Morocco is bigger than most visitors expect, and the best way to travel depends on your route, budget and how much you value comfort over independence. The good news is that the main cities are well connected by train and bus.
This guide compares the options, with typical journey times and tips for each.
Key takeaways
- Trains are the best choice between Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech.
- CTM and Supratours buses reach places the trains do not, such as Essaouira and the south.
- Petit taxis are for cities and should use the meter; grands taxis are shared for short intercity routes.
- For the mountains and desert, a private driver or a tour is easier than driving yourself.
Trains
The national railway, ONCF, runs the main line from Tangier through Rabat and Casablanca to Marrakech, plus lines to Fes and Meknes. The Al Boraq high-speed service links Tangier and Casablanca in about 2 hours 10 minutes.
- Casablanca to Marrakech: about 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Casablanca to Rabat: about 1 hour.
- Rabat to Fes: about 3 hours.
- Marrakech to Fes: a long day, about 7 hours by direct train.
Tickets are sold at stations and online, with first and second class (second class can be crowded in summer and on Fridays and Sundays). Book ahead for peak travel days.
Buses
- CTM: comfortable long-distance buses with assigned seats and a small fee for luggage.
- Supratours: buses that connect with the trains and serve routes such as Marrakech to Essaouira.
- Local companies: cheaper but more variable; useful for smaller towns.
Typical bus times: Marrakech to Essaouira about 3 hours, Marrakech to Agadir about 4 hours, Fes to Chefchaouen around 4 hours.
Taxis
Petit taxis are small city cabs, colour-coded by city (for example cream in Marrakech, red in Casablanca and Fes). They should use the meter: if the driver refuses, get out and find another. Grands taxis are older shared cars that run fixed routes between towns; you pay per seat or for the whole car.
Private transfers and drivers
A private transfer is the simplest way to go from the airport to your hotel, and a driver with a car is a comfortable way to cross the Atlas or reach Merzouga. Our airport transfers list private options, and our tours and excursions include multi-day routes with a driver.
Car rental
Renting a car gives you freedom, but it is not for everyone. Roads between cities are generally good, but mountain passes, speed cameras and police checks need attention.
- Drive on the right. Carry your passport, licence and rental papers; an international driving permit is recommended.
- Speed limits are strictly enforced; there are many speed cameras and police checks.
- Avoid driving at night outside cities, and be careful on mountain roads such as the Tizi n’Tichka pass, which can have snow in winter.
- Motorways have tolls; fuel is easy to find on main routes but scarcer in the south.
- Check insurance, excess and the deposit before you accept the car.
Browse current options on our Car Rental page.
Domestic flights and ferries
Royal Air Maroc and low-cost airlines connect Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, Tangier, Agadir and Ouarzazate. Ferries link Tangier and Tarifa in Spain, which is useful if you travel from southern Europe.
Sample routes
- Marrakech to Essaouira: bus or private transfer, 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Marrakech to Fes: train, about 7 hours, or fly.
- Fes to Chefchaouen: bus or private driver, around 4 hours.
- Chefchaouen to Tangier: bus or grand taxi, about 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Marrakech to Merzouga: a multi-day tour; the drive alone takes 9 to 10 hours.
Booking tips
- Buy train tickets at the station or through the ONCF website or app; for busy days such as Fridays, Sundays and holidays, book earlier.
- For CTM and Supratours buses, reserve at the office or online when possible, and arrive early.
- Keep your luggage with you on grands taxis and confirm the price for the whole car if you want more space.
- In summer, check the air conditioning policy on long routes and bring water and snacks.
Luggage and accessibility
Medinas are car-free and often cobbled, so a soft bag or a sturdy backpack is easier than a large suitcase. Many riads offer porters, but you will usually walk the final stretch. If you have reduced mobility, ask your hotel about the nearest drop-off point and choose accommodation close to a car-accessible street.
A typical two-week transport plan
- Fly into Marrakech and take a private transfer to your hotel.
- Join a multi-day tour to the Sahara, which includes transport.
- Take a train or a flight north to Fes, and a bus or driver to Chefchaouen.
- Take a bus to Tangier or the train to Rabat and Casablanca, and fly home.
Frequently asked questions
Is it easy to travel around Morocco without a car?
Yes. Trains and buses cover the main cities, and tours or private drivers cover the mountains and the desert.
Should I rent a car?
Only if you are comfortable with busy roads and mountain driving. For the Sahara and the Atlas, a tour or driver is easier and often not much more expensive when shared.
Are taxis safe?
Licensed taxis are safe. Agree the price or insist on the meter before you set off.
Final verdict
Use trains and buses for the main cities, taxis for local hops, and a private driver or a tour for the mountains and the desert. Compare airport transfers, car rental and tours, and read our Ultimate Morocco Travel Guide to plan the whole route, or ask us on the Plan My Trip page.
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