With the 2018 inauguration of Al Boraq—Africa’s first true high-speed bullet train traveling at speeds up to 320 km/h (200 mph)—traveling between northern hubs and the economic capital has become faster, cleaner, and more comfortable than driving or flying. Here is everything international travelers need to know to navigate the Moroccan train system smoothly.

The Two Train Types: Al Boraq vs Al Atlas

1. Al Boraq (High-Speed Train / LGV)

Al Boraq operates along the dedicated high-speed rail line connecting Tangier to Casablanca via Kenitra and Rabat:

• Tangier to Rabat: 1 hour 20 minutes (previously 3 hours 45 minutes).
• Tangier to Casablanca: 2 hours 10 minutes (previously 4 hours 45 minutes).
• Features: French TGV double-decker Alstom trainsets, ultra-smooth ride, electric power outlets at every seat, luggage storage racks, cafe bistro car, and strictly reserved seating in both classes.

2. Al Atlas (Conventional Intercity Trains)

Al Atlas trains operate across the rest of the electrified network, connecting Casablanca to Marrakech, and linking Casablanca and Rabat eastward to Meknes, Fes, and Oujda:

• Casablanca to Marrakech: 2 hours 40 minutes (departures hourly).
• Casablanca to Fes: 3 hours 45 minutes.
• Marrakech to Fes (Direct): 6 hours 30 minutes.
• Features: Modern air-conditioned single-level carriages with both private six-passenger compartments and open saloon-style seating.

1st Class vs 2nd Class: Is Upgrading Worth It?

Ticket prices on Moroccan trains are very affordable by international standards, making 1st Class upgrades an excellent value:

Our Recommendation: For long journeys (such as Casablanca to Marrakech or Tangier to Casablanca), always pay the modest surcharge for 1st Class. Having a guaranteed seat means you can board without stress and keep your luggage right beside your seat.

Popular Rail Routes, Schedules & Fares (2026)

• Tangier Ville → Casablanca Voyageurs (Al Boraq):
  • Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • 2nd Class: 115 to 190 MAD ($11.50 to $19 USD) depending on how early you book
  • 1st Class: 187 to 299 MAD ($18.70 to $30 USD)
• Casablanca Voyageurs → Marrakech (Al Atlas):
  • Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • 2nd Class: 100 to 120 MAD ($10 to $12 USD)
  • 1st Class: 150 to 180 MAD ($15 to $18 USD)
• Fes → Meknes (Al Atlas):
  • Duration: 35 minutes
  • 2nd Class: 25 MAD ($2.50 USD)
  • 1st Class: 35 MAD ($3.50 USD)
• Casablanca Voyageurs → Fes (Al Atlas):
  • Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes
  • 2nd Class: 115 to 140 MAD ($11.50 to $14 USD)
  • 1st Class: 170 to 210 MAD ($17 to $21 USD)

How to Buy Train Tickets

You have three primary options for purchasing ONCF train tickets:

1. Online via the Official ONCF Website (oncf-voyages.ma)

Tickets can be booked up to 90 days in advance online. Early booking on Al Boraq yields significant discounts. Note for international credit cards: The ONCF payment gateway occasionally rejects non-Moroccan Visa or Mastercard credit cards due to 3D Secure verification issues. If your transaction fails, use your hotel/riad concierge to book or buy tickets directly at the station upon arrival.

2. Modern Self-Service Station Kiosks

All major railway stations (Tangier Ville, Rabat Ville, Casablanca Voyageurs, Marrakech, Fes) have multilingual touch-screen ticket vending machines accepting international credit cards with PINs, as well as cash notes.

3. Traditional Station Ticket Windows (Guichets)

Ticket counter agents generally speak French and Arabic, and often basic English. Simply write your destination, date, time, and class on a piece of paper or show it on your phone screen to avoid miscommunication.

Luggage Rules & Station Navigation

• Luggage Allowances: ONCF officially allows two pieces of main luggage plus one hand luggage item per passenger. In practice, bags are not weighed, but you must be able to carry and lift your bags onto the train independently.
• Storage Space: In Al Boraq and open-saloon carriages, large luggage racks are situated near the exterior entry doors, while overhead racks accommodate medium-sized suitcases, duffels, and backpacks. Keep valuable electronics and passports in a daypack on your lap.
• Security Scanners: All major train station entrances require passing your bags through an X-ray scanner before entering the concourse. Allow 15 minutes before departure for security lines.
• Station Transfers to Medinas: Moroccan railway stations are located in the modern French-built quarters (Ville Nouvelle), not inside the medieval medinas. Upon arrival at Marrakech, Fes, or Tangier, exit the terminal to find the official rank for local petit taxis. Insist that the driver turn on the meter (le compteur), or agree on a standard 20 to 30 MAD flat fare before getting in.

For more transportation advice, read our complete guide on driving in Morocco and our comprehensive Casablanca travel guide.

The post Morocco Train Travel Guide: ONCF, Al Boraq High-Speed & Tickets first appeared on Morocco Traveler Guide.

Contrary to common anxieties, driving in Morocco is generally safe, scenic, and well-managed, provided you understand the local rules of the road, highway toll systems, and how to conduct yourself at regular police checkpoints.

Rental Car Requirements & What to Check

To rent a vehicle in Morocco, you will need:

• A valid national driver’s license held for at least one full year (an International Driving Permit is recommended alongside your home license, though international agencies often accept standard European, UK, or US licenses).
• A valid passport.
• A major credit card (Visa or Mastercard) in the primary driver’s name for the security deposit. Caution: Rental agencies typically block a security deposit of 10,000 to 15,000 MAD ($1,000 to $1,500 USD) on your credit card. Ensure your card’s credit limit can accommodate this hold.

Inspection Protocol Before Leaving the Lot

Before driving away from the airport or agency depot, record a continuous, slow video on your smartphone circling the entire vehicle in bright light. Film every pre-existing scratch, wheel rim scrape, windshield chip, and bumper indentation, and ensure the agent notes every blemish on the paper rental agreement contract.

Road Infrastructure & Highway Speed Limits

Morocco has invested heavily in modern transportation infrastructure over the past two decades:

• Autoroutes (Toll Motorways): Managed by Autoroutes du Maroc (ADM), the toll motorway system links Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Fes, and Oujda. Surfaces are immaculate, multi-lane, and grade-separated. Speed limit: 120 km/h (75 mph).
• Routes Nationales (National Two-Lane Highways): Well-paved, single-lane roads connecting regional centers like Ouarzazate, Tinghir, and Chefchaouen. Speed limit: 100 km/h (62 mph).
• Urban Zones & Villages: Speed limit: 60 km/h (37 mph) or 40 km/h near pedestrian crossings and school zones.

Toll Booths (Péage) & The Jawaz Pass

Toll stations on autoroutes are clearly marked. Unless your rental car comes equipped with an automated electronic RFID toll tag (Jawaz), do not enter the lanes marked with the orange Jawaz logo. Instead, enter lanes marked with cash icons or green arrows, take a paper ticket from the dispenser at the entry barrier, and present it with cash (dirhams) at the exit toll plaza.

Navigating High Mountain Passes

Crossing the High Atlas via passes like Tizi n’Tichka (2,260m on the N9 between Marrakech and Ouarzazate) or Tizi n’Test (2,093m on the R203) requires alert driving:

• Expect slow-moving, heavily loaded commercial trucks climbing on steep inclines. Exercise extreme patience and only pass when forward visibility is completely unobstructed on straightaways.
• Never overtake vehicles on blind curves or across solid white center lines.
• In winter (December to February), mountain passes can experience snow and ice. The Moroccan highway authority maintains snowplow fleets, but chains or temporary pass closures can occur during severe winter storms.

Police & Gendarmerie Checkpoints: How They Work

One of the most unfamiliar aspects of Moroccan driving for first-time visitors is the presence of routine security checkpoints. Checkpoints are manned by the Sûreté Nationale (local city police inside municipal boundaries) and the Gendarmerie Royale (national military police patrolling rural highways):

Proper Protocol at Checkpoints:

1. Slow Down in Advance: When you see flashing beacons or road signs reading Halte Police or Halte Gendarmerie, slow down immediately to walking speed.
2. Stop at the White Line: Come to a complete stop before the stop sign or tire spike strip. Do not drive past the officer without permission.
3. Wait for the Wave: Keep your hands on the steering wheel and wait. In the vast majority of cases, the officer will see that you are a foreign tourist and wave you through with a polite nod or “Bienvenue au Maroc.”
4. If Flagged Over: Roll down your window, greet the officer politely (“Bonjour” or “Salam Alaykum”), and provide your driver’s license, vehicle registration papers (carte grise), and rental contract from the glove compartment upon request.

Speed Radar Traps & Official Fines

Moroccan police actively operate handheld radar speed guns just inside village boundaries where the speed limit drops abruptly from 100 km/h to 60 km/h. If you are stopped for speeding, remaining respectful and calm is paramount:

• Minor Infractions (up to 20 km/h over limit): Official fine is 150 MAD (~$15 USD).
• Moderate Infractions (20 to 30 km/h over limit): Official fine is 300 MAD (~$30 USD).
• Major Infractions (30 to 50 km/h over limit): Official fine is 400 MAD (~$40 USD).
• Payment Protocol: Always pay on the spot directly to the officer and insist on receiving an official printed payment receipt (quittance). Do not offer informal cash bribes.

Fuel Stations & Medina Parking Protocol

• Gas Stations: Major fuel brands include Afriquia, Shell, and Total. Fuel is pumped by station attendants. State whether you need Essence (unleaded petrol) or Gazole (diesel). It is customary to tip the attendant 2 to 5 MAD, especially if they clean your windshield or check tire pressure.
• Medina Parking Guardians: Historic medinas are pedestrian-only zones. You must park your vehicle in designated guarded lots (parking gardé) outside city gates. These lots are managed by official parking guardians (gardiens de voitures) wearing bright yellow or blue fluorescent vests. Standard rates are 5 to 10 MAD for daytime parking and 10 to 20 MAD for overnight parking. Always pay when you return to collect your car, not in advance.

To plan your ultimate driving route from the imperial cities to the dunes, follow our step-by-step Marrakech to Merzouga road trip guide and read our overview on 10-day Morocco travel itineraries.

The post Driving in Morocco & Road Trip Guide: Car Rental, Rules & Police Checks first appeared on Morocco Traveler Guide.