Morocco by train

Traveling around Morocco by train is an excellent option. Although the railway network is not extremely developed and some destinations may be impossible to reach, the main cities are well connected and trains are frequent, reliable and comfortable.

Our baggages in Fes train station.

To avoid too much driving we have decided to move by train during this trip and we found this was the perfect choice for us.
Indeed, while visiting the biggest towns, most distances can be covered on foot or by taxi (a cheap transport method in Morocco), so we would definitely recommend to avoid renting a car as this will save you money and the stress of driving in the local traffic and looking for parking.

The railway system covers the connections between the most important cities. We traveled from Fes to Meknès, then to Rabat and last but not least, to Marrakech. Casablanca and Tangier are also well connected with the first high speed train introduced in Morocco in 2018.

Marrakech train station

Timings can be checked online through the ONCF website but tickets should be bought at the station. There's no need to buy them too much in advance, there are plenty of trains per day and locals are used to buy tickets on the day, but in high season it may be best to check a couple of days before. First class tickets guarantee a reserved seat in a 6 places air-conditioned compartment and are very reasonably priced. Food and drinks trolleys will pass during journeys of at least a couple of hours. Most train stations are modern and offer free WiFi connection.

Fes train station

And, besides the practical advice, there is nothing more interesting than seeing the natural transformation of the landscape through a train window. So that, from north to south, from Fes to Marrakech, partly longing the mighty ocean, it is a charming and relaxing experience seeing the gentle green hills covered in olive groves, fig trees and artichokes dry out to a much flatter and stony red land with the occasional bush or prickly pears plants.

On the train

Morocco is surely an excellent destination for a train trip: we had a very good experience and would definitely suggest anyone who wants to explore Morocco to do it by train.