Last Updated on August 30, 2023 by Lauren Allen
Planning a big trip to one of Africa’s top tourist destinations and wondering how to get around in Morocco? In this post, I will share the full low down on this topic to help you plan your ideal trip around this beautiful country!
There’s a lot to see in Morocco and the top destinations to explore are scattered across the country. Regardless, travelling around Morocco is pretty straightforward as they have an array of great transport links.
As I write this, I am on a train between Rabat and Marrakech. Having been in the country for almost three weeks already, I have done my fair share of travelling around. Due to this, I have gained some knowledge of how to ge around in Morocco without any difficulties.
Here are the top seven ways of travelling around Morocco:
Table of Contents
How to get around in Morocco
Jump on a train
One of the most comfortable ways to get around in Morocco is to travel by train.
There are two main ticket types when it comes to train travel in Morocco – first class and second class. First-class ticket holders can expect larger seats, more space and tables. However, second-class seats are still quite comfortable (except for when you’re cramped in space for eight people and you’re travelling with a large suitcase like I am right now.)
Additionally, there are some trains that offer sleeping compartments for overnight journeys. However, this isn’t something that I have personally experienced.
Many of the best places to visit in Morocco have train stations. This includes major cities such as Marrakech, Fez and Rabat. Journey duration and ticket prices vary greatly depending on the cities and towns you are travelling between.
On some routes in Morocco, you’ll be able to travel by high-speed train. Popular journeys to take via high-speed train include:
- Tangier to Rabat.
- Rabat to Casablanca.
- Tangier to Casablanca.
How to book train tickets in Morocco
If you’d prefer to book your train tickets in advance (as opposed to booking at the station), follow these steps:
- Visit the ONCF website and use the translator to switch the language to your spoken language.
- Enter your departure station, arrival station, number of travellers and date of travel.
- Select your chosen journey and enter some personal details (such as name, phone number and email).
- Pay for your ticket.
- Receive your tickets details via email.
Things you need to know before catching a train in Morocco
- If your plans change and you’ve booked your ticket via the ONCF website, you may be able to change the date or time of your journey for free depending on the type of ticket you purchased. Take this into consideration when you book. If you know it’s likely that your plans could change, go with a more flexible option.
- Personally, I found it best to buy tickets at the ticket office in person. I attempted to purchase from the ticket machine once, and my card was not accepted. As such, it’s best to arrive with time to spare to allow for queues at the ticket office to ensure you don’t miss your train.
- Depending on the type of train you are travelling on, it might be difficult to find a spot to store your luggage. I learned this the hard way when I had to travel in an 8-person carriage with a large suitcase that no way going to fit in the overhead storage… I don’t think the other people were too impressed (oops).
Catch a CTM bus
Some destinations (such as Chefchaouen) do not have train stations. Often this means that the best way to get there is to travel by bus.
One of the main bus companies (and the one that I can personally recommend) is CTM. They offer regular services between the most popular destinations in Morocco and the ticket prices are super reasonable! Popular routes on CTM buses include:
- Fez to Chefchaouen
- Marrakech to Agadir
- Marrakech to Essaouira
- Casablanca to Adadir
How to book a CTM bus in Morocco
Booking a ticket online is super easy, but to make things clear, here’s how to book a CTM bus ticket online:
- Visit the CTM bus website and use the translator to switch the language to your spoken language.
- Enter your departure station, arrival station, number of travellers and date of travel.
- Select your chosen journey and enter some personal details (such as name, phone number and email).
- At this point, you’ll have the option to change your seat number.
- Continue to pay and fill in your billing details.
- You will then receive two emails – One with your journey details and one containing your ticket. Make sure neither of these has gone into your junk folder (as they often did when I booked my tickets).
Things you need to know before getting a CTM bus in Morocco
- If you’re travelling with large luggage, you will need to go to the ticket office to buy a luggage ticket. The cost is per piece of luggage that you wish to store and varies depending on your journey. However, in my experience, it wasn’t more than 10 Moroccan Dirhams (less than a pound).
- You will be given a ticket for your stored luggage. Make sure you keep hold of this as you’ll be asked to show the staff when you arrive at your destination.
- CTM buses will often stop for breaks. This means that your journey duration will likely be longer than it says online. However, it’s a good time to stretch your legs and get some air after hours of being cramped in one space!
- Most CTM buses are meant to have WiFi. However, in my experience, it didn’t work. Take that into consideration if you were planning on doing some work or catching up on your favourite Netflix show!
- You will be expected to sit in your allocated seat, even if there are free seats available. I asked to sit elsewhere as myself and the lady next to me had a lot of belongings with us, but I was told no…
Travel by taxi
If you would prefer to be more flexible with your travel plans, relying on public transport isn’t ideal. However, it’s possible to do this if you opt to travel via taxi instead. In top tourist destinations such as Fez, Marrakech and Chefchaouen, you’ll find it easy to find a taxi that will be willing to take you further afield. Just make sure you agree on a price beforehand and never take the first price – always haggle!
Things you need to know before getting a taxi in Morocco
- Some taxi drivers may try to change you more than they should. To avoid this, ask your hostel or hotel how much the journey should cost. At the end of your journey, refuse to pay more and tell the driver that you know what the price should be.
- Taxis in Morocco are often shared. This keeps costs down but means that there can be several stops on the way to your destination. If you would prefer a private taxi, expect to pay a premium.
Consider travelling in luxury with a private transfer
On that topic, travelling with a private transfer offers a more relaxed and luxurious experience. While you can book these in person, there are also options when it comes to booking online. For example, here are some options for private transfers between some popular cities in Morocco:
- One-way transfer to Fez from Chefchaouen
- Transfer to the blue city from Fez
- Private transfer from Tangier to Fez (via Chefchaouen)
- One-way private transfer between Fez and Casablanca
- Private transfer between Fez and Rabat
Hire a car in Morocco
One of the very best ways to explore a new country or destination is to hire a car. This is because you’ll get total freedom. You’ll get to sleep in, have a slow morning and get on the road as soon as you are ready. Alternatively, you can get up early and beat the traffic. The choice is yours!
Booking a car rental in Morocco is totally possible for tourists, just make sure you pack your license! Some of the top companies to hire a car in Morocco are:
- Europcar
- Axis
- Hertz
- Right Cars
- Sixt
Things to know before hiring a car in Morocco
- Driving in Morocco can be a little challenging. This is due to the winding roads and steep drops. For example, some roads (especially in the Atlas Mountains) can be a little dangerous. Just make sure you’re careful if you travel on these routes!
Join a guided tour
If you’re the type of traveller who prefers to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, you may want to consider joining a guided tour. Guided tours are a great option, especially if this will be your first time travelling in Morocco. Some pros of guided tours are:
- Meeting like-minded individuals – This is especially beneficial as a solo traveller.
- Having an itinerary planned out for you – This means you don’t need to spend your time planning an itinerary.
- Transportation is sorted – You won’t need to figure out the best way to get between destinations.
- You’ll visit all the top hot spots – You’ll see some of the best destinations in a short space of time.
Some of the best-guided tours to join in Morocco include the following:
- 3-day tour to the Sahara Desert from Marrakech: Turly experience the Sahara Desert on this three-day tour from Marrakech. Enjoy being surrounded by sand dunes, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou and admire beautiful viewpoints.
- From Marrakech: 2 day Atlas Mountain hiking tour with a stay in a local village: Live life as a local in Moroccan villages while taking in breathtaking views as you hike through the Atlas Mountains.
- Overnight tour to the Zagora Desert from Marrakech: Escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech on this two-day overnight tour to the Zagora Desert. Make stops in the Atlas Mountains and go on a guided tour of Ait Ben Haddou before glamping under the stars in the desert and watching the sunrise over the dunes the next morning.
- 4-day Sahara Desert tour: Hit up some lesser-visited spots in Morocco on this four-day tour through the Sahara Desert. You’ll stop at several popular locations as well as some hidden gems on this multi-day trip!
Catch a flight
Lastly, another way to consider getting between Moroccan cities is to fly. This is likely only the best option on long-distance routes. However, this will of course depend on what your personal preference is. If you would prefer to fly over getting a bus or train, there are many services a day between the top destinations in Morocco.
There are airports in the following popular tourist destinations across the country:
- Marrakech
- Fez
- Agadir
- Rabat
- Casablanca
- Essaouira
- Tangier
- Ouarzazate
All you need to do is consider the journey duration and whether or not flying will increase or decrease your travel time. Airlines that fly between Moroccan cities include Air Maroc and Ryanair.
FAQ about getting around in Morocco
Is Morocco easy to navigate for tourists?
Absolutely! Despite travelling alone, I found it extremely easy to navigate travelling around Morocco. As I spent almost four weeks exploring the country, I used public transport a lot to get from A to B. This included taxis, buses and trains. Morocco is very well connected with transport links which means you shouldn’t have any issues travelling between the top destinations.
Read more: Solo female travel in Morocco
What is the best way to get around in Morocco?
The best way to get around varies greatly depending on your route and your style of travel. Buses and trains are your cheapest option, but you may want to consider taxis or private transfers if you want increased comfort.
What is the cheapest way to travel around Morocco?
As I’ve explained already, travelling by train or bus is the cheapest way to travel around Morocco. However, this will vary on your route. If you’re travelling on a budget, shop around to find the best deal.
Is Uber available in Morocco?
No, Uber is not available in Morocco. If you want to get a taxi, your only options are petite taxis or grand taxis.
Are taxis cheap in Morocco?
Ultimately, yes. Taxis in Morocco are cheap when compared to the likes of the UK and USA. For example, travelling in a private taxi from Tamraght to Agadir Airport cost 300 Moroccan Dirhams (which is around £24). The journey was approximately one hour long. A similar journey in the UK would likely cost double (or even triple) that price.
Has this post on how to get around in Morocco made you feel more at ease about your trip? I hope so! If you have any questions at all, please feel free to get in touch and I’d be happy to help!
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Pankaj
Well explained in plain and simple to understand.
Lauren Allen
PankajThanks, glad you found it helpful 🙂