Train and bus from Marrakech: Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Essaouira

The three departure stations, all in Gueliz

Marrakech railway station stands on Avenue Hassan II, at the corner of Avenue Mohammed VI, on the edge of Gueliz and Hivernage. The building, opened in 2008, is easy to spot from afar thanks to its large arched facade; the Royal Theatre is close by, down Avenue Mohammed VI. Inside you will find ticket offices, cash machines, a bureau de change and cafés.

The Supratours coach station, run by ONCF's coach company, is right next to the railway station. The station of CTM, the other major national company, is opposite, on Rue Abou Bakr Seddik. From Jemaa el-Fna square, allow ten to fifteen minutes by small taxi: ask for the meter, as explained in our guide to getting around Marrakech.

The Bab Doukkala bus station, on the edge of the medina, mainly serves private companies that are cheaper but less punctual. For a first trip, Supratours and CTM are simpler: numbered tickets, reliable timetables, tagged luggage.

The train: to Casablanca, Rabat, Fez and Tangier

A single line leaves Marrakech heading north. Every train goes through Casablanca, then continues to Rabat, Kenitra, Meknes and Fez, or terminates at Casa-Voyageurs, where connections depart.

Casablanca

This is the most frequent route: around ten direct trains a day, from early morning to early evening, taking about 2 hr 40 min to Casa-Voyageurs. Allow about 100 to 150 DH in 2nd class. The journey makes a day trip possible: our page on Casablanca from Marrakech covers the Hassan II Mosque tour and which time slot to aim for.

Rabat

Allow about 4 hours to Rabat-Ville, the station closest to the medina and the Hassan Tower, for about 140 to 180 DH in 2nd class. The capital is better visited over one or two nights than as a day trip.

Fez and Meknes

Fez is 6 hr 30 min to 7 hr 30 min away by train, with a few direct trains a day, otherwise with a change. A ticket costs about 195 to 235 DH in 2nd class. It is long, but more comfortable and more reliable than the road, which takes 8 to 9 hours by coach.

Tangier and the high-speed train

The Al Boraq high-speed train does not yet serve Marrakech: it links Casablanca with Tangier. For Tangier, the fastest option is therefore to change at Casa-Voyageurs; depending on the connection, the whole journey takes about 5 hr 30 min to 7 hr 30 min. A night train with couchettes also links Marrakech with Tangier, leaving in the evening and arriving the next morning. The Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed line is under construction, with opening targeted for 2029.

Classes and booking

• 2nd class: the cheapest, but trains can be packed at peak times and during holidays.
• 1st class: more space and fewer people; the price difference is modest and worth it on long journeys.
• Booking: at the station ticket office, or on the ONCF website or app, which accept international cards. The e-ticket is displayed on your phone.
• Holidays: on the eve of Eid and at the end of Moroccan school holidays, book several days ahead.

The coach: to Essaouira, Agadir, Ouarzazate and the south

Where the train does not go, Supratours and CTM take over with air-conditioned coaches. Tickets can be booked online or at the ticket office, and it is wise to buy them the day before in high season, at weekends and during holidays.

Essaouira

This is the route most used by visitors: about 3 hours with a stop, several departures a day with Supratours and CTM, for 100 to 140 DH one way. Take a morning coach to make the most of the town; our Essaouira page gives pointers for your visit. Coaches arrive near the medina walls.

Agadir

By motorway, Agadir is 3 hr 30 min to 4 hours away by coach, for about 80 to 120 DH depending on the company. There are plenty of departures, including overnight.

Ouarzazate and the Tichka road

Coaches cross the High Atlas via the Tichka pass, at over 2,200 m, and reach Ouarzazate in about 4 hr 30 min to 5 hours, for 90 to 130 DH. The road is winding: if you suffer from motion sickness, sit at the front. Ouarzazate is the gateway to the film studios and kasbahs, covered in our page on Ouarzazate and the Atlas Studios.

The desert

Supratours links Marrakech with Merzouga every day, and CTM serves Zagora. These journeys take between 7 and 12 hours: timetables, prices and alternatives are detailed in our guide to the Merzouga desert from Marrakech.

Luggage and traps when you set off

• Luggage: each suitcase in the hold is registered and tagged for a small fee paid at the ticket office. Keep the stub until you arrive.
• Porters: outside the stations, men offer to carry your suitcase to the coach. This is not a company service: agree the price beforehand, or simply decline.
• Tickets: buy them at the company's ticket office or online, never from a middleman in the street.
• Stops: coaches take a break of about twenty minutes halfway. Do not leave anything valuable on your seat.

Large taxi, car or transfer?

Shared large taxis leave when they are full, with six passengers, and can be negotiated for the Ourika Valley or Asni. They are fast but cramped, and poorly suited to long journeys with luggage. You can also book every seat to travel alone, paying for the whole vehicle.

For Ouarzazate, the kasbahs or several stops in the Atlas, a hire car gives more freedom: conditions, prices and roads to avoid are in our guide to renting a car in Marrakech. Finally, for a single day out with several stops, an organised tour can work out cheaper than two coach tickets plus taxis: our comparison of day trips from Marrakech helps you choose.

Summary of routes from Marrakech

Prices observed in October 2026, excluding the luggage fee; train fares vary with the purchase date and departure time.

Further reading

For arriving by plane and getting to your accommodation, read our guide Marrakech-Menara Airport to the centre. To combine several cities in one trip, our one week in Marrakech itinerary suggests a route taking in the Atlas, the desert and Essaouira, and our Marrakech travel budget helps you cost your journeys.