Transport between cities is one of the few predictable costs in Morocco. Trains have fixed prices, buses have fixed prices, shared taxis have fixed prices. There’s no tourist markup on transport because everyone pays the same price.
Here’s the complete breakdown of routes, prices, and what each transport type is actually like.
Train Routes and Prices (ONCF)
The national railway connects major cities. Prices listed are approximate for March 2026.
Marrakech to Casablanca
- Distance: 240km
- Time: 3.5 hours
- Price: 140 MAD (~£11)
- Type: Modern, clean, cafe car, assigned seating
Casablanca to Fes
- Distance: 470km
- Time: 4.5 hours
- Price: 160 MAD (~£12.70)
- Type: Modern, comfortable, good views
Casablanca to Rabat
- Distance: 90km
- Time: 1 hour
- Price: 35 MAD (~£2.80)
- Type: Urban train, frequent service
Fes to Meknes
- Distance: 60km
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Price: 50 MAD (~£4)
- Type: Modern, quick regional service
Tangier to Fes
- Distance: 240km
- Time: 4 hours
- Price: 120 MAD (~£9.50)
- Type: Scenic, comfortable
Marrakech to Agadir
- No train. Use buses or grand taxis.
CTM Bus Routes and Prices
CTM (Compagnie de Transport Marocaines) is the national bus company. Buses are reliable and go everywhere trains don’t.
Marrakech to Agadir
- Distance: 245km
- Time: 3.5 hours
- Price: 80 MAD (~£6.30)
- Quality: Air-conditioned, comfortable, one stop
Marrakech to Essaouira
- Distance: 160km
- Time: 2.5 hours
- Price: 70 MAD (~£5.50)
- Quality: Standard bus, scenic coastal route
Essaouira to Casablanca
- Distance: 350km
- Time: 5.5 hours
- Price: 110 MAD (~£8.70)
- Quality: Standard bus, one meal stop included
Casablanca to Fes
- Distance: 470km
- Time: 5 hours
- Price: 100 MAD (~£7.90)
- Quality: Good, faster than train by 30 minutes
Fes to Meknes
- Distance: 60km
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Price: 35 MAD (~£2.80)
- Quality: Standard regional bus
Meknes to Tangier
- Distance: 320km
- Time: 4.5 hours
- Price: 85 MAD (~£6.75)
- Quality: Standard intercity bus
Grand Taxi Routes and Prices
Grand taxis are shared long-distance taxis, usually Mercedes sedans with 6 seats. Price is per person, shared cost.
Marrakech to Essaouira
- Distance: 160km
- Time: 2.5 hours
- Price: 40 MAD per person (~£3.15)
- Experience: Cramped, fast, stops for tea
Marrakech to Agadir
- Distance: 245km
- Time: 3.5 hours
- Price: 60 MAD per person (~£4.75)
- Experience: Direct, no stops, cramped
Fes to Meknes
- Distance: 60km
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Price: 15 MAD per person (~£1.20)
- Experience: Quick, shared with locals, very local experience
Meknes to Ifrane
- Distance: 65km
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Price: 20 MAD per person (~£1.60)
- Experience: Mountain road, stunning views, cramped
Casablanca to Rabat
- Distance: 90km
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Price: 25 MAD per person (~£2)
- Experience: Busy route, frequent departures
Casablanca to Fes
- Distance: 470km
- Time: 6-7 hours
- Price: 100 MAD per person (~£7.90)
- Note: Bus or train preferred for this distance
Petit Taxi (City Taxi) Costs
These are short-distance city taxis within a single city or nearby areas.
Marrakech airport to medina
- Distance: 15km
- Price: 80-100 MAD (~£6.30-7.90)
Fes airport to medina
- Distance: 15km
- Price: 50-70 MAD (~£4-5.50)
Casablanca airport to city centre
- Distance: 20km
- Price: 60-80 MAD (~£4.75-6.30)
Any city, short journey (under 2km)
- Price: 15-30 MAD (~£1.20-2.40)
Key rule: Always agree the price before getting in the taxi. Meters exist but aren’t always used. Ask “b’shal?” (how much?), they quote, you agree or negotiate, then get in.
10-Day Transport Budget
For a typical 10-day itinerary (Marrakech, Essaouira, Casablanca, Fes):
| Journey | Method | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport to Marrakech | Petit taxi | 100 MAD | Fixed route from airport |
| Marrakech to Essaouira | Bus | 70 MAD | CTM |
| Essaouira to Casablanca | Bus | 110 MAD | CTM, includes meal stop |
| Casablanca to Fes | Train | 160 MAD | ONCF, more comfortable |
| Fes to Meknes day trip | Grand taxi | 30 MAD | Round-trip |
| Fes medina (internal) | Walking + petit taxi | 50 MAD | Assumed 3-4 short journeys |
| Fes to airport | Petit taxi | 60 MAD | Return |
| Total transport | Various | ~580 MAD | ~£46 |
This is approximately 58 MAD per day (£4.60/day) for transport between cities, plus occasional local taxis.
Train vs Bus vs Grand Taxi Comparison
Choose train when:
- You want comfort and reliability
- You have a specific departure time
- The route is available (major cities only)
- You have luggage and want space
Choose bus when:
- The route has no train
- You want predictability and comfort
- You want to travel at night (overnight buses available)
- You’re on a schedule
Choose grand taxi when:
- You want speed (they leave immediately when full)
- You want an authentic local experience
- The route is short (under 200km)
- You want flexibility (no fixed schedule)
FAQ
Can I book transport in advance? Trains and buses: 1-2 days ahead is smart. Grand taxis: 30 minutes to 2 hours wait is normal (you show up and go).
Do children pay full price? Trains: yes. Buses: yes. Grand taxis: sometimes negotiable (half price for small children).
Can I bring luggage on these? Yes. One large bag per person is standard. Everything goes in the trunk or roof.
Is transport safe? Completely. These are the systems Moroccans use daily. Drivers are professionals.
Do overnight buses actually work for sleeping? Some do (bigger CTM buses have somewhat lie-flat seats). Some don’t (cramped). It’s a gamble but saves an accommodation night.
Should I tip the driver? No. Tips are for restaurants and guides, not transport. If the driver helps with luggage, small change (5 MAD) is nice.
What if I miss the bus or train? You lose your money (usually). Book for when you’re confident you’ll make it.
Are prices higher in tourist season? No. Fixed prices year-round. No surge pricing.
For a complete breakdown of how transport costs fit into your overall Morocco budget, read our full guide to Morocco budget travel.