If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, one of the first things you’ll wonder is how to get around the country safely, easily, and without stress. Morocco’s transportation system is modern, reliable, and surprisingly simple once you understand the basics , but it works differently from what many first-time visitors expect.

As someone who grew up here, I know how each part of the transportation system works in real everyday life. This guide will help you navigate Morocco confidently, whether you’re exploring big cities, heading to the coast, or planning a desert adventure.

Getting Around Morocco: What Tourists Should Know

Morocco offers several transportation options, each with its own purpose:

• Trains
• Buses (CTM and Supratours)
• Small taxis
• Big taxis
• Ride apps
• Private drivers
• Rental cars
• Walking (especially inside medinas)

Once you understand how and when to use each one, getting around the country becomes incredibly easy.

Trains in Morocco: The Most Comfortable Way to Travel

Morocco’s national train company, ONCF, operates a clean, safe, and well-organized network. Trains are one of the best ways to travel long distances.

High-Speed Train (Al Boraq)

Al Boraq high speed train connects:

• Casablanca
• Rabat
• Kenitra
• Tangier

Advantages:

• Fast and reliable
• Air-conditioned
• Comfortable seating
• Safe for solo travelers and families

Regular Trains (Al Atlas)

Connects:

• Marrakech
• Casablanca
• Rabat
• Meknes
• Fes
• Oujda
• Tangier

Why tourists like them:

• Affordable
• Comfortable
• First Class has assigned seats and more space

Train Tips

• Buy tickets online at oncf-voyages.ma
• Arrive 15–20 minutes early
• Keep your luggage with you
• Bring water and snacks for long journeys

Taxis in Morocco: How They Work

Taxis are safe and easy to use once you understand the local system.

Small Taxis (Petit Taxi)

Used inside cities only.
Colors vary by city (red in Marrakech, blue in Rabat, cream in Casablanca, etc.).

What to know:

• The meter is visible on the dashboard — make sure your driver turns it on
• Many cities display official pricing on the front windshield
• Maximum of three passengers
• If the driver refuses the meter, politely take another taxi

Big Taxis (Grand Taxi)

Used for longer distances or leaving the city.

Typical routes:

• Marrakech → Ourika
• Casablanca → Rabat
• Tangier → Chefchaouen

Tips:

• Always agree on the price before entering
• Your riad can arrange a modern, comfortable big taxi for you
• Good for airport transfers and small groups

Taxis at Night

At night, meters are often not used.
This is normal — just agree on a fair price before getting in.

Ride Apps in Morocco: Safe & Simple

Ride apps are popular in big cities and perfect if you don’t want to negotiate taxi prices.

Most used apps:

• Heetch
• Roby
• Yassir
• Careem (mainly Casablanca)

Benefits:

• Fixed prices
• Route tracking
• No bargaining
• Driver information is visible
• Safer for solo women and night travel

Buses in Morocco: CTM & Supratours

Buses are excellent for routes not covered by train.

CTM

Reliable, comfortable, and modern.
Website: ctm.ma

Good for routes like:

• Casablanca → Agadir
• Tangier → Tetouan
• Marrakech → Ouarzazate

Supratours

Operated by ONCF and covers routes connected to the train network.

Common tourist routes:

• Marrakech → Essaouira
• Fes → Chefchaouen
• Agadir → Taghazout

Bus Tips:

• Book early on weekends
• Arrive 20 minutes before departure
• Keep small coins for luggage fees

Private Drivers: Best for Day Trips & the Sahara

If you’re visiting places outside the main cities — especially mountains, waterfalls, or the desert — a private driver is the most comfortable and safest option.

Perfect for:

• Atlas Mountains
• Ouzoud Waterfalls
• Agafay Desert
• Ait Benhaddou
• Sahara Desert (Merzouga or Zagora)

Benefits:

• Comfortable, air-conditioned car
• Flexible stops
• Safer for long distances
• English-speaking drivers available
• Ideal for families and groups

Always book through your riad to avoid unlicensed drivers.

Getting Around the Medina: What First-Timers Should Expect

Medinas (old towns) like Marrakech and Fes are pedestrian-only labyrinths. Cars cannot enter most of the inner streets.

What happens:

• Taxis drop you at the nearest gate or parking
• Riads often send someone to meet you
• You’ll walk through narrow alleys to your accommodation

Tips:

• Save your riad location on your phone
• Ask your riad for the easiest walking route
• Avoid wandering deep inside the medina late at night
• Ignore strangers offering to “guide” you — they expect payment

Renting a Car in Morocco: Should You Do It?

Renting a car is safe but only recommended for certain routes.

Best for:

• Casablanca → Rabat → Tangier
• Marrakech → Agadir
• Coastal towns
• Flexible road trips

Not ideal for:

• Marrakech medina
• Fes medina
• Mountain roads if you’re not confident

Always get full insurance.

Local Tips for Stress-Free Transportation

• Use ride apps when available
• Check the taxi meter on the dashboard
• Look at the tariff information usually displayed on the windshield
• Confirm taxi prices at night
• Use trains for long distances
• Use CTM and Supratours for non-train routes
• Keep small change for taxis and luggage fees
• Download offline maps
• Book long trips and desert tours with licensed drivers

Final Thoughts: Getting Around Morocco Is Easier Than You Think

Morocco has a safe, organized, and flexible transportation system. Once you understand how taxis, trains, buses, and ride apps work, traveling becomes simple, even in busy cities like Marrakech and Fes. Whether you’re taking a day trip, crossing the country, or exploring the medina, you’ll find reliable options that fit every travel style and budget.