Essentials

Getting around Morocco

Take the train between the big cities of the north and west, a CTM or Supratours bus to the rest, and a car or a driver for the mountains and the desert. Pick two cities to see how long it takes.

The four ways to travel

• Train (ONCF): the easiest way between Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Fes, Meknes and Marrakech. Al Boraq, Africa's first high-speed line, links Tangier and Casablanca. Buy on the ONCF app or oncf-voyages.ma (sales open about 3 months ahead; foreign cards are sometimes refused online, so the station counter is the fallback); first class is worth it on busy days.
• Bus (CTM, Supratours): the two big companies reach the places the train doesn't: Chefchaouen, Essaouira, Agadir, Ouarzazate, Merzouga. Book online a day or two ahead in high season; a small fee is charged for big bags.
• Grand taxi: shared cars (often old Mercedes) between nearby towns. They leave when all six seats are full; you can pay for the empty seats to leave sooner or to travel alone. Agree the price before you get in.
• Petit taxis and apps: in town, take a petit taxi and ask for the meter ("l-compteur"); they may pick up other passengers. Uber came back to Casablanca and Marrakech in November 2025; Careem, inDrive and Heetch also run, though the UK warns many app cars are unlicensed.
• Car: the motorways are good and tolled; mountain roads (Tizi n'Tichka, the Rif) are slow. Police checkpoints and speed checks are frequent: slow down at every roundabout and town entrance, follow the posted limit, and keep your licence, passport and rental papers in the car; fines are paid on the spot, ask for a receipt. Don't drive at night outside cities. For the desert, many visitors take a car with a driver.
• Renting: international brands at airports cost more but have clear terms; local agencies are cheaper and fine if recently reviewed. Bookings through online brokers are sometimes disputed at the desk. Expect a large deposit blocked on a credit card (a debit card is often refused), and photograph the car all round before you leave.