What is the best way to get around Morocco?

The best way to get around Morocco depends on your itinerary: (1) For the imperial cities (Casablanca–Rabat–Fes–Meknes–Tangier): ONCF train is excellent — fast, comfortable, air-conditioned, and affordable. The Al Boraq high-speed train runs Casablanca–Tangier in 2h10min; (2) For the southern desert circuit (Marrakech → Sahara → Fes): Private 4x4 with driver-guide is the only practical option. Roads through the Atlas, Draa Valley, and to Merzouga are not served by trains. Buses serve this route but take much longer and stop frequently; (3) For city transport within Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca: Petit taxis (small red/green/blue metered taxis) are efficient and cheap. Always insist on the meter; (4) For airport transfers: Pre-arrange private transfer or take the official airport petit taxi. Avoid unofficial drivers; (5) Best overall for tourists: MSITravels private 4x4 with driver-guide — combines transport, local knowledge, and flexibility into one cost-efficient service.

How does the ONCF train system work in Morocco?

Morocco's ONCF train network is one of the best in Africa. Key routes and journey times: Casablanca → Rabat: 45 min, ~MAD 45; Casablanca → Fes: 3h45, ~MAD 110; Casablanca → Marrakech: 3h, ~MAD 100; Casablanca → Tangier (Al Boraq high-speed): 2h10, ~MAD 180; Fes → Tangier: 3h45, ~MAD 95. The Al Boraq (high-speed TGV-style train) only serves the Casablanca–Kenitra–Tangier axis at speeds up to 320km/h. Booking: tickets available online at oncf.ma or at station ticket offices. First class available — worth the small premium for longer journeys. Trains are generally punctual and well-maintained. Limitation: the train network does not reach Marrakech → Sahara, Ouarzazate, or the Atlas Mountains — for these routes, private transport is essential.

What is the difference between petit taxis and grand taxis in Morocco?

Morocco has two types of taxis: (1) Petit taxis (small taxis — colour varies by city: red in Marrakech, blue in Rabat, yellow in Agadir): For travel within a city only. Should use a meter. Shared with strangers on the same route if the driver accepts — this is normal and legal. Typical fare: 7–20 MAD within city centre. Tips: insist on the meter in Marrakech and Casablanca (drivers frequently try to negotiate a fixed higher fare); (2) Grand taxis (large shared taxis — usually old Mercedes): For intercity and long-distance travel. Fixed routes with fixed prices. Shared with up to 5 other passengers in a 6-seat Mercedes — very cramped. Price: typically 30–120 MAD per seat depending on distance. Can be hired exclusively (pay for all 6 seats) for private use. Grand taxis depart when full — often requires waiting 30–60 minutes at taxi station. For tourists, MSITravels recommends private 4x4 for any journey beyond city limits rather than grand taxis.

Is there a good bus network in Morocco?

Morocco has several bus companies — quality varies significantly: (1) CTM (Compagnie de Transport Marocain): The best bus company — modern coaches, air conditioning, assigned seats, reliable schedules. Online booking at ctm.ma. Routes: Marrakech→Fes, Casablanca→Agadir, Fes→Tangier. Comfortable but slower than trains; (2) Supratours (ONCF subsidiary): Premium service connecting cities not on the rail network. Good for Marrakech→Agadir, Marrakech→Laayoune. Comfortable; (3) Local/regional buses: Cheap but very slow, crowded, unreliable for schedules. Not recommended for first-time Morocco visitors. For tourists: CTM and Supratours are acceptable for budget travelers on direct city-to-city routes. For mountain and desert routes (Tizi n'Tichka, Draa Valley, Todra Gorge), buses are too slow and infrequent — private transport is much better.

Should you rent a car in Morocco?

Car rental in Morocco — pros and cons: Pros: (1) Flexibility — stop wherever you want, stay as long as you like; (2) Motorways and N-roads are in excellent condition and well-signposted; (3) Rental is affordable — from €30/day for a small car at major airports; (4) International driving permit recommended alongside your licence. Cons: (1) Driving style — Moroccan drivers can be assertive, especially on mountain roads; (2) Mountain passes (Tizi n'Tichka, Tizi n'Test) require care — snow-possible in winter; (3) Navigation in medinas — DO NOT drive into medinas (narrow alleys, illegal for cars); (4) Police checkpoints are frequent — always carry passport and all documents; (5) Unmarked animals on rural roads at night — do not drive at night outside of cities; (6) A 4x4 is required for many mountain and desert pistes. MSITravels verdict: self-drive works well for the imperial cities circuit (motorway Casablanca–Fes–Tangier). For the southern desert circuit, we strongly recommend using MSITravels private 4x4 + guide — the mountain and desert navigation genuinely requires local knowledge.

Trains · Taxis · Buses · 4x4 · Domestic Flights

Getting Around Morocco — Transport Guide

ONCF trains, petit taxis, grand taxis, CTM buses, private 4x4, and domestic flights. Costs, routes, and honest advice on what to use — and what to avoid.

Quick Answer

North vs South — different transport strategies

Northern Morocco (Casablanca → Rabat → Fes → Tangier): ONCF trains are excellent — fast, air-conditioned, affordable, and reliable. The Al Boraq high-speed train is world-class.
Southern Morocco (Marrakech → Atlas → Sahara → Gorges): Private 4x4 with driver-guide is the only comfortable option. No train, buses are very slow, and the mountain/desert navigation requires local knowledge.
Within cities: Petit taxis are cheap and efficient. Always insist on the meter in Marrakech. Agree prices for journeys in advance everywhere else.

Transport Comparison

Morocco transport options compared

Mode	Best For	Cost	Verdict
ONCF Train	Imperial cities circuit	MAD 45–180	Best for Casablanca → Rabat → Fes → Tangier. Al Boraq high-speed is world-class.
Petit Taxi	Within cities	MAD 7–20	Use for city transport. Insist on the meter in Marrakech and Casablanca.
Grand Taxi	City-to-city budget	MAD 30–120/seat	Shared, cramped, slow. Budget option only. Fine for short hops between nearby towns.
CTM Bus	Long-distance budget	MAD 80–200	Comfortable but slow. Good for Marrakech → Agadir. Book online at ctm.ma.
Private 4x4 (MSITravels)	Desert & mountain circuits	From €490/2 days	Best option for southern Morocco. Driver-guide, no navigation, stops where you want.
Domestic Flights	Long distances only	MAD 200–800	RAM (Royal Air Maroc) connects major cities. Only useful if short on time.

Transport FAQ

Getting around Morocco — frequently asked questions

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Travel Morocco without the transport headaches

MSITravels provides private 4x4 with driver-guide for all southern Morocco circuits — no taxis, no buses, no navigation stress. Free plan in 24h.

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