How to Get from Marrakech to Fes: Train + Bus + Transfer + Tour
- Malika
- Jun 2
- 14 min read
Updated: Jun 9
Marrakech and Fes are two of Morocco’s most popular tourist destinations, with centuries-old medinas at their core. So it makes sense that a lot of travellers ask me how to get from Marrakech to Fes or what I think is the best way of getting from Fes to Marrakech,
Having travelled between the two cities numerous times (using various forms of transport), this is a journey I’m reallllyy familiar with. And I’m here to tell you that despite being more than 500 kilometres away, travelling from Marrakech to Fes is relatively easy and should only set you back half. aday.
Not only are there good public transport connections between the two cities (the trains are the fastest) but you can travel from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara. Spending a night at a desert camp is one of Morocco’s most memorable experiences and incorporating it into your Marrakech to Fes transfer is (in my opinion) one of the best ways to do it.
In this article, I’ll outline everything you need to know about how to get from Marrakech to Fes. Aside from exploring the bus and train options, I’ll explain how to travel between Fes and Marrakech by private transfer, rental car 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 Fes:
Best way to get from Marrakech to Fes (faster than the bus)
Cheapest way to get from Marrakech to Fes (longer than the train)
Most convenient way of getting from Marrakech to Fes (door-to-door service)
Best way to get from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara Desert
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Travelling from Marrakech to Fes
How to get from Marrakech to Fes by train
The best way to get from Marrakech to Fes
If you’re looking for the best way to get from Marrakech to Fes, I personally think it's by train. Regular Al Atlas trains (operated by ONCF) travel between the two cities, with dozens of daily departures (from around 5 in the morning to 7 at night). The journey takes around 6.5 hours, with the trains travelling north to Casablanca before cutting inland to Fes.
Trains heading to Fes leave from Marrakech Railway Station, which is around 15 minutes by taxi from Djemma el-Fnaa. You'll arrive in Fes at the Fes Railway Station, which is located in the Ville Nouvelle, around 10 minutes by taxi from the medina.
Even if the taxis are metered, ask the driver for a rough price first. If they give you a vague answer or skip around the question, look for another driver. The last time I got in a taxi in Fes, the driver was tampering with the meter and tried to charge me tenfold. But I caught him in the act and threatened to notify the gendarmes and he quickly backed down.
How to purchase train tickets from Marrakech to Fes
When purchasing train tickets from Marrakech to Fes, you have two choices. One option is to go to the ticket counter at the Marrakech Railway Station and buy your tickets directly. This is relatively straightforward (once you’re there), although you should factor in queueing time during busy travel periods.
I've always found the ONCF staff at the ticket counters to be really helpful and they always get me where I need to go, even if we have some language barriers.
The other option is to purchase your tickets online via the ONCF website. In reality, this should be straightforward. But truth be told, I always have issues accessing the ONCF website (it just doesn't want to load). I’m hoping this is a glitch they will fix soon!
In the meantime, I’ve been booking my train tickets in Morocco at 12Go and using the site to find Moroccan train timetables. If you also have issues with the ONCF website, 12Go is a good alternative as it also sells bus tickets from Marrakech to Fes, so you can easily compare prices for both.
How long in advance should you book your train tickets from Marrakech to Fes? I’d suggest a couple of days in advance to ensure you get the departure time and class you prefer. During peak travel times, such as the days before Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr (at the conclusion of Ramadan), I usually book my train tickets a couple of weeks in advance as availability can be quite limited.
Prices for train tickets from Marrakech to Fes start from around 300 dirhams for second-class tickets and 500 dirhams for first-class tickets. The choice between first-class and second-class tickets largely hinges on personal preference and the budget you have available. While there are a few differences in terms of comfort and services, I don’t think they’re significant. Travelling second-class in Morocco is definitely not "roughing it" in my opinion!
Once you've completed your online booking, you'll receive a PDF ticket that you can display on your mobile device when boarding the train. Officers also come through the cabin to check tickets during the journey, so keep it handy!
Travelling from Fes to Marrakech
What to expect on the Marrakech to Fes train
If it's your first time travelling by train in Morocco, there really aren't any unexpected surprises to be aware of, except the fact that some of the railway stations are really, really impressive!!
To be on the safe side, I’d recommend arriving at the Marrakech Railway Station about 15 minutes before your train is due to depart. This will give you enough time to find your platform, perhaps use the bathroom and get settled into your seat.
The station itself is designed in a traditional style with a beautifully tiled facade. Inside, you’ll find everything from cafes to convenience stores and restrooms.
Regardless of whether you hold a first or second-class train ticket from Marrakech to Fes, there are toilets at the end of the carriages and a small food cart will provide drinks and snacks throughout the trip. That being said, the refreshments served onboard aren't super cheap, so I’d recommend picking a few up at the station prior to boarding if you don’t want to pay the “convenience surcharge”.
Travelling from Fes to Marrakech
How to get from Marrakech to Fes by bus
The cheapest way to get from Marrakech to Fes
Is there a bus from Marrakech to Fes? The answer is “Yes!” and this is the cheapest way to get between the two cities. Buses operate regularly throughout the day, providing a comfortable journey complete with reclining seats, air conditioning and plenty of legroom.
As a solo female traveller, I have travelled on buses all over Morocco and have never had any issues (aside from a couple of late departures). That being said, I usually stick to one of the two main bus operators used by tourists - Supratours and CTM - which have good safety records.
If you're departing from Marrakech, the main bus station is located in Gueliz on the northwestern edge of the medina. It’s officially known as the Gare Routiere de Marrakech (you can put this into Google Maps) and serves most bus companies aside from Supratours and CTM.
However, if you’re travelling with CTM or Supratours, buses depart from their independent stations, which are located just south of the Marrakech Railway Station. For the Marrakech to Fes route, CTM is more convenient.
The easiest way to reach any of Marrakech’s bus stations is by hopping into a petit taxi and telling the driver which one you are going to. Alternatively, you can use a ride-sharing app like Careem to arrange your trip.
How to purchase bus tickets for Marrakech to Fes
When booking your bus tickets for Marrakech to Fes, it's a good idea to book online a few days ahead of your travel dates. This is especially important if your journey falls during a major holiday like Eid al Adha or Eid al Fitr at the end of Ramadan when many Moroccans travel to see family and friends.
If you're planning to travel during these periods, I recommend booking your bus tickets a few weeks ahead to ensure you have a seat for your chosen date and time.
As I mentioned above, I think CTM is the best bus company to use when travelling between Marrakech and Fes It has a user-friendly website that allows you to book tickets directly. Alternatively, you can search for Morocco bus tickets at 12Go, which compares multiple companies serving the same route and allows you to get the best price possible.
At the time of writing, CTM has around 5 daily buses from Marrakech to Fes, with prices starting from 195 dirhams. The cheaper services take around 10 hours to complete the journey, so I’d recommend spending a little more (220 dirhams) on the faster options. It’s important to note that fare prices fluctuate depending on demand, so check the CTM website for your preferred dates.
As you can see, the bus travel times from Marrakech to Fes are greater 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.
Buses from Marrakech to Fes
First bus: Departs Marrakech at 01:45 and arrives in Fes at 09:00 (duration 7 hours and 15 minutes)
Last bus: Departs Marrakech at 16:00 and arrives in Fes at 23:45 (duration 7 hours and 45 minutes)
Buses from Fes to Marrakech
First bus: Departs Fes at 06:30 and arrives in Marrakech at 17:00 (duration 10 hours and 30 minutes)
Last bus: Departs Fes at 19:30 and arrives in Marrakech at 04:15 (duration 8 hours and 45 minutes)
Buses from Marrakech to Fes stop at the CTM station in the Ville Nouvelle, which is around 10 minutes by taxi from the medina. Buses from Fes to Marrakech stop at the CTM station, which is just a couple of minutes' walk from the Marrakech Railway Station. It’s around 10 minutes by taxi from the medina.
Never get in a taxi without checking the fare first, even if it’s a metered taxi. If that’s the case, ask the driver for a rough estimate of the fare - meter tampering has happened to me! If they don’t want to tell you, look for another driver.
To book your bus tickets from Marrakech to Fes online, simply enter your name, email address, phone number and the type of ID you intend to use, including the ID number. For the majority of travellers, this will be your passport.
Once you submit this information, you'll have the opportunity to change the seat that has been automatically assigned to you. In my experience, seats up the front sell out first, so get in early if you experience motion sickness and need to be near the driver.
Once you provide your payment information, you will get a confirmation email right away. This email will contain a PDF ticket that you can easily show when boarding the bus—no need to print it out!
If you prefer to take care of things in person and pay with cash, simply go directly to the bus station to complete your purchase at one of the ticket counters.
Travelling from Marrakech to Fes
What to expect on the Marrakech to Fes bus
If you’re taking the bus from Marrakech to Fes, I recommend arriving at least 15 minutes prior to its departure. This will give you enough time to find your departure bay and check in any luggage you may have at the baggage counter.
"What?" you might ask. In Morocco, anything that doesn't fit beneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment has an extra charge. But don't worry, this is a relatively small fee (between 10 to 15 dirhams) and is paid at a separate baggage counter, usually outside near the bus departure bays.
After paying the fee, you'll receive a tag or sticker that you place on your bag. At the same time, you’ll be given a stub that you present when picking up your bag at the other end. That way, nobody can run away with a bag that isn't theirs!
After loading your bags into the luggage hold, it's time to board. You’ll see your seat number clearly displayed above each seat - make sure to sit in your designated seat to prevent any confusion as others get on. Once you're settled in, all that's left is to relax and take in the views rolling by outside your window.
Just a quick note: the bus from Marrakech to Fes does not have toilets, so it's wise to use the facilities before boarding. If you need to use public toilets in Morocco, be sure to keep some spare change handy to tip the attendant - it’s customary and expected!
Travelling from Marrakech to Fes
How to get from Marrakech to Fes by private transfer
The most convenient way to get from Marrakech to Fes
If you're travelling with a group or simply want the fastest way to get from Marrakech to Fes, I’d suggest taking a private transfer. It’s around 530 kilometres (330 miles) between the two cities and the drive can take as little as five and a half hours (although that is without stops).
You can conveniently schedule private transfer pickups ahead of time and they will come directly to your riad in Marrakech (or as close as the medina allows), saving you the hassle (and cost) of getting a taxi to the bus or train station. Upon arriving in Fes, they will take you directly to your riad or hotel (or to the closest medina entrance), again saving you a taxi fare.
For those carrying a lot of luggage or families with young children, a private transfer from Marrakech to Fes means you won't have to haul your bags through crowded bus/train stations or navigate public transport while looking after little ones. Additionally, you can select your departure time, allowing you the flexibility to travel early in the morning or late at night if that works better for you.
While a private transfer from Marrakech to Fes may cost more than travelling by bus or train, the convenience, flexibility and personalised service make it an excellent choice for some. It's perfect if you're travelling in a group or just want a stress-free trip and don't mind spending a bit more for the privilege.
Travelling from Marrakech to Fes
How to get from Marrakech to Fes by rental car
The most flexible way to travel from Marrakech to Fes
Driving isn't just one of the quickest and most efficient ways to get from Marrakech to Fes; it also gives you the freedom to stop whenever you like along the way. It’s perfect if you want to do a road trip in Morocco and venture a little off the beaten tourist track on your journey between the two cities.
That being said, I wouldn’t recommend renting a car just for the trip from Marrakech to Fes, as the public transport options are so good. Driving in and out of both cities isn’t super easy due to congested traffic conditions - it can be a little hairy! Adding to the inconvenience is having to find parking in Fes, which will cost extra.
But as I said, for those considering a road trip in Morocco or who want to take a detour while travelling from Marrakech to Fes, I highly recommend renting a car. Once you get out of the big cities, the driving is really straightforward and the flexibility to follow your curiosity is hard to beat!
If you're considering renting a car in Morocco, I recommend checking out Discover Cars. Not only do they list a huge number of vehicles from leading rental providers but they offer free cancellation and 24/7 support in multiple languages.
For additional insights on driving in Morocco, check out my detailed article here. In it, I discuss everything from safety concerns to police inspections and the process of booking a rental car in Morocco.
If you’re looking for road trip inspiration, this one-week suggested itinerary from Fes to Marrakech (or visa versa) takes in four of Morocco’s imperial cities.
Can you do a day trip from Marrakech to Fes?
While it would be possible to do a day trip from Marrakech to Fes if you got a really early start, I wouldn’t recommend it. With at least a 5.5-hour drive each way, you’d be spending a lot of time on the road, leaving you little opportunity to discover everything Fes has to offer. Even if you’re short on time, I’d suggest staying at least one night in Fes and then returning to Marrakech the next day.
For accommodation inspiration, you can browse some a collection of highly-rated Fes riads here.
Travelling from Marrakech to Fes
How to get from Marrakech to Fes by guided tour
Best way to get from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara Desert
For anyone wanting to visit Fes, Marrakech and the Sahara Desert, one of the best ways to experience all three is on a guided tour. There are several Sahara tour options that begin in Marrakech and end in Fes (or visa versa), serving not only as a transfer but providing an incredible experience along the way. My top tip is to allow yourself at least three days (ideally four) - doing it in two is just waaaaayy too rushed!
While it is possible to do this route using public transport, it would take a lot more time and you wouldn’t have the chance to stop along the way. Many of the Marrakech to Fes tours stop to explore Ait Benhaddou, Dades Gorge and the Valley of Roses, as well as travel through the beautiful Ziz Valley and the cedar forests of Afrou (home to Barbary macaques).
Guided tours from Marrakech to Fes are ideal for those with limited time who want to discover three of Morocco’s most iconic tourist destinations with a knowledgeable local guide at the helm. All of the logistics are taken care of for you - transportation and accommodation, including an unforgettable night at a desert camp in the Sahara. In my opinion, having a local guide really does enhance the experience and provides peace of mind when navigating remote areas.
Both Viator and GetYourGuide are great resources for finding guided tours from Marrakech to Fes, complete with reviews so you can hear about the experiences of other travellers. While some are small, shared-group tours, others can be booked as private experiences.
This three-day Marrakech to Fes tour has particularly good reviews (we’re talking 5-star all the way) and includes a night in the Sahara. It’s a small-group tour, limited to just 15 participants, and with the option to upgrade your desert camp to a “luxury” one if you want a little splurge!
If you’re looking for a private experience, this Marrakech to Fes desert tour also comes highly recommended. It includes one night at a hotel in Dades Gorge and another at a luxury desert camp in the Sahara.
You can learn more about planning a Sahara Desert experience and what to expect in my detailed article here.
How to get from Marrakech to Fes by airplane
The quickest way to travel from Marrakech to Fes
Are there flights from Marrakech to Fes? Yes, RyanAir operates direct flights from Marrakech to Fes and Royal Air Maroc has services connecting via Casablanca. Both airlines also have flights from Fes to Marrakech that connect in Malaga, Spain.
The RyanAir flights tend to be much cheaper (starting from as low as 20 USD) but keep in mind that you’ll pay for all the little extras. You also need to factor in the costs of getting to and from both airports by taxi or private transfer (I recommend checking out Welcome Pickups)
If you’re flying directly from Fes to Marrakech (or visa versa), the journey takes just one hour. If the trip transits through Malaga or Casablanca, it’s more like four or five hours. Add to that the time it takes to get to and from the airports, plus check-in times, and flying from Marrakech to Fes is not the most convenient option.
