Ride through Morocco’s soul—from mountain peaks to desert sands—on trains that tell stories, with tips from a local who’s lived the journey
Introduction to Moroccan Train
As a Moroccan who has spent years getting on and off trains in this beautiful country, I can tell you this: there’s no better way to see Morocco than by train.
Let me tell you that trains here don’t just take you from one city to another; they are a way to travel through time. You can feel Casablanca’s modern vibe and then explore Fez’s old streets. You’ll travel from the foggy Rif Mountains to the golden gates of the Sahara. The best part? You’ll do all this while enjoying sweet mint tea, talking with locals, and watching beautiful views that feel like a living postcard.
So, get your ticket, choose a window seat, and I will show you Morocco’s best train rides. I will give you tips on where to stay, what to eat, and how to travel like a local.
Top 3 Train Routes in Morocco for Tourists and Locals
1. Casablanca to Marrakech: Where the City Meets Desert Dreams
Why Take This Route?
If you’re flying to Morocco, you will probably land in Casablanca. But don’t hurry to Marrakech right away. Take the train, and let the trip be your first taste of Morocco’s charm.
As the ONCF train leaves Casa Voyageurs Station, the city grows smaller. It changes into vast plains filled with olive trees and small villages. Here, farmers still work the land by hand. About halfway through the trip, you can see the Atlas Mountains in the distance. Their snow-covered peaks in winter look over the land leading to the desert.
One of my favorite memories from this trip is meeting an old Moroccan man. He wanted to share his homemade Msemen (flaky Moroccan pancakes) with me. While we drank mint tea, he told me stories about Marrakech in the 1960s. Back then, donkey carts were more common than cars.
When you arrive in Marrakech, the air is full of the smell of orange flowers and spices. The train station is beautiful, with detailed mosaics and palm trees greeting you in the Red City.
Local Tips:
- Best Seat: The right-side window for optimal mountain views.
- Ticket Cost: About $12 for 2nd class to $25 for 1st class.
- Where to Stay:
- Budget: Riad Dia (cozy and just a short walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa).
- Luxury: La Mamounia (a place where Winston Churchill stayed).
- Must-Eat: Tanjia Marrakchia (slow-cooked lamb in a clay pot—this dish is just in Marrakech!).
2. Marrakech to Fez: From Desert to Forest, Through the Heart of Morocco
Why Take This Route?
This is Morocco’s most exciting train ride. It takes seven hours. You will go from the edge of the Sahara. Then, you will pass through cedar forests. Finally, you will arrive at the heart of the country: Fez.
After leaving Marrakech, the train goes up into the Middle Atlas. It passes Berber villages where shepherds lead their flocks over rocky hills. If lucky, you might see wild monkeys in the cedar forests close to Ifrane. This lovely alpine town looks more like Switzerland than Morocco.
On one trip, I sat next to a university student from Fez. She told me great stories about the city’s old Qarawiyyin University, the oldest one still running today. Her love for Fez’s history helped me see the city in a different light before I even arrived.
As you enter Fez, the view changes to rolling green hills. You will feel your heart skip when you first see the old city walls.
After your fantastic tour of Fez, visit Ifrane, the cleanest city in Morocco.
Local Tips:
- Best Stopover: Stop in Ifrane for a quick coffee—it’s the cleanest city in Morocco!
- Ticket Cost: Around $20 (2nd class) to $40 (1st class).
- Where to Stay:
- Budget: Riad Verus (a hidden gem with a rooftop view).
- Luxury: Palais Faraj (a restored palace with a spa).
- Must-Eat: Bissara (a fava bean soup—best eaten for breakfast in the medina).
3. Tangier to Rabat: A Coastal Romance
Why Take This Route?
If you are traveling from Spain by ferry, this is your first experience of Morocco—and what an experience it is! The Al Boraq high-speed train (the fastest in Africa!) takes you along the Atlantic coast in only 2 hours. The ocean sparkles next to you the entire journey.
One ride I will never forget was sitting next to a fisherman from Kenitra. He had just sold his catch from the morning. He talked about how vital the ocean is to Moroccan life. This made me appreciate the beauty of the coast even more.
When you get to Rabat, the beautiful capital of Morocco, you will dream of enjoying seafood meals by the beach.
Local Tips:
- Best Seat: The left side has the best ocean views.
- Ticket Cost: Around $15 for 2nd class and $30 for 1st class.
- Where to Stay:
- Budget: Riad Kalaa (a nice break in the medina).
- Luxury: Villa Mandarine (a beautiful garden).
- Must-Eat: Try the grilled sardines at Skala Bou Regrag—locals love them!
Final Advice: How to Ride Like a Moroccan
- Book Early: Trains fill up quickly, especially in summer.
- Go First Class: It’s cheap ($10–$40) and comfier.
- Bring Snacks: Some trains have dining cars, but nothing is better than a fresh Baghrir (Moroccan pancake) from a station stand.
- Ticket Booking: Book a train ride using www.oncf.ma.
Talk to Locals: Moroccans like to share travel advice. You might even get invited for tea!
Would you be ready to ride?
So, are you set to see Morocco like we are? Forget the buses, skip the flights, and let the trains show you their authentic charm.
What route excites you the most? Have you taken a train ride in Morocco? Please share your stories in the comments—I’m eager to hear from you! 🚂🌍 #MoroccoByTrain
I will try it out, thanks for sharing
Great, don’t forget to share your experience .