Getting Around Morocco
Complete guide to transportation options
Transportation Options
Train (ONCF)
Best for: City-to-city travel
Pros
- Comfortable
- Reliable schedules
- Scenic routes
- Affordable
Consider
- Limited network
- No desert routes
- Can be crowded
CTM Bus
Best for: Budget intercity travel
Pros
- Extensive network
- Air-conditioned
- Budget-friendly
- Reliable
Consider
- Slower than trains
- Fixed schedules
- Station locations
Grand Taxi
Best for: Short intercity trips
Pros
- Fast
- Flexible times
- Direct routes
- Can hire whole taxi
Consider
- Crowded (6 passengers)
- No A/C sometimes
- Fixed routes
Petit Taxi
Best for: Within cities
Pros
- Metered
- Everywhere
- Affordable
- Quick
Consider
- City limits only
- Meter issues
- Max 3 passengers
Rental Car
Best for: Flexibility & remote areas
Pros
- Freedom
- Remote access
- Your schedule
- Scenic drives
Consider
- City driving challenging
- Gas costs
- Navigation needed
Domestic Flights
Best for: Long distances
Pros
- Fast
- Skip long drives
- Desert access
Consider
- Expensive
- Airport hassle
- Limited routes
Train Routes (ONCF)
| Route | Duration | Frequency | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tangier - Casablanca | 2h 10m | Hourly | Al Boraq (High-speed) | 150-300 MAD |
| Casablanca - Marrakech | 2h 45m | Every 2 hours | Standard | 90-150 MAD |
| Casablanca - Fes | 3h 30m | Every 2 hours | Standard | 130-200 MAD |
| Casablanca - Rabat | 50m | Every 30 min | Standard/Al Boraq | 40-80 MAD |
| Fes - Meknes | 45m | Hourly | Standard | 25-45 MAD |
Taxi Guide
Petit Taxi
Max 3 passengersVaries by city (red in Casablanca, beige in Marrakech)
- Always insist on the meter
- Have small bills ready
- Know your destination name in French/Arabic
- Night rates are 50% higher (8 PM - 6 AM)
- Tip 10-15% for good service
Grand Taxi
6 (cramped) or hire whole taxi passengersUsually white Mercedes
- Agree on price before getting in
- Shared taxis wait until full
- Pay double for front seat (more space)
- Hire whole taxi for 6x individual price
- They leave from specific stations
Distance & Travel Times
| From | To | Distance | By Car | By Bus | By Train |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | Fes | 530 km | 5h | 8h | N/A |
| Marrakech | Casablanca | 240 km | 2.5h | 4h | 2h 45m |
| Marrakech | Merzouga | 560 km | 8h | 10h | N/A |
| Fes | Chefchaouen | 200 km | 3.5h | 4h | N/A |
| Casablanca | Tangier | 340 km | 3.5h | 5h | 2h 10m |
| Marrakech | Essaouira | 175 km | 2.5h | 3h | N/A |
Driving in Morocco
Drive defensively
Expect unexpected maneuvers from other drivers
Avoid night driving
Unlit roads, pedestrians, and animals are hazards
Use GPS/Maps
Download offline maps, Google Maps works well
Fill up often
Gas stations can be sparse in rural areas
Carry cash for tolls
Highways have toll booths, cards sometimes accepted
Park carefully
Use official parking (pay guardians) in cities
Know road conditions
Mountain roads can be narrow and winding
International permit
Recommended but not always required
Useful Apps & Resources
Navigation
- * Google Maps (download offline)
- * Maps.me (offline maps)
- * Waze (live traffic)
Booking
- * oncf.ma (trains)
- * ctm.ma (buses)
- * supratours.ma (buses)
Car Rental
- * Hertz, Avis, Europcar
- * Local agencies often cheaper
- * Book in advance for best rates
Let Us Handle the Logistics
Our guided tours include all transportation with experienced drivers who know every road in Morocco. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.