Practical Guide
Getting Around Morocco
From Africa's first high-speed train and luxury buses to shared grand taxis and ride-hailing apps. Every transport option with real costs in MAD, schedules, and practical tips.
Overview
Morocco offers a surprisingly diverse and well-connected transportation network that makes it easy for travelers to explore the country. Whether you are hopping between imperial cities on Africa's first high-speed train, winding through Atlas Mountain passes in a rental car, or sharing a grand taxi with locals heading to a rural market town, the journey is often as memorable as the destination itself.
The key to navigating Morocco's transport system is understanding which mode best suits your route, budget, and comfort preferences. Major cities are linked by reliable trains and premium buses, while smaller towns and remote areas are served by an extensive network of shared taxis and local buses. Within cities, petit taxis and ride-hailing apps like inDrive and Careem offer convenient door-to-door service. This guide breaks down every option with real prices so you can plan your travels with confidence.
Transport at a Glance
| Mode | Speed | Cost | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Domestic Flight | Fastest | 400-1,500 MAD | High | Long distances (Casa-Dakhla) |
Al Boraq Train | Very Fast | 150-330 MAD | Excellent | Northern corridor |
ONCF Train | Fast | 30-250 MAD | Good-High | Casa-Marrakech, Casa-Fes |
CTM / Supratours | Moderate | 40-200 MAD | Good | Where trains don't go |
Grand Taxi | Moderate | 10-150 MAD/seat | Basic | Small towns, short hops |
Car Rental | Flexible | 200-800 MAD/day | High | Atlas, desert, flexibility |
Petit Taxi | Varies | 7-50 MAD | Basic | City trips, short rides |
Ride-Hailing Apps | Varies | 15-80 MAD | Good | Avoiding fare negotiation |
By Air
Royal Air Maroc (RAM)
The national carrier operates the most domestic routes, connecting Casablanca to virtually every Moroccan airport. Fares range from 400 to 1,500 MAD depending on route, timing, and demand. Book at royalairmaroc.com or through the RAM app. Baggage allowance: 23 kg checked + 10 kg cabin on domestic flights.
- Most extensive domestic network (15+ destinations)
- Frequent loyalty program (Safar Flyer) for free upgrades
Air Arabia Maroc
The budget alternative based in Casablanca, offering competitive fares on popular domestic routes. No-frills service with paid extras (meals, extra baggage). Book well in advance for fares as low as 300 MAD one-way. Baggage: 10 kg cabin only (checked bags extra, from 80 MAD).
- Lowest fares when booked early (airarabia.com)
- Good coverage of Casablanca-Agadir, Casablanca-Nador, Casablanca-Oujda
Popular Domestic Flights & Prices
| Route | Airline | Duration | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casablanca → Marrakech | RAM | 45 min | 400-900 MAD | Train is usually faster door-to-door |
| Casablanca → Agadir | RAM / Air Arabia | 1h | 500-1,200 MAD | Saves 5+ hours vs driving |
| Casablanca → Fes | RAM | 50 min | 500-1,000 MAD | Train is competitive (3.5 hours) |
| Casablanca → Oujda | RAM / Air Arabia | 1h 15min | 500-1,200 MAD | Best option vs 10-hour train |
| Casablanca → Laayoune | RAM | 1h 30min | 600-1,500 MAD | Only practical option for this distance |
| Casablanca → Dakhla | RAM | 2h | 800-1,500 MAD | Essential. Driving is 1,700 km / 18 hours. |
| Casablanca → Nador | RAM / Air Arabia | 1h 10min | 500-1,100 MAD | Good alternative to 7-hour bus |
| Casablanca → Ouarzazate | RAM | 1h | 600-1,300 MAD | Saves the Tizi n'Tichka drive if short on time |
Airport to City Transfers
How to get from each major airport to the city center with costs and options.
Casablanca
Major HubTrain to Casa-Voyageurs (40 min, 60 MAD) or Casa-Port (50 min, 70 MAD). Grand taxi to city center 250-300 MAD fixed. CTM bus available.
Marrakech
Major HubBus 19 to Jemaa el-Fnaa (30 min, 30 MAD). Petit taxi 70-100 MAD (insist on meter). inDrive/Careem 50-80 MAD. Only 6 km from the medina.
Fes
Bus 16 to city center (45 min, 5 MAD). Grand taxi 120-150 MAD (negotiate beforehand). Airport is 15 km south of the medina.
Tangier
Grand taxi to city center 150-200 MAD. No public bus. Airport is 15 km from the city. Some hotels offer airport pickup.
Agadir
Grand taxi 200-250 MAD to city center (25 km). Bus 22 available but infrequent. Most hotels arrange airport transfers for 150-250 MAD.
Rabat
Tram Line 2 connects to Rabat center (40 min, 6 MAD). Grand taxi 100-150 MAD. Airport is 10 km northeast of the city.
Oujda
Grand taxi 50-80 MAD to city center (15 km). Limited public transport. Small airport with mostly domestic and European routes.
Nador
Grand taxi 100-150 MAD to Nador city. Also serves as gateway to Melilla (Spanish enclave). Limited transfer options.
Errachidia
Grand taxi 50-80 MAD to city center. Small airport useful for reaching the Sahara region. Seasonal/limited flights.
By Train (ONCF)
Al Boraq: Africa's First High-Speed Train
Launched in 2018, the Al Boraq connects Tangier to Casablanca in just 2 hours and 15 minutes at speeds up to 320 km/h, with stops at Kenitra and Rabat. This transformed what was a sluggish 5.5-hour train ride into a quick, comfortable journey.
The service runs 12 departures daily in each direction. Trains are modern, French-built TGV sets with power outlets, fold-down tables, and spacious seating. First class offers wider seats, more legroom, and a quieter carriage. Second class is comfortable with reserved seating.
First Class
250-330 MAD
Second Class
150-200 MAD
Journey Time
2h 15min
ONCF Conventional Train Network
Conventional ONCF trains run the main corridors: Tangier–Rabat–Casablanca–Marrakech and Fes–Meknes–Rabat–Casablanca, with branch lines to Oujda, Nador, and El Jadida. Trains offer First Class (Première) with spacious reserved seating and air conditioning, and Second Class (Deuxième) which is comfortable and significantly cheaper.
The network does not reach southern Morocco (Agadir, Ouarzazate, Essaouira, the Sahara). For these destinations, use Supratours buses which depart from ONCF train stations, making connections seamless.
Routes, Prices & Frequencies
| Route | Type | Duration | 1st Class | 2nd Class | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tangier → Casablanca | Al Boraq (High-Speed) | 2h 15min | 250-330 MAD | 150-200 MAD | 12 daily |
| Casablanca → Rabat | Al Boraq / Conventional | 50min / 1h 20min | 100-150 MAD | 60-90 MAD | 20+ daily |
| Casablanca → Marrakech | Conventional | 3h | 160-200 MAD | 100-130 MAD | 9 daily |
| Casablanca → Fes | Conventional | 3h 30min | 200-250 MAD | 130-160 MAD | 7 daily |
| Fes → Meknes | Conventional | 45min | 50-70 MAD | 30-45 MAD | 10 daily |
| Rabat → Fes | Conventional | 2h 30min | 150-190 MAD | 90-120 MAD | 7 daily |
| Casablanca → Oujda | Conventional | 9h 30min | 300-350 MAD | 200-240 MAD | 2 daily |
| Casablanca → El Jadida | Conventional (Navette) | 1h 30min | 70-90 MAD | 45-60 MAD | 6 daily |
| Fes → Oujda | Conventional | 5h 30min | 180-220 MAD | 120-150 MAD | 3 daily |
| Casablanca → Tangier | Conventional (via Kenitra) | 5h 30min | 200-250 MAD | 130-170 MAD | 4 daily |
Train Travel Tips
- Book Al Boraq tickets in advance at oncf.ma or the ONCF app. Seats are reserved and popular times sell out, especially Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons (weekend commuters).
- Second class is perfectly comfortable for journeys under 2 hours. First class is worth it for long rides (Casablanca-Oujda) for extra legroom, guaranteed quiet, and power outlets.
- Key stations: Casa-Voyageurs (main hub), Rabat Agdal, Tanger Ville, Marrakech, Fes. All have cafes, ATMs, luggage storage, and taxi ranks outside.
- Keep your ticket until you exit the station. Inspectors check on board, and some stations require tickets to pass through exit gates. Fines for traveling without a ticket: 200+ MAD.
- Conventional trains can run 15-30 minutes late. Al Boraq is generally punctual. Allow buffer time for connections, especially if catching a Supratours bus.
- The ONCF mobile app shows live schedules, allows ticket purchase, and has station maps. Download it before your trip. E-tickets on your phone are accepted on Al Boraq; paper tickets sometimes required on conventional trains.
By Bus
CTM (Premium)
Morocco's most established intercity bus company. CTM operates modern, air-conditioned coaches with reserved seating, luggage storage, USB charging, and occasional WiFi. Routes cover virtually every city and major town. Book at ctm.ma or at CTM stations.
- Price range: 40-250 MAD depending on distance
- Booking: Online (ctm.ma), at CTM stations, or by phone
- Luggage: 5-10 MAD per checked bag. Keep valuables with you.
- Comfort: A/C, reclining seats, rest stops every 2-3 hours
Supratours
Operated by ONCF (the railway company), Supratours buses connect to destinations the train network does not reach. They depart from ONCF train stations, making train-bus connections seamless. Essential for Essaouira, Chefchaouen, Agadir, Ouarzazate, and desert towns.
- Price range: 50-200 MAD
- Booking: Supratours offices (at or near train stations), oncf.ma
- Key routes: Marrakech-Essaouira, Casa-Agadir, Fes-Merzouga
- Comfort: Similar quality to CTM with reliable schedules
Popular Bus Routes & Prices
| Route | Operator | Duration | Price (MAD) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casablanca → Marrakech | CTM | 3h 30min | 90-120 | 10+ daily |
| Marrakech → Essaouira | Supratours | 2h 30min | 80-100 | 6 daily |
| Fes → Chefchaouen | CTM | 4h | 75-95 | 3 daily |
| Marrakech → Ouarzazate | Supratours/CTM | 4h 30min | 100-130 | 4 daily |
| Casablanca → Fes | CTM | 4h 30min | 120-150 | 8 daily |
| Tangier → Chefchaouen | CTM | 3h | 60-80 | 4 daily |
| Marrakech → Agadir | CTM/Supratours | 3h 30min | 100-130 | 6 daily |
| Agadir → Tiznit | CTM | 1h 30min | 40-55 | 5 daily |
| Fes → Merzouga/Rissani | Supratours | 8h | 160-200 | 1 daily (overnight) |
| Marrakech → M'Hamid | CTM/Supratours | 8h | 150-180 | 1 daily |
Local Buses & Tips
Beyond CTM and Supratours, many private bus companies operate lower-cost services. These are significantly cheaper (sometimes half the price) but offer less comfort, less reliable schedules, and older vehicles. They depart from the main gare routiere (bus station) in each city.
- Book CTM and Supratours tickets a day ahead during holidays (Aid el-Fitr, Aid el-Adha), summer months, and weekends.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to check in luggage and find your seat.
- Key bus stations: Gare Routiere Ouled Ziane (Casablanca), Bab Doukkala (Marrakech), Gare Routiere (Fes), Gare Routiere (Tangier).
- For overnight buses (Fes-Merzouga, Marrakech-M'Hamid), bring a jacket. Moroccan bus drivers blast the A/C to arctic levels.
By Grand Taxi
Grand taxis are one of Morocco's most iconic and practical forms of intercity transport. Traditionally white Mercedes 240D sedans (though increasingly replaced by newer Dacia Logans and Renault Kangoo minivans), they operate on fixed routes between cities and towns, departing from designated stations when all seats are filled — typically 6 passengers in a sedan or 7-8 in a minivan.
To use a grand taxi, head to the grand taxi station (usually near the bus station or a central square) and tell the dispatcher your destination. You pay for one seat and wait until the taxi fills. If you want more comfort or a faster departure, you can buy 2 seats (front seat alone) or pay for the entire taxi. Prices are fixed by route and known to locals. This is one of the most authentic Moroccan travel experiences and by far the best way to reach small towns not served by buses or trains.
Grand Taxi Fares
| Route | Per Seat | Whole Taxi | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech → Essaouira | 80 MAD | 480 MAD | 2.5 hours | Frequent departures from Bab Doukkala station |
| Fes → Meknes | 25 MAD | 150 MAD | 1 hour | Very frequent, depart every 15-20 minutes |
| Fes → Chefchaouen | 70 MAD | 420 MAD | 3.5 hours | From the main gare routiere |
| Casablanca → Rabat | 40 MAD | 240 MAD | 1.5 hours | From Oulad Ziane station. Train is faster. |
| Agadir → Taroudant | 30 MAD | 180 MAD | 1.5 hours | From Inezgane grand taxi station |
| Marrakech → Ouarzazate | 70 MAD | 420 MAD | 4 hours | Via Tizi n'Tichka. Dramatic mountain crossing. |
| Tangier → Tetouan | 25 MAD | 150 MAD | 1 hour | Frequent from Tangier bus station |
| Chefchaouen → Tetouan | 35 MAD | 210 MAD | 1.5 hours | Scenic mountain route through the Rif |
| Ouarzazate → Zagora | 50 MAD | 300 MAD | 2.5 hours | Through the Draa Valley palm oases |
| Meknes → Moulay Idriss | 10 MAD | 60 MAD | 30 min | Very short hop, good for day trip |
How It Works
- 1. Go to the grand taxi station (ask for "station de grand taxi")
- 2. Tell the dispatcher or tout your destination
- 3. Pay for 1 seat and wait (or buy multiple seats)
- 4. Taxi departs when all 6 seats are filled
- 5. Pay your fare at your destination
Good to Know
- No fixed schedules — they leave when full
- Wait times: 10 min on popular routes, up to 1 hour on quiet ones
- Luggage goes in the trunk at no extra charge
- Front seat (next to driver) is the most comfortable
- One of the best ways to meet locals and practice Arabic
How to Negotiate Grand Taxi Fares
Know the going rate before you arrive
Ask your hotel, riad host, or a local what the standard grand taxi fare is for your route. Prices are well-established and known to all locals. Having this number makes negotiation unnecessary in most cases.
Go to the official station
Grand taxis at official stations (gare routiere, designated taxi ranks) charge standard fares. Taxis that approach you outside hotels or tourist areas always charge more. Walk to the station.
Pay per seat, not per taxi (unless you want privacy)
The standard system is per-seat pricing. You pay for one seat (the cheapest option) and wait until the taxi fills with 6 passengers. To leave immediately, buy 2-3 seats. To have the whole taxi, buy all 6 seats.
Have exact change
Pay with exact change or small bills. Drivers often claim not to have change, which effectively rounds up your fare. Keep a supply of 10 and 20 MAD notes.
Be firm but friendly
If quoted an inflated price (usually for tourists), simply smile, state the correct price, and walk away. Another driver will offer the right price. Never argue or get angry. A polite "la shukran" (no thank you) works.
For petit taxis: insist on the meter
Say "compteur, s'il vous plait" (meter, please). Legal requirement in all cities. If the driver refuses, get out and take the next taxi. At night (after 8 PM), expect a 50% surcharge on the meter rate.
By Car (Rental)
Renting a car gives you maximum freedom and is the best way to reach remote areas like the Atlas Mountains, Saharan oases, and quiet coastal villages. International companies (Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Sixt) and reliable local agencies operate at all major airports and in city centers. A compact car (Dacia Logan, Renault Clio) starts from 200-350 MAD/day ($20-35). A Dacia Duster SUV, the most popular choice for road trips, costs 400-700 MAD/day ($40-70).
Book online 2-4 weeks in advance for the best selection and prices, especially during peak season (March-May, September-November). Consider picking up and dropping off at the same location to avoid one-way fees. For detailed driving tips, road conditions, and 8 complete road trip itineraries, see our Morocco Road Trips Guide.
Requirements & Costs
- License: Valid national license accepted. International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended and sometimes required by agencies.
- Age: Minimum 21 years; 25+ for SUVs and premium vehicles at most agencies.
- Deposit: Credit card hold of 3,000-10,000 MAD depending on vehicle class. Debit cards rarely accepted.
- Insurance: CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) included in most bookings. Check the excess amount and consider full coverage for mountain/desert driving (add 50-100 MAD/day).
Road Conditions & Fuel
- Fuel: Diesel 12-14 MAD/liter, gasoline 14-16 MAD/liter. Fill up before remote areas. Cash payment at most stations.
- Autoroute: Excellent toll motorway connecting Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, and Agadir. Tolls 20-200 MAD per section.
- Mountain roads: Paved but narrow and winding. Tizi n'Tichka (N9) and Tizi n'Test (N10) are stunning but demanding. Avoid at night.
- Speed limits: 60 km/h in cities, 100 km/h national roads, 120 km/h autoroutes. Speed cameras everywhere. Fines from 300 MAD.
Within Cities
Petit Taxis
Every Moroccan city has its own fleet of petit taxis, each painted a distinctive color. They carry up to 3 passengers within city limits only. Always insist on the meter (compteur) or negotiate the fare before getting in. Minimum fare is 7-10 MAD; most city rides cost 10-30 MAD. A 50% surcharge applies after 8 PM.
Taxi Colors by City
Ride-Hailing Apps
Ride-hailing apps are increasingly popular in Moroccan cities and offer a convenient alternative to negotiating fares with taxi drivers. Prices are typically similar to or slightly higher than meter taxis, but you get the convenience of cashless payment, GPS tracking, and no negotiation.
The most popular ride-hailing app in Morocco. You propose a fare, drivers accept or counter-offer. Available in Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, Fes, Tangier, Agadir, and most other cities. Cash and card payment. Download before arrival.
Fixed-pricing model similar to Uber. Good coverage in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Fes, and Tangier. Slightly pricier than inDrive but no negotiation needed. Card payment available.
Newer entrant gaining popularity, especially in Casablanca. Fixed pricing. Good for late-night rides when petit taxis can be scarce.
City Buses & Trams
Public city buses are the cheapest way to get around (3-6 MAD per ride) but can be crowded and confusing for visitors. Casablanca has a modern tramway (8 MAD, 2 lines connecting key areas). Rabat has a tram network (6 MAD, connects the medina, Agdal, and Sale). Both are reliable, air-conditioned, and easy to use with clear signage.
Walking in Medinas
The ancient medinas are best explored on foot — and in many cases, walking is the only option since streets are too narrow for cars. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip for cobblestones. Stay alert for motorbikes and donkey carts. GPS can be unreliable in dense medinas; download Maps.me for the best offline medina navigation. Getting lost is part of the experience.
Horse Carriages (Caleches)
Available in Marrakech, Meknes, and some other cities. A tourist experience rather than practical transport. Negotiate the price before boarding (typically 100-200 MAD for a 30-minute tour). Prices are inflated but the experience of clip-clopping through the city streets is charming. Agree on a route beforehand to avoid disputes.
Essential Transport Apps
Download these before your trip for the smoothest travel experience across Morocco.
ONCF / Al Boraq
Train schedules, booking, e-tickets
FreeCTM
Bus schedules and booking for CTM coaches
FreeinDrive
Ride-hailing with negotiable fares
FreeCareem
Fixed-price ride-hailing (Uber-style)
FreeGoogle Maps
Navigation and offline maps (download before desert/mountain)
FreeMaps.me
Best offline maps for medina navigation
FreeMore Getting Around Guides
Road Trip Routes
Scenic self-drive itineraries through the Atlas Mountains, Atlantic coast, and Sahara Desert with fuel stops, driving times, and road condition updates.
SIM Card Guide
Stay connected on the road with the best prepaid SIM cards, eSIM options, data plans, and coverage maps for Maroc Telecom, Inwi, and Orange.
Driving in Morocco
Everything you need for driving in Morocco including licence requirements, road rules, fuel prices, toll roads, and tips for mountain and desert driving.
Train Routes
Complete guide to ONCF rail routes, Al Boraq high-speed services, ticket booking, station facilities, and scenic train journeys across Morocco.
Airports Guide
Arrivals guide for all major Moroccan airports covering transfers, currency exchange, SIM cards, luggage storage, and getting to city centres.
Best Day Trips
Top-rated day trips from Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, and Tangier with transport options, costs, and what to see at each destination.
Plan Your Route
Use our travel tools to calculate distances between cities and build your perfect Morocco itinerary. Or explore our road trip guide for self-drive adventures.