Serenity Morocco
Morocco Transport Masterclass
Morocco has excellent transport infrastructure for a developing country. The train network is modern and fast. Long-distance buses are comfortable. But the final miles -- getting into medinas, reaching remote Sahara villages -- require local knowledge.
At a Glance
Seven ways to move through Morocco, each suited to a different kind of journey. The right choice depends on your route, your budget, and how much flexibility you need.
| Method | Best For | Speed | Cost | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ONCF Train | Major cities (Casablanca-Marrakech-Fes) | Fast | Moderate | Excellent |
| CTM Bus | Longer distances, smaller cities | Moderate | Cheap | Good |
| Grand Taxi | Fixed inter-city routes | Variable | Cheap | Basic |
| Petit Taxi | Within cities | Fast | Very cheap | Basic |
| Private Driver | Flexibility, remote areas | Your pace | Higher | Excellent |
| Rental Car | Self-drive, Atlas, coast | Your pace | Moderate | Your choice |
| Supratours Bus | Train connections to non-train cities | Good | Moderate | Good |
Deep Dives
Each mode of transport deserves its own guide. These pages cover everything in depth: routes, tickets, costs, tips, and the practical detail that generic guides leave out.
ONCF railway network, Al Boraq high-speed, routes, tickets, and classes
Read the full guideDetailed GuideGrand taxis, petit taxis, ride-hailing apps, negotiating fares, and city-by-city colours
Read the full guideDetailed GuideRental cars, road conditions, toll motorways, mountain passes, and desert tracks
Read the full guideLong-Distance Coaches
CTM (Compagnie de Transports au Maroc) is the national premium bus operator. Air-conditioned coaches, assigned seats, luggage hold, and a schedule that covers virtually every city in the country. CTM is reliable, cheap, and the backbone of long-distance travel for most Moroccans.
Supratours is the bus subsidiary of ONCF, the national railway company. It exists specifically to extend the rail network to cities the trains do not reach -- Essaouira, Agadir, Ouarzazate, and destinations in the south. You can buy combined train-plus-bus tickets at ONCF stations or on oncf.ma, making connections seamless.
Both operators depart on time. Seats sell out on popular routes during holidays and summer. Book in advance online at ctm.ma or supratours.ma, or buy at the station ticket office at least an hour before departure.
Marrakech to Essaouira
Supratours -- 2h 30min
Marrakech to Agadir
CTM -- 3h 30min
Fes to Chefchaouen
CTM -- 4h
Casablanca to Essaouira
CTM -- 6h
Marrakech to Ouarzazate
Supratours -- 4h
The Final Mile
The medinas (old cities) of Marrakech, Fes, and other cities are car-free or severely restricted. This is intentional -- the streets are too narrow for modern vehicles. Many lanes are barely wide enough for two people to pass, let alone a car. Donkeys, handcarts, and motorcycles are the only motorised traffic inside.
Arriving by train or bus: take a petit taxi to the medina entrance nearest your accommodation. From there, walk. If you have heavy luggage, hire a porter (a young man with a handcart) for 20-30 MAD. Your riad will give you precise walking directions from the nearest medina gate (bab). Follow them carefully -- GPS can be unreliable inside the dense, multi-level structure of a Moroccan medina.
In Fes, the medina is the largest car-free urban area in the world. Mules still carry goods through the main arteries. Getting lost is part of the experience, but if you need to get somewhere specific, ask a local shopkeeper to point you toward the nearest landmark mosque or bab -- they will direct you willingly.
Arrivals
The four most-used airports in Morocco and the best way to get from the terminal to your accommodation.
Airport Code: RAK
Petit taxis (40-80 MAD, negotiate before getting in), bus #19 (20 MAD, 45 min)
Airport Code: CMN
Train from airport terminal directly to Casa Voyageurs station (45 min, 45 MAD) -- best option
Airport Code: FEZ
Petit taxi to medina (approximately 120-150 MAD), or bus #16
Airport Code: AGA
Grand taxi or petit taxi to city centre (approximately 200 MAD)
Route Planner
The most common city-to-city journeys and the best way to make each one.
Train 3h, or CTM bus 4h
Train 4h (via Kenitra)
No direct train -- bus or grand taxi via Casablanca, or private car (5h direct road)
CTM bus 3h, or driving 3h
No train -- private car/driver 8-9h, or overnight bus
Local Knowledge
The small details that make the difference between a smooth journey and a frustrating one.
Taxi drivers, bus ticket sellers, and petit taxi meters all work better when you have 10, 20, and 50 MAD notes. Breaking a 200 MAD note at a grand taxi stand can cause delays.
For petit taxis without working meters and for grand taxis on non-standard routes, always agree on the fare before getting in. This is not rude -- it is expected and prevents misunderstanding.
Google Maps works well for driving directions and public transport in Morocco. Download offline maps for the regions you plan to visit. Network coverage is reliable in cities but patchy in the Atlas Mountains and Sahara.
Trains and buses get you between cities. The final stretch into a medina, a mountain village, or a desert camp requires local transport -- a petit taxi, a grand taxi, or a pre-arranged pickup from your accommodation.
CTM and Supratours buses sell out during Eid, Ramadan, and the summer holiday period. Book online at ctm.ma or supratours.ma at least a day ahead during these windows.
For three or more travellers, the cost of a private driver often works out comparable to individual bus and taxi tickets, with vastly more flexibility and comfort.
Serenity Morocco Tours
Every Serenity Morocco Tours itinerary includes private transportation with experienced, English-speaking drivers. We handle the logistics so you can focus entirely on the journey.