Morocco is a land of contrasts, from the historic streets of Marrakesh to the vast deserts of the Sahara and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. It’s a country rich in culture, natural beauty, and diversity, and the best way to explore it is by using a variety of transportation options. Whether you’re venturing into the bustling cities, exploring remote villages, or traveling across vast stretches of desert, knowing how to get around is key to making the most of your time in Morocco.
In this guide, we’ll look at the best ways to get around Morocco, from renting a car and taxis to taking trains, buses, and even flights. We’ll also cover some of the challenges travelers face when navigating the country and provide tips to make your journey smoother.
Renting a Car: Explore Morocco at Your Own Pace

One of the most popular ways to explore Morocco, especially its rural areas and off-the-beaten-path destinations, is by renting a car. Renting a car offers the flexibility to travel at your own pace and visit places that may not be easily accessible by public transportation. Whether you want to explore the Atlas Mountains, venture into the Sahara Desert, or simply take a scenic road trip along Morocco’s coast, a rental car gives you the freedom to design your itinerary.
Rental agencies such as Budget, Hertz, and Avis have locations in most major cities and at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport. Prices for rental cars range from Dh270 for a basic model to Dh7500 for a more luxurious 4WD per day, depending on the vehicle type and season. When renting a car, always inspect the vehicle for damage before taking it and ensure you have comprehensive insurance coverage.
While driving in Morocco’s cities can be hectic due to heavy traffic and a lack of parking, the major roads outside urban areas are generally in good condition. However, some mountain passes, particularly those in the Atlas Mountains, can be challenging to navigate, especially at night. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid driving after dark in rural areas.
For those who don’t want the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads, many local tour operators provide rental cars with multilingual drivers who can take you on a comfortable road trip across the country.
Taxis: Convenient and Affordable Travel Within Cities

Taxis are one of the most convenient and popular modes of transport within Moroccan cities. There are two types of taxis in Morocco: petit taxis and grand taxis. Petit taxis are small, often yellow or red vehicles, and are ideal for short trips within a city. These taxis are readily available and can be flagged down on the street or found near bus and train stations.
In major cities like Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Rabat, petit taxis are metered, which means there’s no need to haggle over prices. However, drivers sometimes claim that their meter is broken, which is a common trick to avoid using it. If this happens, don’t hesitate to ask the driver to let you out and look for another taxi. It’s important to carry cash, as not all taxis accept credit cards.
For longer journeys or inter-city travel, grand taxis are a better option. These larger taxis, often vintage diesel-powered Mercedes, operate on fixed routes between cities and towns. Grand taxis usually carry up to six passengers, and the fare is generally shared among all passengers. However, if you want to avoid squeezing into a full taxi, you can pay for extra seats or even hire the whole vehicle for yourself. The price for an inter-city trip typically ranges from Dh50 to Dh100.
Careem, a popular ride-hailing service, operates in cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier. However, Uber is not available in Morocco.
Trains: Comfortable and Efficient Long-Distance Travel

If you’re looking to travel across Morocco between cities, the train network is an excellent option. Morocco’s national rail service, ONCF, operates an extensive network connecting the major cities. The primary line runs from Tangier to Marrakesh, passing through Casablanca, Rabat, and other cities along the way. The trains are comfortable, affordable, and relatively punctual, making them a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
One of the highlights of Morocco’s train system is its high-speed train, Al Boraq, which connects Tangier and Casablanca. Launched in 2018, Al Boraq is the first high-speed train in Africa, and it reaches speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph). The journey between Tangier and Casablanca, which used to take more than five hours, now takes just over two hours. This service makes it an ideal choice for travelers who want to cover long distances quickly. Al Boraq also stops at Kenitra and Rabat.
In addition to intercity trains, cities like Casablanca and Rabat have efficient tram systems. These trams are a great way to navigate around the city, especially in Casablanca, where traffic congestion can be overwhelming. Tickets can be bought at stations, and the trams are punctual and comfortable.
Buses: Budget-Friendly Travel Across Morocco

For those who want to travel across Morocco on a budget, buses are a reliable and affordable option. The two main bus companies serving the country are CTM and Supratours. CTM offers a wide network of services that cover most of Morocco’s major cities and towns. Supratours, which is owned by ONCF, operates buses that are well-coordinated with train schedules, making it easy to combine train and bus travel for longer journeys.
Both CTM and Supratours buses are comfortable and offer amenities like Wi-Fi and extra legroom, particularly in their “luxe” categories. However, if you plan to visit more remote areas, you might have to rely on smaller, local buses known as “market buses.” These buses are less comfortable and may not always be the safest option, but they are widely available and can be hailed in small villages along the way.
When buying bus and train tickets, it’s best to purchase them in person at stations, as international credit cards are not always accepted on the official websites. Alternatively, you can use third-party ticket providers like Marrakech Tickets, which will email you your tickets electronically.
Flying: Quick and Efficient for Long-Distance Travel

For those who are short on time or want to avoid long, dusty road trips, flying is a convenient option for covering long distances in Morocco. Morocco’s national airline, Royal Air Maroc, offers flights between major cities like Marrakesh, Fez, and Errachidia. These flights can significantly reduce travel time; for example, a flight from Marrakesh to Errachidia takes just one hour, compared to an eight-hour drive by road.
Air Arabia, a budget airline, also operates flights between Marrakesh and Fez, providing a faster and more affordable option than buses. While flying is a great way to save time, it’s worth considering the environmental impact of air travel, particularly for shorter journeys.
Motorcycle Travel: A Thrilling Option for Adventurers

For many travelers, exploring Morocco by motorcycle is an adventure in itself. The country’s diverse landscapes, from the winding roads of the Atlas Mountains to the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, make it a dream destination for motorcyclists. You can either bring your motorcycle from Europe via a ferry or rent one upon arrival in Morocco.
Renting a motorcycle allows you to explore Morocco at your own pace, and you can opt to join a guided motorcycle tour if you prefer to travel in a group. These tours typically offer a local guide who knows the best routes and can help ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Accessible Travel: Tips for Travelers with Mobility Issues

Traveling in Morocco can be a challenge for people with mobility issues. Many of the country’s cities, particularly the ancient medinas, have narrow, uneven streets that can be difficult to navigate. In addition, traditional riads and guesthouses rarely have elevators, and accessible public transport is limited.
To make your trip more accessible, consider renting a car with a driver, as this allows you to travel comfortably between cities and attractions. Some larger cities, such as Casablanca and Rabat, have more accessible facilities, but rural areas are more challenging. It’s also essential to choose accommodations that can cater to your needs. Operators like Morocco Accessible Travel can help arrange trips that accommodate travelers with mobility challenges.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Moroccan Adventure
Getting around Morocco may seem daunting at first, but the country offers a variety of transportation options to suit every type of traveler. Whether you’re renting a car to explore the countryside, taking a train for a comfortable journey between cities, or hopping on a bus to reach remote destinations, Morocco’s transport system is designed to help you make the most of your trip. By planning ahead and choosing the right transport options for your itinerary, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience throughout Morocco.