Many wonders await after you take the ferry from Spain to reach Morocco. However, if you’re like me, you might be hesitant to fly but eager to immerse yourself in local culture. So, how can you explore this amazing country the local way? Simply by travelling in Morocco by train, bus, and collective taxis! Once you understand a few key points, this approach will save you money and time while letting you dive into authentic Moroccan daily life.
So, If you’re planning to explore Morocco and seek an efficient, sustainable way to get around, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started, young Slow Traveller!
Many wonders await after you take the ferry from Spain to reach Morocco. However, if you’re like me, you might be hesitant to fly but eager to immerse yourself in local culture.
So, how can you explore this amazing country the local way?
Simply by travelling in Morocco by train, bus, and collective taxis! Once you understand a few key points, this approach will save you money and time while letting you dive into authentic Moroccan daily life.
So, If you’re planning to explore Morocco and seek an efficient, sustainable way to get around, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started, young Slow Traveller!
“Slow down the pace so you can catch all the beautiful details"
Morocco by train, a genuine local experience
Exploring Morocco by train offers a unique and immersive travel experience. As the train passes through the country, you can witness the incredible diversity of landscapes right from your window. The journey transitions from the bustling constructions of a city’s ‘new town’ to the barren desert vistas, with the Atlas Mountains looming in the background. Gradually, vibrant green patches emerge, intertwined with charming local villages.
Overall, travelling by train in Morocco is not just about reaching your destination; it’s about embracing the Slow Travel ethos. This approach encourages you to enjoy the journey, interacting with locals who are often curious and eager to share their stories. This mode of travel provides unique insights and allows for a deeper connection through the local eyes of Moroccan people.
Exploring Morocco by train offers a unique and immersive travel experience. As the train passes through the country, you can witness the incredible diversity of landscapes right from your window.
The journey transitions from the bustling constructions of a city’s ‘new town’ to the barren desert vistas, with the Atlas Mountains looming in the background. Gradually, vibrant green patches emerge, intertwined with charming local villages.
Overall, travelling by train in Morocco is not just about reaching your destination; it’s about embracing the Slow Travel ethos. This approach encourages you to enjoy the journey, interacting with locals who are often curious and eager to share their stories.
This mode of travel provides unique insights and allows for a deeper connection through the local eyes of Moroccan people.
Taking the train in Morocco
Prices
First vs. Second Class
When buying a ticket, you can choose between First and Second class. The price difference is often minimal, but the experience can vary depending on the route and the type of train.
Morocco has both modern and older, more… grungy trains. In the older trains, you’ll find compartments with other passengers: eight in Second class and six in First class. Modern trains have aeroplane-style seating with all passengers facing forward. Seat assignments are typically enforced, so respect your assigned seat to avoid being kicked out midway by someone who must sit where you are.
For short trips of two or three hours, the class doesn’t matter much. However, for overnight journeys, First class is worth it if you can afford it. Arriving at your destination well-rested is better than being tired, sweaty, and hangry. But if you’re on a tight budget, Second class will do just fine.
When buying a ticket, you can choose between First and Second class. The price difference is often minimal, but the experience can vary depending on the route and the type of train.
Morocco has both modern and older, more… grungy trains. In the older trains, you’ll find compartments with other passengers: eight in Second class and six in First class. Modern trains have aeroplane-style seating with all passengers facing forward.
Seat assignments are typically enforced, so respect your assigned seat to avoid being kicked out midway by someone who must sit where you are.
For short trips of two or three hours, the class doesn’t matter much. However, for overnight journeys, First class is worth it if you can afford it.
Arriving at your destination well-rested is better than being tired, sweaty, and hangry. But if you’re on a tight budget, Second class will do just fine.
Buying Tickets
When travelling in Morocco by train, purchasing your ticket is straightforward, my friend. You can buy them directly at the station or online without extra fees. Usually, tickets can be bought up to three months in advance, but in reality, there’s no significant price difference whether you book two months or one week before departure. Therefore, flexibility is key, as your plans might change at the last minute to explore other Slow Travel destinations.
When travelling in Morocco by train, purchasing your ticket is straightforward, my friend. You can buy them directly at the station or online without extra fees.
Usually, tickets can be bought up to three months in advance, but in reality, there’s no significant price difference whether you book two months or one week before departure. Therefore, flexibility is key, as your plans might change at the last minute to explore other Slow Travel destinations.
Bathrooms
Often, train bathrooms can be less sanitary than you might expect. It’s best to use the restroom at the station beforehand as they are cleaner. However, if you find yourself in an emergency, bring your toilet paper and don’t be surprised if there are no seats or bowls (aka welcome squatty potties).
Often, train bathrooms can be less sanitary than you might expect. It’s best to use the restroom at the station beforehand as they are cleaner.
However, if you find yourself in an emergency, bring your toilet paper and don’t be surprised if there are no seats or bowls (aka welcome squatty potties).
Routes & Time
Finding an exact map of all train routes in Morocco can be challenging. For more detailed information and hidden gems, you can download my ultimate Moroccan Slow Travel guide, packed with tips, tricks, and local insights. Below are some main itineraries and their durations:
Finding an exact map of all train routes in Morocco can be challenging. For more detailed information and hidden gems, you can download my ultimate Moroccan Slow Travel guide, packed with tips, tricks, and local insights.
Below are some main itineraries and their durations:
SlowSight Soul Tip for Travelling in Morocco by Train
If your cities aren’t connected by train, consider Supratours buses. Operated by ONCF, they are a reliable alternative for getting around. Let’s dive deeper into why and how to take the bus instead of the train in Morocco.
Morocco by train vs by bus: Which is better?
Why explore Morocco by bus rather than by train?
The first obvious reason, dear Slow Travellers, is that many places, like Chefchaouen, don’t have train stations. Plus, buses are often cheaper. This combo makes buses an excellent option for solo and slow travellers who want to save money and dive deeper into local life like you and me.
The first obvious reason, dear Slow Travellers, is that many places, like Chefchaouen, don’t have train stations. Plus, buses are often cheaper.
This combo makes buses an excellent option for solo and slow travellers who want to save money and dive deeper into local life like you and me.
Different Types of Buses in Morocco
Why explore Morocco by bus rather than by train?
In Morocco, you can choose between the two main companies, CTM and Supratours, or go with local bus companies. What’s the difference, he asks? Local buses are cheaper but at the cost of comfort and punctuality. They often leave when full, and the ride can be less comfortable and quite rustic.
For example, on a trip to Figuig, a fantastic Slow Travel destination, I had to take 3 local buses. I experienced everything from children vomiting to others playing and shouting in the aisles. We made frequent stops for vendors to hop on and sell their goods. Finally, I understood what a chicken felt when put in the oven, being slowly cooked for 4 hours.
Despite these challenges, it was the only way to reach some destinations, as you cannot go everywhere in Morocco by train, and the experience was worth it. If you have time and patience, go for it and create your own story!
In Morocco, you can choose between the two main companies, CTM and Supratours, or go with local bus companies. What’s the difference, he asks?
Local buses are cheaper but at the cost of comfort and punctuality. They often leave when full, and the ride can be less comfortable and quite rustic.
For example, on a trip to Figuig, a fantastic Slow Travel destination, I had to take 3 local buses. I experienced everything from children vomiting to others playing and shouting in the aisles.
We made frequent stops for vendors to hop on and sell their goods. Finally, I understood what a chicken felt when put in the oven, being slowly cooked for 4 hours.
Despite these challenges, it was the only way to reach some destinations, as you cannot go everywhere in Morocco by train, and the experience was worth it. If you have time and patience, go for it and create your own story!
Buying Tickets
For CTM and Supratours, you can buy tickets at the bus station or online. Since prices don’t fluctuate much, there’s no need to book weeks in advance. However, I recommend buying tickets the day before or a few hours before departure, as some routes fill up quickly.
For local bus companies, it’s different from travelling in Morocco by train. You’ll need to go directly to the station. Once there, ask about the next bus and its price. Be prepared for some hassle, but a quick “I’ve already booked my ticket” usually works to repulse persistent sellers.
For CTM and Supratours, you can buy tickets at the bus station or online. Since prices don’t fluctuate much, there’s no need to book weeks in advance. However, I recommend buying tickets the day before or a few hours before departure, as some routes fill up quickly.
For local bus companies, it’s different from travelling in Morocco by train. You’ll need to go directly to the station.
Once there, ask about the next bus and its price. Be prepared for some hassle, but a quick “I’ve already booked my ticket” usually works to repulse persistent sellers.
Bus terminal in Morocco - Be Careful
Most towns have a main bus station (gare routière), often on the town’s edge. CTM buses usually leave from the company’s office, which can be far from the main station. Supratours and CTM might share a terminal with private companies in some places. Therefore, be specific about your bus company when taking a taxi to avoid missing your bus.
Most towns have a main bus station (gare routière), often on the town’s edge. CTM buses usually leave from the company’s office, which can be far from the main station.
Supratours and CTM might share a terminal with private companies in some places. Therefore, be specific about your bus company when taking a taxi to avoid missing your bus.
SlowSight Soul Tips for Travelling Morocco by Bus
Register Your Luggage
For large luggage, you’ll need a separate ticket costing 5-10 MAD. With CTM and Supratours, show your ticket at their counter to register your luggage. Local companies will charge you when you buy your ticket.
Avoid Taxi Scams at bus terminals
At bus terminals, taxi drivers often overcharge for rides. Stand your ground and negotiate for at least 40% off their initial price or insist on using the taxi metre. Alternatively, you can walk out of the bus station and flag down a local taxi.
Register Your Luggage
For large luggage, you’ll need a separate ticket costing 5-10 MAD. With CTM and Supratours, show your ticket at their counter to register your luggage. Local companies will charge you when you buy your ticket.
Avoid Taxi Scams at bus terminals
At bus terminals, taxi drivers often overcharge for rides. Stand your ground and negotiate for at least 40% off their initial price or insist on using the taxi metre. Alternatively, you can walk out of the bus station and flag down a local taxi.
Morocco by train vs by Taxi: A reliable option?
Why should you use taxis to explore Morocco?
Taxis in Morocco aren’t tourist attractions at all. On the contrary, they are a very affordable, convenient, and popular way to get around, both inside and between cities. Their prices are low and taxis are often more comfortable than overcrowded public buses. However, without a basic knowledge of how it works, you are almost guaranteed to lose money falling for scams in Morocco.
Taxis in Morocco aren’t tourist attractions at all. On the contrary, they are a very affordable, convenient, and popular way to get around, both inside and between cities.
Their prices are low and taxis are often more comfortable than overcrowded public buses. However, without a basic knowledge of how it works, you are almost guaranteed to lose money falling for scams in Morocco.
The Crucial Difference Between Taxis
Two types of taxis exist in Morocco: small ones called petit taxis and big ones called grand or collective taxis. They do not perform the same tasks and have their own limitations.
Petit Taxi
These can seat up to three people and can be hailed from anywhere. Once inside, the driver can take other passengers going in the same direction, so don’t be surprised. However, they are restricted to local city traffic and cannot pass the city borders.
For prices, you can either negotiate before hopping in or pay what the officially activated taxi metre says.
These can seat up to three people and can be hailed from anywhere. Once inside, the driver can take other passengers going in the same direction, so don’t be surprised. However, they are restricted to local city traffic and cannot pass the city borders.
For prices, you can either negotiate before hopping in or pay what the officially activated taxi metre says.
Grand Taxi for Local Traffic
The unique aspect of the grand taxi is that it can take you anywhere inside or outside the city. Usually, it can seat up to six persons and you only pay for your place as it is a shared vehicle.
To stop them, hail from the side of the road and ask the driver where he goes. If your request matches his destination, jump in! Each grand taxi has a fixed route and rate, so ask before. Usually, for local city trips, it is around 5-10 MAD, no more.
The unique aspect of the grand taxi is that it can take you anywhere inside or outside the city. Usually, it can seat up to six persons and you only pay for your place as it is a shared vehicle.
To stop them, hail from the side of the road and ask the driver where he goes. If your request matches his destination, jump in!
Each grand taxi has a fixed route and rate, so ask before. Usually, for local city trips, it is around 5-10 MAD, no more.
Grand Taxi Between Cities
As grand taxis are allowed to travel outside city borders, they are often the best way to do so. However, due to their specific roles, you cannot hail them from anywhere. You find them in certain locations and they almost always wait to be full before leaving, so there is no fixed departure schedule. Despite this, I never waited more than 30 minutes.
They have a fixed rate, so you can avoid the mental energy of bargaining, which is great. Furthermore, this is, in my personal opinion, the quickest, cheapest, and most comfortable way to get between cities compared to travelling Morocco by train or bus.
As grand taxis are allowed to travel outside city borders, they are often the best way to do so. However, due to their specific roles, you cannot hail them from anywhere.
You find them in certain locations and they almost always wait to be full before leaving, so there is no fixed departure schedule. Despite this, I never waited more than 30 minutes.
They have a fixed rate, so you can avoid the mental energy of bargaining, which is great. Furthermore, this is, in my personal opinion, the quickest, cheapest, and most comfortable way to get between cities compared to travelling Morocco by train or bus.
The SlowSight Soul Tip When Travelling Morocco by Taxi
When taking a petit taxi, ensure they have the officially activated taxi metre. In many cases, the fare indicated will be up to 70% cheaper than what they offer you at first without a metre.
Then, when taking a grand taxi, always specify that you want a collective, or “collectivo”. Unfortunately, some taxi drivers, seeing our tourist faces, will try to charge you for the grand taxi as a private ride, which results in a lot of money.
Ready to navigate Morocco by train, bus, and taxis?
As we wrap up our exploration, young fella’, you can now confidently navigate Morocco by train, bus, or taxi. After all, diving into Morocco’s local transport options is more than a means to an end.
Its slow rhythm, flexibility, and economic advantage allow you to reach remote areas and open doors to adventures you wouldn’t experience otherwise. Each journey offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Moroccan life and landscapes.
Therefore, will you uncover more hidden gems in Morocco or the blog by taking these Slow Travel principles to your next destination?
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
As we wrap up our exploration, young fella’, you can now confidently navigate Morocco by train, bus, or taxi. After all, diving into Morocco’s local transport options is more than a means to an end.
Its slow rhythm, flexibility, and economic advantage allow you to reach remote areas and open doors to adventures you wouldn’t experience otherwise. Each journey offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Moroccan life and landscapes.
Therefore, will you uncover more hidden gems in Morocco or the blog by taking these Slow Travel principles to your next destination?
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
