Everything You Need to Know About Travelling by Train in Morocco
- Malika
- 6 days ago
- 9 min read
Based on my experience, travelling by train in Morocco is one of the best ways to explore the country. The trains usually run on time, they are quiet and clean, and they have luggage racks at each end of the carriage if you’ve got a suitcase or backpack with you.
Moroccan trains generally offer a smooth ride and you don't have to worry about traffic jams (which can be issue when travelling by bus through big Moroccan cities like Casablanca). Once you've settled into your seat, all you have to do is sit back and watch the scenery roll by.
The railway stations are well-equipped with public toilets, shops and eateries, plus they are often located closer to city centres than the bus terminals are. I've always felt safe at Moroccan gares and on the trains, with fellow travellers who are friendly and helpful, even when there are language barriers.
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about travelling by train in Morocco, from buying tickets to finding timetables and booking overnight couchettes.
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Travelling by train in Morocco
Morocco boasts a well-developed rail system that links key tourist destinations across the north of the country, including Tangier, Casablanca, Rabat and Fes. The network extends as far south as Marrakech and is a great way of reaching the “Red City” if your international flight arrives in Casablanca.
That being said, the rail network is lacking in southern Morocco. So if you’re heading to places like Agadir, Essaouira or the Sahara Desert, you’ll need to rely on buses.
You’ve probably heard that Morocco is home to Africa’s first high-speed rail service, the Al Boraq, which whisks passengers from Tangier to Casablanca in just over two hours. Plans are in place for it to eventually extend all the way to Marrakech, although that section is still under development.
The Al Boraq is a highlight of rail travel in the country, reaching speeds in excess of 300 kilometres an hour and severely cutting down transit times. I recently rode it from Rabat to Tangier and it was a great experience! If you’re travelling around northern Morocco, I’d recommend planning your journey around it.
Buying tickets for trains in Morocco
In theory, purchasing train tickets in Morocco should be relatively straightforward. The country's rail network is operated by ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer du Maroc) and includes both conventional long-distance trains (branded as Al Atlas), as well as the high-speed Al Boraq line.
But in reality, I can never get the ONCF website to work - either the site doesn’t load or it crashes partway through the booking process. And based on the feedback from other travellers, I’m not the only one. After several tries, I’ve given up on using the ONCF website to book train tickets in Morocco and use a third-party booking site like 12Go or RailNinja instead.
If I’m near a railway station (known locally as gares) and it’s not inconvenient, I’ll go there to purchase tickets in person. The staff are always helpful, even if we sometimes have language barriers, and they’ll issue paper tickets so you don’t have to worry about downloading digital ones.
Top tip: If you’re travelling around major holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, it's best to reserve your train tickets well ahead of time. On other days, you can often buy tickets the day before or even just show up at the station on the day of travel.
Al Atlas and Al Boraq trains all have reserved seats while the few remaining Classic Express trains don’t take seat reservations. Seats on these trains are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with standing room for the rest. However, this does mean that they don’t sell out, unlike Al Atlas and Al Boraq trains.
Fare prices for Moroccan trains
Travelling by train in Morocco is quite affordable compared to European rail travel and is only slightly more expensive than getting around the country by bus. Travelling by train from Casablanca to Fes is around 22 Euro while tickets from Tangier to Marrakech on the overnight train start from around 35 Euro.
Fares for Al Boraq and Al Atlas trains now feature variable pricing, with cheaper “saver” tickets (these are non-refundable and non-changeable) and more expensive “flexible” fares. The latter can be changed free of charge or cancelled (for a fee). Both cash and credit/debit cards are accepted for payment at Moroccan railway stations.
Only e-tickets can be changed/cancelled online. If you’ve purchased your tickets at the station, you’ll need to make any alterations there. Some ONCF train tickets in Morocco can be changed right up until a few minutes before departure. So if you find that your chosen date or time doesn't work for you, it's possible make adjustments later.
Always check the booking conditions before you make a purchase, either at the station or online. Some third-party resellers may have their own terms and conditions, in addition to those of ONCF.
Second-class Al Boraq tickets from Casablanca to Tangier start from around 35 Euro (for a "saver" ticket) while the same journey by Al Atlas will be around 30 Euro. For first class on Al Boraq, expect to pay at least 50 Euro for a "saver" ticket and more than 75 Euro if you're after a "flexible" fare.
Children under 4 years old can travel for free on the lap of a parent while kids aged 4-14 are eligible for half-price fares or fixed price rates on Al Boraq services. Anyone 15 and older pays the full adult fare.
The difference between first and second-class train tickets in Morocco
To be honest, I don’t think there’s a massive difference between first and second-class train tickets in Morocco. The first-class carriages are generally less crowded with more space, plus you may have access to electrical outlets for charging devices.
On the other hand, second-class carriages can be busier and perhaps not as quiet. But from my experience, passengers usually talk in hushed tones when travelling by train in Morocco anyway.
Second-class tickets are definitely more affordable, making them a great option for those on a budget. Both classes have trollies selling tea and coffee, plus a range of sandwiches and snacks, and there are bathroom facilities available.
If you’re riding Al Boraq or Al Atlas trains, you’ll have a designated seat no matter which class of ticket you purchase, so it never feels like you’re in “cattle class”. On the Trains Navettes Rapides that connect Rabat and Casablanca, second-class tickets are unreserved, so you won’t be guaranteed a seat.
One major difference between first and second-class train tickets in Morocco is the Al Boraq Lounge, which is available for anyone travelling with a first-class Al Boraq ticket. These lounges (like airport lounges) are available at Tangier Ville, Kénitra, Rabat Agdal and Casablanca Voyageurs. I haven’t been inside but apparently, there are complimentary drinks and working desks available.
Travelling by sleeper trains in Morocco
If you’re travelling all the way from Tangier to Marrakech (or visa-versa), there’s an overnight train that departs once daily in either direction. It leaves Tangier at 23:45 and arrives in Marrakech at around 9:00 and departs Marrakech at 21:30 before arriving in Tangier around 7:00. It’s classified as a “slow train” and makes around six stops en route.
While there aren’t private sleeping compartments available, there are couchettes, which feature four bunk beds and can be booked as either single-sex or mixed-sex. Bed linens, including a pillow, sheet and light blanket, are provided and there’s a fan to help circulate air. Two bathrooms are available in each carriage to service around 10 couchettes.
The best way to buy tickets for Morocco’s overnight trains is in person at a train station as they will want to see your passport. If this isn’t possible and you want to book in advance from overseas, you can do so via the Marrakech Tickets website. Couchettes on Morocco’s overnight trains can sell out, so it’s best to book early if possible.
Finding timetables for Moroccan trains online
If you can get the ONCF website to work, then you’ll find timetables for all routes there. If not, you can search for your preferred route at 12Go and the results will show you departures throughout the day. Just make sure you filter your search results to show trains only, unless you’re open to other transport options.
Train departures on popular routes are frequent, with hourly services between Rabat and Casablanca, as well as between Casablanca and Fes. There’s only one overnight service (in each direction) travelling all the way from Tangier to Marrakech, although it is possible to travel this route during the day if you get an early start. After riding the Al Boraq from Tangier to Casablanca, you can get a connecting Al Atlas service to Marrakech.
FAQs about travelling by train in Morocco
Can you get around Morocco by train?
Morocco has a well-developed rail network that allows you to conveniently explore much of the country. The national rail operator, ONCF, has a fleet of comfortable, modern trains that connect major cities including Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakech and Tangier.
However, the rail network is limited mainly to the north of Morocco and does not extend to the southern desert regions or smaller towns in the Atlas Mountains. To reach those areas or the southern coastal cities of Agadir and Essaouira, buses or private transportation are necessary.
Is it safe to take a train in Morocco?
Travelling by train in Morocco is generally a safe and comfortable way to explore the country, including for solo travellers. The national rail operator, ONCF, operates a well-developed network of trains that are modern, clean and usually run on schedule.
Different classes of service are available, including second-class and first-class compartments, so you can select the option you prefer. There is a strong security presence on Moroccan trains, with police and train staff regularly patrolling carriages to ensure passenger safety.
Petty crime can sometimes occur, as in any country, so it's wise to keep valuables secure - don’t leave them in the luggage storage areas! Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at busier train stations with a large volume of people moving about.
What is the best way to travel within Morocco?
Travelling by train is the best way to get around northern Morocco, particularly if you’re visiting Casablanca, Rabat, Fes and Tangier. All are linked by frequent and affordable trains, including the high-speed Al Boraq, which travels between Casablanca and Tangier.
Morocco’s rail network currently extends as far south as Marrakech - if you’re heading to Agadir, you’ll need to get a bus. Major tourist destinations not served by Morocco’s rail network include Chefchaouen, Essaouira and the Sahara Desert, all of which can be reached by buses or guided tours.
What is the difference between first-class and economy train in Morocco?
There isn’t a huge difference between first and second-class train tickets in Morocco. First-class carriages tend to be less crowded, offering more space and wider seats, along with access to electrical outlets for charging devices.
Second-class carriages might be busier but the ticket prices are cheaper. Both classes have trolleys that sell tea, coffee, sandwiches and snacks, and there are bathroom facilities available.
If you're taking Al Boraq or Al Atlas trains, you'll have a reserved seat regardless of your ticket class. However, on the Trains Navettes Rapides that connect Rabat and Casablanca, second-class tickets are unreserved, meaning you won't have a guaranteed seat.
A key difference between the two classes is the Al Boraq Lounge, which is accessible to first-class Al Boraq ticket holders. These lounges, which offer complimentary drinks and workspaces, can be found at Tangier Ville, Kénitra, Rabat Agdal and Casablanca Voyageurs.
Are there sleeper trains in Morocco?
Yes, there are overnight trains between Tangier and Marrakech, with one sleeper service in either direction each evening. They depart Tangier at 11:45 PM and reach Marrakech around 9:00 AM or leave Marrakech at 9:30 PM and arrive in Tangier at about 7:00 AM.
Although private sleeping compartments aren't available, you can find couchettes with four bunk beds. These can be reserved for either single-sex or mixed-sex groups and have access to shared bathrooms. On each bed, you’ll find a pillow, sheet and light blanket, plus there's a fan to help keep things cool.
Is there a bullet train from Marrakech to Casablanca?
No, the high-speed Al Boraq train currently extends from Casablanca to Tangier, stopping at Casa Voyageurs, Rabat Agdal, Kenitra and Tangier Ville stations. There are plans to extend the line to Marrakech (and eventually all the way to Agadir) but this is not open to passengers yet.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.
