How to Travel Around Morocco: Tips and Routes

Though Morocco’s medinas invite leisurely walks, the best way to truly uncover the nation’s remarkable diversity is by adopting the local approach and exploring its wide range of transportation options.

This guide takes you through Morocco’s treasures and shows you How to travel around Morocco the easiest way, from storied cities and rugged mountain villages to its pristine beaches, rolling Atlantic coastline, and desert retreats.

How to travel around Morocco by a car?

If you’re looking to explore Morocco off the beaten track and at your own pace, you can rent a variety of vehicles, ranging from a compact Fiat to a 4WD, ideal for navigating the Atlas Mountains and desert roads. Rental prices typically range from Dh270 to Dh7500 per day, with unlimited mileage included. Major rental companies like Budget, Hertz, and Avis are available at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport and in most major cities. As always, be sure to document any pre-existing damage and secure comprehensive insurance.

Driving in Moroccan cities can be daunting, with heavy traffic, limited parking, and a general disregard for traffic rules. The same goes for many mountain passes, which feature steep hairpin turns. It’s also best to avoid driving after dark in most areas.

On the whole, major roads are in good condition. If you prefer to relax and enjoy the scenery, local tour operators can arrange high-quality vehicles with multilingual drivers.

Driving in Morocco

Driving in Morocco generally doesn’t pose significant challenges, but accident rates are high due to motorists frequently disregarding traffic laws and driving aggressively. Do not rely on other drivers to signal or follow lane discipline. Exercise caution when approaching blind curves or hills, as oncoming vehicles may attempt to overtake without having full visibility of the road ahead. 

During the day, and especially for long-distance travel, driving can be as smooth as anywhere, with well-maintained roads, long stretches of straight paths, and minimal traffic between populated areas, allowing for high average speeds.

Driving Rules in Morocco 

The typical speed limits in Morocco are 40 km/h (25 mph) in urban areas, 100 km/h (62 mph) on regular roads, and 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways. Speeding can result in on-the-spot fines, and if oncoming drivers flash their headlights at you, they are likely warning you to slow down for a police checkpoint ahead, as radar speed traps are commonly in use.

Driving requirements

The minimum driving age in Morocco is 21. Driving licenses from the EU, North America, and Australasia are recognized and valid in Morocco. However, obtaining an International Driving Permit, along with its French translation (available from the AA or similar motoring organizations), is highly recommended, particularly if your domestic license lacks a photo, as Moroccan police may find that unusual. You are required to carry both your driving license and passport at all times.

How to travel around Morocco by Taxis?

Within the city limits, petits taxis – yellow in Marrakesh, red in Casablanca, and blue in Rabat – are affordable and widely available. You can easily flag one down on the street or find them near bus or train stations.

These taxis are metered, so you generally don’t need to negotiate a fare in advance. However, if the driver tries to avoid using the meter – claiming it’s broken, for example – simply ask to be let out and try another taxi. Be sure to carry cash and have some small change on hand.

For longer trips, shared grands taxis are often the best option. While the classic diesel-powered Mercedes are being phased out in favor of larger vans, they still operate on fixed routes, departing once they are full (usually with six passengers).

To avoid crowding or delays, you can offer to pay for multiple seats or even rent the entire vehicle for your journey. An inter-city trip typically costs around Dh50. You can also negotiate to rent a grand taxi and driver for a full itinerary across the country.

While Uber is not operational in Morocco, Careem is available in Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier.

Trains and trams

The two main routes of Morocco’s national rail service, ONCF, connect most of the country’s major cities: from Tangier to Marrakesh, passing through Casablanca and Rabat, and from Nador or Oujda in the northeast to Fez and Meknes. It’s an affordable and comfortable option, though the timetable may not always be strictly followed.

Morocco also boasts Africa’s first high-speed train, the sleek Al Boraq, which travels at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph). Launched in 2018, it cuts the journey time between Tangier and Casablanca to just over two hours, with stops in Kenitra and Rabat.

Both Casablanca and Rabat feature modern and efficient tram networks. Tickets can be purchased from kiosks and machines at the station and must be validated before boarding the tram.

How to travel around Morocco by Buses?

Buses are the best travel routes Morocco. The two main national bus companies provide a reliable and comfortable service, with the “luxe” option offering added perks like Wi-Fi and extra legroom.

CTM operates extensively throughout Morocco, with designated stops that may not always be at the central bus stations, while Supratours (a subsidiary of ONCF) offers coordinated ticketing, with bus departure times aligned with train arrivals. For travel to more remote rural areas, smaller “market buses” are available. These buses aren’t always the most comfortable or safe, but they can be flagged down in any village they pass through.

Tip for buying train and bus tickets: While ONCF, CTM, and Supratours websites may accept international bank cards, the process isn’t always seamless. It’s often easier to buy tickets directly at the bus or train station in person (though expect to wait in line). Alternatively, you can use third-party services like Marrakech Tickets, which offer electronic ticket forwarding for a small fee, part of which supports vulnerable children in the local community.

How to travel around Morocco by plane?

If you have the budget but are short on time, flying can significantly cut down on long, dusty road trips in Morocco, though it’s worth considering the environmental impact of flying.

Morocco’s national airline, Royal Air Maroc, offers flights from Marrakesh to Errachidia – just a couple of hours from Merzouga and the ever-changing dunes of Erg Chebbi – in about an hour, compared to an eight-hour drive. More affordable options like Air Arabia also operate between Marrakesh and Fez, reducing the bus journey by over six hours, with a flight time of just one hour.

See Morocco by motorcycle

Outside the crowded city centers, the allure of epic journeys on the open road – winding through remote villages bordered by the snow-capped Atlas Mountains or the vast Saharan sands – makes Morocco a popular destination on many motorcyclists’ bucket lists.

If you’re traveling from Europe, you can bring your motorcycle on a ferry from Spain, with the fastest route being across the Straits of Gibraltar from Tarifa to Tangier. Be sure to pack a well-equipped toolkit and any necessary spare parts. Alternatively, you can rent a motorcycle upon arrival and explore on your own, or join a guided group tour.

Tips for travel in Morocco

Morocco can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues due to limited accessible facilities. The streets in the medinas are often uneven and crowded, riads typically lack elevators, and accessible transportation options are scarce. However, the country can still be enjoyed with the right planning. Renting a car and driver, selecting suitable accommodations, and using services like Morocco Accessible Travel can help ensure a more comfortable and accessible experience.

Conclusion

Morocco offers a wealth of transportation options that cater to every traveler’s needs and preferences, from the adventurous spirit looking to explore the rugged terrains by car or motorcycle to those seeking a more relaxed journey via trains and taxis. Whether you prefer to drive at your own pace through the picturesque landscapes or rely on public transportation for comfort and convenience, each mode of transport offers a unique way to experience the country’s rich culture and diverse scenery. By understanding the best ways to travel around Morocco, you can fully enjoy the country’s beauty, history, and charm, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.