When planning your next Morocco travel adventure, most people imagine camel treks in the SAHARA DESERT. But there’s another, often overlooked way to see the country that’s both affordable and deeply immersive: traveling by train. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey from north to south sharing how rail travel can enhance your experience across this vibrant land.
Why Choose the Train for Morocco Travel?Train travel in MOROCCO is not just about getting from one city to another it’s about experiencing the rhythm of the country from a unique perspective. For visitors, it's a stress-free and budget-friendly alternative to navigating roads or hiring private cars.The stations are often centrally located, making it easy to hop off and start exploring. You get to see changing landscapefertile plains, rugged mountains, urban centers, and rolling deserts—unfold right outside your window.It manages the majority of the train lines, including high-speed services and overnight connections. Tickets can be purchased online, at train stations, or even via mobile apps.
The highlight of the ONCF network is Al Boraq, Africa’s first high-speed train, connecting TANGIER to CASABLANCA in just over two hoursRoute Highlight: Tangier to Casablanca viaBoraq Your journey could begin in TANGIER, a vibrant port city that straddles the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. As you board the Al Boraq, you’ll glide past small towns, olive groves, and distant mountain ranges.
Arriving in CASABLANCA, you’re instantly in Morocco’s economic hub. The station at Casa Voyageurs is centrally located and makes transitioning into the city easy.
Casablanca to Marrakech: A Classic JourneyFrom CASABLANCA, you can take a regular-speed train to MARRAKECH, a journey that lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes. This leg is one of the most popular for travelers and showcases the urban-to-rural transition in stunning ways.
As the train rolls southward, the urban sprawl gives way to open fields, clusters of palm trees, and traditional Berber homes. MARRAKECH itself is a feast for the senses—the smell of spices in JEMAA EL-FNAA, the vibrant carpets in the MEDINA, and the ornate tiles of the BAHIA PALACE. Stepping out of the train station, you’re greeted with modern design and easy access to taxis and hotels.
Beyond Marrakech: Venturing Toward the Mountains and Desert
While train lines don’t yet extend deep into the SAHARA DESERT, MARRAKECH serves as a strategic gateway. From here, you can catch buses or private transfers to destinations like OUARZAZATE, ZAGORA, or MERZOUGA the doorways to desert adventures. This hybrid approach (train + bus or 4x4) is common and practical in Morocco travel.
The train saves you energy and time in the first part of your journey, allowing you to rest before embarking on more rugged terrain. Many travelers even book guided tours that include hotel pickups from the MARRAKECH train station.
Casablanca to Fes: Exploring History and SpiritualityAnother rewarding route is heading east from CASABLANCA to FES, one of the most spiritual and culturally rich cities in MOROCCO. This 4-hour journey introduces you to the heartland of the country—flat plains, olive farms, and glimpses of rural life.
FES is home to one of the world’s oldest universities, AL-QARAWIYYIN, and its MEDINA is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Getting lost in its narrow lanes, where donkeys still transport goods and artisans work with age-old techniques, is part of the experience. Taking the train to FES adds a sense of gradual transition—from modern coastlines to deep, historical roots.Meknes and Rabat: The Underrated StopsBetween CASABLANCA and FES lie two cities worth visiting: MEKNES and RABAT.
RABAT, the capital city, offers a quiet elegance not found in other urban centers. The HASSAN TOWER, ROYAL PALACE, and tranquil OUDAYAS KASBAH are all easily reachable from the train station. Its clean streets and organized public spaces make it a refreshing pause.
It’s less crowded than MARRAKECH or FES, making it a great day trip or overnight stop. The train station is close to the city center and allows seamless access to local attractions.Practical Tips for Traveling by Train in Morocco
Book in advance: Especially for Al Boraq and first-class seats, booking ahead ensures availability and better prices.Choose first-class for comfort: It’s affordable and includes reserved seating, more legroom, and quieter cabins.Bring snacks and water: While some trains have food service, bringing your own ensures you have what you like.Stay alert for stops: Announcements are sometimes in Arabic and French, so track your progress on a map.Travel during the day: For sightseeing purposes, daytime travel lets you enjoy the scenery and landscapes.
The Scenic Side of Morocco Travel: There’s something poetic about traveling by train in MOROCCO. You sit back and watch landscapes shift—from crowded neighborhoods with satellite dishes dotting rooftops to vast stretches of countryside with grazing sheep. Every region tells its own story. You might pass an abandoned fortress, a village bustling with marketgoers, or a lone minaret rising from a sleepy town.
The changing scenery brings you closer to the soul of MOROCCO, beyond what tour buses or flights can offer. The windows of a train become your moving postcard—a glimpse into daily life, unfiltered and real.ustainable Travel Choice
For the eco-conscious traveler, taking the train is one of the most sustainable ways to get around the country. MOROCCO has made significant investments in green infrastructure, and Al Boraq runs on electricity, reducing emissions compared to road vehicles or flights. Choosing rail travel contributes to sustainable tourism and supports local economies centered around train stations.
Final Thoughts: A Different Side of MOROCCO TRAVEL doesn’t have to be rushed or chaotic. Traveling by train opens up a slower, more immersive experience that allows you to truly absorb the sights, sounds, and spirit of this beautiful country. Whether it’s the blur of palmrees past your window, the quiet conversations in a first-class cabin, or the excitement of arriving in a new city, every moment on the Moroccan railway feels like a part of your journeynot just a way to reach your next stop.From the cosmopolitan energy of CASABLANCA to the cultural depth of FES, the romantic mystique of MARRAKECH, and the tranquility of RABAT, the train connects Morocco’s soul in a way no other transport can. So next time you plan your MOROCCO TRAVEL, don’t overlook the rails—they may just lead you to your favorite memories.