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Your complete guide to exploring Morocco by rail. From Africa's fastest high-speed train to scenic cross-country routes, discover how to navigate the ONCF network like a seasoned traveler.
Morocco boasts one of Africa's most developed railway systems, and for visitors it represents the most comfortable, efficient, and affordable way to connect major cities. Operated by ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer), the network stretches over 2,110 kilometers from Tangier to Marrakech, with key stops in Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Oujda.
The headline attraction is the Al Boraq high-speed train — Africa's first and only high-speed rail service. Launched in November 2018, Al Boraq connects Tangier to Casablanca at speeds up to 320 km/h in just 2 hours and 10 minutes, a journey that previously took nearly 5 hours by conventional rail.
Whether you are planning a quick commute between Casablanca and Rabat, a cultural journey from Fes to Meknes, or the north-south traverse from Tangier to Marrakech, this guide covers everything: ONCF network details, Al Boraq specifications, routes with prices, ticket classes, station facilities, scenic journeys, and practical travel tips.
Key facts about Morocco's national railway and one of Africa's best rail systems.
2,110+ km
Total Network
Connecting all major cities from Tangier to Marrakech
186 km
High-Speed Line
Al Boraq: Tangier - Kenitra at 320 km/h
40M+
Annual Passengers
One of Africa's busiest rail networks
From 30 MAD
Starting Fare
Short-distance second-class tickets
ONCF has operated Morocco's railways since 1963. The network runs along two corridors: a north-south axis connecting Tangier to Marrakech via Casablanca and Rabat, and an east-west line from Casablanca through Fes to Oujda near the Algerian border. The busiest segment is the Casablanca-Rabat shuttle, running every 30 minutes with over 30 daily departures. ONCF continues to invest in modernization, with upgraded rolling stock, digital ticketing, renovated stations, and plans to extend the high-speed network to Marrakech and Agadir.
Key rail connections with journey times, frequencies, and fares for both classes.
Most popular tourist route with frequent departures throughout the day
Scenic interior route connecting the economic and cultural capitals
Africa's only high-speed train at 320 km/h
Links the capital to the spiritual heart of Morocco
Full north-south traverse with transfer at Casablanca
Seasonal pricing may apply. Fares are approximate and may change. Always verify at oncf.ma before travel.
The fastest train on the African continent, connecting Tangier to Casablanca at 320 km/h in just over 2 hours.
Tangier - Casablanca
Tangier - Rabat
Tangier - Kenitra
Kenitra - Casablanca
Rabat - Casablanca
Seasonal pricing may apply. Book early for the best fares.
Future Expansion
ONCF plans to extend the high-speed network southward to Marrakech and eventually to Agadir, and eastward to Fes and Oujda. Once the Casablanca-Marrakech high-speed line is completed, the journey will drop from 2 hours 40 minutes to under 90 minutes. Follow oncf.ma for updates on these ambitious expansion plans.
From budget-friendly second class to premium Al Boraq first class and overnight couchettes.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers and short intercity trips
Best for: Comfort seekers, business travelers, and longer journeys
Best for: Travelers wanting high-speed at an affordable price
Best for: Maximum comfort and productivity on the high-speed line
Best for: Overnight travel on the long Casablanca-Oujda route
Five ways to purchase ONCF tickets, from online booking to walk-up purchases at the station.
Book online with international credit cards. The French-language site generates e-tickets you can show on your phone or print. Create an account to manage bookings and access your travel history. Best for advance Al Boraq bookings.
Available on iOS and Android. Search schedules, book tickets, and store digital passes. Push notifications alert you to delays or changes. Register with your email to sync across devices.
Every major station has staffed ticket windows open from early morning until evening. Pay with cash (MAD) or bank card. Staff usually speak French and sometimes basic English. Lines can be long during holidays.
Available at major stations including Casablanca Voyageurs, Rabat Ville, and Tangier Ville. Touchscreen interface in French and Arabic. Accept bank cards for fast transactions with no queuing.
For conventional trains, walk-up tickets are almost always available. Second class rarely sells out except during major holidays like Eid and summer vacation. Simply arrive, buy your ticket, and board.
Holiday Booking Warning
During Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the summer holiday period (July-August), trains sell out quickly. Book Al Boraq at least a week in advance and conventional first class at least 2-3 days ahead. The Carte Fidilite loyalty card offers up to 30% off for frequent travelers — ask at any station counter.
What to expect at Morocco's key railway stations, including facilities and onward connections.
Morocco's main railway hub for north-south and east-west lines. Connected to the tramway. Restaurants, ATMs, currency exchange, luggage storage (from 20 MAD), and Wi-Fi.
Connections: All major routes converge here. Transfer for Marrakech-Fes and Marrakech-Tangier.
Central station near the medina. Tram stop directly outside. Clean waiting areas, cafes, ATMs, and real-time departure boards.
Connections: Direct to Fes, Casablanca, Meknes. Al Boraq stops at Rabat Agdal instead.
Southern terminus. Walking distance to Jemaa el-Fna (15 min). Taxi rank and bus connections outside. ATMs and cafes inside.
Connections: Direct to Casablanca (2h 40min). Connect at Casa Voyageurs for Fes and Tangier.
Gateway to the oldest imperial city. Red petit taxis queue outside (from 15 MAD to medina). ATMs, cafe, and luggage carts available.
Connections: Direct to Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Oujda, and Tangier (via Sidi Kacem).
Al Boraq terminus and gateway to Europe. Modern station with excellent facilities. Connected to the port for ferries to Spain.
Connections: Al Boraq to Casablanca (2h 10min). Conventional services to Fes and east.
Compact station serving the imperial city. Quick taxi rides to the medina. Small waiting area with basic amenities.
Connections: Fes (45 min), Rabat (2 hours), Casablanca (3 hours). On the east-west corridor.
Insider advice for a smooth, comfortable journey on Moroccan trains.
Conventional trains do not assign seats. Arrive 15-20 minutes before departure to secure a window seat. For Al Boraq, arrive 20-30 minutes early as seats are assigned and boarding closes before departure.
Keep bags in sight at all times. Use overhead racks for suitcases but keep valuables (passport, wallet, phone) in a daypack on your lap. First class is quieter and offers more security for solo travelers.
Al Boraq has a cafe car, but conventional trains have limited food service. Station kiosks sell sandwiches from 15 MAD. Pack water and snacks for any journey over 2 hours to stay comfortable.
Download the ONCF mobile app for real-time departure information, schedule changes, and delay notifications. It works offline for stored tickets. Most station boards display information in French.
Many journeys require a transfer at Casa Voyageurs. Allow at least 30-45 minutes between connecting trains. The station has cafes, ATMs, and clear signage to help navigate between platforms.
Al Boraq first class has outlets at every seat. Conventional first class has limited outlets. Bring a portable charger for second class where power access is minimal. A Moroccan SIM with data is more reliable than onboard Wi-Fi.
How does the train stack up against other ways to get around Morocco?
Pros
Cons
Best for: Tangier-Casablanca-Rabat-Fes-Marrakech corridor
Pros
Cons
Best for: Destinations not served by rail and budget travel
Pros
Cons
Best for: Road trips, desert circuits, and group travel
Morocco's most visually stunning rail journeys for travelers who love window-seat views.
The most dramatic train scenery in Morocco. The line threads through the Taza Gap, a narrow corridor between the Rif Mountains to the north and the Middle Atlas to the south. Watch for gorges, forested hillsides, and dramatic rock formations.
Best seat: Right side heading east for the best mountain views
After leaving the Casablanca suburbs, the landscape opens into the green Gharb Plain, one of Morocco's most fertile regions. Between Meknes and Fes, rolling hills dotted with olive groves create a quintessentially Moroccan panorama.
Best seat: Left side heading north for views of the Saiss Plain
The high-speed line between Kenitra and Tangier offers fleeting glimpses of the Atlantic coast and the lush Gharb agricultural plain. The speed itself is part of the experience as the fastest train in Africa.
Best seat: Either side; the speed is the main attraction
The route crosses the Chaouia-Ouardigha farmland before the landscape gradually becomes more arid approaching Marrakech. On clear days, the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains come into view as you near Marrakech.
Best seat: Left side heading south for Atlas Mountain views on clear days
Answers to the most common questions about trains in Morocco.
The ONCF railway connects all major Moroccan cities. For the Tangier-Casablanca corridor, the Al Boraq high-speed train is the fastest option at 2 hours 10 minutes. For Marrakech-Casablanca, conventional trains run 10+ times daily in about 2 hours 40 minutes. Book online at oncf.ma for e-tickets or buy at any station counter.
Morocco train fares are very affordable. Second-class tickets start from 30 MAD for short trips like Fes-Meknes. Marrakech to Casablanca costs from 100 MAD in second class. Al Boraq high-speed tickets from Tangier to Casablanca start from 149 MAD in economy and from 229 MAD in first class. Prices may vary seasonally, and early booking can secure lower fares.
Absolutely. The Al Boraq is Africa's only high-speed train, reaching 320 km/h and cutting the Tangier-Casablanca journey from nearly 5 hours to just 2 hours 10 minutes. The trains are modern, comfortable, and well-maintained with air conditioning, luggage storage, and a cafe car. First class includes Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat.
Yes, ONCF offers online ticket booking at oncf.ma and through the ONCF mobile app (iOS and Android). The platform accepts international credit cards and generates e-tickets you can show on your phone. For Al Boraq high-speed trains, online booking is recommended as seats can sell out. Conventional train tickets can also be purchased at station counters and self-service kiosks.
The Casablanca to Oujda route via Fes and Taza is considered the most scenic, passing through the Taza Gap between the Rif and Middle Atlas mountains. The Casablanca to Fes route also offers beautiful countryside views through the Saiss Plain. For coastal scenery, the Casablanca-Rabat shuttle runs close to the Atlantic coast in places.
Trains are faster, more comfortable, and more reliable for routes they cover (Tangier-Casa-Rabat-Fes-Marrakech-Oujda corridor). Buses serve more destinations, including cities not on the rail network like Chefchaouen, Essaouira, and Ouarzazate. CTM and Supratours are the best bus companies. For the main intercity routes, trains are the better choice.
Yes, the Casablanca to Oujda route offers overnight service with couchette compartments. The journey takes 9-10 hours and departs in the evening, arriving the next morning. Couchettes have 4-berth compartments with bedding. Book in advance as couchettes are limited. This is the only route currently offering overnight sleeper service.
Continue planning your Morocco journey with these detailed guides.
Quick reference for all train services, timetables, and ONCF network across Morocco.
Read GuideDetailed route-by-route breakdown with maps, stops, and city-to-city connections.
Read GuidePractical guide to riding Moroccan trains with booking strategies and luggage rules.
Read GuideBuses, trams, grand taxis, and local transit for navigating cities and towns.
Read GuideComplete overview of every transport option for getting around Morocco.
Read GuideRental agencies, prices, insurance tips, and driving advice for self-drive travel.
Read GuideMorocco's trains connect ancient medinas, coastal cities, and imperial capitals in comfort and style. From the blazing speed of Al Boraq to the scenic charm of conventional routes through the countryside, the railway is the smartest way to explore this extraordinary country.