How to Get Around Morocco: A Complete Guide to Public Transportation

Morocco Public Transportation Guide

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Morocco is a mesmerizing destination with vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. From the bustling medinas of Marrakech to the serene blue streets of Chefchaouen and the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert, navigating this diverse country efficiently is key to a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, understanding Morocco’s transportation options will help you make the most of your journey.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting around Morocco, including:

• 🚅 Trains – The fastest and most comfortable way to travel between major cities.
• 🚍 Buses – Affordable and reliable for reaching destinations not served by trains.
• 🚕 Taxis – Convenient for short trips within cities or shared rides between towns.
• 🚗 Renting a car – The best option for ultimate flexibility and exploring remote areas.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which transportation method suits your travel style, budget, and itinerary.

Traveling by Train in Morocco

Why Take the Train in Morocco?

Morocco boasts one of the most modern and efficient rail networks in Africa, operated by ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer). Trains are the preferred choice for travelers looking for speed, comfort, and reliability when moving between major cities.

Advantages of Train Travel:

✔ Comfortable seating (first and second-class options).

✔ Affordable prices compared to taxis or private transfers.

✔ Scenic routes, especially between Casablanca and Marrakech.

✔ Punctual and safe, with frequent departures.

Popular Train Routes in Morocco

Morocco’s rail network connects most major cities, making it ideal for tourists. Here are some of the most common routes:

Route	Duration	Price (Approx.)	Frequency
Casablanca → Marrakech	2.5 hours	120-180 MAD ($12-$18)	Every 1-2 hours
Casablanca → Fes	4 hours	150-220 MAD ($15-$22)	Every 2 hours
Marrakech → Tangier	5.5 hours	200-300 MAD ($20-$30)	3 daily
Rabat → Oujda	7 hours	250-350 MAD ($25-$35)	2 daily

Types Trains in Morocco

There are two main types of trains in Morocco:

1. Al Boraq (High-Speed Train)

• Africa’s first high-speed rail, reaching speeds of 320 km/h.
• Currently operates between Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca.
• Reduces travel time from Tangier to Casablanca from 4.5 hours to just 2 hours.

2. Standard ONCF Trains

• Comfortable, with first-class (more spacious) and second-class (economy) options.
• Night trains available for long-distance routes (e.g., Marrakech to Tangier).

How to Buy Train Tickets in Morocco

You can purchase tickets:

✔ Online via the ONCF website (recommended for high-speed trains).

✔ At train station ticket counters (cash and card accepted).

✔ Through third-party travel agencies (useful if you don’t speak French/Arabic).

💡Tips for Train Travel in Morocco:

• Book in advance during peak seasons (summer, Ramadan, holidays).
• First-class is worth it for long journeys (more legroom, fewer crowds).
• food service on most trains is quite expensive, bring snacks and water.
• Trains don’t reach the Sahara or mountain regions, so plan alternative transport.

Taking Buses in Morocco

Why Use Buses in Morocco?

While trains are great for major cities, buses are essential for reaching smaller towns, the Sahara Desert, and coastal destinations like Essaouira and Chefchaouen.

Best Bus Companies in Morocco

Morocco has several bus operators, but these are the most reliable:

1. CTM

• The best long-distance bus company in Morocco.
• Air-conditioned, Wi-Fi, comfortable seats, and onboard toilets.
• Online booking available at official website (recommended for popular routes).

2. Supratours

• Operated by ONCF, connects cities where trains don’t go.
• Often used for Marrakech to Essaouira or Merzouga (Sahara).

3. Local Buses (SATAS, Ghazala, etc.)

• Cheaper but less comfortable (no reserved seating, frequent stops).
• Best for budget travelers willing to sacrifice comfort. 

Popular Bus Routes & prices in Morocco

Route	Duration	Price (Approx.)	Operator
Marrakech → Essaouira	3 hours	80-120 MAD ($8-$12)	CTM/Supratours
Fes → Chefchaouen	4 hours	100-150 MAD ($10-$15)	CTM
Casablanca → Merzouga	10+ hours	250-350 MAD ($25-$35)	CTM
Tangier → Tetouan	1.5 hours	40-60 MAD ($4-$6)	Local Bus

How to Book Bus Tickets

✔ Online (CTM website, Supratours website).

✔ At bus stations (arrive early for best seats).

✔ Through hostels/travel agencies (convenient but may charge extra).

💡Tips for Bus Travel in Morocco:

• Avoid overnight buses (less safe, uncomfortable).
• Bring a jacket (air conditioning can be extreme).
• Keep valuables close (pickpocketing is rare but possible).
• Arrive 30 mins early to secure a good seat.

Using Taxis in Morocco

Types of Taxis in Morocco

1. Petit Taxis (Small Taxis)

• Operate within cities (cannot cross city limits).
• Color-coded by city (red in Marrakech, blue in Casablanca).
• Metered, but always confirm before riding.

2. Grand Taxis (Shared Taxis)

• Mini van cars that operate between cities.
• Shared with up to 6 passengers (tight squeeze).
• No fixed schedule, depart when full.

💡Taxi Fares & Negotiation Tips:

✔ Petit Taxis should use a meter (if not, agree on price beforehand).

✔ Grand Taxis require bargaining, ask locals for fair prices.

✔ Sample fares:

• Marrakech airport → Medina: 70-100 MAD ($7-$10).
• Fes → Meknes (Grand Taxi): 50-80 MAD ($5-$8).

💡Taxi Safety Tips:

✔ Use official taxi stands (avoid random street taxis).

✔ Avoid unmarked cars (unofficial taxis can overcharge).

✔ Ride-hailing apps like Careem and inDrive work in big cities.

Renting a Car in Morocco

Is Renting a Car Worth It?

✔ Best for exploring remote areas (Atlas Mountains, Sahara, coastal roads).

✔ More freedom than relying on public transport.

✔ Challenging in cities (chaotic traffic, narrow streets).

Car Rental Requirements

✔ Driver’s license (International Driving Permit recommended).

✔ Minimum age: 21 (some agencies require 25).

✔ Credit card for security deposit.

Best Car Rental Companies

• International brands: Hertz, Avis, Europcar.
• Local agencies: Often cheaper but check reviews.

💡Driving Tips for Morocco:

✔ Avoid night driving (poor lighting, animals on roads).

✔ Use GPS (Google Maps offline works well).

✔ Fill up gas in cities (few stations in remote areas).

✔ 4x4 recommended for desert/mountain trips.

City Public Transport: Buses & Tramways in Morocco

For getting around within Moroccan cities, the public transport options include city buses, tramways (in some cities), and petit taxis (which we covered earlier). Here's what you need to know:

City Buses in Morocco

Most major Moroccan cities have public bus networks operated by municipal companies. They're the cheapest way to get around, though not always the most comfortable for tourists.

Key City Bus Networks in Morocco

City	Bus Operator	Features	Price (2024)
Casablanca	Alsa + M'dina Bus	Extensive network, crowded at peak times	5-7 MAD ($0.50-$0.70)
Marrakech	City Bus (purple buses)	Connects Gueliz to Medina	4-6 MAD ($0.40-$0.60)
Rabat	STAREO	Reliable, air-conditioned buses	5 MAD ($0.50)
Fes	Aouef Bus	Limited routes, not tourist-friendly	4 MAD ($0.40)

💡Tips for Using City Buses:

✔ Exact change required (no bills larger than 20 MAD)

✔ No English announcements – know your stop in advance

✔ Avoid rush hours (7-9am & 5-7pm) when buses are extremely crowded

✔ Women-only sections at the front of buses in some cities

Tramways in Morocco

Morocco has modern tram systems in two cities:

1. Casablanca Tramway

• Lines: 2 lines (T1 & T2) covering 47 km
• Stations: 71 stops including Casa Voyageurs train station
• Hours: 5:30am - 11:30pm
• Fare: 6 MAD ($0.60) per ride
• Key stops: Mohammed V Airport, Hassan II Mosque, Ain Diab

2. Rabat-Salé Tramway

• Lines: 2 lines connecting Rabat and Salé
• Stations: 43 stops including Rabat Ville train station
• Hours: 6:00am - midnight
• Fare: 6 MAD ($0.60)
• Key stops: Rabat Medina, Tour Hassan, Salé Ville

💡Tram Travel Tips:

✔ Buy tickets at stations (cash/card) before boarding

✔ Validate ticket in orange machines on platforms

✔ Trams come every 10-15 minutes during daytime

✔ Security present at major stations

Urban Transport Options Comparison

Feature	City Bus	Tramway	Petit Taxi
Cost	Cheapest	Affordable	Most expensive
Comfort	Basic	Modern	Private
Coverage	Extensive	Limited lines	Door-to-door
Tourist-Friendly	Challenging	Easy	Easiest

When to Use Which Option

• For budget travelers: Trams > Buses
• For convenience: Petit taxis for short distances
• For sightseeing: Tram in Casablanca/Rabat (avoids traffic)
• Late night: Taxis only (most buses/trams stop by midnight)

Alternative Transport Options

Domestic Flights

Royal Air Maroc connects Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir.

Best for saving time on long routes (e.g., Casablanca to Dakhla).

Camel Trekking (Sahara Desert)

Unique experience in Merzouga or Zagora.

Usually part of a 3-day desert tour.

Final Tips for Traveling in Morocco

✅ Combine transport methods (e.g., train + bus).

✅ Bargain for taxi fares (always agree on price first).

✅ Book long-distance tickets early in peak season.

✅ Rent a car for flexibility but avoid city driving.

Conclusion

Morocco offers diverse transport options, from high-speed trains and comfortable buses to adventurous car rentals. Whether you prioritize speed, budget, or flexibility, this guide helps you navigate Morocco like a pro.

Ready to explore Morocco? Plan your route, book tickets in advance, and enjoy an unforgettable journey!

Morocco Transportation FAQs

Is public transportation in Morocco safe?

Yes, Morocco's public transportation is generally safe, especially trains and CTM buses. However, as with any travel, you should:

• Keep valuables secure - Use money belts or hidden pouches in crowded areas
• Choose official providers - Stick to licensed taxis and recognized bus companies
• Be day-trip smart - Avoid late-night travel when possible
• Trust your instincts - If something feels off, choose a different option

Many solo travelers and families use Morocco's transit system without issues by taking basic precautions.

What's the best way to get from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert?

Reaching the Sahara from Marrakech requires planning. Here are your best options:

🚌 CTM Bus

Duration: 10-12 hours
Cost: ~200-250 MAD
Best for: Budget travelers

🚗 Private Tour

Duration: 2-3 days
Cost: ~1500-3000 MAD
Best for: Comfort seekers

Pro tip: Most desert tours include transportation from Marrakech. For independent travel, Supratours (affiliated with ONCF) offers combined train/bus tickets to Merzouga.

Can I use ride-hailing apps in Morocco?

Ride-hailing availability varies across Moroccan cities:

City	Available Apps	Tip
Casablanca	Careem, Uber	Uber often cheaper
Marrakech	Careem	Use promo codes
Smaller cities	None	Use petit taxis

Important: Always check the driver's rating and verify the car matches the app description before entering.

How much does a grand taxi cost from Fes to Chefchaouen?

Grand taxi prices fluctuate based on several factors:

Typical Price Range

Shared taxi: 150-200 MAD per seat (6 passengers)
Private taxi: 800-1000 MAD for entire vehicle

💰Price Influencers:

• Time of day: Evening departures may cost 20% more
• Season: Summer (high season) sees higher prices
• Your negotiation: Polite haggling expected
• Luggage: Large bags may incur small fees

Money-saving tip: Arrive early at the taxi stand (near Fes train station) to find other travelers to share costs with.

Do Moroccan trains have Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi availability on Moroccan rail services:

🚄 Al Boraq

✔ Wi-Fi Available

Free but connection may be intermittent

🚂 Intercity

✖ No Wi-Fi

Power outlets available in 1st class

🚃 Regional

✖ No Wi-Fi

Basic amenities only

Better alternative: Purchase a local SIM card from Maroc Telecom, Orange, or Inwi for reliable mobile data throughout your journey.