Many surprises await after you take the ferry from Spain to 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 get around Morocco 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 plan to travel slowly in Morocco and seek an efficient, sustainable way to move around, you’ve come to the right place.
Many surprises await after you take the ferry from Spain to 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 get around Morocco 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.
Thus, If you plan to travel slowly in Morocco and seek an efficient, sustainable way to move around, you’ve come to the right place.
The best way to get around Morocco: The Local Train
Morocco by train: A genuine local experience
Why should you travel around Morocco by train?
Getting around 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 city’s ‘new town’ to the charming local villages with the Atlas Mountains looming in the background.
Overall, travelling by train in Morocco is not just about reaching your destination. It’s about enjoying the journey and 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 with the visited places.
Getting around 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 city’s ‘new town’ to the charming local villages with the Atlas Mountains looming in the background.
Overall, travelling by train in Morocco is not just about reaching your destination. It’s about enjoying the journey and 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 with the visited places.
All you need to know about Moroccan trains
Moroccan Train Prices
Giving you an average price of how much it costs to travel around Morocco by train will not make much sense. It depends on your booking dates and journey. However, you can get all the details on pricing and ticket options at the ONCF website. Furthermore, if you need help, you’ll find that many ONCF staff speak English at the station.
Giving you an average price of how much it costs to travel around Morocco by train will not make much sense. It depends on your booking dates and journey.
However, you can get all the details on pricing and ticket options at the ONCF website. Furthermore, if you need help, you’ll find that many ONCF staff speak English at the station.
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 by train offers both modern and older grungy trains.
The older trains have compartments with other passengers: eight in the Second class and six in the 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.
For short trips of two or three hours, 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 hungry.
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 by train offers both modern and older grungy trains.
The older trains have compartments with other passengers: eight in the Second class and six in the 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.
For short trips of two or three hours, 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 hungry.
Buying tickets for Moroccan Trains
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 there’s no significant price difference if 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 there’s no significant price difference if 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.
But, 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).
SlowSightSoul Tips to explore Morocco by Train
If your cities aren’t connected by train, consider Supratours or CTM buses. Operated by ONCF, they are a reliable alternative for moving between the different steps of your Morocco travel itinerary.
If your cities aren’t connected by train, consider Supratours or CTM buses. Operated by ONCF, they are a reliable alternative for moving between the different steps of your Morocco travel itinerary.
ONCF Routes and Times
Finding an exact map of all train routes to get around Morocco can be challenging. Below are some main itineraries and their durations (I did it myself, mom’s proud):
Finding an exact map of all train routes to get around Morocco can be challenging. Below are some main itineraries and their durations (I did it myself, mom’s proud):
Get around Morocco by bus: Explore differently
Morocco by bus: Unlock every destinations
Why should you explore Morocco by bus?
The first obvious reason, dear Slow Travellers, is that many places, like Chefchaouen, don’t have train stations. Plus, buses are often cheaper. An excellent option for solo travellers to travel around Morocco by bus. This is a must for those 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.
An excellent option for solo travellers to travel around Morocco by bus. This is a must for those who want to save money and dive deeper into local life like you and me.
Different types of buses to get around Morocco
In Morocco, you can choose between the two main companies, CTM and Supratours, or go with local bus companies. What’s the difference? Local buses are cheaper but at the cost of comfort and punctuality. They often leave when full, the ride being less comfortable and quite rustic.
For example, on a trip to the Oasis of Figuig, 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.
Despite these challenges, it is 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?
Local buses are cheaper but at the cost of comfort and punctuality. They often leave when full, the ride being less comfortable and quite rustic.
For example, on a trip to the Oasis of Figuig, 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.
Despite these challenges, it is 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!
All you need to know about Moroccan buses
Buying Tickets
For CTM and Supratours, you can buy tickets at the bus station or online. Since prices don’t fluctuate much, you don’t 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. 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, you don’t 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. 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
Getting around Morocco by bus can be tricky! 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.
Getting around Morocco by bus can be tricky! 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 to Travel around 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 take 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 take down a local taxi.
Taxis in Morocco: A reliable option?
Why getting around Morocco by Taxis is a good option
Taxis in Morocco aren’t tourist attractions at all. On the contrary, they are a very affordable, convenient, and popular way to get around Morocco 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 one of the main 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 Morocco 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 one of the main scams in Morocco.
Different taxis to travel around Morocco
Petit Taxi
These taxis in Morocco can seat up to three people and be hailed from anywhere. Once inside, the driver can take other passengers going in the same direction.
So, don’t be surprised if you stop halfway. However, they are restricted to local city traffic and cannot pass the city borders.
For prices, you can negotiate before hopping in or pay what the officially activated taxi metre says. This is a great way to get around Moroccan cities.
These taxis in Morocco can seat up to three people and be hailed from anywhere. Once inside, the driver can take other passengers going in the same direction.
So, don’t be surprised if you stop halfway. However, they are restricted to local city traffic and cannot pass the city borders.
For prices, you can negotiate before hopping in or pay what the officially activated taxi metre says. This is a great way to get around Moroccan cities.
Grand Taxi for Local Traffic
The unique aspect of the grand taxis in Morocco is that they 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 taxis in Morocco is that they 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 get around Morocco. However, you cannot hail them from anywhere.
You find them in specific 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. The Grand taxis in Morocco are the quickest, cheapest, and most comfortable way to travel in Morocco.
As grand taxis are allowed to travel outside city borders, they are often the best way to get around Morocco. However, you cannot hail them from anywhere.
You find them in specific 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. The Grand taxis in Morocco are the quickest, cheapest, and most comfortable way to travel in Morocco.
The SlowSight Soul Tip When Travelling around Morocco by Taxi
When taking petit taxis in Morocco, 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 to get around Morocco, always specify that you want a collective, or “collective”. 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.
How to get around Morocco - FAQs
What is the best way to get around Morocco?
The best way to get around Morocco is by train, bus, and taxi if you don’t have a car. Each presenting disadvantages and advantages.
Can you get around Morocco without a car?
Taxis in Morocco are a great way to replace the car and move inside a city or between different destinations. If not, travelling in Morocco by bus and trains work well.
Taxis in Morocco are a great way to replace the car and move inside a city or between different destinations. If not, travelling in Morocco by bus and trains work well.
Do they have high speed trains in Morocco?
Yes. Travelling around Morocco by train is easy because they have high-speed trains called TGV.
Yes. Travelling around Morocco by train is easy because they have high-speed trains called TGV.
Is it difficult to travel around Morocco?
Once you have read this entire article about how to get around around Morocco, it will be a lot easier for you to effortlessly explore this wonderful country.
Once you have read this entire article about how to get around around Morocco, it will be a lot easier for you to effortlessly explore this wonderful country.
What is the cheapest way to get around Morocco?
The cheapest way to get around Morocco is by using the different taxis in Morocco.
The cheapest way to get around Morocco is by using the different taxis in Morocco.
What is the safest way to travel around Morocco?
Whether you are using the train, bus, or taxis in Morocco, they are all safe.
Whether you are using the train, bus, or taxis in Morocco, they are all safe.
Travel around Morocco like a local
As we wrap up our exploration, young fella’, you can now confidently get around 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 starting with the best things to do in Tangier, the underrated Tamraght, or the mysterious region of Agadir?
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
As we wrap up our exploration, young fella’, you can now confidently get around 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 starting with the best things to do in Tangier, the underrated Tamraght, or the mysterious region of Agadir?
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
