We guide discerning travelers through a curated map of movement across this vibrant country. In this essential guide to How to Get Around Morocco?, our aim is simple: match your style with the best links, Al Boraq and ONCF trains for coastal hubs, trams in Casablanca and Rabat for city ease, and trusted coaches like CTM and Supratours for longer hops. Expect practical advice on seat choices, ticket steps, and timing, so your journey feels effortless, not hurried. We explain city petit taxis, shared grand taxis, and when a rental car or private driver opens remote valleys and desert gateways.
Flying short domestic legs with Royal Air Maroc or Air Arabia can save days. We balance speed with sustainability and safet avoid night mountain driving and pick connections that reduce stress. Read on for a clear plan that pairs budget, comfort, and pace. With the right transport options, getting around becomes part of the adventureâcurated, reliable, and unforgettable.
The smartest ways to get around Morocco right now
We outline practical, current options for moving between hubs and quieter corners. Short legs suit petit taxis in cities; long corridors reward highâspeed rail or coaches. Our approach is simpleâanchor each segment on the strongest corridor, then craft the first and last mile to match your pace.
Quick picks by route
Major cities: Al Boraq or mainline ONCF link TangierâKenitraâRabatâCasablanca quickly; classic lines reach Marrakesh, Fes, Meknes, and eastern stations.
Rural and desert: No rail to the far south, Sahara, or Chefchaouenâchoose CTM/Supratours coaches, shared grand taxis, or a hired car for flexibility.
- Budget-first: CTM and Supratours offer reliable value and frequent routes.
- Scenic detours: rent a car or private driver for photo stops and slow pacing.
| Route | Best way | Speed | Cost note |
|---|---|---|---|
| TangierâCasablanca | Al Boraq | Fast (â2 hrs) | Moderate, book ahead |
| MarrakeshâFez | Flight or ONCF+coach | Flight fastest | Flight saves a day |
| ChefchaouenâRif | Coach or car | Moderate | Roads best for reach |
| Deep south (Laayoune/Dakhla) | Domestic flight | Fast | Pricier but time-saving |
How to Get Around Morocco?
Clear booking choices, realistic time buffers, and seat strategies will save precious hours and nerves on the road. We focus on practical steps that keep days calm and travel reliable.
Buying tickets
Online booking works often, but international cards can fail. When that happens, buy tickets at local stations or at company offices. Trusted third parties like Marrakech Tickets will forward eâtickets for a small fee handy when remote payments stall.
Peak travel, seat strategy, and luggage limits
Pair ONCF trains with Supratours throughâtickets for timed connections. That trims waiting and eases transfers at the station.
- Reserve firstâclass or numbered seats during peak season; crowds rise on weekends and holidays.
- Aim for forwardâfacing seat choices if youâre motionâsensitive; request extra personal space when possible.
- Expect luggage limits in practice overhead racks on trains and hold fees on some buses. Check prices before you board.
Allow extra time at departure boards and ticket windows, carry cash for quick purchases, and keep confirmations offline. These small measures make getting around morocco feel curated, not chaotic.
Trains and trams
Our rail network links the countryâs pulse points, making many journeys swift and scenic. Main corridors run on two clear axes: TangierâKenitraâRabatâCasablancaâMarrakesh, and FezâMeknesâOujda/Nador. Count on ONCF for regular departures and comfortable rolling stock that ties most major cities together.
Al Boraq highâspeed
On the Tangier Casablanca axis, Al Boraq reaches up to 320 km/h and cuts the trip to just over two hours. Reserved seats and numbered carriages make boarding easy. Firstâclass offers more legroom, quieter cars, and a better workspace for those who need calm during journeys.
Where rail stops and other options begin
Rail does not reach the far south, Sahara gateways, or Chefchaouen. For those last miles, switch to a coach or shared grand taxi and plan connections with realistic buffers.
Casablanca and Rabat
Trams are tidy and simple. Buy at kiosks or machines, validate onboard, and watch stop displays. Stations varyâgrab water and snacks before boarding and keep tickets handy for checks.
- Reserve seats during holidays and weekends; corridors can fill fast.
- Store luggage on overhead racks or endâcarriage shelves; keep valuables close.
- Choose earlier departures when punctuality mattersâmorning departures often run truest to time.
| Service | Key corridor | Speed or class | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Boraq | TangierâCasablanca | Highâspeed (320 km/h), reserved seats, firstâclass option | Fast intercity travel, business and timeâsensitive trips |
| ONCF classic | FezâMeknesâOujda / TangierâMarrakesh | Standard, occasional firstâclass cars | Scenic daytime journeys, reliable intercity links |
| City trams | Casablanca, Rabat | Low speed, validated tickets | First/last mile in the city, clean quick hops |
| Coaches / taxis | Regions off the rail map | Moderate speed, flexible | Access to Sahara, Chefchaouen, deep south |
Buses and coaches
Buses stitch much of the country together, from tidy intercity coaches to market vans that leave when seats fill. We rely on clear choices CTM for numbered seats and steady timetables; Supratours when we need throughâticketing that links with trains. Private lines and market services widen access to villages, but comfort and safety vary. Night bus journeys can save time and feel cooler, yet accident risk along mountain roads rises after dark. When possible, we prefer daytime departures.
Stations and offices can be confusing: some CTM departures use separate company offices rather than the main gare routière. Departure boards are sometimes out of date and in Arabicâwalk up to a ticket window and confirm. Baggage handlers may charge a small fee for hold luggage.
- Sit opposite the sun for better comfort; blinds are often down.
- Motionâsensitive passengers do best near the front and facing forward.
- Many long coaches lack onboard toilets but stop regularlyâcarry essentials for the day.
Practical and paced: we buffer transfers, book seats in advance when possible, and choose services that give space and predictability for all passengers.
Taxis in Morocco
Taxis are often the quickest, most flexible way across short urban distances and between towns. We prefer clear practices that keep fares fair and journeys calm.
Petit taxi basics
Petit taxis run on meters and are colorâcoded by city â red in Casablanca, blue in Rabat and Tangier, beige variants in Marrakesh. Carry small bills; drivers expect cash and change If a meter is refused, step out politely and flag the next taxi. Careem operates in Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier for app convenience where available.
Shared grand taxis
Grand taxis follow fixed routes, wait until full, and commonly hold six passengers. You can pay extra for an empty seat or hire the whole vehicle for direct travel. Look for ranks near the station or main square, check posted prices, and confirm your route before boarding. Luggage fits moderately; plan accordingly.
Safety and common scams
Night rides carry higher risk some drivers speed or drive long hours. We prefer daytime shared runs and vetted drivers after dark.
- Show how many seats you need with fingers â itâs fast and clear.
- Scan for price boards at ranks and agree on any extras before departure.
- Keep valuables close and refuse cabs that wonât use the meter.
When control or speed matters
Deciding between selfâdrive, a hired vehicle with a professional driver, or a short flight shapes the whole trip. We match each choice to your pace, comfort, and the places you want to reach.
Car rental and selfâdrive
Selfâdrive gives maximum control for remote destinations and scenic detours. Expect standard car rental rates near 500 DH per day for compact models, with weeklong deals around ÂŁ250âÂŁ320. Document preâexisting damage and buy comprehensive insurance for mountain passes.
Respect speed limits: 40 km/h in towns, 100 on open roads, 120 on motorways. We advise daylight driving on highâaltitude hairpins and avoiding night runs.
Private vehicles with drivers
Licensed companies supply newer vehicles under five years, proper insurance, and safety kits. A professional driver brings local knowledge, language help, and legal peace of mindâideal for complex itineraries and parking in busy cities.
Domestic flights
Royal Air Maroc and Air Arabia reclaim days on long legs. Flights often route via Casablanca and can save many hours versus the road. We monitor schedules and build buffers for infrequent services or changes.
| Option | Best for | Typical note |
|---|---|---|
| Selfâdrive | Flexibility, scenic detours | ~500 DH/day, insurance essential |
| Private driver | Comfort, local insight | Newer vehicles, licensed firms |
| Domestic flight | Long distances, save time | Often via Casablanca, subject to change |
Conclusion
Smart combinationsâfast trains, steady buses, and short taxi hopsâturn transit into part of the experience. This is the heart of getting around morocco: pick the right link for each leg and travel with calm confidence. Al Boraq and classic trains save large blocks of time on main routes, while CTM and Supratours cover gaps with reliable bus connections and useful throughâtickets. Book seats and keep a copy of your tickets at the station.
In cities, petit taxis are metered and nimble; grand taxis serve fixed intercity lines. Careem runs in major urban centers for app convenience â ask drivers about luggage and extra space. When days are tight, a flight with Royal Air Maroc or Air Arabia makes sense. Prefer rentals or private vehicles for remote valleys plan mountain passes by daylight. Reserve ahead, carry small cash, and choose the option that matches your pace. With that approach, every journey becomes part of the story.
