How to get around in Morocco

Morocco isn’t massive, but getting from A to B can still be a bit of an adventure. From air-conditioned high-speed trains to hair-raising taxi rides, there’s a whole range of ways to travel — and each comes with its own quirks. Some are fast, some are scenic, and some will test your nerves (we’re looking at you, mountain buses).

The good news? It’s easy to mix and match. Trains cover the big cities, buses reach the smaller towns, and if you’re headed deep into the desert or the Atlas Mountains, a rental car or local guide might be your best bet. Here's what you need to know to navigate Morocco like a pro.

The best ways to travel around Morocco

The best way to travel in Morocco depends on where you're going. Here are some options:

Between major cities: high-speed train

• Al Boraq Train: This train is the fastest way to travel between major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier. It connects Tangier and Casablanca in about 2 hours.

For long distances: domestic flights

• Flights: For long trips, like from Marrakech to Fez or Casablanca to Agadir, domestic flights are quickest. Major airports have frequent flights with airlines like Royal Air Maroc.

In and around cities: taxis

• Petit taxis: These are best for short trips within cities. They are usually metered in larger cities and can quickly get through traffic.

For remote areas: private vehicle or car rental

• Private Travel: In rural areas with limited public transport, renting a car or hiring a private vehicle is best. This allows for direct travel without waiting for public transport.

For Tourist Attractions: Guided Tours or Private Drivers

• Tours and Drivers: For places like the Sahara Desert or remote mountains, guided Morocco desert tours or private drivers are efficient. They provide direct transport to and from attractions.

Getting around Morocco by train

If you're planning a trip to Morocco and want to keep things easy between the major cities, trains are your best bet. They're cheap, comfortable, and — on the newer lines — surprisingly modern.

The Al Boraq line runs between Tangier and Casablanca in just over two hours. It’s sleek, air-conditioned, and usually on time. Book online or at the station, and grab a seat in first class if you want extra legroom and fewer crowds.

Trains also link Casablanca with Rabat, Fez, Meknes, and Marrakesh. These aren’t high-speed, but they’re still a solid option. Expect decent seats, busy carriages, and the occasional delay.

Don’t bother looking for rail connections in the south — there aren’t any. If you’re headed to the Sahara, Chefchaouen, or the Atlas Mountains, you’ll need to switch to a bus or car.

Tips for the ride: Trains can get packed, especially during holidays and weekends. Reserve your seat in advance if you can. And don’t count on great station facilities — grab snacks and use the bathroom before you go.

Getting around Morocco by bus

Buses are only a bit cheaper than shared grand taxis and about thirty percent slower. However, they are safer and more comfortable.

Some older buses have limited legroom, which can be uncomfortable for taller passengers. Many long-distance buses run at night, making them quicker and cooler, but night buses have a higher accident rate, especially on busy routes.

Travel tips:

• During the day, sit on the side away from the sun.
• From north to south, sit on the right in the morning and on the left in the afternoon.
• From east to west, sit on the right, and vice versa if going the other way.
• Moroccan passengers often pull down blinds and shut windows, which can block the view and make the journey feel cramped.
• On rural services, some passengers may experience travel sickness.

CTM and private lines

• CTM Buses: These are faster and more reliable than private services. They have numbered seats and fixed schedules, which you can check online. They usually have reading lights, but you might need to ask the driver to turn them on.
• Private Buses: Larger companies like SATAS and Trans Ghazala offer similar standards to CTM. Smaller companies might have only one bus that leaves when it's full.

Bus terminals

Most towns have a main bus station (gare routière), often on the town's edge.

CTM buses usually leave from their office, which might be far from the main station. Sometimes, CTM and private companies share a terminal, and CTM buses might stop at the main station when leaving a city, but not when arriving.

Buying tickets

• Bus stations have several ticket windows, one for each company.
• Departure boards might be outdated and in Arabic, so check times at the window.
• Conductors or ticket sellers might call out destinations or ask where you want to go.
• For popular trips, especially with CTM, try to buy tickets in advance, though this might not be possible with smaller private lines.

Getting around Morocco with domestic flights

• Royal Air Maroc: This airline operates domestic flights from Casablanca to major cities. You usually need to change planes in Casablanca unless both cities are on the same flight route.
• When to fly: Flying is best for long distances, like to Laayoune or Dakhla in the Western Sahara. For example, a flight from Casablanca to Laayoune takes about an hour and three-quarters, compared to nineteen hours by bus. Casa to Dakhla takes two hours and twenty minutes by air, compared to 28 hours by bus.
• Tip: Check Kayak for the best deals on domestic flights.

Getting around Morocco by rental car

Renting a car in Morocco can cost about £250/$320 per week or £40/$55 a day, with a three-day minimum. This includes unlimited mileage and insurance. Renting a car is helpful if you're short on time, especially in the south where buses and taxis might be hard to find. Alternatively, you can hire a grand taxi for a daily rate, which isn't much more expensive.

Many people rent cars in Casablanca, Marrakesh, or Agadir. It might be cheaper to book in advance through your travel company. Some international car rental companies include:

• Hertz
• Budget
• Europcar
• Avis

It's best to book online before you arrive. Local rental firms might offer negotiable prices, but check the car's condition carefully. Many hotels can also help arrange rentals. If you prefer not to drive, you can hire a driver for about £32/$42 a day.

Driving around Morocco

Driving in Morocco isn't too difficult, but be cautious. Many drivers ignore traffic rules and drive aggressively. Don't expect them to use turn signals or stay in their lanes. Be extra careful on blind curves or hills where other drivers might try to overtake without seeing the road ahead.

Roads are generally good, with long, straight stretches and little traffic between towns, allowing for fast travel.

Rules of the road

• Speed Limits:
  • 40km/h (25mph) in towns
  • 100km/h (62mph) on regular roads
  • 120km/h (75mph) on motorways
• Fines: Speeding can result in on-the-spot fines. If you see oncoming cars flashing their headlights, it might be a warning of a police check ahead.

Driving requirements

You must be at least 21 to drive. EU, North American, and Australasian licenses are valid, but an International Driving License with French translations is recommended, especially if your license doesn't have a photo. Always carry your driving license and passport.

Note: Check for the latest travel advisories and transportation updates, as conditions may change.

Getting around via shared taxi in Morocco

Shared grands taxis are a popular and fast way to travel. They are quicker than buses and sometimes even trains. Fares range from slightly more than bus fares to about double.

These taxis are usually large Peugeot or Mercedes cars that carry six passengers. They operate on specific routes with frequent departures.

• Best time to travel: Arrive early in the morning (6–8am) when taxis fill up quickly. Lunchtime is less busy, so taxis take longer to fill.
• Booking a seat: Make it clear you want a single seat (une place in French, plassa in Arabic) in a shared taxi. Drivers might assume tourists want to book the whole taxi, which costs more. Women traveling alone might prefer to pay for two seats to have more space.

It's harder to catch a shared taxi on the road since they only stop if they have a free seat. Hold up fingers to show how many seats you need.

Prices are fixed, and drivers usually don't overcharge tourists. If you think you're being overcharged, ask other passengers or check with your hotel beforehand.

Shared taxis can be risky due to speeding and overtaking on blind spots. Drivers often work long hours, increasing the risk of accidents, especially at night. It's best to avoid them for night travel on busy roads.