Morocco has one of the most useful railway networks in Africa, and for many journeys the train is the most relaxed way to travel. The national operator, ONCF, links Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Fes, Meknes and Marrakech, and the Al Boraq high-speed service has cut the trip from Tangier to Casablanca to a little over two hours. Where the rails stop, including Agadir and Essaouira, connecting Supratours coaches carry you the rest of the way on a single plan.
This guide explains how the network fits together, what to expect on board, how tickets and classes work, and how to combine train and coach for the southern coast.
The network in words
It helps to picture Moroccan railways as a long backbone with a few branches, rather than a dense web. Almost every journey you are likely to make uses part of that backbone.
The Atlantic spine: Tangier to Marrakech
The main line runs down the Atlantic side of the country. From Tangier in the far north, trains head south to Kenitra, then along the coast through Rabat and on to Casablanca. From Casablanca the line turns inland and continues south to Marrakech, which is the end of the passenger network in that direction. This is the route most visitors use, and it carries the most frequent services.
The eastern line: Casablanca to Fes and Oujda
A second major line branches east from the coast near Kenitra and Sidi Kacem, climbs to Meknes and Fes, and then continues across the north-east towards Taza and Oujda near the Algerian border. Trains between Casablanca or Rabat and Fes are frequent and popular, and Meknes makes an easy stop on the way.
Smaller branches
Shorter branches reach places such as El Jadida and Safi on the coast, and Nador in the north-east. These services are less frequent, so they are worth checking well before you set your plans.
Where there is no railway
Large and much-loved parts of the country have no passenger trains at all. Agadir, Essaouira, Chefchaouen, Ouarzazate, the Draa Valley and the Sahara around Merzouga are all reached by road. That is not a problem, but it does shape how you plan, as we explain below.
Al Boraq: Morocco’s high-speed train
Al Boraq began running in 2018 and is widely described as the first high-speed railway on the African continent. The trains run on a dedicated high-speed line between Tangier and Kenitra, then continue on upgraded conventional track through Rabat to Casablanca. A journey that used to take most of a day by road now takes a little over two hours from end to end, with Rabat roughly an hour and a half from Tangier.
The trains are modern, quiet and comfortable, with assigned seats, luggage racks and a small refreshment area. In Casablanca they use Casa-Voyageurs station, and in Rabat they stop at Rabat-Agdal. I often suggest Al Boraq for anyone arriving by ferry in Tangier who wants to be in Rabat or Casablanca the same afternoon; our guide to the Tangier ferry from Spain covers that crossing.
Work has been reported on extending high-speed rail further south towards Marrakech, and possibly beyond in the longer term. Plans and timings for major projects like this can change, so treat any extension as something to check closer to your trip rather than something to rely on now.
Classic trains and night trains
Outside the high-speed line, ONCF runs conventional intercity trains, often called Al Atlas services, plus slower regional trains. Intercity trains are generally air-conditioned and reasonably punctual, though delays of some minutes are not unusual, so leave a margin before any onward coach or flight.
On some long routes, such as Marrakech to Tangier, overnight trains have traditionally been offered, sometimes with couchette or sleeper compartments. Availability and the type of accommodation vary, so check what is running when you plan to travel. A night train can save a hotel night and a day of travel, but it is worth weighing that against arriving tired.
First class or second class?
Most trains offer two classes.
- Second class is perfectly comfortable on modern intercity trains. On busier services, especially around weekends and holidays, seats can fill and some passengers may end up standing on conventional trains.
- First class usually gives you a little more space, a quieter carriage and, on many services, an assigned seat. On longer journeys or at busy times, many travellers feel it is worth the difference.
On Al Boraq both classes come with reserved seating. On conventional trains, seat reservation rules can differ between first and second class, so read your ticket and do not be shy about asking the conductor.
Buying tickets
You can buy tickets at station ticket windows and machines, or through ONCF’s official website and app. Booking ahead is a good idea for Al Boraq and for first class at busy times, such as Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings, school holidays and the days around Eid. For short regional hops, buying at the station on the day usually works.
A few practical points:
- Keep your ticket until you have left the destination station; tickets are checked on board and sometimes at the exit.
- Carry your passport, as names may be printed on tickets and staff can ask for identification.
- Check the exact station. Several cities have more than one, including Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech and Fes, and the one you need depends on your train.
- Arrive early enough to find your platform and carriage. Departure boards are usually in Arabic and French.
Combining trains with Supratours coaches
Supratours is the coach company linked to the national railway, and its services are designed to connect with trains. This is how many travellers reach destinations without a station.
Getting to Agadir
The usual route is to take the train to Marrakech and then a connecting coach over the High Atlas foothills to Agadir. In many cases you can buy a combined train-and-coach ticket for the whole journey from cities such as Casablanca, Rabat or Fes. Our guide to travelling between Agadir and Marrakech explains that leg in more detail, and the Agadir travel guide covers arriving and finding your feet in the city.
Getting to Essaouira
Essaouira works the same way: train to Marrakech, then a connecting coach west to the coast. The Essaouira travel guide has more on arriving in the town and getting around the medina on foot.
Other connections
Connecting coaches have also linked rail stations with towns in the south and the north, and the pattern changes over time. CTM, the national coach company, is another reliable option for routes with no train, including Chefchaouen and the roads over the Atlas to Ouarzazate and the desert.
Classic train journeys for visitors
These are the rail trips that appear most often in travellers’ itineraries:
| Route | Why it is useful |
|---|---|
| Tangier to Rabat and Casablanca | Al Boraq makes the north and the Atlantic capitals feel close together. |
| Casablanca to Marrakech | The standard way south after flying into Casablanca. |
| Rabat or Casablanca to Fes | A comfortable run inland to the imperial cities, with Meknes on the way. |
| Fes to Marrakech | A long but straightforward day linking two major medinas. |
| Marrakech to Agadir or Essaouira | Train plus connecting coach, often on one ticket. |
For the cities themselves, the Casablanca travel guide, Rabat travel guide, Fes travel guide, Marrakech travel guide and Tangier travel guide each explain their stations, the trams or taxis that meet the trains, and how to reach the old town.
Tips for a smooth journey
- Travel light if you can. Luggage space is fine for a suitcase and a day bag, but bulky bags are awkward on crowded trains.
- Bring water and a snack. Some trains have a trolley or café area, but service varies.
- Use petit taxis from the station. Most city stations have taxi ranks outside. Ask for the meter, or agree on the fare before you set off; our article on common scams explains why.
- Watch your belongings. Stations are generally safe, but keep phones and wallets secure in busy concourses, as you would anywhere.
- Allow extra time during Ramadan and holidays. Trains get very busy around Eid, and timetables can shift. Our guide to travelling during Ramadan has more.
- Enjoy the view. The run south from Casablanca crosses wide plains, and the line towards Fes passes farmland and hills that look green after the winter rains.
Frequently asked questions
Is train travel in Morocco safe?
Yes, it is generally a safe and comfortable way to travel, and it is used by Moroccan families, students and business travellers every day. Take the same care with valuables that you would on any busy railway.
Can I take a train to Agadir?
Not directly. There is no passenger railway to Agadir, but you can take the train to Marrakech and continue by connecting Supratours coach, often on a combined ticket.
Do I need to book trains in advance?
For Al Boraq and for first class on busy days, booking ahead is wise. For short regional trips outside holiday periods, buying on the day usually works.
Is the high-speed train worth it?
If you are travelling between Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca, it saves a great deal of time and is very comfortable. For many visitors it is the easiest leg of the whole trip.
Plan your trip
Trains make it easy to string several Moroccan cities together in one journey. If you are mapping out a route, our Morocco travel library has a guide for each major stop, from the Tangier travel guide in the north to the Agadir travel guide on the southern coast. For ready-made routes, see our 10-day Morocco itinerary.
This article was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence, and was reviewed and edited by Yassine. How the guides are written and checked
