Getting Around in Morocco
Although Morocco's medinas are perfect for walking, the best way to truly experience the country's vibrant diversity is by utilizing various transportation options, just like the locals do.
Our guide will help you discover all of Morocco, from legendary cities and mountain villages to Mediterranean shores, Atlantic waves, and desert hideaways.
Renting a car offers a fantastic way to access Morocco's secluded areas.
For those wishing to stray from the typical routes and explore Morocco at their own leisure, rental options range from compact Fiats to 4WD vehicles, ideal for tackling the Atlas Mountains and desert paths.
Rental prices range from Dh270 to Dh7500 per day, which includes unlimited mileage. Major rental companies like Budget, Hertz, and Avis are located at Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport and have offices in most major cities. Always document any pre-existing damage and secure comprehensive insurance.
Navigating Moroccan cities can be quite challenging due to heavy traffic, limited parking, and a general lack of adherence to traffic laws. The mountain passes are also daunting, with sharp turns, and it's best to avoid driving after dark in any area.
Overall, the main roads are well-maintained. If you prefer a more relaxed journey, local tour operators can arrange high-quality vehicles with multilingual drivers to enhance your sightseeing experience.
Taxis are available to transport you around and between cities throughout Morocco. Getty ImagesTaxis are the most favored mode of transportation.
For travel within city limits, petits taxis—yellow in Marrakesh, red in Casablanca, and blue in Rabat—are affordable and widely available. You can easily flag them down on the street or find them at bus and train stations.
These taxis operate on a meter, so you typically won’t need to negotiate a fare beforehand. However, if the driver refuses to use the meter—claiming it’s broken is a common excuse—politely ask to be let out and find another taxi. Always carry cash and small change.
For longer distances, shared grands taxis are often the best option. The classic diesel-powered Mercedes are gradually being replaced by larger vans, but they still follow fixed routes, departing from the terminal when full (usually six passengers).
To avoid crowding or unexpected delays, consider paying for multiple seats or even renting the entire vehicle—an inter-city ride typically costs around Dh50. You can also negotiate to hire a grand taxi and driver for a longer trip across the country.
Uber is not permitted to operate in Morocco, but Careem is available in Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier.
Traveling by train in Morocco can be an economical option for getting around. Keiko Tanaka/Getty ImagesExperience the journey on Morocco's trains and trams.
The two primary lines of the national railway service, ONCF, connect most major cities in Morocco: from Tangier to Marrakesh via Casablanca and Rabat, as well as from Nador or Oujda in the northeast to Fez and Meknes. It’s a cost-effective and comfortable option, even if it doesn’t always adhere to the schedule.
Morocco boasts Africa’s first high-speed train, the sleek Al Boraq, which zips along at impressive speeds of 320 km/h (200 mph). Since its launch in 2018, it has cut the travel time from Tangier to Casablanca to just over two hours, with stops in Kenitra and Rabat.
Casablanca and Rabat feature modern and efficient tram systems. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks and machines located at the stations, and should be validated upon boarding the tram.
Buses can take you to destinations not served by trains.
Buses provide an economical way to traverse the country. The two main national bus companies offer reliable, comfortable services, with wi-fi and extra legroom available in the 'luxe' option.
CTM operates extensively throughout Morocco, with designated stops that may not be located at the gare routière (central bus station). Meanwhile, Supratours (owned by ONCF) offers coordinated ticketing, allowing bus departures to align with train arrivals. For journeys into rural areas, various smaller operators known as 'market buses' can be hailed in any village, though they may not always be safe or comfortable.
Advice for purchasing train and bus tickets: While the websites of ONCF, CTM, and Supratours may accept foreign bank cards, they often encounter issues with international payment methods. It's generally more reliable to buy tickets in advance at the bus or train station in person—just be ready to wait in line—or consider using a third-party service like Marrakech Tickets, which can send your tickets electronically for a small fee, with part of the proceeds benefiting local vulnerable children.
Let the airplane handle the journey.
For those with funds but limited time, flying can significantly reduce long, dusty road trips in Morocco, though it's important to consider the environmental consequences.
Morocco’s national airline, Royal Air Maroc, offers flights from Marrakesh to Errachidia—just a couple of hours from Merzouga and the dynamic dunes of Erg Chebbi—in about an hour, compared to an eight-hour drive. Budget-friendly Air Arabia provides an hour-long flight between Marrakesh and Fez, cutting over six hours off the bus trip.
Explore Morocco on two wheels.
Outside the bustling city centers, the call of thrilling adventures on open roads—meandering through remote villages with the snow-capped Atlas mountains or Saharan sands as a backdrop—makes Morocco a popular destination on many motorcyclists' wish lists.
For those traveling from Europe, you can bring your motorcycle on a ferry from Spain. The fastest route crosses the Straits of Gibraltar from Tarifa to Tangier. Be sure to pack a reliable toolkit and necessary spare parts. Alternatively, you can rent a motorcycle upon arrival and ride solo, or join a guided tour.
Travel accessibility in Morocco.
Morocco presents challenges for travelers with mobility issues due to limited accessible facilities. The streets of the medinas are often uneven and crowded, riads typically lack elevators, and accessible transportation is scarce. However, the country can still be explored by renting a car and driver, selecting appropriate accommodations, and utilizing services like Morocco Accessible Travel.
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