MoroccoTravel guide

Train

Trains are generally a comfortable and frequent way to travel between major destinations. The network does not cover the whole country. Buy tickets directly from ONCF, the national railway operator, online or at a station. Third-party sellers can add large fees. The Al Boraq train connects Tangier and Casablanca through Kenitra and Rabat. Another main line links Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Kenitra, Meknes and Fez. Delays are frequent, so allow extra time if you have an important connection. Bring plenty of water in summer. Carriages can be crowded, and even first-class air conditioning may not work. Validate your ticket at the entrance checkpoint before going to the platform. Night trains between Tangier and Marrakech have sleeping berths for an extra charge. Ordinary compartment seats have barriers that prevent you from lying down.

Bus

CTM and Supratours offer comfortable buses with wide coverage. Supratours also connects with the train network. Buy tickets at the ticket window inside the bus station. Touts outside or near the entrance often charge visitors more. Foreign bank cards may not work on the operators' websites. You can buy tickets in person at bus stations. Local buses are cheaper but can be slow, uncomfortable and without air conditioning. Ask the fare before boarding a local bus along a main road. CTM and Supratours pick up passengers at their main stations. Their drivers cannot sell tickets. Stored luggage costs extra, and CTM provides baggage receipts. Refuse charges for bags you carry aboard that fit overhead or between your feet.

Domestic flight

Royal Air Maroc serves most cities, but its domestic flights can be expensive. Air Arabia is another domestic option. Ryanair also operates domestic routes. Flights may compete with trains on price and journey time, but departures and baggage allowances are limited.

Car

The main road network is generally in good condition. Many roads are narrow. Expect cyclists, pedestrians and horse-drawn vehicles to share the road. Some southern roads have only one paved strip in the middle. Drivers use the shoulders when passing oncoming traffic. Windblown dust can hide approaching vehicles. Driving after drinking alcohol is illegal, even after one beer.

Casablanca

See the huge Hassan II Mosque and the city centre's colonial, Spanish-Moorish and art deco buildings.

Marrakech

Explore busy markets, old gates, city walls, the Saadian Tombs and the remains of El Badi Palace. In the evening, Jamaa el-Fnaa square fills with food stalls and performers.

Fez

Walk through the narrow streets of the medina, or old city. Sights include historic gates, Al-Karaouine University, Bou Inania Madrasa and traditional leather tanneries.

Meknes

Its walled centre has impressive gates and buildings that mix European and Islamic styles.

Asilah and Essaouira

These coastal towns offer sea breezes and a more relaxed experience of old-city life.

Chefchaouen

This blue-painted town is also a starting point for exploring the Rif Mountains.

Tagine

A dish listed in the source's meal-price examples, alongside couscous.

Couscous

A Moroccan meal that locals may invite travellers to share in their homes.

Jamaa el-Fnaa food stalls

Marrakech's main square fills with food stalls in the evening.

Restaurant choices

Menus can be repetitive, especially for travellers on a budget. Outside major cities, restaurants often focus on French, Italian, Chinese and other international food.

Mint tea

The source lists mint tea among common drinks.

Black coffee

Listed as café noir in the source's price examples.