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.
