is no train across the High Atlas to Ouarzazate.

This is a road journey, and unlike Marrakech–Agadir, the geography itself explains why it takes time.

What I would choose?

Take the earlier bus if this is your first time on the route.

You arrive in daylight and still have some time in Ouarzazate.

The 16:15 departure is useful if you want another half-day in Marrakech, but most of that road trip happens later in the day.

What the journey is actually like

This is where a bus journey adds something the railway could never offer because there is no railway through the mountains.

You leave Marrakech and climb toward the High Atlas. The road is slower and more winding than the Marrakech–Agadir motorway journey.

I would not plan important onward transport immediately after the scheduled arrival. Mountain-road journeys deserve a little margin.

If you get motion sick on winding roads, plan for that before boarding rather than discovering it halfway across the pass.

See schedule & prices
Casablanca to Agadir by bus

Casablanca to Agadir by bus

There is no passenger train to Agadir.

From Casablanca, your realistic choices are direct bus, flight, car, or train to Marrakech followed by a bus.

If you simply want to get to Agadir, I would compare a direct bus against flying before building a train connection.

Important terminal lesson

Casablanca is exactly where terminal details matter.

CTM results can show departures from FAR, Maarif or Ain Sebaa depending on the service.

A bus that looks faster on paper may leave from a terminal that takes longer to reach from your hotel.

Bus or flight?

If you value simplicity and the bus leaves from a convenient terminal, direct bus works.

If you have limited time and find a good flight, flying can be worth checking.

I would not take a train to Marrakech purely to say I used the train. It adds a change without solving the main problem: Agadir has no railway.

See schedule & prices
Marrakech to Merzouga

Marrakech to Merzouga

There is no train to Merzouga.

This is a long road journey toward the Sahara and should not be treated like a normal three-hour intercity bus.

Depending on the service, travelers may go through places such as Ouarzazate, Tinghir, Erfoud or nearby desert towns before reaching the Merzouga area.

What I would do

If you find a direct bus that fits your itinerary, compare it with breaking the journey in Ouarzazate or Tinghir.

A one-day transfer saves time. Breaking the trip gives you a much easier travel day and lets you stop along the route.

If this is a short Morocco trip and Merzouga is the goal, I would check the direct road options first.

If you have more time, I would rather split the journey than spend an entire day watching the clock from one bus seat.

See schedule & prices
Fès to Merzouga

Fès to Merzouga

No train reaches Merzouga from Fès.

Fès is on the railway. Merzouga is not.

The practical journey south is by bus or road transfer.

This is one of the routes where people sometimes search for a train because both cities appear on the same Morocco itinerary.

Do not waste time looking for one. The Sahara leg is road transport.

See schedule & prices
Choosing a bus

CTM or Supratours?

There is no universal winner.

CTM is the first company I would check when I simply need a direct intercity bus.

Supratours becomes especially useful when the trip connects naturally with the railway network.

  • Marrakech → Agadir: compare both;
  • Marrakech → Essaouira: Supratours is particularly convenient beside the railway station;
  • Fès → Chefchaouen: check CTM and other road operators;
  • train arriving in Marrakech followed by bus onward: Supratours has a practical location.

Compare the departure point as well as the timetable. Saving 20 minutes on the bus means little if the terminal is much harder to reach.

Check Morocco bus options
Across the water

Ferries from Morocco to Spain

Morocco's ferry network is useful for two very different trips: crossing between northern Morocco and southern Spain, and travelling with a car between Europe and Morocco.

The first thing to check is the port.

Tangier Med and Tangier Ville are not the same place.

Tangier Ville is in the city. Tangier Med is a large international port outside Tangier, so the transfer to the port has to be included in your travel time.

Passenger ferry deck on a Morocco–Spain crossing
Main crossing

Tangier Med to Algeciras

This is one of the main Morocco–Spain ferry routes.

The crossing itself is roughly around 1½ hours on fast/current services, but the complete journey takes longer once check-in, passport control, customs and boarding are included.

Current operators run several departures through the day.

Do not plan this like a train where you arrive five minutes before departure.

If you are travelling with a car, leave even more time.

Morocco ferry tickets
Ferry route

Tangier Ville to Tarifa

Use this route when you want the city-center ferry option and the current sailing is available for your date.

Tangier Ville is much easier to reach from central Tangier than Tangier Med.

Baleària currently operates the Tangier Ville–Tarifa route and advertises a crossing of roughly one hour.

Schedules and operators can change, so always check the live sailing before going to the port.

Do not confuse an old DFDS/Ferry operator timetable with the current route situation.

Ferry route

Nador to Almería

This is useful if your Morocco itinerary is in the northeast rather than Tangier.

Nador has ferry links toward southern Spain, including Almería.

If you are travelling with a vehicle from eastern Morocco, this can be more practical than driving all the way north to Tangier.

Ferry route

Nador to Motril

Nador also has ferry connections toward Motril.

Compare this with Almería based on:

  • sailing time;
  • departure day;
  • vehicle fare;
  • where you need to be in Spain.

Do not choose a ferry based only on the cheapest headline fare.

Ferry route

Al Hoceima to Motril

Selected services also connect Al Hoceima with Motril.

This route is much more relevant to travelers already in northern/eastern Morocco than to someone starting in Casablanca or Marrakech.

Ferry route comparison

Morocco–Spain ferry route comparison
RouteBest forPort warningMy advice
Tangier Med → AlgecirasMost flexible Tangier/Spain crossingTangier Med is outside the cityLeave plenty of check-in time
Tangier Ville → TarifaCentral Tangier accessDifferent port from Tangier MedCheck current operator/sailing
Nador → AlmeríaEastern Morocco to SpainNador/Beni Ensar port areaGood for vehicles/eastern itinerary
Nador → MotrilEastern Morocco to Granada coastCheck sailing daysCompare against Almería
Al Hoceima → MotrilNorthern/eastern MoroccoMore limited scheduleUseful only if geography fits
Ferry terminal building in Tangier
Port choice

Tangier Med or Tangier Ville?

Choose the port based on the ferry, not based on the word “Tangier.”

Tangier Ville is close to central Tangier.

Tangier Med is outside the city and requires a road transfer.

If your train arrives at Tanger Ville railway station, do not assume you can walk to a Tangier Med ferry.

Check the ferry ticket first, then plan the transfer.

Tangier city
Tangier Med
Vehicle travel

Taking a car on the Morocco–Spain ferry

A ferry becomes especially useful when the vehicle is part of the trip.

Before booking, check:

  • vehicle type;
  • vehicle dimensions if requested;
  • passenger count;
  • required travel documents;
  • check-in deadline;
  • customs/passport formalities;
  • whether the ticket can be amended.

Do not arrive at the port using passenger-only timing if you are taking a car.

Passenger type

Can you travel as a foot passenger?

Yes on services that accept foot passengers.

But do not assume every sailing and terminal works the same way.

Check the operator and exact departure before travelling to the port.

For Tangier, the difference between Tangier Ville and Tangier Med becomes even more important when you do not have a car.

Questions

Ferry FAQs

Is there a ferry from Morocco to Spain?

Yes. Major routes include Tangier Med–Algeciras, Tangier Ville–Tarifa, and services from Nador toward southern Spain.

How long is Tangier Med to Algeciras?

The crossing itself is often around 1½ hours, but port check-in and border procedures make the complete journey longer.

Is Tangier Med the same as Tangier Ville?

No.

Can I take my car?

Yes on vehicle-carrying sailings.

Can I travel without a car?

Yes on ferries that accept foot passengers.

Which ferry is best from Tangier?

There is no universal answer. Compare the actual port, sailing time and where you need to be in Spain.

Can I buy Morocco ferry tickets online?

Yes. Current operators and booking platforms sell many Morocco–Spain sailings online. Compare ferry tickets between Morocco and Spain .

Door-to-door option

Private transfers in Morocco

Private transfers are useful when a scheduled train or bus does not reach your destination cleanly, or when you want to travel from an airport or hotel directly to your accommodation.

When they make sense

  • Airport or hotel pickup with no terminal change
  • Mountain, desert or smaller-town journeys beyond the public network
  • Early, late or group travel when the scheduled timetable is inconvenient

What to compare

  • A door-to-door quote against the public-ticket total
  • Pickup time, luggage space and the exact drop-off address
  • Extra margin for airport arrivals and long road journeys

Private transfers usually cost more than scheduled rail or bus travel. Prices depend on the vehicle, route, date and passenger count, so use a live quote rather than a fixed table.

When a route-specific transfer makes sense

Marrakech to Casablanca private transfer

A private car gives you door-to-door travel between Marrakech and Casablanca, usually taking around 2½–3½ hours depending on pickup and traffic. There is no reason to choose it over the train for price alone: the direct ONCF service is usually the cheaper scheduled option. A private transfer makes more sense for a family with luggage, several passengers, a hotel outside the station area or a very early departure. Confirm the vehicle, passenger count, luggage space, pickup address and live quote before booking.

Compare public alternatives

Marrakech to Agadir private transfer

A private transfer takes you from a Marrakech hotel or airport to an Agadir address without changing terminals. Allow roughly 2½–3½ hours by road, depending on traffic and the final drop-off. There is no passenger train to Agadir, so CTM and Supratours are the lower-cost scheduled alternatives. A private car can be useful for families, groups, surf luggage, early departures or hotels away from the bus terminal. Compare the live quote with the public bus total because vehicle size and passenger count change the price.

Compare public alternatives

Casablanca to Fès private transfer

A private car offers door-to-door travel from a Casablanca address to a Fès hotel, normally taking roughly 3–4 hours by road. The direct ONCF train is usually the better-value scheduled choice, especially for solo travellers. A private transfer can still be practical for families, heavy luggage, multiple pickups or accommodation outside the station area. Confirm whether the quoted service includes airport pickup, tolls, waiting time and the exact Fès drop-off. Use a live quote rather than assuming a fixed route price.

Compare public alternatives

Marrakech to Essaouira private transfer

The private-car option runs directly from a Marrakech hotel to an Essaouira address and usually takes about 2½–3½ hours. Essaouira has no railway, while Supratours and CTM provide scheduled bus alternatives. A transfer is most useful for a group, bulky luggage, a villa outside the centre or a departure that does not fit the bus timetable. It costs more than a scheduled coach, so compare the live vehicle quote, passenger count, luggage space and final drop-off before choosing it.

Compare public alternatives

Tangier to Chefchaouen private transfer

A private transfer can take you from a Tangier hotel, airport or station directly to your Chefchaouen accommodation in roughly 2–3 hours by road. Chefchaouen has no railway, and CTM is the normal scheduled alternative. A car is useful for families, luggage, late arrivals or a hillside guesthouse that is awkward to reach from the bus terminal. Compare the live quote with the CTM fare and confirm the exact pickup, vehicle, passenger count and drop-off before paying.

Compare public alternatives

Casablanca to Rabat private transfer

A private car gives you direct hotel-to-hotel travel between Casablanca and Rabat, usually taking around 1–2 hours depending on traffic. The frequent train is normally the simpler and cheaper scheduled option. A private transfer can still help with several passengers, airport or hotel pickups, heavy luggage and a door-to-door arrival outside the station area. Confirm the pickup address, traffic margin, passenger count, luggage capacity and live quote. Do not treat a private car as a fixed-price substitute for the railway.

Compare public alternatives
Where to board

Which station or terminal do you actually need?

Start with the station printed on your ticket, then check the map before ordering the taxi.

Station / terminal

Casa Voyageurs

This is Casablanca's main long-distance station. Use it for Marrakech, Fès, Tangier and most major intercity journeys. It is also the station that matters when changing between Al Atlas and Al Boraq.

Open in Google Maps
Station / terminal

Casa Port

Use Casa Port mainly for central Casablanca and local/regional trips. Do not automatically choose it for a long-distance journey just because it is closer to the city center.

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Station / terminal

Mohammed V Airport

Casablanca Airport has its own railway station. Use it for the airport–Casablanca connection, then change where required for Marrakech, Fès, Tangier or other cities.

Open in Google Maps
Station / terminal

Rabat Agdal

Use Rabat Agdal for Al Boraq. This is the station to remember for high-speed journeys between Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier.

Open in Google Maps
Station / terminal

Rabat Ville

Rabat Ville is more central. It can be the better station if your train serves it and you're staying close to the old center.

Open in Google Maps
Station / terminal

Kenitra

Kenitra is an important Al Boraq interchange. It is also where some journeys toward Fès and Meknès connect with the high-speed corridor.

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Station / terminal

Tanger Ville

Tanger Ville is the main rail station for Tangier. It is the northern end of Al Boraq and is not the same place as Tangier Med ferry port.

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Station / terminal

Marrakech

Marrakech station is in Guéliz, not inside the medina. Taxis are easy to find outside for the final trip to a riad or hotel.

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Station / terminal

Fès

Fès station is in Ville Nouvelle. Continue by taxi if you're staying inside Fès el-Bali.

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Station / terminal

Marrakech Supratours terminal

Marrakech's Supratours terminal is beside the railway station, which makes a train-to-bus connection much simpler than it sounds.

Open in Google Maps
Station / terminal

Tangier Med port

Tangier Med is a large port east of Tangier city. It is not the same place as Tanger Ville railway station.

Open in Google Maps

Casablanca

Casa Voyageurs for most long-distance trains and Al Boraq.

Casa Port for central Casablanca and regional services.

Mohammed V Airport has its own station.

Rabat

Rabat Agdal for Al Boraq.

Rabat Ville for central-city access on services that call there.

Tangier

Tanger Ville for trains.

Tangier Med for many international ferries. They are not the same place.

Marrakech

The railway station is in Guéliz.

Supratours is beside the railway station. CTM uses a different terminal.

Fès

Railway station in Ville Nouvelle.

Continue by taxi for the old medina.

Chefchaouen

No railway station.

Arrive by bus/road and continue locally.

Agadir

No passenger railway.

Bus terminal location matters because hotels/beach areas can still require a taxi.

Arrivals

Casablanca Airport by train

Mohammed V International Airport has its own railway station.

The train is useful for reaching Casablanca, but do not assume the airport service simply continues to every major Moroccan city.

If you're heading to Marrakech, Tangier or Fès, check the connection pattern before booking.

After an international flight, leave enough time for immigration and baggage. A very tight fixed train connection is usually not worth the stress.

Morocco train departure board
After landing

Landing at Casablanca Airport and connecting to a train

A railway station inside Mohammed V Airport makes onward travel easier, but the flight is still the unpredictable part of the journey.

Immigration can take time. Checked baggage can take longer. Flights arrive late.

If you are connecting toward Marrakech, Rabat, Tangier or Fès, leave enough margin that one airport delay does not destroy the rest of your day.

A slightly later train is usually a better decision than saving 30 minutes on paper and spending the flight worrying about the connection.

How much connection time should I leave after landing?

There is no single safe number for every flight. Leave enough time for immigration, baggage and finding the railway station. Avoid the tightest possible fixed connection.

Know the gaps

Where Morocco's railway stops

Agadir

No passenger train. Use CTM, Supratours, another bus operator, private transfer or a flight depending on where you're starting.

Essaouira

No railway station. From Marrakech, bus is the simplest public option.

Chefchaouen

No train. Continue by road from Tangier, Fès or another nearby city.

Ouarzazate

No passenger railway crosses the High Atlas to Ouarzazate. Travel by road from Marrakech.

Merzouga

No railway reaches Merzouga. The desert section is by bus, private transfer or organized road transport.

Ifrane

No passenger train. Continue from Fès or Meknès by road.

Imlil

No train. The High Atlas trekking area is reached by road from Marrakech.

Aït Ben Haddou

No railway. Reach it by road, usually from Marrakech or Ouarzazate.

On the ground

What travelling around Morocco actually feels like

Morocco changes transport mode naturally as you move around the country.

In the north, the railway feels modern. Al Boraq turns Tangier–Rabat–Casablanca into a simple intercity corridor where the train is usually the first option to check.

South of Casablanca, the pace slows. The conventional line runs through Settat and Benguerir before reaching Marrakech. It is not high-speed rail, but it is easy: you leave from one city and arrive in another without dealing with airports.

Head toward Fès and the journey becomes longer again. The train crosses the central part of the country through Rabat, Kenitra and Meknès before arriving in Ville Nouvelle.

Then the railway map runs out.

There is no useful train to Agadir or Essaouira. Chefchaouen has no station. Ouarzazate and Merzouga are road journeys.

That is the easiest way to understand Morocco transport: rail for the main railway cities, bus for the gaps, ferry when the trip continues to Spain.

Morocco high-speed railway network map
In practice

Journey walkthroughs

Journey walkthrough

What Casablanca–Marrakech actually looks like

The journey starts at Casa Voyageurs, not Casa Port.

Once the train leaves Casablanca, the dense urban landscape gives way to flatter country. Settat comes first, then Benguerir, and the scenery becomes drier as you approach Marrakech.

The trip is not a dramatic scenic railway, and that is not why I would choose it.

The useful part is the geography at both ends. Casa Voyageurs is a major intercity station, while Marrakech station drops you directly into Guéliz. From there, taxis can take you to the medina without an airport transfer at either end.

Rail works here even though it is not high-speed: it runs city to city, avoids airport procedures and bypasses road traffic for most of the journey.

Casa Voyageurs
Settat
Benguerir
Marrakech
Journey walkthrough

Tangier to Fès: direct train or Al Boraq connection?

Tangier–Fès is not as obvious as Tangier–Casablanca.

Depending on the timetable, you may find a direct conventional train or a journey that uses Al Boraq south to Kenitra before connecting east toward Meknès and Fès.

Do not choose purely because one option includes a high-speed train.

Compare the arrival time, number of changes and waiting time.

A direct conventional train can be easier even if it is slower for part of the journey. A well-timed Al Boraq connection can be better if it saves a large amount of time.

The fastest train segment is not always the fastest complete journey.

Tangier
Kenitra
Meknès
Fès
Journey walkthrough

Marrakech to Agadir: why the bus wins

This is a good example of why Morocco transport cannot be understood by looking only at the railway map.

Marrakech has a major railway station. Agadir does not.

The practical trip is therefore simple: take the bus south.

Supratours is especially convenient because its Marrakech terminal is beside the railway station. CTM is also worth comparing.

Trying to construct a train journey through Casablanca does not get you closer to Agadir. It only adds distance.

Marrakech
Agadir
Tickets

Booking tickets in Morocco

For trains, ONCF is the railway operator. Tickets can be bought through official channels, at stations, and through international booking platforms where inventory is available.

For buses, operators such as CTM and Supratours have their own booking systems.

Ferry booking depends on the route and operator.

If your travel date matters, book earlier rather than assuming every train, premium class, bus or ferry will still have space.

MYticket booking

Compare live departures above, then keep your booking confirmation available offline.

Book tickets
Booking order

What should you book first?

Book the journey with the least flexibility first.

Book early

  • Marrakech–Tangier couchette
  • a specific Al Boraq departure when timing matters
  • first class on long busy routes
  • ferry tied to an international itinerary
  • bus with only a few useful departures

Can wait longer

  • Casablanca–Rabat
  • Rabat–Kenitra
  • other routes with several daily departures and flexible timing

Do not spend your planning energy on the easiest ticket first.

Search problems

Can't find your route?

First check whether the destination actually has a railway.

If you're searching for:

  • Agadir
  • Essaouira
  • Chefchaouen
  • Ouarzazate
  • Merzouga
  • Ifrane
  • Imlil

then the problem may not be the booking website. There is no passenger train to those destinations.

Switch to the bus or road section instead.

If both cities are on the railway network but no result appears, check the date, station and whether a connection is required.

Departure planning

Morning or evening departure?

Departure time can matter more than saving a few dirhams.

Morning is better when:

you want daylight on arrival;

you're travelling to Chefchaouen;

you're crossing the High Atlas to Ouarzazate;

you still need a taxi or hotel check-in;

the destination is new to you.

Evening can be useful when:

you want another full day in the departure city;

you already know exactly where you're going on arrival;

you are using a night train/couchette;

the journey is straightforward and arrival transport is arranged.

I would not choose a late bus to save 20 MAD if it puts me in an unfamiliar mountain town after midnight.

Arrival planning

What happens after you arrive?

The ticket gets you to the station or terminal, not your hotel.

Marrakech

Station in Guéliz. Most medina stays need a taxi.

Fès

Station in Ville Nouvelle. Fès el-Bali still requires a transfer.

Chefchaouen

Bus arrival is outside the riad maze. Expect a taxi/walk uphill.

Agadir

The city is spread out. Beach hotels may be some distance from the bus terminal.

Tangier Med

You have arrived at the port, not central Tangier.

Budget

How much does transport cost?

Morocco does not have one fixed fare that applies forever.

ONCF uses different fare products and availability can affect the price, especially on Al Boraq and longer intercity trains.

Bus fares vary by operator, departure and route. Ferry fares can move even more because vehicle type, season, cabin choice and departure time all matter.

Use static prices only as orientation. Check the live booking result before paying.

Onboard basics

🧳 Luggage

Normal suitcases are common on Moroccan trains and buses. Keep valuables with you and arrive early enough to store larger bags without blocking the aisle.

☕ Food & drinks

Do not rely on a full meal being available on every train or bus. Bring water and something to eat on longer trips.

🚻 Toilets

Long-distance trains have toilets. Condition and layout vary by train type.

📶 Wi-Fi

Do not plan a journey around onboard Wi-Fi. Mobile data is a better backup.

🔌 Power

Sockets vary by vehicle and carriage. Carry a charged power bank on longer trips.

Planning the trip

Train, bus or rental car?

A car is not automatically better in Morocco.

If your trip is mostly Tangier–Rabat–Casablanca–Marrakech–Fès, public transport works well and parking can become more annoying than useful.

A rental car becomes more attractive when your itinerary includes:

  • mountain villages;
  • remote desert stops;
  • small towns between major cities;
  • places where buses require awkward connections;
  • several stops in one day.

For medinas, major railway cities and a simple city-to-city itinerary, I would usually avoid renting a car unless you specifically want one.

Without a car

A simple 7-day Morocco trip without a car

You do not need a rental car for a first trip built around Morocco's major cities.

One simple route is:

Tangier
Rabat
Casablanca
Marrakech

Tangier → Rabat → Casablanca → Marrakech

Use Al Boraq between Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca, then switch to the conventional train for Marrakech.

If you want Essaouira instead of another railway city, take a bus from Marrakech.

The important part is not squeezing in every city. Morocco's transport works better when you follow the network instead of fighting it.

Without a car

A 10-day Morocco route using train and bus

With ten days, you can combine the railway with one destination beyond it.

For example:

Tangier
Rabat
Fès
Marrakech
Essaouira

Tangier → Rabat → Fès → Marrakech → Essaouira

Use Al Boraq and conventional rail for the first part, then switch to bus for Essaouira.

Another option is:

Casablanca → Fès → Marrakech → Agadir

The final leg is by bus because Agadir has no railway.

This is a better way to plan Morocco than trying to force every destination into one transport mode.

Timing

Busy travel days in Morocco

Trains and buses can become much busier around major holidays and peak travel periods.

If you are travelling around Eid, a public holiday, a major weekend or another high-demand period, book earlier when possible.

The important departure is the one you should protect first. Do not assume you can simply show up and take the next premium train or bus when thousands of other people have the same idea.

Do not publish changing religious-calendar dates directly into evergreen body copy.

Travelling together

Solo travelers and families

Morocco's main train network is easy to use whether you travel alone or with family.

Solo travelers mainly need to think about station location, luggage and late arrival transport.

Families should pay more attention to:

  • sitting together;
  • enough time to board with bags;
  • food/water on long journeys;
  • avoiding unnecessarily tight changes;
  • booking ahead when several seats together matter.

On a long journey with children, paying more for a better class can make more sense than it does for a solo traveler.

Avoid these

Mistakes that waste time

Going to the wrong Casablanca station

Casa Voyageurs, Casa Port and Mohammed V Airport are different stations. Read the ticket.

Going to Rabat Ville for Al Boraq

Al Boraq uses Rabat Agdal.

Searching for a train to Agadir

There isn't one.

Treating Tangier station and Tangier Med as the same place

They are not. The railway station is in Tangier city; Tangier Med is a separate ferry port.

Assuming every Morocco train is Al Boraq

It isn't. Marrakech and Fès are served mainly by conventional intercity trains.

Booking a tight connection after a flight

Leave time for immigration, baggage and delays.

More route answers

Practical Morocco transport questions

How to buy a Morocco train ticket

There are three practical ways to buy an ONCF train ticket: online, through a supported booking platform, or at the station.

If the journey matters — Al Boraq at a specific time, first class on a long trip, or a couchette — I would book ahead rather than waiting until the station.

If you are travelling on an ordinary weekday and your schedule is flexible, buying at the station can still work for many routes.

The important distinction is seat availability versus train availability. A train may still run even when the class or fare you wanted is no longer available.

Online

Online booking is easiest when the payment works normally. Keep the ticket available offline after purchase.

At the station

Buy from the ticket counter or available machines before going to the platform. Give yourself enough time if the station is busy.

Through MYticket

Use the MYticket search form to compare available transport and booking options for your route.

How far ahead should you book Morocco trains?

Book earlier when the exact departure matters.

Al Boraq, first-class seats, sleeper/couchette accommodation and busy holiday departures are the journeys where I would not wait until the last minute.

If you are taking a short regional train and can use several departures during the day, advance booking matters much less.

ONCF currently allows Al Boraq bookings months ahead, but that does not mean you need to buy every ticket months in advance.

Morocco transport comparison
JourneyHow I would book
Casablanca → RabatFlexible; same day can work
Casablanca → TangierAhead if the departure matters
Casablanca → MarrakechAhead for busy dates / preferred class
Marrakech → FèsAhead if you want first class
Marrakech → Tangier couchetteBook as early as practical
Holiday / Eid travelBook earlier

ONCF shows no trains — does that mean the route does not exist?

Not necessarily.

A blank result can mean several different things:

  • the booking window is not open yet;
  • the timetable has not loaded correctly;
  • the selected station names are wrong;
  • the website is having a technical problem;
  • the class/product is unavailable;
  • the route genuinely requires a connection.

If you know the cities are on the railway network, check the date, try the operator again, or compare another legitimate booking source before assuming the train does not run.

Finding your train at the station

You do not need to speak Arabic to find a Moroccan train.

Major stations display train numbers, departure times, destinations and platform information using Latin-script place names as well as Arabic signage.

The useful habit is simple:

match the departure time and train number, not just the city name.

A train to a city beyond your destination may still be the correct train.

How early should I be at the platform?

Arrive early enough to read the departure board and walk to the platform without rushing. This is a railway station, not an airport, but one minute before departure is unnecessarily risky.

What if the train is delayed?

Delays can happen, especially when one train feeds into another.

If your itinerary uses a connection, do not plan the next part of the day as though every arrival is guaranteed to the minute.

The routes where I would leave the most margin are:

  • train → flight;
  • train → ferry;
  • train → independently booked bus;
  • long conventional train → fixed tour departure.

A same-network railway connection is easier to manage than a separately booked flight or ferry.

Should I book a tight train-to-ferry connection?

No. Tangier Med is outside Tangier city and ferry check-in adds another layer of timing. Leave proper margin.

The bus terminal matters too

Train stations get most of the attention, but bus terminals can change the practical journey just as much.

In Marrakech, Supratours is particularly convenient beside the railway station. CTM uses its own terminal.

In Casablanca, CTM departures can use different terminals depending on the service.

That means the “fastest bus” is not automatically the fastest door-to-door journey.

Before booking, check:

  • departure terminal;
  • how long it takes to get there;
  • arrival terminal;
  • scheduled arrival time;
  • whether you have an onward connection.

Recent traveler discussions specifically mention the different CTM and Supratours locations in Marrakech and why this matters.

Essaouira to Agadir by bus

You do not need to return to Marrakech.

If your trip continues south from Essaouira to Agadir, check direct road services first.

This is a common mistake in itinerary planning: people assume Marrakech must remain the transport hub because that is where the train ends.

It does not make sense to travel east back to Marrakech if a suitable coastal bus gets you south toward Agadir.

Do not invent a fixed timetable until verified against a current operator source.

Compare current CTM, Supratours and other legitimate operator schedules for your date.

Tangier to Tetouan

Take the bus or road transport.

Tetouan is close enough to Tangier that rail would not improve the trip even if the railway reached it.

If your itinerary is:

Tangier → Tetouan → Chefchaouen

think of it as a road itinerary rather than trying to return to the railway between each stop.

Rabat to Marrakech by train

Take the train.

Depending on the current timetable, the journey may be direct or work through the Casablanca corridor.

Do not automatically use Al Boraq simply because you're starting in Rabat. Marrakech itself is not on the high-speed line.

Compare the complete journey and number of changes.

Casablanca Airport to Marrakech

Yes, you can make the journey by rail, but check the connection rather than searching for a mythical airport express to Marrakech.

Start at the railway station inside Mohammed V Airport and follow the current connection toward Marrakech.

The real planning issue is not the train. It is your flight arrival.

Do not book the tightest possible connection after an international arrival.

Casablanca Airport to Tangier

The railway can take you from Mohammed V Airport toward Casablanca, where you connect with Al Boraq for Tangier.

The key interchange is normally Casa Voyageurs.

Do not plan the Al Boraq departure too tightly after landing. Immigration, baggage and the airport train all happen before you reach Casa Voyageurs.

Taking Moroccan trains with children

Train travel works well for families because you can move around more easily than on a long bus journey.

The details matter more than the transport itself:

  • book seats together where the product allows it;
  • leave extra boarding time with luggage;
  • bring water and snacks;
  • avoid tight connections;
  • compare first class on the longest journeys.

For Casablanca–Rabat, I would not pay much extra purely because you have children.

For Marrakech–Fès, the comfort calculation is very different.

Which Morocco trips work as day trips by public transport?

Some routes are short enough for a day trip. Others technically work but waste too much of the day.

Morocco transport comparison
TripWorks as a day trip?Comment
Casablanca → RabatYesEasy
Rabat → CasablancaYesEasy
Casablanca → TangierYesPossible with Al Boraq, but an overnight stay is better if you want the city
Marrakech → EssaouiraPossibleLong day; staying overnight is better
Marrakech → AgadirPossible but not idealToo much road time for most people
Tangier → ChefchaouenPossibleStart early
Fès → ChefchaouenPoor day trip by busToo much time on the road
Marrakech → OuarzazateNot my choice as a public-transport day tripLong mountain journey

What if your train is sold out?

First check what is actually sold out.

It may be:

  • one departure;
  • one class;
  • one fare type;
  • the couchette;
  • or the whole train.

Try nearby departure times before changing the entire itinerary.

On Casablanca–Tangier, another Al Boraq departure may solve the problem.

On Marrakech–Fès, changing class can sometimes be easier than changing the day.

On the overnight train, couchette availability is a bigger issue because sleeping inventory is much more limited.

When I would take the bus even if a train exists

Train wins most major rail corridors, but not every door-to-door journey.

I would still compare the bus when:

  • the bus terminal is much closer to your accommodation;
  • the train requires a bad connection;
  • the bus arrives at a better time;
  • your destination lies beyond the railway and one through bus avoids a transfer.

Transport mode matters less than the complete journey from where you are to where you actually need to be.

Routes where I would choose the train first

These are the Morocco routes where I would start with rail rather than comparing everything:

  • Casablanca → Tangier
  • Rabat → Tangier
  • Casablanca → Rabat
  • Casablanca → Marrakech
  • Casablanca → Fès
  • Rabat → Fès
  • Marrakech → Fès
  • Fès → Meknès

Bus can still exist on some of these routes. That does not make it the better first choice.

New planning answers

High-value Morocco transport decisions

How Morocco train tickets actually work

Buying the ticket is only half of the question. You also need to know what you have actually bought.

Check four things before closing the booking:

station, departure time, class and passenger name.

A Casablanca ticket from Casa Voyageurs is not the same thing as a departure from Casa Port. A first-class ticket does not mean you can simply board another departure. And a ticket issued for one passenger should stay with that passenger.

If something on the ticket looks wrong, deal with it before departure rather than explaining it to the inspector onboard.

Does the ticket have a train number?

Where a train number is shown, use it together with the departure time to find the correct service at the station.

Is the ticket valid all day?

Do not assume that. Treat it as valid for the train shown unless the fare conditions explicitly say otherwise.

Should I keep the booking offline?

Yes. Download the ticket or keep a screenshot that remains available if mobile data fails.

ONCF website not working?

Do not immediately change your itinerary.

A broken checkout, blank screen or rejected card can be a website/payment problem rather than a transport problem.

Travelers continue to report occasions where ONCF payment fails with one foreign card while another method works.

Try this in order:

  • check the date and stations;
  • retry without a VPN;
  • try another card;
  • try the official app;
  • use another legitimate booking source;
  • buy at the station if your schedule allows it.

Do not interpret a payment error as “train sold out.”

How to read a Morocco train timetable

The most useful information is not just the departure time.

Look at:

  • departure station;
  • arrival station;
  • train type;
  • number of changes;
  • final arrival time;
  • class availability.

This matters especially on routes such as Tangier–Fès or Tangier–Marrakech, where a journey containing Al Boraq is not automatically the best journey.

Compare arrival time, not train speed.

Morocco transport comparison
OptionServiceTimeChanges
Option ADirect train07:30 → 12:50No change
Option BAl Boraq + connection08:00 → 12:151 change

In this example I would probably accept the change because it saves meaningful time.

If the connected journey arrived at 12:40 instead, I would probably take the direct train.

How much time should you leave between connections?

Not all connections deserve the same margin.

Changing between two trains is very different from changing from a train to an international ferry.

Morocco transport comparison
ConnectionMy approach
ONCF → ONCFFollow the official itinerary; avoid deliberately tight self-made combinations
Train → CTM/SupratoursLeave additional time because tickets are separate
Train → flightLeave substantial margin
Train → Tangier Med ferryLeave substantial margin plus transfer time to the port
Flight → trainDo not use the tightest possible departure
Bus → tour/activityGive yourself recovery time

A connection that works perfectly on paper is worthless if a 20-minute delay destroys it.

Which seat should you choose?

On a short journey, seat choice is not worth obsessing over.

On a longer trip, it can matter.

Al Boraq currently supports reserved seating and ONCF has introduced seat-choice options on eligible Al Boraq and Al Atlas bookings.

If the booking system offers it:

  • choose a window if you want the view;
  • aisle is easier if you move around frequently;
  • families should prioritize sitting together;
  • solo travelers may prefer isolated first-class seating where offered.

Do not promise a particular seat layout unless the actual booking screen confirms it.

Should you bring food on the train?

For a long journey, yes.

Do not plan a six- or seven-hour trip around the assumption that the exact food you want will be available onboard.

For Casablanca–Rabat, this barely matters.

For Marrakech–Fès, it does.

Buy water before boarding and bring something you know you will eat.

The longer the route, the less I would rely on onboard catering.

Arriving after dark

The train or bus may arrive perfectly safely at night, but the last kilometer becomes more important.

Before choosing a late service, check:

  • where the station or terminal actually is;
  • whether your accommodation accepts late arrival;
  • how you will reach it;
  • whether you want to walk with luggage after dark.

This matters particularly in destinations such as Chefchaouen, where the bus does not leave you inside your riad.

Which transport should you book first?

Do not book every Morocco ticket in chronological order.

Book the hardest-to-replace journey first.

Use this priority:

Highest priority

  • Marrakech–Tangier couchette
  • specific Al Boraq departure when timing matters
  • first class on a long busy-date journey
  • ferry connected to an international itinerary
  • bus that operates only a few useful departures

Lower priority

  • Casablanca–Rabat with several train options
  • short regional journeys
  • flexible same-day trips

Protect the journey with the least flexibility first. Fill in the easy trips later.

Should you book a return ticket?

Only if you already know when you want to come back.

A return ticket can be useful when both journeys are fixed, but it can also remove flexibility from a trip that is still changing.

For a day trip such as Casablanca–Rabat, a planned return is easy.

For a multi-city Morocco itinerary, I would normally book each important leg around the actual route rather than forcing the trip into return journeys.

The journey does not end at the station

Search engines often show city-to-city travel time as if the trip ends the moment the train stops.

It doesn't.

Think about the final transfer too.

Morocco transport comparison
ArrivalWhat happens next
Marrakech stationTaxi to many medina riads
Fès stationTaxi to Fès el-Bali
Tanger VilleTaxi/local transport depending accommodation
Chefchaouen bus arrivalTaxi/walk uphill depending accommodation
Agadir bus arrivalOften another taxi to beach/hotel zone
Tangier MedYou are still outside Tangier city

This is why I sometimes choose a theoretically slower service with a better terminal.

Useful before departure

Questions worth answering before you travel

Can I pay ONCF with a foreign card?Is first class worth it?Where do I put a large suitcase?Does Al Boraq go to Marrakech?Is there a train to Agadir?Which station does Al Boraq use in Rabat?Can I take a train from Casablanca Airport?How do I get from Tangier to Tangier Med?CTM or Supratours?Can I book a couchette online?What happens if I miss my train?Can I buy tickets at the station?Is Morocco easy without a car?How early should I arrive?Which routes sell out first?How long is Fès to Rabat by train?Is there a train from Casablanca to Oujda?Does ONCF serve Nador?How do I travel from Marrakech to Zagora?
Information method

How MYticket checks Morocco transport information

MYticket checks route information against transport-operator timetables and booking systems, including ONCF timetable information , CTM coach routes and Supratours schedules .

For CTM ticket purchase details, see CTM ticket information when that operator serves your route.

The timetable tables focus on routes visitors use most rather than reproducing every departure in Morocco.

Train and coach times can be adjusted by operators, and fares can differ by date, class or availability, so the booking result for the selected travel date remains the final reference.

Questions

Morocco transport FAQs

Is Morocco easy to travel by train?

Yes on the main railway corridors. Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Meknès and Fès are all practical by train. For places outside the rail network, switch to bus or road transport.

What is Al Boraq?

Al Boraq is Morocco's high-speed train. It serves Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat and Casablanca.

Does Al Boraq go to Marrakech?

No. Marrakech is served by conventional intercity trains. If you're travelling between Tangier and Marrakech during the day, you may use Al Boraq for part of the journey and change at Casablanca.

Does Al Boraq go to Fès?

Not directly. Fès is on the conventional rail network. Some journeys connect with Al Boraq through Kenitra or another suitable interchange depending on the timetable.

Is there a train from Casablanca to Marrakech?

Yes. Direct conventional intercity trains run between Casa Voyageurs and Marrakech.

Is there a train from Casablanca to Tangier?

Yes. Take Al Boraq.

Is there a train from Rabat to Tangier?

Yes. Take Al Boraq from Rabat Agdal.

Is there a train from Marrakech to Fès?

Yes. It is a long conventional intercity journey.

Is there a train from Marrakech to Agadir?

No. Take the bus.

Is there a train from Marrakech to Essaouira?

No. Essaouira has no railway station.

Is there a train to Chefchaouen?

No. Continue by bus, taxi or private road transfer.

Is there a train to Ouarzazate?

No.

Is there a train to Merzouga?

No.

Should I take first or second class?

Second class is enough for most short journeys. First class is more useful on long trips such as Marrakech–Fès.

Is Al Boraq second class good?

Yes. First class is an upgrade, not a requirement.

Which Casablanca station do I need?

For most major long-distance trains, start by checking Casa Voyageurs. The airport has its own station and Casa Port serves different journeys.

Which Rabat station does Al Boraq use?

Rabat Agdal.

Is Marrakech station inside the medina?

No. It is in Guéliz.

Is Fès station inside the medina?

No. It is in Ville Nouvelle.

Can I take a train from Casablanca Airport?

Yes. Mohammed V Airport has its own railway station.

Can I take a direct train from Casablanca Airport to Marrakech?

Do not assume every airport service continues directly. Check the connection pattern for your date.

Is there an overnight train from Marrakech to Tangier?

Yes, on selected night services. Check the live timetable for your date.

Can I sleep on the overnight train?

Couchette accommodation is available on the night product where offered.

Should I take CTM or Supratours?

Check both when both serve the route. Supratours is particularly useful for connections beyond the ONCF railway, while CTM has a broad independent bus network.

Is bus better than train in Morocco?

Only on routes where the train does not go or where the bus is much more direct. For Casablanca–Tangier, take the train. For Marrakech–Agadir, take the bus.

Is Tanger Ville station the same as Tangier Med port?

No. They are separate locations.

How early should I arrive for a train?

You do not need airport-style check-in, but arrive early enough to find the platform and board without rushing.

Can Moroccan trains sell out?

Reserved services and premium classes can become unavailable, especially on busy travel dates.

Should I book Al Boraq ahead?

Yes if your departure time matters.

Can I travel with luggage?

Yes. Normal travel luggage is common.

Do trains have toilets?

Long-distance trains do.

Is there Wi-Fi?

Do not depend on reliable onboard Wi-Fi unless the specific service confirms it.

Do trains have power sockets?

It varies by train and carriage. Carry a power bank.

Are Moroccan trains safe for tourists?

Moroccan trains are widely used by local and international travelers. Use normal travel precautions and keep valuables with you.

Can foreigners book ONCF trains online?

Yes. International visitors can book Moroccan trains online, although card acceptance can vary by bank and booking channel.

Why is my foreign card not working on ONCF?

The problem may come from the bank, card authentication, browser session or payment gateway rather than the train itself. Try another card or booking channel before assuming the journey is unavailable.

Does ONCF accept Visa and Mastercard?

International cards are commonly used, but approval still depends on the issuing bank and the payment flow used for that booking.

Can I buy the ticket at the station instead?

Yes. If online payment is failing, station purchase is an alternative. For a departure that matters, do not leave it until the last minute on a busy travel day.

Can I choose my exact seat?

Seat-selection options depend on the booking channel and train. If a specific seat matters to you, check whether the booking screen actually offers seat selection rather than assuming it will.

Can I take a large suitcase on ONCF?

Yes, normal travel luggage is common. The practical question is where it will fit, not whether it looks like airline cabin baggage.

Can I take my dog on an ONCF train?

Small dogs may be allowed under the operator's conditions when properly contained and ticketed. Check the current rule before travelling rather than assuming every dog can board normally.

Can I use my ONCF ticket on a later train?

Not automatically. Use the train shown on the ticket unless the fare conditions or ONCF staff confirm that a change is allowed.

How much connection time should I leave after landing?

There is no single safe number for every flight. Leave enough time for immigration, baggage and finding the railway station. Avoid the tightest possible fixed connection.

Is Tanger Ville the same as Tangier Med?

No. Tanger Ville is the railway station in Tangier city. Tangier Med is a separate international port outside the city.

Can I take a taxi from Tangier to Tangier Med?

Yes. Road transport is the normal way to reach the port from Tangier city.

How early should I arrive for the Morocco–Spain ferry?

Well before departure. Check the ferry operator's current check-in deadline, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle.

Can I buy a ferry ticket at the port?

It may be possible on some services, but advance booking is safer when the departure matters or when travelling with a vehicle.

What happens if I board the wrong ONCF train?

Speak to railway staff immediately. Do not assume the ticket is valid simply because the destination is the same.

Can I change my ONCF train?

It depends on the fare conditions attached to the ticket. Check before departure rather than assuming every fare is flexible.

Do I need to print my ticket?

Follow the instructions attached to the booking. If a mobile e-ticket is accepted, keep it downloaded and accessible even without internet.

Should I screenshot my train ticket?

It is a sensible backup, especially if mobile data or email access may be unreliable at the station.

Can I buy food at Moroccan train stations?

Major stations usually have more options than smaller ones. For a long journey, buy water and snacks before boarding rather than depending entirely on onboard service.

Can I travel Morocco without renting a car?

Yes. The main railway cities are easy to combine by train, and buses fill many of the important gaps.

Is Morocco public transport good for tourists?

Yes for most major tourist routes. The main limitation is that several popular destinations have no railway, so bus or road transport becomes necessary.

Which is better, CTM or Supratours?

Neither is always better. Compare the route, departure time and terminal location.

Can I take the train to the Sahara?

No. Rail can get you part of the way toward eastern Morocco, but Merzouga and the desert destinations require road transport.

Can I go from Spain to Morocco without flying?

Yes. Ferry routes connect southern Spain with northern Morocco.

Can you take pets on Moroccan trains?

Small pets can be possible under ONCF's passenger rules, but check the current conditions before booking.

How much is the Marrakech to Agadir bus?

Current fares often start around 135 MAD. Check the live fare because prices and availability can change.

How long is the Marrakech to Agadir bus?

Most direct CTM examples currently take around 3 to 3½ hours.

How much is the Tangier to Chefchaouen bus?

Current CTM examples start around 85 MAD.

How long is Tangier to Chefchaouen by bus?

Current direct CTM services take roughly 2¼ to 2¾ hours.

How much is Fès to Chefchaouen by bus?

Current CTM examples start around 145 MAD.

How long is Fès to Chefchaouen?

Current CTM examples take roughly 4¼ to 5 hours.

How much is Marrakech to Ouarzazate by bus?

Current CTM examples start around 115 MAD.

Is Marrakech to Essaouira direct by bus?

Yes. Direct road services operate between the two cities.

How long does Marrakech to Essaouira take?

Roughly 3 hours on many direct services.

Does Casablanca to Marrakech have direct trains?

Yes. Direct conventional ONCF services operate through the day.

How long is Casablanca to Marrakech by train?

Many current trains take around 2 hours 40 minutes.

How much is Casablanca to Marrakech train?

A current useful orientation is around 120 MAD, but the actual fare depends on train, class and fare conditions.

Does Al Boraq go from Casablanca to Tangier?

Yes. This is exactly the route to use it for.

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