Morocco Train Routes Guide

Africa's first high-speed rail line, the Al Boraq connects Tangier to Casablanca at speeds up to 320 km/h. Named after the mythical winged steed, this TGV-technology train has transformed travel in northern Morocco since its 2018 inauguration. The journey that once took 5 hours now takes just over 2 hours. Trains feature spacious seating, power outlets at every seat, and a cafe car. The route passes through the fertile Gharb plain with views of farmland and the Atlantic coast. Peak hours see full trains, so booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially for Friday and Sunday travel.

The most popular tourist route in Morocco, connecting the commercial capital with the red city. Trains run throughout the day from early morning to late evening. The journey crosses the Chaouia agricultural plain before the Atlas Mountains emerge on the southern horizon as you approach Marrakech. First-class cars are air-conditioned with assigned seating and are noticeably quieter. Second class is perfectly comfortable but can be crowded during holidays and weekends. The Marrakech station is a beautiful Art Deco building about 15 minutes by taxi from the medina.

The busiest rail corridor in Morocco with shuttle-frequency service between the economic and political capitals. Trains run approximately every 30 minutes during peak hours and hourly during off-peak. This is a commuter-heavy route, so expect business travelers and students rather than tourists. The journey follows the Atlantic coast with occasional ocean views near Mohammedia. Both Casa Voyageurs and Rabat Ville stations are centrally located with good taxi connections. This route also connects to the airport via Casa Voyageurs.

A scenic journey through Morocco's agricultural heartland linking the Atlantic coast to the ancient imperial cities of Meknes and Fes. After passing through Rabat and Kenitra, the train climbs through rolling hills and cork oak forests into the Saiss plain. The approach to Meknes offers views of olive groves, and the final stretch to Fes reveals the dramatic setting of the ancient medina in its valley bowl. Consider breaking the journey with a stop in Meknes to visit the grandiose Bab Mansour gate and the Royal Stables.

The longest standard route connects Morocco's two most-visited cities. There is no direct east-west rail line, so all trains route through Casablanca. Three direct trains daily make the full journey without requiring a change. The trip is long but scenic, crossing the entire north-south gradient of Morocco's Atlantic lowlands. Many travelers prefer to break this into two segments with a night in Casablanca or Rabat. The direct trains include a cafe car serving coffee, tea, and sandwiches.

There is no direct train from Tangier to Fes. The optimal routing takes the Al Boraq high-speed train from Tangier to Kenitra (1h), then changes to a conventional train to Fes (2h30). The connection at Kenitra is usually 20-40 minutes, and the station has a waiting room and small cafe. This combined journey is much faster than the old conventional routing (which took 5+ hours) and represents one of the most practical cross-country connections in the network. Purchase both tickets at Tangier station or online.

The eastern trunk line crosses Morocco from the Atlantic to the Algerian border. After Fes, the train enters the Taza corridor -- a dramatic mountain pass between the Rif and Middle Atlas ranges. The landscape shifts from fertile western plains to the arid eastern steppe approaching Oujda. This is an adventure route for rail enthusiasts rather than a practical transport option (flying is faster). The overnight departure allows sleeping through the long journey, arriving in Oujda by morning. Oujda is the gateway to the Beni Snassen mountains and the Algerian border region.

A short Atlantic coast route connecting Casablanca with the Portuguese-influenced city of El Jadida, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The train follows the coastline south through agricultural land with occasional ocean views. El Jadida is an excellent day trip from Casablanca, offering the atmospheric Portuguese cistern, a fortified medina, and a beautiful beach promenade. The station in El Jadida is about 1 km from the old medina walls.