Arrival & Transport
Airports & Flights
Morocco has a well-developed network of international airports that are directly accessible from Germany. The flight time is 3–4 hours, and thanks to Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air, there are regular bargains from 30–50€ per route. Here are the three most important airports:
✈️ Casablanca (CMN) — Mohammed V — THE Hub
Morocco's largest and most important airport, 30 km south of Casablanca. Excellent year-round connections: Direct flights from Frankfurt (3:15h), Munich (3:30h), Düsseldorf, Berlin, Vienna. Airlines: Royal Air Maroc (Oneworld partner, main hub), Lufthansa, Ryanair, easyJet, TUI fly, Condor. CMN is the central hub for domestic flights — if your destination does not have a direct flight from Germany, you will fly via Casablanca. Royal Air Maroc offers connections to Fes, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Errachidia, Agadir, Tangier, and many other cities.
Transfer: Train from the airport to Casablanca Voyageurs (45 MAD, 45 min, every 60 min, 06:00–23:00) — from there connecting trains to Marrakesh, Fes, Rabat, Tangier. Grands Taxis to the center (250–350 MAD fixed price). Tip: If your final destination is Marrakesh or Fes, always compare the direct flight there with the detour via CMN + train — often the direct flight to RAK or FEZ is cheaper and faster.
Coordinates: [33.3675, -7.5898]
✈️ Marrakesh (RAK) — Menara — Gateway to the South
Morocco's most visited tourist airport, only 6 km southwest of the Medina. Direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Vienna, Zurich, Basel — both year-round and seasonally increased (October–April). Airlines: Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Eurowings, Condor, TUI fly, Royal Air Maroc, Lufthansa. The selection of low-cost flights is enormous — round trips from 60–100€ are not uncommon.
Transfer: Bus 19 to the center/Djemaa el-Fna (30 MAD, 30 min, every 20 min). Petit Taxi to Djemaa el-Fna (70–100 MAD, 15–20 min, request a meter!). Private transfer from 150 MAD. The airport is compact and clear — you can get through passport control and luggage in 30 minutes.
Coordinates: [31.6069, -8.0363]
✈️ Fes (FEZ) — Saïss — Gateway to the Medina
Small, efficient airport 15 km south of Fes. Direct flights from Frankfurt and Düsseldorf (Ryanair, seasonal), as well as via CMN with Royal Air Maroc. Fewer flight options than RAK, but growing. Ideal as an alternative entry or exit point for tours (fly into RAK, return from FEZ or vice versa — the so-called "Open Jaw" booking saves unnecessary backtracking).
Transfer: Bus 16 to the center (5 MAD, 45 min). Grands Taxis to the Medina (150–200 MAD). Private transfer from 200 MAD. The journey takes 20–30 minutes.
Coordinates: [33.9273, -4.9780]
Other Airports
Agadir (AGA): For the Atlantic coast and southern Morocco. Charter flights from Germany (TUI, Condor), seasonal Ryanair. 25 km east of Agadir. Tangier (TNG): For the north. Ryanair from Frankfurt and Düsseldorf. New, modern terminal. Nador (NDR) and Oujda (OUD): Eastern Morocco, mainly for the Moroccan diaspora in Europe. Essaouira (ESU): Small airport with seasonal Ryanair connections from London and Paris — rarely directly from Germany, but growing.
Tipp
The best trick for tours around Morocco: Book an "Open Jaw" flight — fly into Marrakesh (RAK) and return from Fes (FEZ) or vice versa. This saves you the 7-hour return trip and lets you see more of the country. Ryanair offers both routes at a low cost.
Grands Taxis — Intercity Taxis
The Grands Taxis (large taxis) are Morocco's unique intercity transport system — old Mercedes limousines (increasingly replaced by modern Dacia Lodgy) that run on fixed routes between cities. They only leave when all 6 seats are occupied (yes, 6 passengers in a limousine — 3 in the back, 2 on the passenger seat + driver). The system is anarchic, loud, cramped — and works excellently.
How It Works
- Stations: Each city has one or more Grand Taxi stands (gare routière or next to the bus station). Ask for the station for your destination — different directions often have different stands.
- Seats: You buy one or more seats (places). 1 seat = cramped with 5 others. 2 seats in front = much more comfortable (about double the price, but worth it). You can also buy all 6 seats for a private ride — still much cheaper than a "real" taxi.
- Departure: There is no schedule. The driver waits until his taxi is full — this can take 5 minutes or 45 minutes. In the morning, it goes faster.
- Luggage: Goes in the trunk (free) or on the roof (for large backpacks).
Important Routes & Prices (per seat, 2025/26)
| Route | Duration | Price/Seat |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakesh → Essaouira | 2.5h | 80 MAD (8€) |
| Fes → Meknès | 1h | 25 MAD (2,50€) |
| Fes → Chefchaouen | 4h | 75 MAD (7€) |
| Chefchaouen → Tangier | 2.5h | 50 MAD (5€) |
| Marrakesh → Ouarzazate | 4h | 90 MAD (9€) |
| Ouarzazate → Merzouga | 5h | 120 MAD (12€) |
Achtung
Negotiate the price BEFORE getting in and clarify whether it's per seat or for the whole taxi. Some drivers try to charge tourists the price for 6 seats. Ask other passengers or at the counter for the current price. Write down the agreed price on your phone if necessary.
Petit Taxis — City Taxis
The Petit Taxis (small taxis) are the city taxis for trips within a city. Each city has its own color: red in Marrakesh, blue in Fes, beige in Casablanca, blue in Rabat, orange in Agadir. They take a maximum of 3 passengers and are not allowed to leave the city limits.
Rules and Tips
- Taximeter (Compteur): Legally required, but not always turned on. ALWAYS insist: "Le compteur, s'il vous plaît" or "Compteur!" The base fee is 1.40 MAD (Marrakesh) to 2.50 MAD (Casablanca) during the day, 50% surcharge at night (20–06 hours).
- Typical prices (Marrakesh): Medina → Guéliz: 15–25 MAD. Medina → Train station: 20–30 MAD. Medina → Airport: not allowed (Grands Taxis or bus). Most trips within the city cost 10–30 MAD.
- Sharing allowed: Petit Taxis can take multiple passengers going in the same direction. This is completely normal — don't be surprised if the driver picks someone up.
- No change: Drivers chronically lack small change. Keep 10-MAD and 20-MAD bills ready.
- At night: 50% surcharge is legal. Some drivers try to charge fixed prices at night (often inflated). Insist on the Compteur even at night.
Tipp
In Marrakesh, you can walk most routes in the Medina and to the Ville Nouvelle — the Medina is compact, and taxis are not allowed inside. Petit Taxis are mainly needed for routes Medina ↔ Guéliz or to the train station. Tip: The app "Careem" (Moroccan Uber) works in Marrakesh and Casablanca and shows you the price beforehand — no need to negotiate.
Trains (ONCF & Al Boraq)
Morocco's railway network (ONCF — Office National des Chemins de Fer) is the best in North Africa and connects the main cities comfortably and reliably. Since 2018, Morocco even has Africa's first high-speed train with the Al Boraq. The trains are punctual, air-conditioned, and surprisingly affordable.
🚄 Al Boraq — Africa's High-Speed Train
The Al Boraq (named after the winged mythical creature of Islamic tradition) connects Tangier with Casablanca in just 2 hours and 10 minutes (instead of the previous 4:45h). Maximum speed: 320 km/h. Stops: Tangier → Kénitra → Rabat → Casablanca. TGV technology from Alstom, made in France. Frequency: 12 connections per day.
| Route | Duration | 2nd Class | 1st Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangier → Casablanca | 2:10h | 149 MAD (14€) | 229 MAD (22€) |
| Tangier → Rabat | 1:30h | 119 MAD (11€) | 189 MAD (18€) |
| Rabat → Casablanca | 0:45h | 69 MAD (7€) | 99 MAD (10€) |
🚂 Conventional Trains (ONCF)
The regular network connects the axis Tangier–Rabat–Casablanca–Marrakesh as well as Casablanca/Rabat–Meknès–Fes–Oujda. The trains are comfortable (especially 1st class), punctual, and air-conditioned. Recommended for all routes that lie on the tracks.
| Route | Duration | 2nd Class | 1st Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakesh → Casablanca | 2:45h | 105 MAD (10€) | 155 MAD (15€) |
| Marrakesh → Rabat | 3:45h | 145 MAD (14€) | 215 MAD (21€) |
| Marrakesh → Fes | 6:45h | 185 MAD (18€) | 295 MAD (29€) |
| Casablanca → Fes | 3:45h | 135 MAD (13€) | 205 MAD (20€) |
| Casablanca → Rabat | 1:00h | 47 MAD (4,50€) | 67 MAD (6,50€) |
| Fes → Meknès | 0:45h | 25 MAD (2,50€) | 40 MAD (4€) |
| Fes → Oujda | 5:00h | 155 MAD (15€) | 235 MAD (23€) |
Tips for Train Travel
- 1st class is worth it: The surcharge is small (30–50%), and you get reserved seats, wider seats, air conditioning, and significantly less hustle and bustle.
- Buy tickets online: Via oncf.ma or the ONCF app. Alternatively, at the counter at the station (cash or card). No reservation requirement in 2nd class (except Al Boraq).
- Commuter trains ("TNR"): Casablanca–Rabat every 30 minutes (Kenitra–Casablanca: every 15 min) — as frequent as an S-Bahn.
- No train to Essaouira, Chefchaouen, Ouarzazate, or the Sahara — for that, you need a bus, Grand Taxi, or rental car.
Tipp
The train route Marrakesh–Casablanca–Rabat–Fes is the lifeline of the country and perfect for city hoppers. Buy 1st class tickets for the Al Boraq (Tangier–Casablanca) — the difference costs only 8€ more, and you experience Africa's most modern train in full comfort.
Buses (CTM & Supratours)
For everything the railway does not cover, there are two first-class bus companies that comprehensively cover Morocco — comfortable, punctual, and affordable. In addition, there are local bus companies that are cheaper but significantly more adventurous.
🚌 CTM — Compagnie de Transports au Maroc
Morocco's most renowned bus company with a comprehensive network. Modern, air-conditioned buses, fixed departure times, seat reservation, luggage in the cargo hold (with receipt). CTM connects virtually every city in Morocco — from Tangier to Zagora, from Nador to Agadir.
| Route | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakesh → Essaouira | 3h | 80 MAD (8€) |
| Marrakesh → Ouarzazate | 4:30h | 100 MAD (10€) |
| Fes → Chefchaouen | 4:30h | 75 MAD (7€) |
| Marrakesh → Fes | 8h | 200 MAD (19€) |
| Marrakesh → Casablanca | 3:30h | 100 MAD (10€) |
| Casablanca → Chefchaouen | 6h | 160 MAD (15€) |
| Ouarzazate → Merzouga | 6h | 130 MAD (12€) |
| Agadir → Essaouira | 3h | 70 MAD (7€) |
Booking: Online at ctm.ma or at CTM bus stations. Book early for popular routes (Marrakesh–Fes, Fes–Chefchaouen) — the best seats go quickly.
🚌 Supratours — the ONCF bus network
Supratours is part of the railway company ONCF and complements the train network where there are no tracks. The buses depart from the stations and are coordinated with train connections. Quality and comfort at CTM level, sometimes even a bit more modern.
| Route | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakesh → Essaouira | 2:45h | 80 MAD (8€) |
| Marrakesh → Ouarzazate | 4h | 95 MAD (9€) |
| Marrakesh → Agadir | 3:30h | 120 MAD (12€) |
| Fes → Merzouga/Errachidia | 8h | 180 MAD (17€) |
| Tangier → Chefchaouen | 3h | 60 MAD (6€) |
Booking: At Supratours counters in the stations or online via oncf.ma/supratours.
🚐 Local Buses
Besides CTM and Supratours, there are numerous local bus companies (SATAS, Trans Ghazala, etc.) that serve similar routes — often more frequently and cheaper, but with older buses, without air conditioning, and sometimes without a fixed schedule. A good option for adventurers and budget travelers, but not recommended for comfort travelers.
Tipp
CTM and Supratours are often fully booked on popular routes — book at least one day in advance, 2–3 days in advance during peak season. The buses depart on time, even if you're not there yet. Be at the bus station 15 minutes before departure.
Rental Cars & Self-Driving
A rental car is the best option to discover Morocco's rural beauties and remote regions — the Atlas Mountains, the Road of the Kasbahs, the Atlantic coast, and the southeast. In the Medina cities (Marrakesh, Fes), a car is more of a hindrance, but for tours, it is unbeatable.
Costs
- Small car (Dacia Sandero, Renault Clio): 250–400 MAD/day (25–40€) — sufficient for roads and light terrain.
- SUV/4×4 (Dacia Duster): 400–700 MAD/day (40–70€) — recommended for Atlas tracks and desert edges (Note: real Sahara tracks require an off-road vehicle with a guide).
- Fuel: approx. 14 MAD/liter (1.35€/l) for gasoline, 12 MAD/liter (1.15€/l) for diesel (as of 2025).
- Insurance: Full coverage (CDW/LDW) is a must — the deductible is otherwise high (5,000–15,000 MAD).
- Toll roads (Autoroutes): Morocco has a good highway network with tolls. Marrakesh–Casablanca: approx. 60 MAD. Casablanca–Fes: approx. 100 MAD. Casablanca–Tangier: approx. 120 MAD. Payment in cash or via Jawaz transponder.
Providers
International providers (Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Sixt) have offices at all airports and in the cities. Local providers (Medina Cars, First Car, Afrique Cars) are often 20–30% cheaper, but the vehicles are older. Book through comparison portals (Check24, billiger-mietwagen.de) for the best prices, and pay attention to customer reviews for local providers.
Driving in Morocco — What You Need to Know
- Road condition: Highways and national roads (N-roads) are in excellent condition. Provincial roads (P/R-roads) vary greatly — from well-paved to pothole-ridden. Tracks in the Atlas and desert require experience and possibly 4×4.
- Traffic rules: Right-hand traffic, speed limit: 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on country roads, 120 km/h on highways. Police checks (speed traps and roadblocks) are very frequent — strictly adhere to the limit!
- Driver's license: German driver's license is accepted. An international driver's license is not required but recommended (and costs only 15€ at the citizens' office).
- Roundabouts: Ubiquitous and often chaotic. Basic rule: Whoever is in the roundabout has the right of way — in practice, however, the law of the stronger often applies.
- Avoid night driving: Unlit donkey carts, pedestrians, and cyclists on the road make night driving outside the cities dangerous.
- Parking: In the cities, there are "Gardiens" (unofficial parking attendants with yellow vests). Give them 5–10 MAD when you return — they watch over your car. In many places, there is no alternative.
- Refueling: Gas stations (Shell, Total, Afriquia) are plentiful on main roads. In the desert and mountains, distances can be large — fill up before heading into remote regions.
Achtung
DO NOT drive yourself into the Sahara dunes (Erg Chebbi, Erg Chigaga)! The sand tracks require special off-road vehicles and local experience — getting stuck in the desert is life-threatening. Always book a local driver/guide for desert excursions. The Tizi n'Tichka pass over the Atlas is also challenging in snow/ice (November–March).
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