How Do You Get from Marrakech to Fes?
Quick answer
The easiest direct way from Marrakech to Fes is the train (about 7 hours, comfortable and good value). You can also fly (about an hour, but with airport time), take a CTM/Supratours bus, or — the scenic option — link the two cities over 2–3 days via a Sahara desert tour rather than going direct.
Marrakech and Fes are Morocco’s two great imperial cities, and travellers often want to do both. They are a fair distance apart, so here is how to connect them.
Direct is simple; via the desert is more rewarding.
By train (easiest direct option)
ONCF trains run between Marrakech and Fes (via Casablanca) in roughly 7 hours — comfortable, punctual and inexpensive, with first and second class. It is the most relaxing direct way; book ahead in peak season and consider first class in summer for air-con and assigned seats.
You can also break the journey with a stop in Casablanca or Rabat, both on the line.
By air or bus
Flying: there are domestic flights (around an hour in the air), but once you add airport transfers, check-in and security it often is not much faster door-to-door than the train, and it skips the scenery. Worth it mainly if you are short on time.
Bus: CTM and Supratours run comfortable coaches between the cities (similar or slightly longer than the train), a good backup if train times do not suit. Book popular departures ahead.
The scenic way — via the Sahara
Rather than going direct, many travellers link Marrakech and Fes over 2–3 days via a desert tour through Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, the Dades/Todra gorges and the Merzouga dunes — arriving in Fes (or vice versa) having seen the country’s most dramatic landscapes. Since Fes is closer to Merzouga, a one-way Marrakech→Sahara→Fes routing is efficient and avoids backtracking.
This is the classic Morocco itinerary: two imperial cities plus the Sahara in between. Use a private driver or organised tour for the desert legs.
Key takeaways
- Train is the easiest direct way: ~7 hours, comfortable, good value.
- Flying saves little door-to-door; buses are a solid backup.
- The scenic option: link them over 2–3 days via the Sahara.
- One-way Marrakech→Sahara→Fes avoids backtracking (Fes is nearer Merzouga).
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Marrakech to Fes?
About 7 hours direct (via Casablanca) on the comfortable ONCF train, with first and second class. Book ahead in peak season.
Is it better to fly or take the train from Marrakech to Fes?
The train is comfortable, scenic and good value (about 7 hours). Flying is about an hour airborne but with airport time often is not much faster door-to-door, and you miss the scenery.
Can you link Marrakech and Fes via the desert?
Yes — a 2–3 day desert tour connects them via Aït Benhaddou and the Merzouga dunes. Since Fes is closer to Merzouga, a one-way Marrakech→Sahara→Fes route avoids backtracking and is the classic itinerary.
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