Morocco Travel Guides
Getting Around Morocco
Getting around Morocco is easier than many first-time visitors expect – trains connect the main northern cities, comfortable coaches reach almost everywhere else, and taxis, drivers and rental cars fill the gaps. This guide explains each option, where it works best and how to plan realistic travel days.
Timetables, fares and rules are set by the operators – check current details before you travel.
Between cities
Getting Around Morocco Between Cities
Trains
The national railway links Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Meknes, Fes and Oujda, with a high-speed line between Tangier and Casablanca. Comfortable, reasonably priced and the easiest way to move along the northern and central corridor. First class is worth the small premium for a guaranteed seat.
Coaches
Where the train does not go – Essaouira, Chefchaouen, Agadir, Ouarzazate, the desert towns – national coach companies such as CTM and Supratours run air-conditioned services from their own stations. Book a day or two ahead on popular routes.
Grands taxis
Shared long-distance taxis running fixed routes between towns, leaving when full from a rank near the bus station. Cheap and frequent for short hops; you can pay for the empty seats to leave immediately or travel privately.
Private driver or transfer
Door-to-door, on your schedule, with stops where you like. The most comfortable way to do the mountain and desert routes, and often the most practical for families or groups. Travel Entry can arrange transfers on request.
Rental car
Main roads are good and driving between cities is straightforward; city centres and medinas are not for cars. Best for the coast, the Atlas and the kasbah route when you want freedom to stop. See our car rental service.
Domestic flights
Useful mainly for the long north-south legs – for example Tangier or Fes to Marrakech or Agadir – and for reaching the far south. Most routes connect through Casablanca.
Within cities
Moving Around Inside Moroccan Cities
On foot
Medinas are walking territory – no cars, narrow lanes, and everything close together. Wear comfortable shoes, keep to the right for passing carts and mopeds, and use an offline map or simply follow the flow towards the main gates.
Petits taxis
Small city taxis, colour-coded by city, that take up to three passengers within the city limits. They are metered; ask for the meter to be switched on, or agree a price before setting off. Cheap and everywhere.
Trams, buses & apps
Casablanca and Rabat have modern tram networks that are easy for visitors; city buses exist everywhere but are harder to navigate. Ride-hailing apps operate in the larger cities, with availability varying by place.
Planning travel days
Getting Around Morocco Without Losing Days
The map deceives. Morocco is large, mountain roads are slow, and the desert is a long way from everything. Treat any move between regions as most of a day, book the fast options (train, direct coach) in advance, and resist the urge to change base every night. Where the train runs, take it; where it does not, a direct coach or a driver beats a chain of shared taxis with luggage.
Pair this guide with Destinations to build a route that flows in one direction rather than doubling back.
Which option for which route
- Tangier – Rabat – Casablanca – Marrakech: train
- Casablanca/Rabat – Meknes – Fes: train
- Marrakech – Essaouira / Agadir: coach or driver
- Tangier/Fes – Chefchaouen: coach, grand taxi or driver
- Marrakech – Atlas / kasbah route – desert: driver, tour or rental car
- Airport to hotel: pre-arranged transfer or official airport taxi
Good to Know
- Agree or meter every taxi fare before moving. Petits taxis have meters; grands taxis and airport taxis work on agreed prices.
- Carry small notes and coins. Drivers and ticket counters rarely have change for large notes.
- Book trains and coaches in advance on busy days – weekends, holidays and the run-up to major festivals.
- Driving: traffic drives on the right; police checkpoints on main roads are routine – keep your licence, passport and rental papers to hand and observe speed limits, which are enforced.
- Mountain and desert roads are slower than they look and can close briefly in winter snow or after storms; leave margin and avoid driving them at night.
- Visa first. Confirm whether you need a Morocco eVisa before booking non-refundable tickets. Entry decisions are made by the Moroccan authorities.
- Help with the arrangements. Travel Entry can arrange transfers, a rental car or a driver as part of tours on request; nothing is booked or charged until you confirm.
Getting Around Morocco: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the train a good way to travel in Morocco?
Yes – for the cities it serves it is the most comfortable and predictable option, and the high-speed line makes Tangier to Casablanca quick. It does not reach the coast south of Casablanca (apart from Marrakech inland), the Rif, the Atlas or the desert.
Should I rent a car?
For a city-to-city itinerary on the train corridor, no. For the coast, the Atlas or the kasbah route, a car gives real freedom – or a driver gives the same freedom without the driving. You will not use a car inside a medina.
What is the difference between a petit taxi and a grand taxi?
Petits taxis are small metered city cabs for up to three people, limited to the city. Grands taxis are larger shared cars running fixed routes between towns and to airports, priced per seat or for the whole car.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
Pre-arranged transfer, official airport taxi at an agreed fare, or – at Casablanca and some other airports – train or shuttle bus to the city. If your hotel is in a medina, a transfer with a driver who knows the drop-off point saves time. See airport transfers.
How long does it take to reach the desert?
From Marrakech or Fes to Merzouga is a full day of driving each way, through the mountains. That is why desert trips are usually two- or three-day tours rather than day trips.
Can Travel Entry arrange my transport?
Yes – transfers, a rental car or a driver-led itinerary can all be requested through our travel services. Requests are free and nothing is booked until you confirm.
Need Transport Arranged?
Tell Travel Entry your route and we will propose transfers, a car or a driver to match. Back to all Morocco travel guides.