Last updated: June 2026
Morocco has a proper train network - well run, clean, and genuinely good value. It won’t solve every journey, but for the core routes between major cities it’s the most comfortable and predictable option you’ll find.
Six trips since 2017 and I’ve used the trains on nearly every one. They aren’t perfect, but they’re far more reliable than the stress of grand taxi negotiation for long distances, and considerably more comfortable than the equivalent bus if you’re covering serious ground.
Here’s how the network actually works and what it costs.
The ONCF Network: What Trains Cover
Morocco’s national railway is operated by ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer). The network is split broadly into two systems: the Al Boraq high-speed line in the north, and the classic intercity network connecting the main cities.
The rail map covers the northern and central spine of the country. Trains connect Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat, Casablanca, Fes, Meknes, Oujda, and Marrakech. That’s a solid list - but it’s worth knowing upfront that many popular destinations sit entirely off the rail network. More on that below.
For full trip planning context, the Morocco trip planning guide covers how trains fit into a broader itinerary.
Al Boraq: Africa’s First High-Speed Line
The Al Boraq line opened in 2018 and is Africa’s first high-speed rail service. It runs between Tangier and Kenitra, where it connects with the classic network onwards to Rabat and Casablanca. The headline journey - Tangier to Casablanca - takes 2 hours 10 minutes.
The route: Tangier Ville - Kenitra - Rabat Agdal - Casablanca Voyageurs
Frequency: Roughly hourly throughout the day, first service around 6am, last around 9pm.
Fares (2025-2026):
- Tangier to Casablanca: from 149 MAD second class, from 229 MAD first class
- Tangier to Rabat: around 110 MAD second class
- Tangier to Kenitra: around 75 MAD second class
ONCF runs promotional “Yalla Al Boraq” fares at lower prices if you book in advance. Worth checking when you book.
What the train is actually like: Both classes are modern and comfortable. The train runs at up to 320km/h and you feel it - it’s noticeably faster and smoother than the classic lines. Power sockets at seats, air conditioning, luggage racks with space for a full backpack. Second class is perfectly fine; the seats are wide and the carriages are quiet. First class buys you slightly more space and a less busy carriage, but it’s not night-and-day.
One note on reliability: Al Boraq has an incident record worth knowing about. In late 2025 a train broke down between Zenata and Ain Sebaa, causing significant delays across the northern corridor. This isn’t a routine occurrence, but delays do happen more than the operator would like. Build in buffer time if you have a connection or flight.
Classic Lines: Casablanca to Marrakech, Fes, and East
The conventional ONCF network covers the rest of the country. These are the Al Atlas branded intercity trains - comfortable, air-conditioned, and with reserved seats included in every ticket.
Key routes and approximate fares (second class):
| Route | Time | Approx. Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Casablanca to Marrakech | 3.5 hours | 140 MAD |
| Casablanca to Fes | 4.5 hours | 160 MAD |
| Casablanca to Rabat | 1 hour | 35 MAD |
| Fes to Meknes | 45 mins | 30 MAD |
| Fes to Oujda | 5 hours | 130 MAD |
| Casablanca to Oujda (via Fes) | 9+ hours | 220+ MAD |
The Casablanca - Marrakech route is the one I’ve used most. It’s a proper intercity train: smooth ride, café trolley service, assigned seats, good legroom. Getting from the airport to Casa Voyageurs first adds time but isn’t complicated. The Casablanca - Fes route is similar in quality and passes through Meknes, which is worth a stop if your itinerary allows.
For what these journeys actually cost relative to other options, see the Morocco transport costs breakdown.
1st vs 2nd Class: Which Should You Book?
Second class is what most travellers use and it’s genuinely fine on both Al Boraq and the Al Atlas intercity trains. Reserved seats, air conditioning, reasonable legroom. On the Al Boraq specifically, second class is comfortable by any standard.
First class gives you a quieter carriage, wider seats, and sometimes a more refined crowd. On the classic lines, first class runs around 30-40% more than second. For a 3.5-hour Casablanca - Marrakech journey, the extra 50-60 MAD (about €5) can be worth it if you want to work or sleep undisturbed.
On very busy routes - particularly Casablanca - Rabat on weekday mornings and evenings - first class is meaningfully calmer. On quieter routes it barely matters.
How to Book ONCF Tickets
Option 1: The ONCF Voyages app - This is the best option if it works for you. Available on iOS and Android (search “ONCF Voyages”), it’s in Arabic, French, and English. You can book, manage, and view tickets entirely within the app. Tickets go on sale 3 months ahead.
Option 2: oncf-voyages.ma - The official website works, but ONCF geoblocks many countries from accessing it directly. If you’re planning from home and can’t get through, use a VPN set to Morocco, or use a third-party platform.
Option 3: 12Go or similar third-party platforms - These work without geoblocking and cover all ONCF trains including Al Boraq. Prices are the same or marginally higher than booking direct. Worth knowing about as a backup.
Option 4: At the station - Reliable and simple. Most major stations have English-speaking staff. For Al Boraq, book a day or two ahead at busy periods. For classic lines, same-day is usually fine unless it’s a Friday afternoon or a public holiday.
Card payments are accepted at stations and online. No need to print tickets - the app or a screenshot works for inspection.
Where Trains Don’t Go (Plan Accordingly)
This is the most practically useful thing to know: the rail network doesn’t reach a significant chunk of the tourist circuit.
No train service to:
- Chefchaouen - take a bus from Fes (Supratours or CTM, around 4-5 hours) or Tangier
- Essaouira - Supratours runs connecting buses from Marrakech train station, timed with train arrivals
- Ouarzazate - bus from Marrakech, 4-5 hours over the Atlas
- Merzouga and the Sahara - no train comes close; you need a bus, shared taxi, or tour transfer
- Agadir - no direct rail; bus from Marrakech
- Chefchaouen to Fes costs around 100-150 MAD by Supratours bus
Supratours is actually operated by ONCF and is specifically designed as a connecting network. Buses from train stations depart timed to train arrivals. For Essaouira especially, the Marrakech Supratours connection is efficient and cheap.
The grand taxi guide is useful context for the gaps that Supratours doesn’t fill - particularly shorter regional connections.
For a full picture of how to move around the country, how to get around Morocco covers trains, buses, and taxis together.
Luggage on ONCF Trains
ONCF allows one or two bags per person without extra charges. Overhead racks on the Al Boraq handle standard backpacks and carry-on sized luggage. End-of-carriage racks near the doors take full-size suitcases on both Al Boraq and Al Atlas trains.
Practically: a 70L backpack fits overhead on Al Boraq but you may need to angle it. On the classic trains, the end-of-carriage area is where everyone stacks large bags - it works fine, but keep an eye on your gear if the train is busy.
There are no formal luggage size restrictions enforced in practice, but genuinely oversized items (surfboards, bikes) need to be arranged in advance through ONCF directly.
Comfort and Reliability: The Honest Take
The trains are good - not Swiss-perfect, but genuinely reliable for intercity travel.
Al Boraq is impressive infrastructure. It runs on time more often than not, the rolling stock is modern, and the speeds are real (you clock through the countryside). The incident record in 2025 means I wouldn’t cut it too close before a flight, but for city-to-city travel it’s the best option in Morocco.
Classic Al Atlas trains are comfortable and dependable. They run on time the majority of the time. Delays happen, particularly on regional lines and at busy periods, but a 20-minute delay is far more common than a 2-hour one.
What I genuinely like about ONCF trains: fixed prices that everyone pays, air conditioning that actually works, assigned seats so there’s no scramble, and comfortable enough to read or sleep through a 4-hour journey. These are not small things in Morocco.
If you’re comparing train vs. grand taxi for a long journey, see how to get around Morocco for the trade-offs. If you’re trying to build a trip that uses the rail network well, browse our Morocco tours - most itineraries are structured around the train spine with bus connections for the south.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the train from Tangier to Casablanca?
Second class on the Al Boraq high-speed train costs from around 149 MAD (approximately €14). First class starts from around 229 MAD. Promotional “Yalla Al Boraq” fares can bring prices lower if you book ahead. The journey takes 2 hours 10 minutes.
Can I book Morocco train tickets online from outside Morocco?
The official ONCF website is geoblocked for many countries, so you may not be able to access it directly. The ONCF Voyages app (iOS/Android) is a cleaner option and available internationally. Third-party platforms like 12Go also sell all ONCF routes including Al Boraq, with the same or very similar pricing.
Does the train go to Chefchaouen?
No. There is no train service to Chefchaouen. The closest train station is at Fes (about 3 hours from Chefchaouen by road) or Tangier (about 3.5 hours). From either, Supratours and CTM buses connect to Chefchaouen. Book bus tickets in advance at busy periods.
Is the Al Boraq train worth it compared to the bus?
For the Tangier - Casablanca route specifically, yes. The train takes 2 hours 10 minutes vs. roughly 5-6 hours by bus. The fare difference is modest. Unless you’re on an extremely tight budget, the train is the better option for comfort and speed on this corridor.
What is the difference between first and second class on Moroccan trains?
On Al Boraq, both classes are comfortable and the difference is modest - wider seats and a quieter carriage in first class. On classic Al Atlas trains, first class has more space and often fewer passengers. The price difference is roughly 30-40%. For journeys of 3+ hours, first class is worth considering if you want to sleep or work undisturbed.
Do I need to reserve a seat in advance?
On Al Boraq, advance booking is recommended, particularly on weekends and public holidays - popular departure times sell out. On classic Al Atlas intercity trains, advance booking is advisable for Friday afternoons and the day before/after a public holiday. For most other classic line travel, same-day or next-day booking at the station is usually fine.
Sarah has been travelling Morocco independently since 2017. If you’re planning a trip and want local guidance built in, take a look at the Explora Morocco tours - small groups, no fluff.
