Morocco Train Guide: Routes, Tickets, and Practical Travel Advice

Train travel can be one of the easiest ways to move between Morocco’s major cities, but it works best when the railway is used for the parts of the country it serves well.

For journeys between Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech, the train can remove the need to drive long intercity sections. Once an itinerary moves toward Chefchaouen, the Atlas Mountains, Dades Valley, Merzouga, Ouarzazate, or Agadir, another form of transportation becomes necessary.

That distinction is more important than memorizing individual train times.

When planning a Morocco itinerary, we normally ask:

• Does the railway directly connect the two cities?
• Where is the station in relation to the hotel or riad?
• How much luggage is the traveler carrying?
• Is the next destination also served by rail?
• Would using the train improve the route or simply create another transfer?
• Does the traveler need flexibility for stops along the way?

This Morocco train guide explains how to make those decisions.

For complete route planning before choosing your transportation, see our Morocco itinerary guide.

Who Operates Trains in Morocco?

Morocco’s passenger railway is operated by ONCF, the Office National des Chemins de Fer.

Travelers will mainly encounter three types of service:

Al Boraq

Al Boraq is Morocco’s high-speed train service on the Tangier–Kenitra–Rabat–Casablanca corridor.

It is particularly useful when traveling between:

• Tangier
• Kenitra
• Rabat
• Casablanca

For travelers combining northern Morocco with Casablanca or Rabat, Al Boraq can remove several hours of road travel from the itinerary.

Al Atlas

Al Atlas trains serve conventional intercity routes, including important connections involving:

• Marrakech
• Casablanca
• Rabat
• Fes
• Meknes
• Tangier
• Oujda
• other rail-served cities

These trains are the services many visitors use for journeys such as Casablanca–Marrakech or Marrakech–Fes.

TNR

TNR services handle regional and commuter routes.

One particularly important route for international travelers is the train between Casablanca and Mohammed V Airport.

Do not confuse this airport train with Al Boraq.

If you are deciding how to connect an airport arrival with the rest of the trip, our Morocco airport guide explains the main arrival airports and onward transportation options.

Where Can You Travel by Train in Morocco?

For most first-time visitors, Morocco’s railway is most useful across the northern and central urban corridor.

Route	Train Useful?	Practical Consideration
Tangier – Rabat	Yes	Al Boraq is usually the simplest rail option
Tangier – Casablanca	Yes	Al Boraq corridor
Rabat – Casablanca	Yes	Frequent rail connection
Casablanca – Marrakech	Yes	Useful direct intercity connection
Casablanca – Fes	Yes	Good alternative to driving
Rabat – Fes	Yes	Straightforward rail journey
Marrakech – Fes	Yes	Long intercity journey but rail-served
Fes – Tangier	Yes	Rail connection available
Casablanca Airport – Casablanca	Yes	Separate airport TNR service
Fes – Chefchaouen	No direct train	Continue by road
Marrakech – Essaouira	No train	Road transfer or bus
Marrakech – Agadir	No train	Continue by road/bus
Marrakech – Merzouga	No train	Road journey required
Fes – Merzouga	No train	Road journey required
Marrakech – Dades Valley	No train	Road journey required
Marrakech – Ouarzazate	No train	Road journey required

The railway is therefore excellent for city-to-city transportation, but it cannot replace road travel on a complete Morocco tour.

The Most Useful Train Routes for Visitors

Tangier to Rabat or Casablanca

This is where Morocco’s high-speed railway is most useful.

If your trip begins in Tangier and later continues toward Rabat or Casablanca, Al Boraq is often much more practical than arranging a private vehicle solely for that intercity transfer.

It can also work well for travelers arriving in northern Morocco from Spain.

A typical route might be:

Tangier → Rabat → Casablanca

using rail.

However, if your itinerary includes Chefchaouen between Tangier and Fes, the train alone cannot provide the complete route.

That is why transportation should be planned around destinations rather than simply around where railway lines exist.

Casablanca to Marrakech

Casablanca and Marrakech are connected by rail, making the train a useful option for travelers who do not need sightseeing stops between the two cities.

This is an important distinction.

If your objective is simply:

hotel in Casablanca → hotel in Marrakech

The train can work very well.

If your day includes rural stops, private sightseeing, or another destination between the cities, road transportation may make more sense.

Casablanca to Fes

The train is also practical between Casablanca and Fes.

For travelers arriving in Casablanca who want to begin their trip in Fes, this can be a good alternative to a long private road transfer.

The practical question then becomes what happens after Fes.

If the next stage is:

Fes → Merzouga → Dades → Marrakech

you will need road transport from Fes onward.

Marrakech to Fes

Marrakech and Fes are connected by rail.

This can be useful for a city-focused itinerary that does not include the Sahara between the two.

But many first-time Morocco routes deliberately travel from Fes to Marrakech through the Middle Atlas, Merzouga, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, Ait Ben Haddou, and the High Atlas.

In that situation, taking the direct train would bypass an entire section of the journey.

This is a good example of why the fastest transport option is not automatically the best itinerary.

Morocco Trains Do Not Reach the Sahara

There is no ONCF train to Merzouga.

The same applies to destinations such as:

• Erg Chebbi
• Dades Valley
• Todra Gorge
• Ouarzazate
• Ait Ben Haddou

From Fes or Marrakech, these areas require road transportation.

For visitors, this is not necessarily a disadvantage.

The journey toward the Sahara passes through some of Morocco’s most interesting landscapes.

From Fes, a road route toward Merzouga can include the Middle Atlas, cedar areas, Midelt, and the Ziz Valley.

From Marrakech, the journey can include the High Atlas, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and Dades Valley.

That is why we generally treat the Sahara as a multi-day road journey, not simply a transport connection.

See our Morocco Desert Tour for an example of how these destinations fit together.

There Is No Train to Chefchaouen

This surprises some first-time visitors.

Chefchaouen does not have a railway station.

Travelers normally reach it by road from cities such as:

• Tangier
• Tetouan
• Fes

If your journey includes both Tangier and Chefchaouen, it usually makes more sense to continue by road rather than taking a train south and then backtracking.

A route such as:

Tangier → Tetouan → Chefchaouen → Fes

is normally planned as a road section.

Rail can then become useful again later in the trip if appropriate.

There Is No Train to Essaouira

Essaouira is another major tourist destination outside the rail network.

From Marrakech, travelers normally continue by:

• bus
• private transfer
• rental car

For a simple Marrakech–Essaouira journey, public transportation can work well.

For travelers combining Essaouira with several other destinations, a private transfer may fit more naturally into the itinerary.

There Is No Train to Agadir

Agadir is not currently served directly by ONCF passenger rail.

Travelers normally use:

• bus
• private transfer
• rental car
• domestic flight

When comparing transportation, include the complete journey rather than only the advertised travel time.

A short flight, for example, still involves airport transfer, check-in, security, baggage collection, and onward transportation.

Buying Morocco Train Tickets

The official booking platform is ONCF Voyages.

Tickets can also be purchased through ONCF sales channels, including station ticket offices and ticket machines where available.

For most visitors, online booking is convenient because it allows you to:

• check current schedules
• compare departures
• choose travel class
• review ticket conditions
• receive an electronic ticket

Always check current schedules directly with ONCF because train times can change.

Special operating plans can also be introduced around:

• major events
• Ramadan
• infrastructure work
• public holidays
• periods of unusually high demand

Do not build a trip using train times copied from an old travel blog.

Should You Buy Morocco Train Tickets in Advance?

When your travel date and route are already fixed, buying earlier is sensible.

ONCF uses fare structures where advance purchase can provide access to lower prices and a wider selection of departures.

But avoid rigid advice such as:

“Always buy exactly 14 days before departure.”

There is no universal booking window that works for every route and date.

We recommend checking early when:

• traveling during holidays
• traveling on weekends
• using popular long-distance services
• traveling as a family
• traveling as a group
• needing a specific departure
• wanting first class
• coordinating the train with a flight or another fixed reservation

If your itinerary is intentionally flexible, paying more for a flexible fare can sometimes be more useful than securing the absolute lowest available ticket.

Understand ONCF Ticket Flexibility

This is more useful than focusing only on ticket price.

ONCF currently offers fares with different exchange and refund conditions.

Depending on the ticket selected, you may see options such as:

Non-Flex

The cheapest fare may come with strict conditions.

A non-flex ticket is generally non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Semi-Flex

Semi-Flex provides more flexibility but still has restrictions.

Flex

Flex tickets provide the greatest ability to change or cancel according to the conditions attached to the fare.

Before paying, look at the fare conditions, not only the amount.

This matters particularly if:

• your flight could change
• your itinerary is not final
• you are traveling with children
• you are connecting from another service
• your schedule may move by a day

Saving a small amount is not helpful if the ticket becomes unusable after a change of plans.

First Class or Second Class?

Both can work.

We do not recommend automatically buying first class for every journey.

First class can make sense when:

• the journey is several hours
• you value additional comfort
• you are traveling with older family members
• you want a quieter environment
• the additional fare is reasonable for your date

Second class can make sense when:

• the journey is relatively short
• your budget matters more than additional comfort
• you are comfortable using normal intercity rail

Check the actual train and ticket offered when booking.

Avoid blanket claims that first class is always a fixed percentage more expensive or that air-conditioning will automatically be better.

Pricing and train configuration vary.

Traveling by Train With Children

Train travel can be useful for families because children can move more easily than during a long road transfer.

But look at the entire travel day.

For example:

riad → taxi → station → train → arrival station → taxi → next hotel

may involve more transitions than:

hotel → private vehicle → next hotel

For a family with small children and several suitcases, the direct road transfer may sometimes be easier even if the train itself is comfortable.

For older children on a straightforward Casablanca–Rabat or Tangier–Casablanca journey, the train may be an excellent option.

If traveling with younger children, our Morocco with kids guide covers family pacing, luggage, accommodation, child seats, and longer travel days.

Train Travel With Luggage

For an ordinary vacation, train travel with luggage is manageable.

The practical issue is usually not the suitcase on the train.

It is everything around the train.

Consider:

• getting from the hotel to the station
• stairs or station access
• moving several suitcases through the station
• boarding
• keeping valuables with you
• getting from the arrival station to the next accommodation

If you are traveling with one manageable suitcase and a small day bag, this is relatively straightforward.

If your group has:

• several large suitcases
• golf equipment
• photography equipment
• children’s luggage
• mobility limitations

Then door-to-door transport may be easier.

Our Morocco packing list explains why manageable luggage becomes particularly useful on a multi-city journey.

Arrive at the Station With Reasonable Time

Do not arrive as the train is about to depart.

Allow enough time to:

• locate the correct entrance
• check the departure board
• find your platform
• handle luggage
• ask for assistance if needed
• reach the correct coach

You do not need airport-style arrival times for an ordinary train journey.

But building a small margin is much more comfortable than running through an unfamiliar station with luggage.

Casablanca Has Several Stations

This is an important practical point.

“Casablanca station” is not precise enough.

Depending on the route, travelers may encounter stations such as:

• Casa Voyageurs
• Casa Port
• Casa Oasis
• Mohammed V Airport

Make sure you know the exact station printed on the ticket.

Do not simply tell a taxi driver:

“Take me to the train station.”

Show the station name.

Casa Voyageurs is especially important for many long-distance connections.

Casablanca Airport Train: Understand the Connection

Mohammed V Airport has a railway connection to Casablanca.

The airport service is separate from Al Boraq.

If you arrive at Casablanca Airport and want to continue toward Tangier using Al Boraq, the journey normally requires reaching an appropriate Casablanca rail connection rather than expecting the high-speed train itself to stop at the airport.

This is exactly the type of connection that should be checked on the current ONCF schedule before travel.

If your international flight and onward train are on the same day, allow sensible margin.

Immigration, baggage delivery, airport walking, train schedules, and possible delays all affect the real connection time.

For airport-specific arrival planning, use our Morocco airport guide.

Do Not Schedule a Tight Train-to-Flight Connection

Train arrival times should never be treated as the only consideration when catching an international flight.

You still need time for:

• transfer to the airport if necessary
• airline check-in or bag drop
• security
• passport control
• airport walking
• unexpected delays

Follow your airline’s recommended airport arrival time and then work backward.

For an important international departure, we generally prefer a generous connection over a perfectly optimized schedule.

Missing a flight is far more expensive than spending additional time at the airport.

From the Train Station to a Medina Riad

The train station is rarely the final destination.

This matters particularly in Marrakech and Fes.

Your journey may look like this:

train station → taxi/transfer → Medina access point → walk to Riad

Many traditional riads are located in pedestrian sections where vehicles cannot reach the front door.

Confirm with your accommodation:

• which station are you arriving at
• arrival time
• vehicle meeting point
• riad meeting point
• luggage assistance if needed

This is especially useful when arriving after dark.

Our Morocco travel tips for first-time visitors include more practical advice about Medina arrivals and Riad access.

Train or Private Driver?

This is not a question with one answer.

Choose the train when:

• both cities are directly connected
• you do not need sightseeing stops
• you are traveling reasonably light
• station transfers are straightforward
• you prefer independent travel
• the railway fits naturally into your route

Choose private road transport when:

• the route includes villages or scenic stops
• you are traveling toward the Sahara
• you are crossing the Atlas Mountains
• you are visiting Chefchaouen
• you are traveling with substantial luggage
• you have younger children
• you need door-to-door transport
• several destinations must be combined in one day

A private driver is not automatically “better.”

The train is not automatically “better.”

Use each where it makes the journey simpler.

Train Versus Driving Between Casablanca and Marrakech

This is a good example of the decision.

Train makes sense when:

You simply need to move from central Casablanca to Marrakech.

Private transport makes sense when:

You need:

• airport pickup
• hotel-to-hotel service
• unusual luggage arrangements
• stops along the way
• a customized departure time

The itinerary determines the transport choice.

Train Versus Driving Between Fes and Marrakech

For a direct city transfer, rail is available.

For a classic Morocco itinerary, however, many travelers deliberately do not travel directly between Fes and Marrakech.

Instead, they use several days for:

Fes → Middle Atlas → Ziz Valley → Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley → Ait Ben Haddou → High Atlas → Marrakech

If the Sahara is part of your plans, taking the train directly from Fes to Marrakech removes that entire section.

This is why route planning must come before ticket booking.

Train Versus Driving Between Tangier and Fes

Rail connections exist between Tangier and Fes.

But if your itinerary includes Chefchaouen, going directly by train may not make sense.

Compare:

Tangier → Fes by train

with:

Tangier → Chefchaouen → Fes by road

The second option takes longer but includes one of northern Morocco’s major destinations.

Neither is inherently better.

They serve different itineraries.

What About Supratours?

ONCF also works with road transportation services that extend access beyond the railway.

This can be useful for travelers continuing toward places without direct rail service.

When planning a combined rail-and-bus journey, confirm the current itinerary through official booking channels rather than assuming an old connection still operates at the same time.

For travelers who prefer everything arranged within one private route, Morocco tour packages can be compared by duration, starting city, and travel style.

Check for Railway Works Before Travel

This is particularly important if your journey depends on a specific connection.

Infrastructure works can temporarily alter services.

ONCF may introduce:

• replacement buses
• changed departure times
• alternative boarding points
• special schedules

Check ONCF’s current traffic information shortly before travel.

This is especially important when the train connects with:

• an international flight
• a ferry
• another train
• a pre-arranged transfer
• a guided tour beginning at a fixed time

Ramadan and Major Events Can Affect Schedules

Train schedules can be adjusted during Ramadan or for major national events.

Do not assume that the timetable you checked several months earlier will remain identical.

Recheck the journey shortly before travel.

This is another reason we avoid publishing large static timetables on a travel guide page.

They become outdated quickly.

Keep the ONCF Ticket Accessible

Keep your ticket available throughout the journey.

For an electronic ticket:

• ensure your phone is charged
• save the ticket offline if possible
• keep the confirmation accessible

A screenshot or downloaded ticket can be useful when mobile data is unreliable.

What Happens if Your Plans Change?

Check the conditions attached to the specific fare you purchased.

ONCF currently distinguishes between ticket flexibility levels.

Depending on the fare:

• cancellation may not be permitted
• only part of the ticket may be refundable
• exchanges may be limited
• flexible tickets may allow more changes

ONCF also publishes specific procedures for missed trains and ticket exchanges.

Do not assume every ticket can simply be moved to another departure.

Read the fare conditions before purchase.

Common Morocco Train Mistakes

Assuming every major tourist destination has a station

Chefchaouen, Merzouga, Essaouira, Agadir, Dades, and Ouarzazate require other transportation.

Booking transportation before deciding the route

Build the itinerary first.

Confusing Casablanca airport trains with Al Boraq

The Mohammed V Airport rail service and the Casablanca–Tangier high-speed corridor are separate services.

Using an old timetable

Check ONCF shortly before travel.

Booking the cheapest ticket without checking flexibility

A slightly more flexible fare may be more useful if your plans can change.

Taking the train simply because it is available

If the rail journey causes unnecessary transfers, a direct road transfer may be easier.

Taking a private driver simply because it feels more convenient

For a straightforward Tangier–Rabat or Casablanca–Marrakech transfer, rail may be simpler and more efficient.

Underestimating station-to-hotel logistics

Think beyond the train itself.

Booking a tight train connection before an international flight

Leave margin.

How Train Travel Fits Into a Morocco Itinerary

The railway works best when treated as one tool inside the itinerary, rather than the transportation system for the entire country.

For example:

City-focused journey

Tangier → Rabat → Casablanca → Marrakech

Train travel can work very well.

Northern Morocco with Chefchaouen

Tangier → Chefchaouen → Fes

Road travel often makes more sense for this section.

Fes to Sahara to Marrakech

Fes → Merzouga → Dades → Marrakech

This is a road journey.

Casablanca arrival followed by Fes

Train travel can be practical.

Marrakech to Essaouira

Use road transportation.

Casablanca Airport to Casablanca

The airport railway connection can be useful.

The correct transportation method changes as the route changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is train travel easy in Morocco?

Yes, particularly between major rail-served cities such as Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech. The main limitation is geographical: many important tourist destinations are outside the railway network.

What is Al Boraq?

Al Boraq is Morocco’s high-speed railway service connecting Tangier with Kenitra, Rabat, and Casablanca.

Does Al Boraq go to Casablanca Airport?

No. Mohammed V Airport is served by a separate rail connection. Travelers continuing to or from Al Boraq should check the required Casablanca connection on the current ONCF schedule.

Can I take a train from Casablanca to Marrakech?

Yes. Casablanca and Marrakech are connected by ONCF intercity rail services.

Can I take a train from Marrakech to Fes?

Yes. Rail services connect Marrakech and Fes. Whether the direct train is the best choice depends on whether your itinerary includes the Sahara and southern Morocco between the two cities.

Is there a train from Fes to Chefchaouen?

No direct train serves Chefchaouen. The final journey requires road transportation.

Is there a train from Marrakech to Merzouga?

No. Merzouga and the Sahara are reached by road.

Is there a train to Agadir?

Agadir is not directly served by the current ONCF passenger rail network. Travelers continue by road or another transportation option.

Should I book Morocco train tickets in advance?

When your date and departure time are fixed, advance booking is sensible because it can provide more departure choices and access to lower fares. The ideal booking time varies according to route, demand, season, and ticket type.

Is first class worth it?

It can be worthwhile on a longer journey when you value extra comfort. For shorter routes, second class may be perfectly adequate. Compare the actual fare and service offered for your date.

Can I buy Morocco train tickets online?

Yes. ONCF sells tickets through its official ONCF Voyages website and mobile application.

What if I miss my train?

ONCF publishes specific after-sales conditions for missed trains, exchanges, and refunds. The options depend on the ticket and circumstances, so check the current official conditions rather than assuming the ticket is automatically lost or automatically transferable.

Can I travel with luggage?

Yes. Normal travel luggage can be taken on the train, but travelers should consider how easily they can move their bags through stations and between the station and accommodation.

Use the Train Where It Improves the Journey

Morocco’s railway is especially useful for moving between major cities.

It becomes less useful when the itinerary begins to focus on:

• mountains
• desert
• valleys
• villages
• Chefchaouen
• Essaouira
• southern Morocco

The best strategy is therefore not:

“Should I travel Morocco by train or by car?”

It is:

“Which parts of my particular itinerary are better by train, and which are better by road?”

Build the route first, then choose the transportation for each section.

If you are still deciding how your destinations fit together, use our Morocco itinerary guide before purchasing train tickets.