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Transport & Route Guide
Marrakech to Fes:
Every Way to Travel in 2026
Trains from 220 MAD, buses from 180 MAD, private transfers, the epic 3-day desert route, and flights. Compare every option for getting between Morocco's two greatest cities.
Getting from Marrakech to Fes
Marrakech and Fes are Morocco's two most visited cities, separated by roughly 530 km of motorway or, if you choose the scenic route, over 1,000 km of the most spectacular landscapes in North Africa. Most travelers visit both cities, and how you travel between them can be as memorable as the cities themselves.
The direct options are straightforward: a 7-hour train, an 8-hour bus, or a 5.5-hour drive on modern toll roads. But the route that travelers remember forever is the 3-day journey via the Sahara Desert, crossing the High Atlas, spending a night under the stars in the dunes, and arriving in Fes through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas.
This guide compares every option in detail, including prices, schedules, comfort levels, and practical tips, so you can choose the right way to travel for your trip.
530 km
Direct distance
7 hrs
By train
5.5 hrs
By car
180 MAD
Cheapest option
All Transport Options Compared
Five ways to travel from Marrakech to Fes, from the cheapest bus to the unforgettable desert route.
All prices are starting prices. Seasonal pricing applies and schedules may change. Always confirm times before travel.
Direct Train (ONCF)
7 hours From 220 MAD (2nd class) / From 330 MAD (1st class) 4-6 departures daily
Best for: Most travelers: comfortable, reliable, and affordable
The ONCF train is the most popular way to travel from Marrakech to Fes. Trains are air-conditioned, reasonably comfortable, and run on a predictable schedule. The route passes through Casablanca and Rabat, where you may need to change trains depending on the service. Some direct services run without a change.
Advantages
Comfortable reclining seats with legroom
Air-conditioned carriages
Onboard cafe car for food and drinks
Arrives at Fes city center station
Power outlets in first class
Scenic route through Moroccan countryside
Drawbacks
Some services require a change at Casablanca or Rabat
Trains can run late by 30-60 minutes
No WiFi on most services
Luggage space can fill up quickly
Tip: Book first class for the extra legroom and guaranteed seat assignment. Trains departing early morning tend to be less crowded. Buy tickets at the station or online at oncf-voyages.ma.
CTM / Supratours Bus
8-9 hours From 180 MAD (CTM) / From 190 MAD (Supratours) 3-5 departures daily
Best for: Budget travelers and those wanting a direct service without changes
CTM and Supratours operate comfortable long-distance buses between Marrakech and Fes. These are premium bus services with air conditioning, reclining seats, and a scheduled rest stop. CTM buses depart from the CTM station in Gueliz. Supratours buses depart from next to Marrakech train station.
Advantages
Cheapest option for the journey
Direct service with no changes required
Air-conditioned with reclining seats
One or two rest stops with cafes
Luggage stored safely underneath
Drawbacks
Longer journey than the train (8-9 hours)
Less legroom than train first class
Rest stops are brief (15-20 minutes)
Can feel cramped on fully booked services
Road delays possible in bad weather
Tip: Book CTM tickets at ctm.ma or at the station. Supratours tickets can be bought at the Supratours office next to the train station. Arrive 30 minutes early to secure your luggage space.
Private Car / Transfer
5.5-6 hours From 2,000 MAD (private transfer) / From 350 MAD per day (rental) Anytime (on your schedule)
Best for: Families, groups, or travelers wanting flexibility to stop along the way
Driving from Marrakech to Fes via the A2 motorway is the fastest option at around 530 km. The route is entirely on modern toll roads and is straightforward to navigate. A private transfer with a driver is the most comfortable door-to-door option. Self-drive in a rental car gives you the freedom to stop at Beni Mellal, Khouribga, or detour to Ifrane.
Advantages
Fastest transport option (5.5 hours)
Door-to-door convenience
Stop wherever you want along the way
Comfortable for families with luggage
Modern toll motorway the entire route
Drawbacks
Most expensive option (transfer or rental plus fuel plus tolls)
Toll fees total approximately 200 MAD
Fuel costs around 400-500 MAD one way
Rental car requires an international driving permit
Parking in Fes medina is challenging
Tip: If renting, book from Marrakech and drop off in Fes (one-way drop-off fee from 500 MAD). For private transfers, negotiate the price before departure and confirm it includes tolls and fuel.
Shared Tour via Desert (3-Day)
3 days / 2 nights From 2,500 MAD per person (group) / From 5,000 MAD (private) Daily departures from Marrakech
Best for: Travelers who want the journey to be the destination
The most spectacular way to travel from Marrakech to Fes is the 3-day desert route via the Sahara. Instead of a direct transfer, you cross the High Atlas, visit Ait Benhaddou, stay overnight in the Dades or Todra Gorge, ride camels to a Sahara desert camp, and then travel north through the Middle Atlas to Fes. This is not just transport; it is one of Morocco's best experiences.
Advantages
Includes the Sahara desert experience with camel trek
Visit Ait Benhaddou, gorges, and the Middle Atlas
Accommodation and most meals included
Arrive in Fes instead of returning to Marrakech
Different route every day with diverse landscapes
Drawbacks
Takes 3 days instead of one
More expensive than direct transport
Long driving days (5-8 hours each)
Group tours follow a fixed schedule
Not ideal if you are short on time
Tip: This is the best-value option if you planned to do a Sahara desert tour anyway. Instead of the standard return-to-Marrakech tour, book the Marrakech-to-Fes version and combine transport with sightseeing.
Flight
1 hour From 600 MAD one-way (when available) Limited: 1-3 flights per week (seasonal)
Best for: Business travelers or those extremely short on time
Royal Air Maroc operates occasional flights between Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) and Fes-Saiss Airport (FEZ). The flight takes just 1 hour but availability is limited. With check-in time and airport transfers, the total journey is closer to 4 hours, making it comparable to driving. Flights are often more expensive than ground transport.
Advantages
Fastest option at just 1 hour flight time
Avoids road travel entirely
Comfortable for those who dislike long drives
Drawbacks
Very limited flight schedule (not daily)
Often more expensive than train or bus
Airport transfers add time and cost on both ends
Baggage fees may apply on budget carriers
Flights sometimes cancelled due to low demand
Tip: Check Royal Air Maroc (royalairmaroc.com) well in advance. If no direct flight exists for your dates, consider flying via Casablanca, though this adds significant time. Most travelers find the train more practical.
Quick Comparison Table
All six transport options at a glance so you can quickly decide what works best for your trip.
| Transport | Time | Price | Comfort | Scenery | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (ONCF) | 7 hours | From 220 MAD | Good | Moderate | Fixed schedule |
| CTM Bus | 8-9 hours | From 180 MAD | Fair | Moderate | Fixed schedule |
| Private Car | 5.5 hours | From 2,000 MAD | Excellent | Low (motorway) | Total |
| Self-Drive | 5.5 hours | From 850 MAD | Good | Customizable | Total |
| Desert Route | 3 days | From 2,500 MAD | Good | Exceptional | Fixed itinerary |
| Flight | 1 hour | From 600 MAD | Good | Aerial only | Limited schedule |
Self-drive price includes car rental (from 350 MAD/day), fuel (from 400 MAD), and tolls (from 200 MAD). Seasonal pricing may apply across all transport types.
The 3-Day Desert Route: Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara
The most spectacular way to travel between Marrakech and Fes. Combine your transfer with the best sightseeing Morocco has to offer.
Prices start from 2,500 MAD per person for group tours. Private tours from 5,000 MAD per person. Seasonal pricing applies during peak months.
1
Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Gorge
330 km 6 hours driving
Depart Marrakech early morning. The road climbs through the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, Morocco's highest paved mountain pass. Stop at the stunning Ait Benhaddou before continuing through the Dades Valley to your overnight stay in the dramatic Dades Gorge.
Highlights
Cross Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260 m) through the High Atlas
Visit the UNESCO site of Ait Benhaddou kasbah
Lunch in Ouarzazate, the "Gateway to the Desert"
Drive the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
Overnight at a hotel in Dades Gorge or Boumalne Dades
2
Day 2: Dades Gorge to Sahara Desert (Merzouga)
300 km 5 hours driving
After exploring the gorges in the morning, continue east through increasingly arid landscapes to the edge of the Sahara. Arrive in Merzouga mid-afternoon and transfer to camels for the ride into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Sleep under the stars in a desert camp.
Highlights
Morning walk in Dades Gorge canyon
Visit Todra Gorge with 300-meter canyon walls
Drive through the Ziz Valley palm groves
Arrive at Merzouga and ride camels to the desert camp
Sunset over Erg Chebbi dunes, dinner and stargazing at camp
3
Day 3: Sahara Desert to Fes via Middle Atlas
480 km 8 hours driving
Wake before dawn for a magnificent desert sunrise. After breakfast, begin the long but beautiful drive north through the Middle Atlas. The landscape transforms from desert to lush cedar forests. Stop at Ifrane and Azrou before arriving in Fes by evening, completing one of Morocco's most epic journeys.
Highlights
Sunrise over the Sahara dunes
Camel ride back and breakfast at camp
Drive north through Errachidia and Midelt
Pass through cedar forests and see Barbary macaques near Azrou
Stop at Ifrane, Morocco's "Little Switzerland"
Arrive in Fes by evening
Train Schedule & Tips
Approximate ONCF train departures from Marrakech to Fes. Schedules change seasonally, so always confirm at oncf-voyages.ma before travel.
| Departs Marrakech | Arrives Fes | Route | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06:45 | 13:50 | Direct / 1 change | 1st & 2nd |
| 08:15 | 15:25 | Via Casablanca | 1st & 2nd |
| 11:00 | 18:10 | Via Casablanca | 1st & 2nd |
| 14:30 | 21:35 | Direct / 1 change | 1st & 2nd |
| 16:00 | 23:05 | Via Rabat | 1st & 2nd |
Train Travel Tips
Buy tickets online at oncf-voyages.ma or at the station ticket window
First class has assigned seats, power outlets, and more legroom
Arrive 20-30 minutes before departure to find your carriage
The cafe car sells coffee, sandwiches, and snacks
Keep luggage close and visible; overhead racks fill up fast
If changing at Casablanca, follow signs to your connecting platform
Driving Route: Marrakech to Fes by Car
The A2 motorway makes the drive straightforward. Here is the route broken down into segments with toll costs and driving tips.
Total tolls approximately 200 MAD. Fuel approximately 400-500 MAD one way. Car rental from 350 MAD per day plus one-way drop-off fee from 500 MAD.
1
Marrakech to Beni Mellal
210 km2.5 hoursA2 Motorway (toll)
Modern toll motorway heading northeast from Marrakech. The road passes through flat agricultural plains with views of the Atlas Mountains to the south. Beni Mellal is a good first rest stop with cafes and fuel stations.
Toll: From 70 MAD
2
Beni Mellal to Khouribga
120 km1.5 hoursA2 Motorway (toll)
Continue on the motorway through the phosphate-rich Khouribga region. The landscape becomes more industrial before returning to green countryside. Straightforward driving with little traffic outside peak hours.
Toll: From 50 MAD
3
Khouribga to Fes
200 km2 hoursA2 Motorway (toll)
The final stretch of motorway. As you approach Fes, the landscape becomes greener and hilly. Exit the motorway and follow signs to Fes centre. The old medina is best reached by taxi from a parking area outside the walls, as the narrow streets do not allow cars.
Toll: From 80 MAD
Driving Tips
Speed limit on motorway: 120 km/h, strictly enforced with radar
Toll booths accept cash (MAD) and some accept contactless cards
International driving permit required alongside your home license
Fuel stations are frequent along the A2 motorway
Park outside Fes medina and take a taxi in; streets are too narrow for cars
Download offline maps before departure; coverage gaps exist on some stretches
Stops Along the Way
Whether you drive the motorway or take the desert route, these are the key places worth stopping at between Marrakech and Fes.
Beni Mellal
30 minutes (rest stop) to 2 hours (visit)
A mid-sized Moroccan city at the foot of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Beni Mellal is known for its olive groves, the Ain Asserdoun spring with its cascading gardens, and the Kasbah of Ras el-Ain overlooking the city. It makes an excellent rest stop roughly halfway between Marrakech and Fes on the motorway route.
Ain Asserdoun gardens and spring
Kasbah Ras el-Ain viewpoint
Local olive oil market
Authentic Moroccan restaurants
Ifrane
30-60 minutes
Known as "Little Switzerland" or the "Switzerland of Morocco," Ifrane is a clean, green mountain town at 1,665 meters elevation in the Middle Atlas. Built during the French Protectorate, it has a distinctly Alpine appearance with red-roofed chalets, manicured gardens, and a famous stone lion sculpture. Ifrane is a stop on the 3-day desert route.
Alpine-style architecture unique in Morocco
Stone lion sculpture (landmark)
Ifrane National Park and cedar forests
Cool temperatures year-round
Middle Atlas Cedar Forests (Azrou)
30-45 minutes
The cedar forests around Azrou, south of Ifrane, are home to wild Barbary macaques, the only primates in Africa north of the Sahara. The forests are vast, peaceful, and a complete contrast to the desert landscape you may have just left behind. Many tours stop here for 30 minutes to see the monkeys and stretch your legs.
Wild Barbary macaque monkeys
Ancient Atlas cedar trees
Cool mountain air after desert heat
Photo opportunities with wildlife
Meknes
1-3 hours (detour from motorway)
One of Morocco's four Imperial Cities, Meknes is often skipped by travelers heading to Fes but is worth a stop if you are driving. The massive Bab Mansour gate is one of the most impressive in Morocco. Meknes is less touristy than Fes and has excellent food. It is only 60 km from Fes on the motorway.
Bab Mansour gate (one of Africa's largest)
Heri es-Souani (royal granaries)
Less crowded than Fes
Excellent street food and restaurants
The Journey Between Two Imperial Cities
ONCF Train, Morocco
Middle Atlas Cedar Forest
Fes Medina
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Marrakech to Fes?
By direct train it takes approximately 7 hours. By CTM or Supratours bus, the journey is around 8-9 hours. Driving takes about 5.5-6 hours via the A2 motorway (530 km). The scenic 3-day desert route via the Sahara covers over 1,000 km with overnight stops. Flights take 1 hour but are infrequent.
What is the cheapest way to get from Marrakech to Fes?
The cheapest option is the CTM bus from 180 MAD or Supratours bus from 190 MAD. The direct ONCF train starts from 220 MAD for second class. Both depart from Marrakech multiple times daily. Booking online in advance sometimes offers discounts on train tickets.
Is there a direct train from Marrakech to Fes?
ONCF operates trains from Marrakech to Fes daily. Some services are direct while others require a quick change at Casablanca Voyageurs or Rabat. The journey takes approximately 7 hours. First class costs from 330 MAD and second class from 220 MAD. Check oncf-voyages.ma for current schedules.
Can I fly from Marrakech to Fes?
Royal Air Maroc occasionally operates flights between Marrakech (RAK) and Fes (FEZ). The flight takes just 1 hour, but services are infrequent, sometimes only 1-3 times per week, and seasonal. Prices start from around 600 MAD one-way. With airport transfers, the total journey time is comparable to driving.
What is the best way to get from Marrakech to Fes?
The train is the best option for most travelers: it is comfortable, reliable, and affordable at from 220 MAD for second class. For those with more time, the 3-day desert route via the Sahara is an unforgettable experience that combines transport with sightseeing. Driving is the fastest option at 5.5 hours for those wanting maximum flexibility.
Should I take the 3-day desert route from Marrakech to Fes?
Absolutely, if you have the time and budget. The 3-day desert route via Merzouga is one of the best experiences in Morocco. You cross the Atlas Mountains, visit Ait Benhaddou, sleep in a Sahara desert camp, and enter Fes via the Middle Atlas. Tours start from 2,500 MAD per person including accommodation, meals, and a camel trek.
Is it safe to drive from Marrakech to Fes?
Yes, the A2 motorway connecting Marrakech and Fes is modern, well-maintained, and straightforward to drive. Speed limits are clearly posted and toll booths accept cash and cards. The main caution is to avoid driving at night and watch for speed cameras approaching towns. An international driving permit is required alongside your home license.
What should I see between Marrakech and Fes?
On the direct motorway route, Beni Mellal and Meknes are the main stops. On the scenic desert route, highlights include the Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass, Ait Benhaddou kasbah, Dades and Todra Gorges, the Sahara dunes, Ifrane, and the Middle Atlas cedar forests with Barbary macaques. The desert route is far more scenic.
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