Trains for the north, CTM and Supratours buses for everywhere else, grand taxis for the gaps — Morocco is one of the easiest countries in Africa to cross without a car. Here is how each mode works, what it costs in 2026, and when a rental actually earns its keep.
| Mode | Typical cost | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Train (ONCF) | Marrakech–Fes ≈ 200–300 MAD 1st class | Casablanca–Rabat–Fes–Marrakech corridor |
| Al Boraq (high-speed) | Tangier–Casablanca ≈ 2h10 | The north coast, fast |
| CTM / Supratours bus | Marrakech–Merzouga ≈ 250 MAD | Everywhere trains do not go |
| Grand taxi (shared) | Pocket change per seat | Valleys, trailheads, town-to-town gaps |
| Rental car | ≈ 300–450 MAD/day + fuel | The south at your own pace |
How good are Moroccan trains?
Genuinely good. ONCF links the big northern cities — first class costs a little more and guarantees a seat. Al Boraq, Africa’s first high-speed line, runs Tangier to Casablanca in about 2h10. Book at the station a day ahead or via the ONCF app; no train reaches the desert south, which is where buses take over.
Which bus company should you trust?
CTM and Supratours — the two with fixed schedules, sold seats and luggage receipts. Book a day ahead for popular routes (the Merzouga bus fills). Local buses cost half as much and take twice as long; they are an experience, not a schedule. For the desert specifics, see the Sahara guide.
What is a grand taxi and how do you use one?
An old Mercedes or new Dacia running a fixed route, leaving when six seats fill. Say the destination, pay the seat price (ask a local first), squeeze in. Want it to leave now, or want space? Buy the empty seats. It is the connective tissue of Moroccan travel and where half our best conversations happened.
When does renting a car make sense?
For the south — Draa Valley detours, the Anti-Atlas, oases the buses skip — with two or more of you sharing costs. Roads are sealed and quiet; police checkpoints are polite formality. Skip the car for cities (parking is misery) and skip night driving entirely. Solo on a budget, buses win every time — the maths is in the Morocco guide.
Do Uber or ride apps work in Morocco?
No Uber. InDrive and Careem operate in Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech with mixed coverage. City petit taxis (metered, three passengers max) remain the standard — insist on the meter or agree the fare first.
How do you reach Merzouga without a tour?
The daily Supratours bus from Marrakech (≈12–13 hours, ≈250 MAD) or the overnight CTM from Fes. Desert camps collect you in Merzouga village — arrange pickup when you book. Full route in the Marrakech to Merzouga guide.
Are domestic flights worth it?
Rarely — distances suit the ground. The one exception: the far south (Dakhla) or a tight Tangier–Marrakech hop. Otherwise the train or bus costs less door-to-door and shows you the country.
Is luggage safe on buses?
On CTM and Supratours, yes — bags go in the hold with a numbered receipt. Keep valuables in your daypack on board, as anywhere.
Transport is one layer of the plan — the others are in the Plan Your Trip hub.
Transport sorted? String it into a route.
Morocco itineraries