How to Get from Marrakech to Casablanca: Train + Bus + Transfer + Tour
- Malika
- Jun 9
- 15 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Wondering how to get from Marrakech to Casablanca or what is the best way of getting from Casablanca to Marrakech? Discover the most convenient, fastest and cheapest ways to travel between two of Morocco’s largest cities.
Marrakech and Casablanca are both sprawling Moroccan cities, home to large airports that are well-connected by international flights. Understandably, most tourists fly in and out of one of these major aviation hubs. But what if you want to fly into Marrakech and out of Casablanca (or visa versa) and see a bit of Morocco along the way?
Having travelled back and forth between Marrakech and Casablanca numerous times, I know this route well. I'm here to tell you there are really good public transport connections between the two cities, utilised not only by tourists but also Moroccans travelling for work and pleasure. Plus, the short distance between Casablanca and Marrakech (it’s less than 250 kilometres) means it’s doable in a few hours or as a day trip.
In this article, I’ll outline everything you need to know to get from Marrakech to Casablanca. Aside from exploring the bus and train options, I’ll explain how to travel between Casablanca and Marrakech by private transfer and on a full-day guided tour.
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Here are my top picks for the best way to get from Marrakech to Casablanca:
The best way to get from Marrakech to Casablanca
The cheapest way to get from Marrakech to Casablanca
The fastest way of getting from Marrakech to Casablanca (door-to-door service)
The most convenient way to get from Marrakech to Casablanca
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to get from Casablanca to Marrakech
How to get from Marrakech to Casablanca by train
The best way to get from Marrakech to Casablanca
If you’re looking for the most convenient way to get from Marrakech to Casablanca, I personally think the train is the best option. Regular Al Atlas trains (operated by ONCF) travel between the two cities, with dozens of daily departures (from around 5:50 in the morning to 9 at night). The journey from Marrakech takes two hours and 40 minutes before arriving at Casa Voyageurs Railway Station.
Trains heading to Casablanca leave from Marrakech Railway Station, which is around 15 minutes by taxi from Djemma el-Fnaa.
Trains from Marrakech arrive at the Casa Voyageurs Railway Station, which is around 10 minutes drive from the Old City and slightly further from Hassan II Mosque.
On arrival at Casa Voyageurs, you can either catch a tram (there's a stop right outside the railway station) to Marche Central or jump in a petit taxi. Taxis in Casablanca are metered but I always ask the driver for an approximate fare before getting in. In some cases, they will quote a fixed price rate and you can agree to that (or not).
A taxi from Casa Voyageurs to the city centre should be between 50 and 100 DH, depending on where you are going.
Does the Al Boraq travel from Marrakech to Casablanca?
Not yet! Morocco's high-speed Al Boraq trains don't currently connect as far south as Marrakech....but it's in the works! Reaching speeds of over 300 km/h, these ultra-fast trains currently travel between Tangier and Casablanca. Until the line is extended, you'll need to take standard Al Atlas trains between Casablanca and Marrakech.
Travelling from Casablanca to Marrakech
How to purchase train tickets from Marrakech to Casablanca
When buying train tickets from Marrakech to Casablanca, you have a couple of options. One is to visit the ticket counter at the Marrakech Railway Station and purchase your tickets in person. This process is quite simple (once you've found your way to the railway station), although you may need to wait in line during peak travel times.
Another option is to buy your tickets online through the ONCF website. In theory, this should be simple, but I often encounter problems when trying to access the ONCF site (it just refuses to load). I’m really hoping this is a temporary glitch they will resolve soon!
Meanwhile, I’ve been booking my train tickets in Morocco using 12Go - I also use its ONCF page to find train timetables in Morocco. If you’re facing difficulties with the ONCF website as well, 12Go is a great alternative. It also shows bus services in Morocco, allowing you to compare prices for both.
How far ahead should you reserve your train tickets from Marrakech to Casablanca? I recommend booking a few days in advance to secure your preferred departure time and class. During busy travel periods, like the days leading up to Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan, it's best to purchase your train tickets as early as you can due to high demand.
Ticket prices for trains from Marrakech to Casablanca begin at around 220 dirhams for second-class and 300 dirhams for first-class. The choice between first-class and second-class tickets mainly depends on individual preferences and financial considerations. Although there are some variations in comfort, I don't think they are substantial and I usually opt to save a few dirhams with a second-class ticket.
After you finalise your online booking, a PDF ticket will be sent to you, which you can easily show on your mobile device when you board the train. ONCF staff members walk through the cabin to verify tickets during the trip, so make sure to keep it accessible!
What to expect on the Marrakech to Casablanca train
If you're taking a train in Morocco for the first time, it's a relatively straightforward process. They only real surprise is how architecturally impressive the railway stations are!
I suggest you arrive at the Marrakech Railway Station at least 15 minutes before your train is scheduled to leave. This will give you ample time to locate your platform, maybe use the restroom and get comfortable in your seat.
The station itself is stunning, featuring a traditional design with a beautifully tiled exterior. Once inside, you’ll find cafes, convenience stores and restrooms - it's all very modern and traveller-friendly.
Whether you have a first or second-class ticket for the trip from Marrakech to Casablanca, you'll find toilets at the end of each carriage. Additionally, there's a small food cart that moves along the train, selling drinks and snacks during the ride. It's worth keeping in mind that prices for refreshments onboard Moroccan trains aren't super cheap - I recommend grabbing some snacks at the station before you board.
Travelling from Marrakech to Casablanca
How to get from Marrakech to Casablanca by bus
The cheapest way to get from Marrakech to Casablanca
Is there a bus from Marrakech to Casablanca? The answer is “Yes, there are lots!" and this is the most affordable way to travel between the two cities. Buses run frequently throughout the day from Marrakech to Casablanca, with the best offering reclining seats, air conditioning and ample legroom.
As a solo female traveller, I have taken buses all across Morocco and have never encountered any problems. In most cases, Moroccan buses are safe and efficient, as well as being a great way to connect with locals.
If you're leaving from Marrakech, the main bus station (known locally as the gare routiere) is situated in Gueliz on the northwestern side of the medina. If you’re travelling with CTM or Supratours, buses leave from their individual stations, both of which are located just south of the Marrakech Railway Station.
The simplest way to get to any of Marrakech's bus stations is to take a petit taxi and inform the driver of your destination. In Marrakech, petit taxis are metered but always ask the driver for an estimate before you get in. Alternatively, you can use a ride-sharing app like Careem to arrange your trip.
How to purchase bus tickets from Marrakech to Casablanca
When arranging bus tickets from Marrakech to Casablanca, I recommend booking online a few days ahead of your travel dates. This is especially important if you’re travelling in the lead-up to or immediately after a major holiday like Eid al Adha or Eid al Fitr at the end of Ramadan.
During these periods, a lot of Moroccans are travelling to spend time with family and friends. If you need to get from Marrakech to Casablanca over these days, I suggest reserving your bus tickets a few weeks in advance to guarantee a seat for your preferred date and time.
Several bus companies operate between Marrakech and Casablanca, with CTM being a personal favourite. I find their website easy to navigate, so you can easily book tickets directly. Another option is to look for Morocco bus tickets on 12Go, which compares various companies on the same route, helping you find the best price available.
At the time of writing, CTM has around 14 daily buses from Marrakech to Casablanca, with prices starting from 95 dirhams. The first service departs at around 2:50 am from Marrakech and the last at around 7:45 pm. It’s important to note that fare prices fluctuate depending on demand and throughout the day, so check the CTM website for your preferred dates/times.
Bus travel times from Marrakech to Casablanca depend on which Casablanca CTM station you are stopping at. Remember, Casablanca is a HUGE city! As such, CTM operates three separate terminals across the city - FAR, Ain Sebaa, and Maarif.
CTM FAR is the closest to the city centre and is the largest of the three terminals. Most people alight here. CTM Maarif is located to the southwest (buses from Marrakech will stop here first before continuing on to CTM FAR). CTM Ain Sebaa is to the east of the city centre and this is the final Casablanca stop if you're coming from Marrakech.
Be sure to check which terminal is closest to your accommodation before purchasing your ticket. Also, keep in mind that only a couple of services go as far as CTM Ain Sebaa each day - most stop at FAR and Maarif.
The fastest service takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the journey from Marrakech to Casablanca Maarif while the longest is 3 hours and 45 minutes (to Casablanca Ain Sebaa). From Marrakech to Casablanca FAR, you’re looking at roughly 3 hours.
As you can see, the bus travel times from Marrakech to Casablanca FAR are longer than if you’re travelling by train. The upside is that the tickets cost a little less, making them a great option if you’re travelling on a budget in Morocco. It’s also important to keep in mind that travelling in heavy Casablanca traffic can affect bus travel times, so plan for a flexible schedule.
Best way to get from Marrakech to Casablanca
Buses from Marrakech to Casablanca
First bus: Departs Marrakech at 02:50 and arrives in Casablanca FAR at 05:50 (duration 3 hours)
Last bus: Departs Marrakech at 19:45 and arrives in Casablanca FAR at 23:00 (duration 3 hours and 15 minutes)
Buses from Casablanca to Marrakech
First bus: Departs Casablanca FAR at 06:30 and arrives in Marrakech at 10:15 (duration 3 hours and 45 minutes)
Last bus: Departs Casablanca FAR at 23:30 and arrives in Marrakech at 03:15 (duration 3 hours and 45 minutes)
To book your bus tickets from Marrakech to Casablanca, simply input your name, email address, phone number and the type of ID you plan to use, along with the ID number. For most travlelers, this will be your passport. After you submit this information, you'll be able to change the seat that has been automatically assigned to you.
As soon as you provide your payment details, you'll receive a confirmation email immediately. This email will include a PDF ticket that you can conveniently show to the bus driver when you board the bus - there's no need to print it! If you would rather handle everything in person and pay with cash, go directly to the bus station to finalise your purchase.
What to expect on the Marrakech to Casablanca bus
If you’re planning to take the bus from Marrakech to Casablanca, I suggest arriving at least 15 minutes before its scheduled departure. This will allow you enough time to locate your departure bay and check in any luggage you might have at the baggage counter.
To do this, you’ll need to pay a small fee (ranging from 10 to 15 dirhams) and you'll receive a tag or sticker to attach to your bag. Additionally, you’ll get a stub that you’ll need to show when you pick up your bag at your destination. This way, no one can run off with anyone else's bag!
Once your bags are loaded into the luggage hold, it’s time to board the bus. Your seat number will be clearly marked above the seat. Be sure to sit in your assigned seat to avoid any mix-ups as other passengers board. After you’re settled in, all that’s left to do is relax and enjoy the scenery rolling by outside your window.
Just a quick reminder: the bus from Marrakech to Casablanca doesn’t have restrooms, so it’s a good idea to use the facilities before you board. If you find yourself needing to use public toilets in Morocco, remember to keep some spare change on hand to tip the attendant - it’s a customary practice!
Best way to get from Casablanca to Marrakech
How to get from Marrakech to Casablanca by private transfer
The fastest way to get from Marrakech to Casablanca
If you're travelling with a group or simply want the fastest way to get from Marrakech to Casablanca, I’d suggest taking a private transfer. It’s around 240 kilometres (150 miles) between the two cities and the drive can take as little as two and a half hours.
You can easily arrange private transfer pickups in advance and they will come directly to your hotel in Marrakech (or as near as the medina permits). This saves you the trouble (and expense) of reaching the bus or train station - it's worth factoring this into your decision!
When you arrive in Casablanca, they will take you straight to your hotel, once more saving you the cost of a taxi.
If you're traveling with a lot of luggage or have young kids in tow, opting for a private transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca is worth the expense, in my opinion. It means you can avoid the hassle of dragging your bags through busy bus or train stations, as well as managing public transport while keeping an eye on the little ones. Plus, you get to choose your departure time, giving you the freedom to travel early in the morning or late at night, depending on what suits you best.
Although a private transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca might be pricier than taking a bus or train, the convenience, flexibility and personalised service it offers make it a fantastic option for some. I would particularly recommend it for travellers looking for a hassle-free journey who are willing to pay a little more for the privilege.
Travelling from Marrakech to Casablanca
How to get from Marrakech to Casablanca by grand taxi
The least comfortable way of getting from Marrakech to Casablanca
If you want travel from Marrakech to Casablanca on a budget while still enjoying some of the benefits of a private transfer, a grand taxi can be a good compromise. That being said, I think it's the least comfortable option on this list!
A grand taxi is a shared vehicle that accommodates up to six passengers, so while you won’t have the whole taxi to yourself, you’ll enjoy a significantly lower fare compared to a private transfer. It's also a fast way of getting from Marrakech to Casablanca (around 2.5 hours), as grand taxi drivers aren't ones to take things slowly!
If you prefer, you can reserve the entire taxi for yourself, which may or may not turn out to be less expensive than a private transfer (you'll need to negotiate the price). If you do opt for a grand taxi over a private transfer, keep in mind that you’ll have to go to the grand taxi station near Bab Doukkala (it's adjacent to the Gare Routiere de Marrakech), as they don't come to pick you up!
When you book a seat in a grand taxi from Marrakech to Casablanca, prices usually start at around 150 dirhams, which is comparable to bus fares and slightly cheaper than the train. Official prices are typically displayed at the station, but don’t hesitate to enquire if you can’t find them.
Be mindful that drivers may charge extra if you have a lot of luggage that takes up additional space - you also pay extra for luggage on the bus!
Travelling by grand taxi from Marrakech to Casablanca is generally faster than by bus, with regular departures throughout the day. However, grand taxis only leave once all of the seats are filled. So if it’s a slow day, you might find yourself waiting for a while. The other downside is that they can be really cramped, with four passengers in the back and two in the front, plus the driver.
Female travellers might feel a bit uncomfortable in a grand taxi, especially if there are predominantly men in the vehicle. If that’s the case, you can request to sit next to another woman - Moroccans will usually try and make this happen anyway as it's culturally appropriate.
Personally, I prefer to use grand taxis for shorter trips or when buses and trains aren’t available. But when there are so many other convenient and comfortable options for travelling from Marrakech to Casablanca, a grand taxi would never be at the top of my list.
Travelling from Casablanca to Marrakech
How to get from Marrakech to Casablanca by rental car
The most flexible way to travel from Marrakech to Casablanca
Driving is not only one of the fastest and most effective methods to travel from Marrakech to Casablanca; it also allows you the flexibility to stop whenever you wish along the route. This makes it ideal for those looking to embark on a road trip in Morocco and explore a little off the usual tourist path during the journey between these two cities.
However, I wouldn’t advise renting a car solely for the trip from Marrakech to Casablanca, as the public transport options are so good. Navigating in and out of both cities can be challenging due to heavy traffic conditions and it's not always easy figuring out where you have to go. Additionally, finding parking in Casablanca can be a hassle and you'll have to pay for it!
But if you're thinking about a road trip in Morocco, I strongly suggest renting a car. Once you leave the major cities, the driving conditions are really manageable and the ability to explore at your own pace is unmatched!
If you're thinking about renting a car in Morocco, I suggest looking into Discover Cars. They not only feature a wide selection of vehicles from top rental companies, but they also provide free cancellation and round-the-clock support in various languages.
For more information on driving in Morocco, take a look at my detailed article here. I cover everything from safety issues to police checks and the steps involved in booking a rental car in Morocco.
How to get from Marrakech to Casablanca
Can you do a day trip from Marrakech to Casablanca?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to do a day trip from Marrakech to Casablanca (or a day trip from Casablanca to Marrakech), with the travel time between the two cities less than three hours. You could take an early bus or train from the “Red City” and be in Casablanca by mid-morning, giving you plenty of time to visit the Hassan II Mosque, the Cathedral du Sacre Coeur and a museum or two.
Alternatively, you can join a guided tour from Marrakech to Casablanca, including all transport and pick-up directly from your hotel or riad. Guided day trips from Casablanca to Marrakech are also available if you’re travelling in the opposite direction.
How to get from Marrakech to Casablanca by guided tour
The most convenient way to get from Marrakech to Fes
If you want to travel from Marrakech to Casablanca while seeing a LOT in between, then I’d recommend a multi-day guided tour.
Guided tours from Marrakech to Casablanca are perfect for travellers with limited time who wish to explore with a knowledgeable local expert at the helm. All logistics, including transportation and accommodation, are handled for you, which is great if you're a hands-off travel planner.
Both Viator and GetYourGuide are great resources for finding guided tours from Marrakech to Casablanca, complete with reviews sharing the experiences of past participants. Some tours are small shared-group options, while others can be arranged as private experiences.
This six-day Morocco cultural tour from Casablanca to Marrakech has particularly good reviews (we’re talking 5-star all the way) and as it’s a private experience, it can easily be done in the opposite direction. Aside from visiting two of the country’s biggest cities, it also includes stops in the blue-hued city of Chefchaouen, the magnificent Dades Gorge and a night in the Sahara Desert.
How to get from Marrakech to Casablanca by airplane
The best way to get from Marrakech to Casablanca for international arrivals
Are there flights from Marrakech to Casablanca? Yes, Royal Air Maroc operates direct flights from Marrakech to Casablanca, with several departures each day. The journey takes just 45 minutes and tickets are relatively affordable (around 100 USD) if you book in advance.
Remember, you’ll need to factor in the costs of getting to and from both airports, either by taxi or private transfer (I recommend checking out Welcome Pickups). Royal Air Maroc’s check-in desks close 60 minutes before departure, so you’ll need to be at the airport by then.
I think flying from Marrakech to Casablanca (or visa versa) is a great option if you’re connecting from an international flight and are already at the airport. I often fly into Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport and book a domestic connection - it saves me the hassle of getting from the airport to a bus or train station when I'm dealing with jet lag.
But if you're already on the ground, there are cheaper and more convenient choices out there for getting from Marrakech to Casablanca.
