Transport Guide · MMXXVI
Getting Around
Morocco
Trains, buses, taxis, flights, car rental, city trams, airport transfers, and road trip routes across Morocco.
Al Boraq: 320 km/h
CTM from 50 MAD
Grand Taxi: 6 Seats
45-min Domestic Flights
By Air
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights save hours on long routes. Morocco has two main carriers serving an expanding network of internal routes.
Royal Air Maroc (RAM)
400-2,000 MAD ($40-200)
Routes: Casablanca to Marrakech, Fes, Ouarzazate, Essaouira, Tangier, Agadir, Errachidia, Laayoune, Dakhla
National carrier with widest domestic network. Book on royalairmaroc.com for best fares. Frequent flyer program (Safar Flyer) available. 23 kg checked baggage included on most fares.
Air Arabia Maroc
300-1,200 MAD ($30-120)
Routes: Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, Tangier, Nador, Agadir (limited domestic routes)
Low-cost carrier with competitive pricing. Carry-on only on basic fares, checked bags extra. Online booking at airarabia.com. Newer aircraft, punctual service.
Flight Tips
Book 2-4 weeks ahead for best prices on domestic routes. Last-minute fares can be three times the advance price.
Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (CMN) is the main hub. Most domestic connections route through here.
Flight times are short: Casablanca to Marrakech is 45 minutes, to Fes is 55 minutes.
For Sahara Desert access, fly to Ouarzazate (OZZ) or Errachidia (ERH) instead of driving 8-10 hours.
Domestic terminals are separate from international at major airports. Allow time for transfer if connecting.
Airport wifi is available but unreliable. Download offline maps before landing.
By Rail
Trains (ONCF Network)
Morocco's rail network connects major cities along the Atlantic corridor and into the interior. The Al Boraq high-speed train is Africa's fastest.
RouteDurationFrequencyPriceNotes
Tangier - Casablanca (Al Boraq)High-Speed
2h 10minMultiple daily150-330 MADAfrica's first high-speed rail. Reaches 320 km/h. Stops at Kenitra. Business and Economy class. Book at oncf.ma.Casablanca - Marrakech
2h 30min9+ daily100-200 MADMost popular route. Frequent departures. First class recommended for comfort and air conditioning guarantee.Casablanca - Fes
3h 30min7+ daily130-260 MADVia Meknes (add 30 min for Meknes stop). Scenic route through rolling countryside.Casablanca - Rabat
1h 00min20+ daily (shuttle)50-90 MADShuttle service runs every 30 minutes during peak hours. Fastest intercity connection.Marrakech - Fes
7h 00min3-4 daily200-350 MADLong journey via Casablanca. Consider an overnight bus or domestic flight as alternatives.Fes - Meknes
0h 45min10+ daily30-50 MADQuick hop between imperial cities. Perfect for day trips. Frequent departures.Tangier - Fes
4h 00min3-4 daily150-280 MADVia Meknes. Scenic route through the Rif foothills. First class has power outlets.Casablanca - Oujda
6h 00min2-3 daily200-350 MADEastern Morocco route via Fes. Comfortable for reaching the Algerian border region.Train Tips
Buy tickets at oncf.ma or the ONCF app up to 30 days in advance for guaranteed seating.
First class is worth the upgrade: wider seats, air conditioning, quieter carriages, and power outlets.
The Al Boraq high-speed train from Tangier to Casablanca is a must-experience. Book early as it sells out.
Trains generally run on time but delays of 15-30 minutes are not uncommon on non-Al Boraq routes.
Casablanca has two main stations: Casa-Voyageurs (main) and Casa-Port (city center). Know which one your train departs from.
There is no direct train to Essaouira, Chefchaouen, or the Sahara. Use Supratours buses for the last leg.
Food vendors walk through carriages selling snacks. Bring your own water and food for longer journeys.
Luggage racks are above seats. Keep valuables in a day bag on your lap. Theft is rare but possible.
By Road
Buses (CTM & Supratours)
Buses reach destinations trains cannot. CTM and Supratours are the premium operators, while local companies cover even the most remote villages.
CTM (Compagnie de Transports au Maroc)
PremiumRoutes: All major cities and many medium towns. Widest network.
The gold standard of Moroccan bus travel. Slightly more expensive but worth it for comfort and reliability. Book online or at CTM stations. Luggage fees apply for checked bags (5-15 MAD).
Book at: ctm.ma
Air conditioningAssigned seatingLuggage compartmentClean, modern busesOn-time departuresRest stops on long routes
Supratours
PremiumRoutes: Routes that connect to ONCF train network. Essaouira, Agadir, Chefchaouen, Sahara, Ouarzazate.
Operated by ONCF (national railway). Ideal for destinations not served by train. Buses depart from or near train stations. Combined train+bus tickets available.
Book at: supratours.ma
Air conditioningAssigned seatingONCF train connectionsClean, comfortableReliable scheduleOnline booking
Local Buses (Various Companies)
BudgetRoutes: Everywhere, including remote villages and small towns.
Multiple operators compete on the same routes. No online booking. Buy at the bus station (gare routiere). Less comfortable, no guaranteed schedule, but extremely cheap and goes everywhere. Arrive early and expect delays.
Cheapest optionWidest coverageFrequent departures
Intercity
Grand Taxis (Shared Intercity)
Grand taxis operate on fixed routes between cities and towns. They are the primary intercity transport for Moroccans and the cheapest way to travel between cities after buses.
Typically white Mercedes sedans or newer Dacia Lodgy vans
How Grand Taxis Work
1Grand taxis wait at designated stations (usually near bus stations) for each destination.
2Classic Mercedes sedans seat 6 passengers (3 in back, 2 in front passenger area, 1 next to driver). Newer vans seat 6-7 more comfortably.
3The taxi departs only when all seats are full. Wait times vary from minutes to over an hour.
4You can buy multiple seats to leave sooner or have more space. Buying two seats is common.
5Fares are fixed per seat for each route. Ask other passengers or locals for the correct fare before boarding.
6No meters, no negotiation on shared seats. The price is the price.
RoutePer SeatPrivate Hire (All 6)
Marrakech - Essaouira75-90 MAD450-550 MAD
Fes - Meknes25-30 MAD150-180 MAD
Fes - Chefchaouen70-80 MAD420-500 MAD
Marrakech - Ouarzazate80-100 MAD500-600 MAD
Casablanca - Rabat35-40 MAD210-250 MAD
Tangier - Chefchaouen50-60 MAD300-360 MAD
City Taxis
Petit Taxis (Within Cities)
Petit taxis operate within city limits only. They are small cars (usually Fiat Uno, Dacia Logan, or Peugeot 206) that seat up to 3 passengers.
Color varies by city: red in Marrakech and Fes, blue in Rabat, orange in Casablanca, light blue in Tangier
Essential Rules
Always insist the meter is turned on. Say "le compteur, s'il vous plait" or point at the meter.
If the driver refuses the meter, exit and find another taxi. There are always more.
Minimum fare is typically 7-10 MAD during the day. Night rates (8 PM - 6 AM) are 50% higher.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up to the nearest 5 MAD is appreciated.
Petit taxis can pick up multiple passengers going in the same direction. You still pay your individual fare.
Agree on the fare upfront ONLY if the meter is broken (rare in city centers). Avoid this if possible.
In Marrakech, rides within the medina area typically cost 15-30 MAD. Airport runs are 70-150 MAD.
CityTypical FareTo/From AirportNotes
Marrakech15-40 MAD100-150 MADRed taxis. Insist on meter in tourist areas.
Fes10-30 MAD150-200 MADRed taxis. Generally honest with meters.
Casablanca15-50 MAD250-350 MADRed taxis. Large city means longer distances.
Rabat10-30 MAD200-300 MADBlue taxis. Airport is in Sale, 30 min away.
Tangier10-25 MAD150-200 MADLight blue taxis. Port area to city center is 20-30 MAD.
Essaouira8-15 MADN/A (use transfers)Blue taxis. Small city, most rides under 15 MAD.
Self-Drive
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Morocco at your own pace. Here is everything you need to know about costs, tips, and driving culture.
ItemCostNotes
Economy car (Dacia Logan, Clio)200-400 MAD/day ($20-40)Best value. Adequate for highways and cities.
Mid-size car (Peugeot 301, VW Polo)350-600 MAD/day ($35-60)More comfortable for longer trips.
SUV / 4x4 (Dacia Duster, Tucson)500-1,000 MAD/day ($50-100)Essential for mountain and desert roads.
Fuel (gasoline)12-14 MAD/liter (~$5/gallon)Morocco has consistent fuel prices nationwide.
Fuel (diesel / gasoil)10-12 MAD/liter (~$4/gallon)Many rental cars are diesel. Verify before filling.
Autoroute tolls (Casablanca-Marrakech)65 MAD one-wayToll roads (autoroutes) are well-maintained and fast.
Autoroute tolls (Casablanca-Tangier)130 MAD one-wayPay cash at toll booths. Jawaz electronic tag available for frequent use.
Parking (city)5-20 MAD/hourOfficial parking lots near medinas. Self-appointed attendants (5-10 MAD).
1
Book with international companies (Europcar, Hertz, Avis) for reliability, or local ones (Medcar, SurpriceCars) for savings
International companies have airport desks and roadside assistance. Local companies are 20-40% cheaper but verify insurance coverage carefully.
2
Get full comprehensive insurance (CDW + theft + liability)
Moroccan drivers are aggressive and road conditions are unpredictable. The excess on basic insurance can be 10,000-30,000 MAD. Third-party insurance (Rentalcover.com) is often cheaper.
3
Choose a manual transmission to save money
Automatic cars cost 30-50% more in Morocco. If you can drive manual, this is the easiest way to reduce rental costs.
4
Inspect the car thoroughly before departure
Take photos and videos of every scratch, dent, and the fuel level. Email them to yourself with a timestamp. Disputes over pre-existing damage are common.
5
Consider a higher clearance vehicle for Atlas Mountain and desert routes
Standard sedans handle main highways and city driving. For Tizi n'Tichka pass, Dades Gorge, or tracks near Merzouga, a SUV or 4x4 is strongly recommended.
6
Fill up before returning the car
Rental companies charge 2-3 times the pump price to refuel. Gas stations are plentiful in cities and along highways but can be sparse in rural areas.
Driving Culture & Road Conditions
Morocco drives on the right side of the road. Speed limits are 60 km/h in cities, 100 km/h on national roads, and 120 km/h on autoroutes.
Police speed traps are extremely common, especially on the outskirts of towns. Oncoming drivers will flash headlights to warn you.
Roundabouts are everywhere. Traffic already in the roundabout has priority, but not everyone follows this rule.
Donkeys, motorcycles, pedestrians, and herds of sheep can appear on any road at any time. Stay alert, especially in rural areas.
Night driving outside cities is dangerous due to unlit vehicles, animals, and poor road markings. Avoid it whenever possible.
An international driving permit (IDP) is officially required alongside your home license. In practice, many car rental companies accept a standard foreign license, but police may ask for an IDP at checkpoints.
Seatbelts are legally required. Fines for not wearing one are 400 MAD.
Mobile phone use while driving carries a fine of 300-700 MAD. Use hands-free.
Road signs are in Arabic and French. The autoroute signs use standard international symbols.
In case of an accident, do not move the vehicles. Call police (190 or 177) and wait. Both parties must file a report (constat amiable) for insurance.
Urban Transit
City Transport & Trams
Casablanca and Rabat have modern tram systems. Marrakech relies on city buses. Here is how to use each.
Casablanca
Tram (Casatramway)
2 lines (T1 and T2), 49 stations 5:30 AM - 10:30 PM 6 MAD single, 14 MAD day pass
Modern, efficient, and the easiest way to cross the city. Covers major areas including downtown, Casa-Voyageurs station, and residential neighborhoods. Buy tickets at station machines before boarding.
Rabat-Sale
Tram (Rabat-Sale Tramway)
2 lines (L1 and L2), 31 stations 6:00 AM - 10:30 PM 6 MAD single, 14 MAD day pass
Connects Rabat and Sale across the Bou Regreg river. Covers city center, Hassan Tower area, and Sale medina. Clean, punctual, and safe.
Marrakech
City Bus (ALSA)
30+ routes covering city and suburbs 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM 4-6 MAD
Bus network operated by ALSA. Routes cover Gueliz, Hivernage, medina edges, and Menara area. Air-conditioned buses on main routes. Google Maps shows bus routes in real time.
Arrivals
Airport Transfers
How to get from Morocco's major airports to the city center, with costs and recommendations.
Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN)
30 km from city center
Options: Train (42 MAD, 30 min), Taxi (250-350 MAD, 40 min), Private transfer (300-400 MAD)
The train is the best option. Runs every hour from the airport basement level directly to Casa-Voyageurs station.
Marrakech Menara (RAK)
6 km from medina
Options: Taxi (70-150 MAD, 15-20 min), Bus 19 (30 MAD, 30 min), Private transfer (150-250 MAD)
Official taxi stand outside arrivals. Insist on meter or agree on price before entering. Bus 19 runs to Jemaa el-Fna.
Fes-Saiss (FEZ)
15 km from medina
Options: Taxi (120-200 MAD, 25 min), Bus 16 (5 MAD, 40 min), Private transfer (200-300 MAD)
Bus 16 is extremely cheap but infrequent. Taxis wait outside arrivals. Negotiate before entering.
Tangier Ibn Battouta (TNG)
15 km from city center
Options: Taxi (150-200 MAD, 20 min), Private transfer (200-300 MAD)
No public bus to city. Taxis are the standard option. Agree on price before departure.
Agadir Al Massira (AGA)
25 km from city center
Options: Taxi (200-300 MAD, 30 min), Private transfer (250-350 MAD)
No public transport to city. Pre-arrange hotel transfer or use official taxi stand.
Essaouira Mogador (ESU)
18 km from city
Options: Taxi (150-200 MAD, 20 min), Private transfer (200-250 MAD)
Small airport. Limited taxis, so pre-arrange transfer or book with your riad.
Rabat-Sale (RBA)
10 km from city center
Options: Taxi (120-180 MAD, 20 min), Tram (6 MAD, 30 min to Sale, then taxi)
Tram does not reach the airport directly, but connects nearby. Taxi is the most practical option.
Planning
Distances & Drive Times
Key routes between major cities with drive time, train duration, and bus alternatives. Plan your itinerary with realistic travel times.
RouteDistanceDriveTrainBus
Casablanca - Marrakech240 km2h 30min2h 30min3h 30min
Casablanca - Rabat90 km1h 00min1h 00min1h 30min
Casablanca - Fes295 km3h 00min3h 30min4h 30min
Casablanca - Tangier340 km3h 30min2h 10min (Al Boraq)5h 00min
Marrakech - Essaouira190 km2h 30minN/A3h 00min
Marrakech - Ouarzazate200 km3h 30min (Tizi n'Tichka)N/A4h 30min
Marrakech - Fes530 km5h 30min7h 00min8h 00min
Fes - Chefchaouen210 km3h 30minN/A4h 00min
Fes - Meknes60 km0h 45min0h 45min1h 00min
Ouarzazate - Merzouga360 km5h 00minN/A7h 00min
Marrakech - Merzouga560 km8h 30minN/A12h+ (with change)
Tangier - Chefchaouen115 km2h 00minN/A2h 30min
Adventures
Road Trip Routes
Morocco is a road trip paradise with diverse landscapes compressed into manageable distances. Here are the five best driving routes.
1
Atlantic Coast Road Trip
5-7 days ~1,200 km
Tangier - Asilah - Rabat - Casablanca - El Jadida - Essaouira - Agadir
Dramatic ocean cliffs, fishing villages, historic Portuguese cities, and surf beaches. Good roads throughout. Flat, easy driving.
Best for: First-time visitors, families, surfers, and those who prefer coastal scenery.
2
Imperial Cities Circuit
7-10 days ~1,000 km
Casablanca - Rabat - Meknes - Volubilis - Fes - Marrakech
All four imperial cities in one loop. Roman ruins at Volubilis. Mix of highways and national roads. Well-signed and straightforward navigation.
Best for: History enthusiasts, culture lovers, and those wanting Morocco's iconic highlights.
3
Sahara Desert Loop
4-5 days ~1,200 km
Marrakech - Tizi n'Tichka - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate - Dades Gorge - Todra Gorge - Merzouga - Erfoud - Errachidia - Midelt - Fes (or return to Marrakech)
High Atlas passes, UNESCO kasbahs, dramatic gorges, Sahara dunes, oasis valleys. Mountain roads require careful driving. The Tizi n'Tichka pass reaches 2,260 meters.
Best for: Adventure seekers, photographers, and anyone who wants the classic Morocco desert experience.
4
Rif Mountains & Blue City
3-4 days ~600 km
Tangier - Chefchaouen - Al Hoceima - Nador - Oujda (or reverse to Fes)
The blue medina of Chefchaouen, lush green mountains, remote Berber villages, Mediterranean coast. Winding mountain roads. Slower driving but spectacular scenery.
Best for: Photographers, nature lovers, and those who want to escape the tourist trail.
5
Anti-Atlas & Deep South
5-7 days ~800 km
Agadir - Tafraout - Tiznit - Sidi Ifni - Mirleft - Legzira Beach - Tan-Tan - Guelmim
Painted rocks of Tafraout, natural stone arches at Legzira, Berber markets, untouched landscapes. Roads are good but remote. Fuel up at every opportunity.
Best for: Experienced travelers, off-the-beaten-path explorers, and surfers.
Stay Safe
Transport Safety Tips
Keep car doors locked at all times, especially in cities. Keep valuables out of sight.
At red lights, street vendors will approach your car. A polite "la shukran" (no thank you) works.
Never leave anything visible in a parked car. Break-ins happen, especially in tourist areas.
Carry your license, passport (or copy), rental agreement, and insurance documents at all times. Police checkpoints are common.
Gas up before entering remote areas. There can be 100+ km between stations in the south and desert regions.
Download offline Google Maps for Morocco. Cell coverage is good in cities but patchy in mountains and desert.
If involved in an accident, call 190 (police) or 177 (gendarmerie for rural areas). Do not move the vehicles.
Do not drive in the medinas. Park outside and walk or arrange luggage transport through your accommodation.
Be cautious of motorbikes and scooters. They weave through traffic and may not follow traffic rules.
Use well-lit, official parking lots at night. Self-appointed parking attendants are generally harmless but expect 5-10 MAD.
Skip the Hassle, Ride in Style
Our tours include private transportation with experienced local drivers who know every road, shortcut, and scenic route. Sit back and enjoy the journey.