One of the best decisions you can make as a budget traveller in Morocco is to commit to public transport from the start. Not only will you save significant money — a train from Marrakesh to Casablanca costs $10 vs $80+ for a private transfer — but you will also share space with real Moroccans rather than sitting in an air-conditioned tourist bubble.
Here is a complete guide to how transport actually works in Morocco.
The ONCF Train Network
ONCF Trains Best for long distances between major cities
Morocco's national railway (ONCF) runs reliable, air-conditioned trains between the main cities. The network is not vast — it focuses on the Atlantic corridor — but the cities it connects are the ones most tourists want to visit.
Main train routes: Marrakesh ↔ Casablanca ↔ Rabat ↔ Fes ↔ Tangier ↔ Meknès ↔ Oujda
Second class is perfectly comfortable — clean seats, working air conditioning, and plenty of space for backpacks. First class adds a bit more legroom and quieter compartments. For overnight trains, first class or a couchette is worthwhile for the ability to sleep properly.
CTM and Supratours Buses
CTM / Supratours Buses Best for cities not on the train line
CTM (Compagnie de Transports au Maroc) is Morocco's main intercity bus company and the most reliable option for destinations the train doesn't reach — including Chefchaouen, Essaouira, Agadir, and Ouarzazate. Supratours is ONCF's bus arm and covers similar routes.
Key CTM routes: Fes ↔ Chefchaouen, Marrakesh ↔ Essaouira, Marrakesh ↔ Agadir, Marrakesh ↔ Ouarzazate, Casablanca ↔ Tangier
CTM buses are clean, reliable, and air-conditioned. They depart from dedicated CTM bus stations (not the main gare routière) and have luggage storage underneath. Buy tickets online in advance for popular routes in peak season.
There are also cheaper local "souk buses" run by smaller companies. These cost 20–40% less than CTM but are slower, less comfortable, and depart when full rather than on schedule. Fine for very short routes, but not recommended for long journeys.
Grand Taxis (Shared Taxis)
Grand Taxis Best for medium distances and towns off the bus route
Grand taxis are shared long-distance taxis that operate between towns and cities on fixed routes. They are typically old Mercedes sedans that fit 6 passengers (4 in the back, 2 in the front passenger seat). They depart when full — which means you wait until 6 people are going the same direction, or you pay for the empty seats yourself.
Grand taxis are excellent for shorter routes — Fes to Meknes (45 min, ~$2), Casablanca to Rabat (1 hour, ~$4), Essaouira to Safi (~$5). For longer routes, CTM buses are more comfortable. You find grand taxis near the main bus station in every city — look for older Mercedes cars with drivers calling out their destination.
Petit Taxis (City Taxis)
Petit Taxis For getting around within a single city
Petit taxis are small city taxis (usually Dacia Logan or similar) that operate only within their city. They are metered and relatively cheap — a 10-minute ride in Marrakesh should cost 15–25 MAD ($1.50–$2.50). Each city's petit taxis are a different colour (red in Marrakesh, blue in Rabat, etc.).
Popular Routes and Real Costs
| Route | Best Option | Duration | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakesh → Casablanca | Train | 2h 50min | $10–$14 |
| Casablanca → Fes | Train | 3h 40min | $13–$18 |
| Fes → Chefchaouen | CTM Bus | 3h | $5.50 |
| Marrakesh → Essaouira | CTM Bus or Supratours | 2h 40min | $7–$9 |
| Casablanca → Tangier | Train (Al Boraq high speed) | 2h 10min | $18–$22 |
| Marrakesh → Ouarzazate | CTM Bus or shared taxi | 3–4h | $7–$12 |
| Fes → Meknes | Grand taxi | 45min | $2 |
| Marrakesh → Agadir | CTM Bus | 3h | $8–$10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use public transport in Morocco?
Yes. Moroccan trains and CTM buses are safe, reliable, and used by all kinds of travellers including women travelling alone. Keep your bag with you or in the overhead rack in view. The main thing to watch is pickpockets in very crowded bus stations — keep valuables in an inner pocket.
Can I get a SIM card for navigation in Morocco?
Absolutely, and you should. Moroccan SIM cards (Maroc Telecom, Inwi, or Orange) are cheap — a SIM with 20–30GB of data costs 30–50 MAD ($3–$5) and is available at any phone shop or supermarket. Having Google Maps and Google Translate offline makes navigating both public transport and the medinas enormously easier.
What is the Al Boraq train?
Al Boraq is Morocco's high-speed train, connecting Casablanca and Tangier in about 2 hours and 10 minutes. It is the first high-speed rail line in Africa. It is slightly more expensive than the regular train but significantly faster and comfortable. Book in advance at oncf.ma.
Planning your Morocco route?
Read our 7-day Morocco itinerary guide — with every transport connection explained and budgeted for, city by city.
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