Getting Around Morocco: Transport Guide

Last updated: November 2025

Morocco’s transport network is more functional than its reputation suggests. The main cities are connected by a decent train network, an extensive intercity bus system, and shared taxi routes that cover the gaps. For most journeys between major destinations, you have at least three viable options. The choice between them comes down to time, comfort, cost, and how much you enjoy the view from a window versus the view from a seat back.

The complications arise for destinations off the main network: mountain villages, smaller Atlantic towns, the Sahara routes, the southern Atlantic coast. These require either a rented car, a hired driver, or the patience to piece together grand taxi and local bus connections. Understanding the full picture helps you plan without nasty surprises.

Trains: The ONCF Network

The ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer) runs Morocco’s train network, which connects the main cities with reliable and comfortable service. The Al Boraq high-speed line, which launched in 2018, covers the Casablanca-Tangier route in just over two hours with stops at Rabat and Kenitra. The regular network connects Casablanca and Marrakech in three hours and Casablanca and Fes in about four.

Trains have first and second class. Second class is perfectly comfortable for most journeys. First class offers more space and is worth the supplement on routes over three hours. Tickets can be bought at stations or online through the ONCF website. Booking a day ahead for intercity trains is sensible; same-day tickets are usually available but less certain on popular routes.

Intercity Buses: CTM and Supratours

CTM is Morocco’s premium intercity bus operator. The coaches are modern, air-conditioned, and run to schedule. CTM covers routes that the train does not, including Agadir, Ouarzazate, Laayoune, and the Atlantic coast towns. Online booking is available and is cleaner than station booking for longer-distance routes.

Supratours, which is the ONCF’s bus affiliate, complements the train network for routes beyond the rail network. A combined train-bus ticket from Marrakech to Agadir, for example, exists through Supratours. Local buses and smaller operators are cheaper and slower and the standard of comfort and punctuality varies considerably.

Grand Taxis: The Essential Network Filler

Grand taxis are shared long-distance taxis, usually older Mercedes sedans, that run on fixed routes between towns and cities. They depart when full (6 passengers for a standard sedan), so you either wait for the car to fill up or pay for multiple seats to leave sooner. For shorter intercity routes where no train runs, they are the fastest practical option. The Chefchaouen to Tangier connection, for example, is best done by grand taxi.

The pricing system for grand taxis is fixed per route and per seat. The standard is to share with strangers on the fixed rate. Chartering the whole car at a higher price is possible for routes where you want to go directly and on your own schedule. Negotiate the rate for charter before getting in.

City Transport: Petit Taxis and Ride Apps

Within cities, petit taxis are metered and inexpensive. The meters are mandatory and most drivers in larger cities will use them. In tourist-heavy areas some drivers will quote a flat rate; accepting this or insisting on the meter is a judgment call. Careem and InDriver operate in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, and some other cities, and give you a fixed price before you commit. For airport runs and late-night journeys, the app price is worth the slight premium for the certainty.

Renting a Car

A rental car transforms Morocco for the right traveler. The Atlas road trips, the Draa Valley, the coastal road between Agadir and Essaouira, the Sahara routes, all of these are either impossible or deeply inconvenient without one. The main international agencies are at all airports. Local agencies in city centers are cheaper but quality control on vehicles varies. Budget at least 300 to 500 MAD per day for a basic manual car including the basic insurance; verify exactly what the insurance covers before signing.

Driving in cities, particularly Casablanca and Fes, requires confidence with chaotic urban traffic. Outside the cities the roads are generally good and well-signed. Driving at night on mountain roads should be avoided unless you know the route. Our complete car rental guide covers what to know before you book.

The Al Boraq High-Speed Train

Morocco operates Africa’s first high-speed rail line, the Al Boraq (LGV), connecting Tangier to Casablanca in approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. The service runs multiple departures daily, with stops at Kenitra and Rabat. Tickets are available online at oncf-voyages.ma, at station counters, or through the ONCF mobile app.

First class on the Al Boraq costs approximately 250 to 300 MAD for the full Tangier-Casablanca journey, while second class is around 150 to 200 MAD. The trains are clean, air-conditioned, and reliably on time. Power outlets and Wi-Fi are available in first class. For comparison, the conventional train on the same route takes about 5 hours and costs roughly half the price.

The high-speed line has transformed the Tangier-Rabat-Casablanca corridor into a commutable route. Expansion plans exist to eventually extend high-speed service to Marrakech, though the timeline for this extension has not been confirmed.

Ride-Hailing Apps and Their Limits

InDrive and Careem are the most widely used ride-hailing apps in Morocco. Traditional global apps like Uber do not operate in the country. InDrive operates on a negotiation model where you propose a fare and the driver accepts, counters, or declines. Careem works more like a traditional ride-hailing service with algorithm-generated fares.

Both apps are available in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Tangier, Fes, and Agadir. Coverage is spotty in smaller cities and essentially nonexistent in rural areas. Even in major cities, wait times can be long during rush hour or late at night. Many drivers also have limited knowledge of specific addresses and may call you to ask for directions.

For short trips within a city, petit taxis remain the fastest and most reliable option. They use meters (in theory), and a cross-city ride in Casablanca or Marrakech rarely exceeds 30 to 50 MAD. The challenge is that many drivers will try to negotiate a flat fare or claim the meter is broken. Insist on the meter, or agree on a fare before getting in. Late at night, expect a 50 percent surcharge, which is legal.

Accuracy note: Travel information, prices, and practical details in Morocco can change. This article reflects conditions at the time of writing. Verify current details before planning your trip.