Is the Train Good in Morocco?
Quick answer
Yes — Morocco’s trains (run by ONCF) are comfortable, punctual and excellent value, and the Al Boraq high-speed line between Tangier and Casablanca is genuinely world-class. They’re the best way to travel the Tangier–Rabat–Casablanca–Fes/Marrakech corridors.
Morocco’s railway is one of the pleasant surprises of travelling here — modern, affordable and reliable, and a far more relaxing way to cover the main routes than buses or driving. It doesn’t reach everywhere, but where it does, take it.
Here’s what to expect and how to use it.
The network and the high-speed line
ONCF trains link the main cities along two spines: the northern/Atlantic corridor (Tangier–Kenitra–Rabat–Casablanca) and onward to Fes/Meknes and to Marrakech. The flagship is Al Boraq, Africa’s first high-speed line, whisking you from Tangier to Casablanca in around 2 hours 10 minutes — sleek, fast and impressive.
Conventional intercity trains (e.g. Casablanca–Marrakech, around 3 hours; Casablanca–Fes, around 3.5–4 hours) are comfortable and run frequently.
Classes, comfort and cost
Trains have first and second class. Second class is perfectly comfortable and cheap; first class costs a little more for assigned seats, more space and air-con — worth it on busy routes and in summer. Al Boraq has its own first/second classes and is reservation-based.
Fares are low by Western standards (a few euros to maybe €20–40 for longer first-class trips), making trains superb value. Stations in the big cities are modern and easy.
Booking and tips
You can buy tickets at stations or online via ONCF; for Al Boraq and busy holiday periods, book ahead to guarantee a seat. Conventional trains are often fine bought on the day. Arrive a little early, keep your ticket for checks, and note that announcements may be in Arabic and French.
Where trains don’t go (the desert, Chefchaouen, Essaouira, the deep south), use CTM/Supratours buses or a private driver. For the classic Tangier–Rabat–Casablanca–Marrakech run, though, the train is the easy, scenic, low-stress choice.
Key takeaways
- Yes — ONCF trains are comfortable, punctual and great value.
- Al Boraq high-speed: Tangier–Casablanca in ~2h10.
- First class adds space and air-con; second is fine and cheap.
- No trains to the desert, Chefchaouen or Essaouira — use buses/drivers.
Frequently asked questions
Are trains in Morocco reliable?
Yes — ONCF trains are generally punctual, comfortable and good value, and the Al Boraq high-speed line is excellent. They’re the best way to travel the main city corridors.
Should I book first or second class on Moroccan trains?
Second class is comfortable and cheap; first class adds assigned seats, more space and air-con, which is worth it on busy routes and in summer.
Does the train go to Marrakech and the desert?
Trains reach Marrakech (about 3 hours from Casablanca), but not the Sahara, Chefchaouen or Essaouira — use buses or a private driver for those.
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