After months navigating Morocco’s transport system, I’ve learned which options actually work and which ones drain your wallet. Here’s everything you need to know about getting to and around Morocco efficiently.
Getting to Morocco
Flying gets you there fastest, but the ferry from Spain to Tangier? Pure magic. After exploring North Africa extensively, skip overland crossings from Algeria or Mauritania – security concerns make it a no-go.
Flying to Morocco
Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport handles most international traffic. From China, only Royal Air Maroc flies direct (Beijing-Casablanca). Everyone else connects through Paris, Amsterdam, Moscow, Doha, or Dubai.
Money-saving hack: European budget airlines offer incredible Morocco deals. Flying via Europe costs way less than direct routes.
Ferry from Spain
Four companies run Spain-Morocco ferries, with Tangier your best bet:
- Algeciras to Tangier: 30 minutes
- Tarifa to Tangier: 1 hour
- Cost: €30-40 per person
Ferry Companies:
- FRS: www.frs.es
- Trasmediterranea: www.trasmediterranea.es
- Balearia: www.balearia.com
- Intershipping: www.intershipping.es
Getting Around Morocco
Here’s what actually works: trains and buses are unbeatable. Infrastructure is surprisingly solid – decent roads reach from cities to remote mountain villages. Driving culture is “creatively interpretive” of traffic rules, so unless you’re super confident, stick to public transport.
Skip Domestic Flights
Royal Air Maroc dominates routes, Air Arabia only does Casablanca-Tangier. Zero price advantage over ground transport.
Trains: Comfortable But Always Late
Rail network covers Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Fez. Comfortable but chronically late. Book through ONCF or grab tickets at stations.
Rail Pass Deals:
- 7 days (26+): 600 dirhams
- 15 days (26+): 1,170 dirhams
- 30 days (26+): 2,100 dirhams
www.oncf.ma
Buses: Your Travel Lifeline
CTM and Supratours are gold standard – clean, punctual, comfortable. Reach virtually everywhere including remote areas.
Book online (CTM) or at stations. Small bags free, suitcases cost 5 dirhams extra.
- CTM: www.ctm.ma
- Supratours: www.supratours.ma
Taxis: Navigate Like a Pro
Petit Taxis (city only): Peugeot 106s and Dacias. Rabat/Casablanca use meters; elsewhere negotiate.
Grand Taxis (intercity): Vintage Mercedes packing 6 passengers. No meters, pay per person, leave when full.
Insider trick: Skip train stations and tourist areas. Walk a few blocks and flag passing taxis for better rates.
Driving: Experts Only
Roads are decent, but driving culture is intense. Big cities follow rules; small towns don’t.
Watch for: Pedestrians, livestock, zero night lighting.
Speed limits: 120km/h highways, 100km/h roads, 60km/h cities.
Rentals: Need original license plus certified French translation.
- Europcar: www.europcar.com
- Hertz: www.hertz.ma
- Avis: www.avis.ma
- Sixt: www.sixt.com
Tours for Remote Areas
Atlas Mountains and Sahara need organized tours. Marrakech medina has tons of operators – check TripAdvisor first.
