Planning a trip to Morocco and wondering how to get around? Traveling by train is one of the most comfortable, affordable, and scenic ways to explore this beautiful North African country. Operated by the national railway office, ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer), the Moroccan rail network is modern, efficient, and constantly expanding.
In this ultimate guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Morocco train routes, schedules, classes, and how to book your tickets.
The Moroccan Train Network at a Glance
Morocco’s railway system connects major imperial cities, coastal hubs, and northern ports. The network is split into two primary services:
- Al Boraq: Africa’s first high-speed rail line, connecting Tangier to Casablanca in just 2 hours and 10 minutes, running at speeds up to 320 km/h (198 mph).
- Al Atlas: Standard long-distance trains that link key destinations like Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, and Oujda.
Popular Morocco Train Routes
Here are the most popular routes used by travelers to navigate the country:
- Tangier – Rabat – Casablanca (Al Boraq High-Speed): The fastest route in the country, perfect for traveling between the northern coast and the commercial capital.
- Casablanca – Marrakech (Al Atlas): The gateway to the south. This route takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, carrying you from Casablanca’s bustling center to the red city of Marrakech.
- Fes – Marrakech (Al Atlas): A scenic 6.5-hour journey that links the imperial cities, passing through Meknes, Rabat, and Casablanca.
- Casablanca – Fes (Al Atlas): A key route connecting the coast to the cultural and spiritual heart of Fes in under 4 hours.
Morocco Train Classes: First vs. Second Class
Moroccan trains offer two main classes of service:
- First Class: Offers wider seats, more legroom, a quieter atmosphere, and guaranteed, numbered seats. It is highly recommended for journeys longer than two hours.
- Second Class (Economy): Budget-friendly and comfortable. While seating is assigned on Al Boraq and newer Al Atlas trains, older regional trains operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Essential Travel Tips for Morocco Trains
- Book in Advance: High-speed Al Boraq tickets can sell out during weekends and holidays. Booking early can also save you up to 30% on ticket prices.
- Keep Your Ticket: You will need to scan your ticket to exit many major stations, so keep it safe during the journey.
- Luggage Space: There are overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages. Try to travel light, as trains can get busy.
- Official Booking: You can check schedules and book tickets online via the official website at oncf-voyages.ma.
Whether you are seeking the speed of the high-speed Al Boraq or the relaxed, scenic journey of the Al Atlas trains, traveling Morocco by rail is an experience you won’t want to miss.
