Finding Your Way: Essential Transportation in Morocco for First-Time Travelers
Going to Morocco for the first time? Rich in history, natural wonders, and lively, welcoming cities, this captivating nation awaits your discovery!
Nevertheless, the unique blend of traditional and modern motifs can intimidate you if you’re not familiar with the travel options within Morocco.
To help first-time Morocco visitors make the most of the mix of diverse and accessible transport choices in the country, keep reading this Morocco travel guide for Transportation in Morocco.
Morocco's Rail System: A Reliable and Scenic Choice
The Moroccan railway, managed by ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer), provides a pretty great and reliable way to get from one major city in Morocco to another, for example, between Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, and Fes.
Trains in Morocco are known for their efficiency. They are cheap, and the ONCF network connects the most popular tourist destinations, thus enabling tourists to enjoy stunning landscapes from their seats.
- Train Classes: You can choose between Moroccan train first-class seating or second-class seating. First class is a better option for privacy and space, and pre-assigned seats and air conditioning make for a comfortable journey through Morocco’s countryside. Second-class seating is budget-friendly and ideal for brief journeys, yet it might not provide the same degree of comfort and personal space.
- Booking Tickets: Presently, tickets are available at the train stations or online on the ONCF website. To book the first class, it’s advisable to do it in advance, as you want to assure yourself there is availability. Locals might be booking tickets at the station, but for those new to the area, it’s best to come prepared and book in advance.
The Al Boraq High-Speed Train | Transportation in Morocco
What a remarkable innovation Al Boraq is! It is this fast-moving train that astonishes tourists due to its exemplary 320 km/h (200 mph) speed limit on the line that connects Casablanca and Tangier!
When you arrive at your location, you will have plenty of time to tour the sites of interest because the train travel only takes two hours. In fact, Al Boraq is an innovative and modern way to travel if you’re a first-time visitor to Morocco.
Buses: Affordable and Far-Reaching
Buses in Morocco are another cheap travel option for travelers with a tighter budget or for those who venture to see the smaller towns. CTM and Supratours are the two leading companies offering reliability, reasonable prices, and extensive routes.
- CTM: Long distance travel is easy and comfortable on CTM buses that offer seating, air conditioning, and occasionally (on the best buses) bathrooms onboard. Advance tickets can be booked online and are advisable for routes with lots of people.
- Supratours: Supratours buses are operated by ONCF and are ideal for trips the train network doesn’t reach, such as southern towns like Essaouira, Fez, and Chefchaouen.
Because both CTM and Supratours have strict schedules, travelers preferring punctuality go for them. And local buses do exist, although they are a bit cheaper but have no suitable facilities and can get crowded.
Taxis: Flexible Options for Shorter Distances
Morocco has two primary taxi types: petit taxis and grand taxis. Distinguishing the importance is crucial in selecting the suitable option for your travel requirements.
- Petit Taxis: Smaller, color-coded vehicles found in most cities are called petit taxis. They are mainly used for local transportation. In Casablanca, the taxis are beige, in Chefchaouen blue, and in Marrakech red. These taxis are cheap and charge by the meter.
- Grand Taxis: Grand taxis, usually old Mercedes cars, offer intercity travel and can carry up to six passengers. They don’t operate on meters and instead follow a fixed rate per passenger. These taxis are ideal if you’re traveling with a group and want a flexible itinerary, but keep in mind that you may share the ride with others if you don’t book the entire car.
Tips for Taking Taxis | Transportation in Morocco
- Negotiate Fares: When taking a grand taxi, always negotiate the fare before starting the journey to avoid surprises.
- Ask for Meters: In petit taxis, drivers will either push the meter or try to negotiate a price, so ask them to use the meter first.
- Cash Only: Taxis in Morocco usually just take money, so it’s advisable to carry some Moroccan dirhams for taxi fares.
Car Rentals: Exploring Morocco on Your Terms
You can freely explore Morocco’s rural villages, remote marketplaces, and desert regions at your own pace if you like adventurous travel. It’s easy to choose a car that fits your needs because Morocco is home to many international rental firms.
- Driving Conditions: The majority of the roads between the big cities are well maintained, and highways are mostly with tolls. But in rural areas, prepare for winding roads, changing conditions, and even livestock sharing the same path.
- Traffic Rules: Traffic in Morocco follows European style, and the signs are in Arabic and French. Read up on Moroccan road signs, and always buckle up.
- Fuel and Parking: Highways are lined up with fuel stations, and parking in a city can be a hassle, especially in the busy part of town. In cities, look for official parking attendants who will help you find safe spots.
Essential Tips for Renting a Car in Morocco
- Insurance: Before you go out driving, remember to always make sure your rental has comprehensive insurance, as driving in unknown terrain sometimes will not be working!
- GPS and Navigation: In rural areas where there may not be much signage, it’s a nice thing to use GPS. Make sure to have downloaded offline maps to your phone when you may have limited connectivity.
Domestic Flights: A Quick Way to Cover Long Distances
Domestic flights are a pretty good way to get yourself connected with Morocco’s main cities by Royal Air Maroc and Air Arabia Maroc. While comparing with alternative traveling means, flying to destinations like Agadir or Dakhla can greatly reduce your time spent in transit.
When you are flying into areas where flights are not available on a frequent basis, it is typically cheaper to book ahead of time, and it is incredibly convenient if you’re traveling to desert areas.
- Booking Tips: It’s always best to book early when it comes to finding cheap flights, and often, there will be promotional deals from the local carrier.
- Airport Transfers: During airport transfers, you can also rely on grand taxis or private shuttle services. Airport pick-up is available at many hotels and is very useful if you’re arriving late.
And if you are looking for expert help to make your Moroccan trip go smoothly and be very memorable, check out Morocco Travel Organizer’s packages, a trusted source for your Moroccan experiences.
Luxury Travel in a Private 6-seater Deluxe Transportation in Morocco
We offer a range of private transportation from 6 seater deluxe minivans to 16 or 32 seater busses that are air-conditioned and with an English speaking driver.
Booking a private transfer guarantees you the flexibility to stop on the road, change starting and departure timing, and also allows you to connect with the same English-speaking driver throughout the journey understanding the culture and traditions of Morocco.
We offer a range of private transportation from 6 seater minivans to 16 or 32 seater busses that are air-conditioned and with an English speaking driver.
Booking a private transfer guarantees you the flexibility to stop on the road, change starting and departure timing, and also allows you to connect with the same English-speaking driver throughout the journey understanding the culture and traditions of Morocco.
Choosing the Right Transportation in Morocco
Morocco’s transportation network varies to cover any type of traveler. So, whether you simply want the convenience of trains and buses, the flexibility of taxis, the liberation of a rental car, or private transportation, there’s most definitely a prospect to suit your budget and liking.
Let yourself enjoy the journey; let Morocco’s transportation take part in your own travel adventure. Making plans in advance and being aware of your choices upon arriving in Morocco will guarantee that you journey like an experienced traveler and fully enjoy your initial visit to Morocco.
Morocco Travel Organizer is here to help you optimize your Morocco trip, whether you need a city transfer, train ride, or desert adventure. They have local expertise and can easily create tailor-made packages to suit your Moroccan adventure.
So, go ahead and start planning now and have a worry-free trip through this fantastic country!
