Trip Planning
Morocco by Train: Routes, Al Boraq, Tickets and Where Trains Don't Go
Published November 5, 2026 by Morocco Amazing Tours
The short answer: Morocco's ONCF trains connect Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Meknes and Fes reliably and at low cost, and the Al Boraq high-speed line runs Tangier to Casablanca in about two hours. Trains do not go to Chefchaouen, Essaouira, Ouarzazate or the Sahara, so most trips combine the train between big cities with a driver or bus for the rest.
The network and typical journey times
| Route | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tangier to Casablanca (Al Boraq) | About 2 h 10 | High-speed, via Kenitra and Rabat |
| Rabat to Casablanca | About 1 hour | Frequent services |
| Casablanca to Marrakech | About 2 h 40 | Several trains a day |
| Rabat to Fes | About 2.5 to 3 hours | Via Meknes |
| Tangier to Fes | About 4 to 5 hours | Often fastest with Al Boraq and a change at Kenitra |
| Marrakech to Fes | About 7 hours | Long but comfortable; see Marrakech to Fes |
Times vary by service; check the official ONCF website or app for current timetables. A high-speed extension toward Marrakech is under construction.
First or second class?
- First class: reserved seats, more space, quieter; worth it on long routes and in busy periods.
- Second class: very cheap, comfortable enough on short trips, but seats are not always guaranteed on busy days.
- Al Boraq: modern high-speed trains with reserved seats in both classes.
Tickets
Buy on the ONCF website or app, or at station counters and machines. Book ahead around weekends, school holidays and Eid. Keep your ticket until the exit; inspectors check on board. Main stations such as Marrakech, Casa-Voyageurs and Rabat-Agdal have cafés and shops.
Where trains don't go
| Destination | Best way |
|---|---|
| Chefchaouen | Bus or driver from Fes or Tangier; see Fes to Chefchaouen |
| Essaouira | Bus or driver from Marrakech |
| Ouarzazate, the gorges, Merzouga | Private or shared tour; see Marrakech to Merzouga |
| Atlas villages | Day trip by car; see Imlil day trip |
Supratours coaches, linked to ONCF, connect some stations with towns off the network.
Combining train and driver
A popular plan: arrive in Tangier or Casablanca, take the train to Rabat and Fes, then join a desert crossing to Marrakech by private vehicle; see Fes to Merzouga. Or ask us to plan the whole route with a driver from day one, which avoids luggage changes and lets you stop anywhere; see private Morocco tours.
Frequently asked questions
Is train travel in Morocco good?
Yes. Trains between the main cities are safe, comfortable, cheap and fairly punctual, especially Al Boraq between Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca.
Is there a train from Marrakech to the Sahara?
No. The railway does not cross the Atlas. Use a tour, a bus or a car to reach Merzouga or Zagora.
How fast is the Al Boraq train?
Al Boraq reaches speeds over 300 km/h and links Tangier and Casablanca in about two hours.
Should I book Moroccan train tickets in advance?
For first class, Al Boraq and travel around weekends or holidays, yes. Short second-class trips can be bought on the day.
Plan it with us: Morocco travel guide, Morocco itineraries and Morocco vacation packages.
See it with a private driver
Planning a trip around this? These private, driver-guided itineraries cover it — every route can be adjusted to your dates.
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