How to Get Around Morocco: Complete Transport Guide

Morocco is a country where transport varies enormously depending on where you are going. Between the main cities, trains are comfortable and reliable. Into the desert, shared taxis and buses are the way to go. Inside the medinas of Fes and Marrakech, your feet are the only option -- and even locals get lost.

Trains in Morocco

ONCF (the national rail operator) runs comfortable intercity trains connecting Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Tangier, Marrakech, and Meknes. The Casablanca to Marrakech express takes around 2 hours 40 minutes. Book in advance online or at the station. Trains are the best option for the main northern and western routes.

CTM and Supratours long-distance buses

For routes not covered by trains -- especially to southern Morocco, the desert towns of Merzouga and Zagora, and the Atlantic coast -- long-distance buses from CTM and Supratours are comfortable, air-conditioned, and reliable. Slightly cheaper than trains and covering more destinations.

Taxis in Morocco

• Petits taxis: Small metered taxis for travel within cities -- agree on a price or insist on the meter before getting in
• Grands taxis: Shared taxis that run between cities and to destinations not served by bus; you share with up to 6 passengers
• Hiring a grand taxi privately: You can pay for all seats to travel alone; negotiate the price in advance
• Ride apps: Bolt operates in some Moroccan cities and is cheaper and more straightforward than negotiating

Navigating the medinas

The ancient medinas (old cities) of Fes, Marrakech, Meknes, and Chefchaouen are car-free and notoriously confusing. The streets are narrow, unsigned, and maze-like -- even with Google Maps you will get lost, which is part of the experience. Allow more time than you think, hire a local guide for Fes in particular, and enjoy getting lost.

Hiring a car in Morocco

A hire car opens up Morocco's most stunning landscapes -- the High Atlas Mountains, the Sahara approaches, and the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. Roads are generally in good condition between cities. An international driving licence is required in addition to a UK licence.

Frequently asked questions

Is it easy to get around Morocco without speaking Arabic or French? In major tourist areas (Marrakech, Fes medina, Chefchaouen), English is widely spoken. In smaller towns and rural areas, French is much more useful than English. Download Google Translate's offline French and Arabic packs before you go.