Getting Around Morocco
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient trains for Casablanca and Rabat. Rural: Rent a car for Atlas Mountains exploration. Desert: Buses and shared taxis. For convenience, book airport transfers from Casablanca to your destination.
Train Travel
ONCF National Rail
Efficient and expanding train network connecting major cities with frequent services.
Cost: Casablanca to Marrakech 100-200 MAD, journeys under 3 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via ONCF app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 8-10 AM and 4-6 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
Carte d'Abondance offers discounted fares for frequent travelers, or buy multi-journey tickets for savings.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, ONCF website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
Al Boraq high-speed train connects Tangier to Casablanca, with plans for further expansion.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Main Stations: Casablanca Voyageurs, with connections to Rabat and Marrakech.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Atlas Mountains and rural areas. Compare rental prices from 300-500 MAD/day at Casablanca Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (International recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways.
Tolls: Autoroutes like A1 require tolls (20-50 MAD per section).
Priority: Chaotic traffic, yield to pedestrians and animals, roundabouts common.
Parking: Free in rural areas, paid in cities 10-20 MAD/hour, use guarded lots.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at 10-12 MAD/liter for petrol, 9-11 MAD for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Casablanca and Marrakech during rush hours.
Urban Transport
Casablanca Tram & Metro
Modern tram network in Casablanca and Rabat, single ticket 7 MAD, day pass 30 MAD, 10-journey card 50 MAD.
Validation: Validate tickets in machines before boarding, inspections are frequent.
Apps: Casa Tram app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing in Marrakech and coastal cities, 20-50 MAD/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Flat coastal paths and urban bike lanes in modern areas.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in medinas, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
CTM and local operators run comprehensive bus networks across cities and intercity.
Tickets: 5-10 MAD per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Grand Taxis: Shared taxis for longer urban routes, 10-30 MAD depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, medina areas for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Ramadan.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 4G/5G coverage in cities, 3G/4G in most rural areas including Sahara fringes.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 50 MAD for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi offer prepaid SIMs from 50-100 MAD with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 100 MAD, 10GB for 150 MAD, unlimited for 200 MAD/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, riads, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (10-50 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Western European Time (WET), UTC+0, daylight saving April-October (UTC+1).
- Airport Transfers: Casablanca Airport 30km from city center, train to center 100 MAD (45 min), taxi 300 MAD, or book private transfer for 400-600 MAD.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (20-50 MAD/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains accessible, many medinas have limited access due to narrow streets.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large 50 MAD), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for 50 MAD, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Morocco
Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN): Primary international gateway, 30km southeast of city center with train connections.
Marrakech Menara (RAK): Popular tourist hub 6km from city, bus to Marrakech 50 MAD (20 min).
Agadir Al Massira (AGA): Coastal airport with European flights, convenient for southern Morocco.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Madrid or Lisbon and taking ferry/train to Morocco for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, EasyJet, and Royal Air Maroc serve Marrakech and Agadir with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee 20-50 MAD, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in cities, cash preferred in rural areas and markets.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay emerging in urban spots, Apple Pay and Google Pay limited.
- Cash: Essential for souks, taxis, and rural areas, keep 500-1000 MAD in small denominations.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated, add 10% in restaurants for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.