Getting Around
346 questions · page 3 of 10
What are the mountain roads like — Tizi n'Tichka and Tizi n'Test?
Both are dramatic High Atlas passes. Tizi n'Tichka (Marrakech–Ouarzazate) is the main, busier route — heavily improved in recent years, twisting but well-surfaced. Tizi n'Test (Marrakech–Taroudant) is older, narrower, more vertiginous and slower. Both are stunning, both demand patience and steady nerves.
Read the answerIs parking easy in Moroccan cities?
Not especially — historic medinas are car-free, and street parking near them is tight and chaotic. You'll mostly use guarded car parks or pay an informal "gardien" (parking warden) a few dirhams to watch your car. Plan to park outside the medina and walk or taxi in.
Read the answerDoes GPS and Google Maps work in Morocco?
Yes — Google Maps works well across Morocco for driving, and a cheap local SIM or eSIM gives you data almost everywhere on main roads. Download offline maps for the desert and deep mountains where signal drops, and cross-check, as Maps occasionally routes you onto rough unpaved tracks.
Read the answerWhat do I do if I have a car accident or breakdown in Morocco?
For any accident, stop, stay calm and call the rental company first — never move on without their instructions and a constat (accident report); the police won't release you to claim insurance otherwise. Keep the rental firm's hotline and your insurance papers in the car, plus emergency numbers: police 19, gendarmerie 177.
Read the answerCan I drive into the desert or off-road in Morocco?
Not in a standard rental car — most hire agreements forbid leaving paved roads, and soft sand will strand a 2WD in minutes. Genuine desert and piste driving needs a proper 4x4, low-tyre-pressure technique, recovery gear and local knowledge. For the dunes, go with an experienced guide, not your hire car.
Read the answerIs one-way car rental — dropping off in a different city — possible in Morocco?
Yes, the larger national and international rental firms offer one-way hires between major cities (e.g. pick up in Marrakech, drop in Fes), but expect a one-way drop fee — often substantial — and confirm it in writing when booking. Smaller local agencies frequently won't allow it at all.
Read the answerWhat's the deal with car insurance and excess on rentals in Morocco?
Basic third-party insurance is included by law, but it leaves a high excess (deductible) — often 5,000–15,000 MAD — that you're liable for on any damage or theft. Pay to reduce the excess, or buy standalone excess cover before you travel, and always inspect and photograph the car before driving off.
Read the answerIs driving in the Marrakech or Fes medinas possible — or a nightmare?
Don't even try. The historic medinas of Marrakech and Fes are largely car-free warrens of narrow alleys — Fes el-Bali is one of the world's largest pedestrian zones. You park outside the walls and walk or take a porter cart in. Drive only in the modern villes nouvelles, never the old city.
Read the answerPrivate driver or self-drive in Morocco?
Choose a private driver if you want to relax, learn from a local, and skip the stress of Moroccan roads, parking, and navigation — ideal for most visitors. Choose self-drive if you’re a confident, independent driver on a budget who values total flexibility and is comfortable with assertive traffic and rural roads.
Read the answerHow do I book a train in Morocco (ONCF online)?
Book through ONCF, the national railway, at oncf.ma or the ONCF Voyages app, paying by card. You can also buy at any station counter or ticket machine. For ordinary trains you rarely need to book ahead, but Al Boraq high-speed and busy holiday departures are worth reserving a day or two out.
Read the answerIs the Al Boraq high-speed train worth it?
Yes, for the Tangier–Rabat–Casablanca corridor it's outstanding. Al Boraq is Africa's first high-speed train, hitting 320 km/h and covering Tangier to Casablanca in about 2h10 versus nearly five hours on the old line. Smooth, modern, punctual and not expensive. It only runs on that northern route, so its usefulness depends on your itinerary.
Read the answerWhat is Supratours vs CTM bus (which is better)?
Supratours and CTM are the two reliable, comfortable national coach lines — both far above the cheap local buses. CTM is the long-established private operator with the widest network; Supratours is run by the railway (ONCF) and connects neatly where trains stop, e.g. continuing rail journeys on to Essaouira or the desert. Pick by route; both are safe and bookable online.
Read the answerHow do I book a bus in Morocco?
For comfortable intercity travel, book CTM (ctm.ma / CTM app) or Supratours (supratours.ma / via ONCF) online by card, or buy at their station counters. Choose the company by route, reserve a seat, and pay a small fee per checked bag. Book a day or two ahead on popular routes and around holidays; cheap local buses you just buy on the day.
Read the answerAre Moroccan trains comfortable / what classes are there?
Yes, broadly comfortable. Ordinary ONCF trains have first and second class; first gets you an assigned seat in a calmer 6-seat compartment or open carriage with air conditioning, second is unreserved and busier but fine for short hops. Al Boraq high-speed trains are modern and excellent in both classes, with reserved seats throughout.
Read the answerHow do grand taxi fares work?
Grand taxis are shared, fixed-route cars (usually old Mercedes) that seat six paying passengers and leave when full. You pay a fixed per-seat fare for that route, agreed before you get in — there's no meter. You can also charter the whole car ('course') by paying for all six seats. Always confirm the price first to avoid a tourist markup.
Read the answerWhat is the tram in Casablanca / Rabat like?
Both Casablanca and Rabat (with Salé) have modern, clean, cheap tram networks that are easy for visitors to use. You buy a rechargeable card or single ticket at platform machines, tap on, and ride air-conditioned trams between key districts. Fares are just a few dirhams. They’re safe, frequent and a pleasant way to cover ground in either city.
Read the answerHow do I get an airport transfer in Marrakech / which option?
Your main options from Marrakech Menara airport are a pre-booked private transfer (easiest, fixed price, driver meets you), an official airport taxi at the agreed/posted rate, or the cheap number 19 shuttle bus into town. For a first arrival, especially after a flight, I almost always recommend a pre-booked private transfer to your riad.
Read the answerCan I take luggage on Moroccan trains and buses?
Yes, easily. On ONCF trains you carry your own bags on board free, using overhead racks and end-of-carriage space — there’s no check-in. On CTM and Supratours coaches, large bags go in the hold for a small per-bag fee (a few dirhams) and you get a tag; cabin bags ride free with you. Keep valuables on your person.
Read the answerIs first class on Moroccan trains worth it?
For most travellers, yes. On ordinary ONCF trains, first class is only modestly more than second but buys you a guaranteed assigned seat, more space, reliable air conditioning and a calmer carriage — well worth it on journeys over an hour or in busy periods. On short, quiet hops, second class is perfectly fine and cheaper.
Read the answerHow early should I arrive for a Moroccan train / bus?
For trains, 15–30 minutes is plenty — there’s no airport-style check-in, you just buy or show your ticket and walk to the platform. For CTM and Supratours coaches, arrive 30–45 minutes early, because you need to check and tag hold luggage and find the right bay. Add a buffer at big stations and during holidays.
Read the answerAre there sleeper / night trains in Morocco?
No — Morocco currently has no sleeper or overnight passenger trains. ONCF runs daytime services on a compact network, with most key journeys taking only a few hours, so there’s little need for sleepers. For overnight travel between distant points, the options are a long-distance CTM/Supratours coach, an internal flight, or simply staying over and travelling by day.
Read the answerHow do I get from Marrakech to the train station / airport?
From central Marrakech, a petit taxi is the easiest way to both Marrakech railway station (Gare de Marrakech, in Gueliz) and Menara airport — agree the fare first, as meters are rarely used. The airport is only about 15 minutes from the medina. Alternatively pre-book a private transfer for a fixed price, or take the number 19 airport bus.
Read the answerIs it easy to buy transport tickets as a tourist?
Yes, generally very easy. Trains (ONCF) and the main coaches (CTM, Supratours) sell tickets online by card and at staffed station counters, with English often understood and signage in French. Taxis and grand taxis are cash, fare-agreed-in-advance affairs. The main friction is the occasional foreign-card hiccup online and tourist pricing on taxis.
Read the answerHow do I use a Moroccan toilet, and are there squat toilets?
Both exist. Hotels, riads, and tourist restaurants have Western sit-down toilets; rural cafés, older buildings, and roadside stops often have squat toilets. Squats are simple: feet on the pads, squat, face the entrance. Carry your own tissue (often not provided), small change for attendants, and hand sanitiser. Always keep tissue with you everywhere.
Read the answerCan you take a ferry from Spain to Morocco for a day trip?
Yes — the fast ferry from Tarifa to Tangier takes about an hour each way and runs daily, making a day trip feasible. You'll get roughly five or six hours in Tangier. It works as a taster, but it's a rushed, surface-level visit. Tangier deserves an overnight, and a day trip barely scratches Morocco.
Read the answerCan you visit Morocco from Gibraltar?
Yes, easily. Gibraltar sits right beside Algeciras, and Tarifa — the fastest ferry port to Tangier — is only about a 30-minute drive away. From Tarifa the catamaran reaches Tangier in roughly an hour. You can even see the Moroccan coast from the Rock on a clear day. A Morocco visit from Gibraltar is very doable.
Read the answerCan you do a Morocco day trip from Spain (Tarifa/Algeciras)?
Yes. From Tarifa, the fast ferry reaches Tangier Ville (the city-centre port) in about an hour, which makes a day trip practical — that's the route to use. From Algeciras, ferries mostly go to Tanger Med, 40 km outside the city, so they're less day-trip friendly. Either way, bring your passport and book an early boat back.
Read the answerWhat's the easiest way to cross from Spain to Morocco?
The fast ferry from Tarifa to Tangier Ville is the easiest — about an hour, multiple daily sailings, and it lands you in the city centre. For deeper Morocco, a short flight (e.g. Madrid or Málaga to Marrakech) is simplest. Algeciras–Tanger Med suits drivers but adds a transfer. Bring your passport for the border crossing.
Read the answerCan you cruise to Morocco?
Yes — many Mediterranean and Atlantic cruises call at Moroccan ports, most often Casablanca, Tangier, and Agadir. From Casablanca, ships usually offer an excursion to Marrakech or Rabat. Cruise stops give you a single day ashore — a good taster, but only a glimpse of one region, not a substitute for a proper Morocco trip.
Read the answerIs there a long-stay or digital-nomad visa for Morocco?
As of 2026 Morocco has no dedicated digital-nomad visa. Most people stay visa-free for 90 days, then either do a visa run or apply for a carte de séjour (residence card) for longer stays. A nomad visa has been discussed but not launched. Always verify the current status before relying on it.
Read the answerCan foreigners buy property in Morocco?
Yes. Foreigners can freely buy urban property — apartments, riads, villas — in Morocco with the same rights as locals. The main restriction is agricultural land, which generally cannot be bought by foreigners. Use a notary (adoul/notaire) and a lawyer, and always verify current rules before purchasing.
Read the answerHow do I extend my stay beyond 90 days in Morocco?
To stay past the 90-day visa-free window legally, apply for a carte de séjour (residence card) at your local police prefecture before the 90 days expire. You will need proof of address, means and documents. Overstaying risks fines. Some do "visa runs," but the residence card is the clean route. Verify current rules.
Read the answerIs the internet good enough to work remotely long-term in Morocco?
In cities and nomad hubs, yes. Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Agadir and Taghazout have solid fibre and good 4G/5G mobile data; coworking spaces are reliable. Remote calls work fine. Rural and desert areas are patchy. Always have a mobile-data backup, and test your specific apartment before committing.
Read the answerCan I open a bank account in Morocco as a foreigner?
Yes. Foreigners can open Moroccan bank accounts, though residents and non-residents get different account types. You'll typically need your passport, proof of address, and often a residence card or proof of income. Major banks like Attijariwafa, BMCE and Banque Populaire handle expats. Requirements vary by bank — verify current rules.
Read the answerIs healthcare accessible for long-stay foreigners in Morocco?
Yes. Private clinics in major cities offer good, affordable care and are where most expats go, paying out of pocket or via private insurance. Public hospitals are cheaper but more crowded. For anything serious, expats arrange international or local private health insurance. Quality is highest in Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech.
Read the answerWhat can I bring into Morocco (customs rules and allowances)?
Most travellers sail through Moroccan customs with personal effects, a laptop, a phone or two and a camera. Standard duty-free allowances cover roughly 200 cigarettes, one litre of spirits and a modest amount of perfume. Declare large cash or high-value electronics, and never carry drones or prohibited goods.
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