Train travel through Morocco? Yes, definitely! It may not be the first option that pops into your head, but believe us: it’s one of the most enjoyable, hassle-free, and relaxed ways to see the country. Say goodbye to the stress of chaotic traffic, the headache of rental cars, or the challenge of navigating busy streets where traffic rules often seem optional. Instead, just sit back, look out the window, and watch Morocco’s beautiful landscapes unfold before you. From the sparkling blue sea near Tangier to the vibrant souks of Marrakech and the winding, timeless medina of Fez, Morocco offers a feast for the eyes.
During our first trip to Morocco, we chose to travel by train, and we were pleasantly surprised: the trains were clean, fast, affordable, and always on time. In this guide, we’ll take you through the ultimate public transport route. We’ll show you which destinations are easily accessible by train, highlight must-see spots along the way, and share how to creatively add in places without train stations to your itinerary.
Get ready for your complete guide to a memorable, stress-free train journey through Morocco!
Why Traveling by Train in Morocco is such a Good Idea
Traveling by train through Morocco is, without a doubt, an experience you won’t want to miss. While renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace—stopping whenever you like, visiting off-the-beaten-path villages, and easily reaching the countryside—it also comes with its own set of challenges. We’ve felt the chaos of the roads ourselves: the traffic is often overwhelming, crowded, and draining, especially in the larger cities. The train, however, offers a much more peaceful alternative. It’s surprisingly modern, clean, and fast, with the high-speed Al Boraq train being both comfortable and punctual, making it a reliable choice for getting around.
Of course, traveling by train does require a bit more planning since the rail network primarily serves the western part of the country, west of the Atlas Mountains. But don’t worry, by adding a few clever connections to your journey, you can still visit must-see destinations like Essaouira, Chefchaouen, and even venture to the Sahara. In this article, we’ll share tips on how to incorporate these into your travel plans.
And perhaps the best part about train travel in Morocco? It’s incredibly relaxing. No need to stress about navigating busy streets. Simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the ever-changing scenery. From lush green hills to dry, open plains, and bustling cities, the train ride offers a unique view of Morocco that you might not see from the typical tourist routes. After the hustle and bustle of the medinas, it’s the perfect opportunity to unwind with a book, listen to a podcast, or just scroll through your phone. Those quiet, peaceful moments while the train effortlessly carries you to your next destination.
Practical Tips for the Train in Morocco
Morocco is home to one of the most modern rail networks in North Africa, and you’ll immediately notice the difference once you step aboard. The trains are clean, spacious, and impressively punctual. You can zip between major cities quickly and comfortably, without the stress of navigating buses or dealing with rental cars.
The national railway company, ONCF, oversees the entire network, with the high-speed Al Boraq line being its crown jewel: Morocco’s very own TGV. This sleek train can take you from Tangier to Rabat or Casablanca in no time, reaching speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour.
Buying tickets is a breeze. You can purchase them at the station, either from a ticket counter or a vending machine, and pay with cash or a card. For busy routes or if you’d prefer a guaranteed first-class seat, it’s a good idea to arrive a little early or book your ticket in advance. Fortunately, most trains run on time, so you can rely on a smooth departure without any surprises.
When it comes to luggage, keep it practical. A sturdy suitcase with good wheels is a solid choice, but if you’re hopping between destinations, a small backpack is even more convenient. The key is to make sure your belongings are easy to lift or carry. And here’s a tip: always keep your valuables close. Instead of stowing them in the overhead rack, keep them on your lap or right next to you. Especially in crowded carriages, this small precaution can make all the difference in feeling safe and secure.
Your Morocco Itinerary on the Map
The Perfect Train Itinerary for Morocco
#1 Tanger
Welcome to Tanger, your first destination on an unforgettable train journey through the country. Tangier, perched at the northernmost tip, is where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. On clear days, you can even spot Spain across the water. This strategic location has made Tangier a melting pot of cultures for centuries, and that rich, vibrant history is still palpable as you stroll through its streets.
The medina, small yet lively, is a maze of narrow alleys that twist and turn up to the kasbah. Here, you’ll find the former sultan’s palace, which now houses a museum with a modest but intriguing collection that sheds light on the region’s fascinating past. From the kasbah, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the port and the coastline stretching out before you. At the foot of the kasbah lies Grand Socco Square, the lively heart of the city and the perfect starting point for your explorations of both old and new Tangier.
Tangier is easy to reach by plane or by ferry from Spain. The main train station, Tanger Ville, is centrally located and serves as the starting point for the high-speed Al Boraq line. In just over an hour, you’ll be on your way to Rabat. We recommend spending a day or two in Tangier to soak in the sights at a leisurely pace and ease yourself into the rhythm of your Moroccan adventure.
#2 Rabat
A little over an hour on the Al Boraq high-speed train from Tangier, and you’ll find yourself in Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Nestled along the Atlantic coast, Rabat exudes a surprisingly relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, certainly not what you might expect from a political center. The city is compact and green, with a seamless blend of ancient history and modern architecture. For us, it quickly became one of the most unexpected and delightful destinations in Morocco, full of character and rich in sights to explore!
At the heart of the city is the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a maze of narrow streets painted in shades of white and blue, offering stunning views over the river and the sea. Inside the kasbah, you’ll discover the Andalusian Gardens, a tranquil haven filled with palm trees, fountains, and the fragrant scent of oranges. Rabat’s medina is more intimate and authentic than those of Fes or Marrakech, making it a delightful place to wander. Here, you can browse for textiles, ceramics, spices, and street food, all without the overwhelming crowds that can sometimes take away from the experience.
Rabat is a city that invites you to explore on foot, with a calm, laid-back vibe. A single day is enough to see the city’s major attractions, but if you have two days, you can take your time, savoring the sights at a slower pace. The Rabat Agdal train station, located along the high-speed rail line, provides a quick and easy connection to both Tangier in the north and Casablanca in the south.
#3 Marrakech
From Rabat, you can reach Marrakech in about four hours, with a transfer in Casablanca. The shift from the calm capital to the vibrant chaos of Marrakech is striking. This city is loud, warm, bustling, and utterly captivating. It’s the kind of place where everything seems to happen at once, where you can easily get lost in the maze of streets and continuously discover something new around every corner.
At the heart of it all is the legendary Djemaa el Fna square. By day, you’ll find fruit sellers, snake charmers, and bustling spice stalls. But as the sun sets, the square comes alive with the intoxicating scent of grilled meats, the rhythmic beat of drums, storytellers spinning their tales, and the vibrant sounds of music. It’s the kind of place you can wander around for hours, losing track of time. From the square, step into the medina: an intricate maze of narrow streets lined with shops selling leather goods, carpets, pottery, and more. Not far away, you’ll find the magnificent Bahia Palace, the lush and colorful Jardin Majorelle, and the towering Koutoubia Mosque with its impressive minaret. For more insider tips, be sure to check out my blogs on the top 20 sights in Marrakech and the city’s most beautiful gardens.
Make sure to spend at least two to three days here to truly experience its magic, though you could easily stay longer. Marrakech is also ideally located for some unforgettable day trips Marrakech, making it a great place to linger if your schedule allows. The train station is just outside the city center and can be easily reached by taxi or tram.
Extra: 1–2 Days to Essaouira on the Coast
Longing for a breath of fresh sea air and a bit of tranquility? Hop on a bus from Marrakech to Essaouira. In just three hours, you’ll arrive on the Atlantic coast, where the pace slows down, and the salty breeze fills the air. Essaouira feels like a world apart from the rest of Morocco. With its charming winding streets, white-and-blue buildings, laid-back vibe, and ever-present wind, the city offers a refreshing change of scenery. That same wind has made it a popular spot for surfers, some of whom find themselves sticking around for months.
The harbor is dotted with traditional wooden fishing boats gently swaying in the water, and you’ll find freshly grilled fish on nearly every corner. Inside the ancient city walls, galleries, cozy cafés, and peaceful squares create a serene environment that invites you to unwind. We were honestly taken aback by how calm and relaxed the medina felt, especially when compared to the hustle and bustle of other Moroccan cities. For more tips on what to do in Essaouira, be sure to check out our blog for an insider’s guide to this delightful destination.
While one overnight stay in Essaouira is enough to get a feel for the city, spending two to three days will really let you kick back and soak up the relaxed beach vibes. Buses from various companies run several times a day, making it easy to escape to this coastal gem whenever you’re ready for a change of pace.
Extra: Three-day tour to Aït Ben Haddou, Todra Gorge and Erg Chebbi
If you have three days to spare, this route offers a truly unforgettable adventure! Starting from Marrakech, you’ll wind your way through the dramatic hairpin bends of the High Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is the iconic Aït Ben Haddou, a breathtaking mud-brick village that might look familiar if you’ve ever seen films like Gladiator.
From there, continue eastward, passing through lush oases and scenic valleys, until you arrive at the awe-inspiring Todra Gorge. This narrow passage between towering rock walls feels like stepping into another world. By the end of day two, you’ll reach the edge of the vast Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. Here, you’ll hop on a quad bike and venture deep into the desert, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional tent camp under the clear, starry skies of the Sahara desert. On day three, you’ll journey back to Marrakech, taking with you the memories of this incredible experience.
The distances are long, with an 8-hour drive each way, but the sights and experiences you’ll encounter make every moment worth it. You can choose the ease of booking an organized tour from Marrakech, or if you prefer more flexibility, rent a car for three days, giving you the chance to explore even more along the way.
Extra: Agafay Desert Day Trip
Short on time but still craving a taste of the desert? The Agafay Desert is the perfect getaway. Located less than an hour’s drive from Marrakech, this vast landscape of rugged terrain, sand-colored hills, and wide-open spaces offers a tranquil desert experience. While it lacks the towering dunes of the Sahara, its expansive views and raw desert charm will still make you feel like you’ve truly stepped into the heart of Morocco.
You can race across the desert on a quad bike, savor a delicious lunch at a desert camp, or stay for a magical dinner as the sun dips below the horizon. Many camps also offer luxurious glamping options if you’re looking to spend the night under the stars. We opted for an overnight stay in Agafay, and it quickly became one of our favorite memories of Morocco! It’s an ideal escape for those with limited time but a strong desire to experience the serenity and beauty of the desert.
#4 Casablanca
After the vibrant, chaotic charm of Marrakech, Casablanca can feel almost like a culture shock. Wide boulevards, sleek office buildings, sprawling shopping malls, and a constant buzz of activity. As Morocco’s largest city and the economic powerhouse of the country, it might not strike you with immediate charm, but it does boast one of the most impressive landmarks you’ll encounter during your journey.
The Hassan II Mosque, sitting majestically by the sea, is without a doubt the crown jewel of Casablanca. With its minaret rising an astonishing 210 meters into the sky, it proudly holds the title of the tallest mosque in the world. The mosque itself is partially built over the water, beautifully adorned with intricate mosaics, marble, and cedar wood. Inside, you’ll be struck by its breathtaking grandeur. This is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors, and it’s an experience not to be missed.
As for the rest of Casablanca, we found the city’s modern, bustling energy somewhat lacking in charm. If you do have some time to spare, however, a walk through the Habous district is worth considering. Built by the French in the 1930s, this “new medina” combines traditional souks with carefully designed streets. The old medina, on the other hand, is small and not particularly noteworthy.
One half-day or one overnight stay in Casablanca is more than enough to explore what the city has to offer. Casa Voyageurs station, conveniently located in the heart of the city, is an ideal departure point for further travel to destinations like Meknes or Fes. While Casablanca may not be a place to lose yourself in, it serves as a practical stop with one extraordinary sight that’s a true highlight of any Moroccan journey.
#5 Meknes
In just under three hours from Casablanca, you’ll arrive in Meknes, once the capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail and officially one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. While that sounds impressive, we have to admit that it didn’t quite wow us at first. Meknes does have its share of interesting sights, but overall, it feels less atmospheric and less refined than other cities along the route. In this blog, we’ll share why Meknes didn’t quite steal our hearts.
The medina here is quieter and more authentic, but it also feels somewhat worn and lacking in character. While cities like Fes and Marrakech envelop you in a sensory explosion of sights, smells, and bustling artisan markets, Meknes seems a bit more subdued. Instead of vibrant souks, you’ll often find yourself walking past plastic buckets, basins, and everyday household items. It’s authentic in its own way, but not exactly what you’d call charming. Beyond its historical sites, the city also has a slightly messy, neglected vibe.
That said, there are some real gems. The imposing Bab Mansour gate is truly breathtaking, as is the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. In the old royal palace area, you can still see remnants of the sultan’s grand vision: massive stables, royal grain storage, and a large, tranquil pond. Though these sites are spread out, they come together to tell an intriguing story of the city’s rich past.
If you have a bit more time, consider taking a day trip to Volubilis, the ruins of an ancient Roman city just outside of Meknes. The mosaics here are beautifully preserved, and the sweeping views of the surrounding valley are a sight to behold. A little further along, you’ll find Moulay Idriss, a whitewashed, sacred town nestled against the mountainside. Both are easily accessible by taxi, public transport, or as part of a guided tour. We chose to take a bus to Moulay Idriss, enjoyed a scenic walk to Volubilis, and then grabbed a taxi back.
If your itinerary allows, we’d recommend Meknes as a brief stop. It’s worth a visit, but you’ll want to move on soon enough. Thankfully, Fes is just a 45-minute train ride away, a city that bursts with energy and history, where the atmosphere truly comes alive.
#6 Fez
Of all the incredible places in Morocco, Fez is by far our favorite. We’ve visited twice now, and both times we ended up staying much longer than we had planned. From the moment you step into the medina, it feels like you’ve entered another world. It’s like walking through a living dream, where every corner holds something new and exciting. Everywhere you look, there are workshops, shops brimming with colorful goods, stacks of carpets, fresh fruits, shining copper, leather, and ceramics. Everything seems alive, filled with energy, sounds, and fragrances.
Fez’s medina is the largest in Morocco, a labyrinth of narrow alleys where cars are strictly prohibited. You will inevitably get lost, but that’s all part of the experience. In one narrow street, you might discover a traditional tannery, and in the next, you could stumble upon a madrassa or see a woodworker carving intricate designs. At Chouara, the city’s most famous tannery, you can peer down into large dyeing pits where animal hides are soaked in vibrant, centuries-old dyes. It’s a mesmerizing sight, and it’s no surprise that Fez’s old medina is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Despite the hustle and bustle, Fez hides some incredible gems. Don’t miss Al Quaraouiyine, considered by many to be the world’s oldest university, or the decaying but majestic El Glaoui palace. The Bou Inania madrassa, with its delicate woodwork and beautiful mosaics, is another must-see. While some of these sites may not be open to the public, even simply standing on their threshold leaves a lasting impression. For more tips, check out our blog on the 16 most stunning spots in Fez.
For us, Fez was love at first sight. We recommend spending at least two days—ideally three—wandering through the medina, getting lost, and letting the city sweep you off your feet. It’s a city that’s intense, yes, but absolutely unforgettable. The train station is just a short distance from the city center and easily accessible by taxi. From there, you can head back to Tangier or catch a flight from Fez airport to continue your journey home.
Extra: Day Trip or Two-Day Trip to Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is one of the most photogenic towns in Morocco. With its vibrant blue walls, staircases, and doors, almost every inch of the medina is painted in various shades of blue. This makes for breathtaking photos and an unexpectedly tranquil atmosphere. Tucked away in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen feels cooler, greener, and far more relaxed than the bustling cities of Morocco.
That said, we actually skipped it on our first trip through Morocco by train and bus. Chefchaouen is a bit off the beaten path: there’s no train station, and from Fez, it’s a four-hour journey by bus or shared taxi. As a day trip, it’s a bit too much to take on, so we recommend staying at least one night if you’re planning to visit. On our second trip, however, we made it there while traveling by camper on our way north to catch the ferry from Morocco to Spain, and we instantly fell in love with the town.
Chefchaouen is small and easy to explore on foot. You can stroll through the serene blue streets, shop for handwoven blankets or leather slippers, sip mint tea on a terrace, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. There’s not much in terms of major attractions, but that’s what gives the town its charm. One night in Chefchaouen is ideal. You can soak in the early morning calm and return in the evening when the light is soft and the crowds have thinned out.
If you’re coming from Fez, plan to spend the night and be sure to book your bus tickets well in advance. Buses run regularly, but they can fill up fast. Although Chefchaouen isn’t on the train route, if you have some extra time, it’s a beautiful detour that’s definitely worth the journey.
