Transportation

Transportation in Morocco

Morocco has invested significantly in transportation infrastructure, including Africa's first high-speed rail line. Getting around is affordable, though city driving can be challenging.

Public Transportation

Casablanca:

• Tramway: Modern, clean, efficient (7 MAD per ride)
• City buses: Extensive but crowded
• Petit taxis (red): Metered, within city limits

Rabat:

• Tramway: Two lines, well-maintained
• City buses: Reliable network
• Petit taxis (blue): Metered

Marrakech:

• City buses: Basic network
• Petit taxis (tan/beige): Metered, very affordable
• No tramway (planned)

Other cities:

• Tangier, Fes, Meknes: Bus networks + petit taxis
• Local transport cards available in some cities

Taxis

Petit Taxis (within city):

• Color-coded by city (red in Casablanca, blue in Rabat, tan in Marrakech)
• Metered: Starting fare 1.40-2.50 MAD
• Typical city ride: 15-40 MAD ($1.50-4)
• Maximum 3 passengers
• Always insist on the meter

Grand Taxis (intercity):

• Shared Mercedes sedans (6 passengers)
• Fixed routes and prices
• No meter; agree on price beforehand
• Very affordable for intercity travel
• Can hire the whole taxi for privacy (pay for all 6 seats)

Intercity Travel

Al Boraq (High-Speed Train):

• Africa's first high-speed rail (2018)
• Tangier to Casablanca: 2 hours 10 minutes (vs. 4.5 hours by car)
• Prices: 149-329 MAD ($15-33) depending on class
• Modern, comfortable, punctual

ONCF Regular Trains:

• Casablanca-Rabat: 50 min, ~50 MAD ($5)
• Casablanca-Marrakech: 2.5 hours, ~100 MAD ($10)
• Casablanca-Fes: 3.5 hours, ~120 MAD ($12)
• Comfortable, air-conditioned, generally on time

Intercity Buses:

• CTM: Premium bus service, reliable, book in advance
• Supratours: ONCF-affiliated, connects to train stations
• Other companies: Cheaper but less comfortable
• Casablanca-Marrakech: ~95 MAD ($10)

Domestic Flights:

• Royal Air Maroc connects major cities
• Air Arabia Maroc for budget options
• Casablanca-Marrakech: from 400 MAD ($40)
• Usually unnecessary given good train/bus connections

Driving

Getting a License:

• International driving permits valid for 1 year
• After 1 year: must convert to Moroccan license
• Driving test may be required
• Drive on the right side

Road Quality:

• Highways (autoroutes): Excellent, tolled
• National roads: Generally good
• Rural roads: Variable, some challenging
• Mountain roads: Scenic but winding

Challenges:

• Aggressive driving culture
• Motorcycles and donkeys share roads
• Parking difficult in medinas
• Police checkpoints common
• Gasoline: ~12 MAD/liter ($1.20)

Ride-Hailing

• Careem (Uber subsidiary): Available in Casablanca, Rabat
• InDriver: Growing presence
• Limited compared to other countries
• Traditional taxis remain dominant

Getting Around Tips

1. Insist on the meter in petit taxis - refuse rides without it
2. Book CTM buses online - popular routes sell out
3. Al Boraq is a must - modern, fast, affordable
4. Avoid driving in medinas - they are pedestrian zones
5. Grand taxis are the cheapest intercity option but can be cramped