Trains in Morocco: book Al Boraq early and travel smart with ONCF

The network in brief

The ONCF network covers the Tangier – Rabat – Casablanca – Marrakech axis and the Casablanca – Meknes – Fes line, with extensions to the east. Between Tangier and Casablanca, the Al Boraq high-speed train takes about two hours, stopping at Kenitra and Rabat. Other lines are served by conventional, comfortable, air-conditioned trains.

For the south and the north-west (Essaouira, Agadir, Merzouga, Chefchaouen), there is no train: you take the coach (CTM, Supratours), sometimes connecting with the train.

Booking at the right time

Tickets are sold on the official ONCF website and app, or at the station. For Al Boraq, prices vary with the date and how full the train is: booking a few days or weeks ahead usually gets the lowest fares, especially on Fridays, Sundays and during holidays.

For conventional trains, prices are more stable, but booking avoids standing on busy days. Keep your ticket (paper or digital) until you leave the station: it is checked.

First or second class?

Second class is comfortable and fine in most cases. First class guarantees an assigned seat and more space, welcome on long journeys such as Casablanca – Marrakech or Fes – Marrakech, and on peak travel days. The price difference is reasonable: decide based on the length of the journey.