Morocco
Morocco is a country of about 37 million people in the Maghreb, with a Mediterranean coast to the north, the Atlantic to the west, Algeria along its eastern border and the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the south. Rabat is the capital and Casablanca the largest city. Most Moroccans live on the coastal plain between them, and behind it the Atlas mountains run diagonally across the country toward the Sahara.
That coastal plain carries the most modern railway in Africa. ONCF runs a compact standard-gauge network linking Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech with clean, punctual and inexpensive trains in first and second class, bookable online. It includes the continent's first high-speed line, and a further stretch of it toward Marrakech is under construction — which will pull the south of the country closer to the north again.
Rail journeys in Morocco
Al Boraq — Tangier to Casablanca
Africa's first bullet train — a double-deck TGV from Tangier on the Mediterranean to Casablanca on the Atlantic at 320 km/h, in about two hours.
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The Marrakech Express
The classic run down to the Red City — the journey Graham Nash turned into a song, ending under the palms and the snow-topped High Atlas.
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Is Morocco a good country for train travel?
Very. ONCF runs one of the best rail networks in Africa — modern, punctual and cheap — linking the main cities of the north and centre. The star is Al Boraq, the continent's first high-speed train, but the classic Al Atlas intercity trains reach Marrakech, Fes and beyond in comfort. Trains are generally a faster, more pleasant option than buses on the busy Tangier–Casablanca–Marrakech spine.
What is Al Boraq, the high-speed train?
Al Boraq is Africa's first high-speed railway, opened in 2018. It uses double-deck Alstom TGVs to link Tangier and Casablanca — 323 km via Rabat — in about two hours ten, reaching 320 km/h on the dedicated line between Tangier and Kénitra. It is named after al-Burāq, the winged steed of Islamic tradition.
Can you take the train to Marrakech?
Yes — the Marrakech Express is a real train. ONCF's Al Atlas intercity service runs from Casablanca down to Marrakech in about three hours, up to ten times a day. Coming from the north, take Al Boraq to Casablanca and change onto the Al Atlas — the whole length of the country by rail in a day. A high-speed line direct to Marrakech is due by 2029.
How do I buy Moroccan train tickets?
Book online at the ONCF site (oncf-voyages.ma), which has an English option and issues e-tickets, or buy at the station from windows and machines. High-speed and main intercity trains have reserved seats, so book a day or two ahead in the busy autumn-to-spring season; quieter local trains you can simply turn up for.