Train travel in Morocco

Train travel in Morocco: a high-quality rail experience

Morocco is today the leading country in North Africa when it comes to railway infrastructure. Over the past few years, the country has invested heavily in modernizing and expanding its rail network. The launch of Africa’s first high-speed rail line, connecting Tangier to Casablanca via Kenitra and Rabat, marked a major milestone.

The Moroccan high-speed train, Al Boraq, significantly reduces travel times while offering modern, comfortable onboard services. This transformation is ongoing, with extensions toward Marrakech currently underway, aiming to connect even more of the country’s major cities by rail.

Beyond high-speed services, conventional trains have also benefited from major upgrades. New rolling stock, renovated stations and increased service frequency have made train travel in Morocco both efficient and pleasant. Today, the rail network reliably links the country’s main cultural and tourist destinations.

ONCF and the renewal of Morocco’s railways

The rail network is operated by the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF), a public institution founded in 1963. Its role is to develop, operate and modernize rail transport throughout the country.

Over the years, ONCF has become a cornerstone of national mobility. In 2023 alone, more than 52.8 million passengers traveled by train in Morocco, reflecting the importance of rail travel in everyday life.

ONCF is also leading ambitious long-term development projects. The Rail Morocco 2040 Plan aims to extend the network to 43 cities, covering around 87% of the population by 2040. These investments are designed to improve capacity and service quality, particularly in the context of major international events such as the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host.

Discovering Morocco by train

Traveling by train in Morocco offers an excellent way to explore the country’s most important cities in comfortable conditions.

Marrakech is often a key stop. Known for its lively medina, bustling souks, historic palaces and gardens, it provides a strong introduction to Morocco’s cultural heritage. Its striking railway station is both practical and architecturally distinctive.

Fes, the spiritual heart of Morocco, is renowned for one of the largest and oldest medinas in the Arab world. Arriving by train, visitors step directly into a dense urban fabric shaped by centuries of craftsmanship, religious life and trade.

Rabat, the political capital, stands out for its calm atmosphere and refined urban landscape. Historic landmarks such as the Hassan Tower, the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Mohammed V Mausoleum coexist with modern neighborhoods.

Casablanca, the country’s economic hub, offers a more contemporary rhythm while preserving notable architectural heritage. The Hassan II Mosque facing the Atlantic Ocean and the Art Deco districts reflect its 20th-century development.

Meknes, often overlooked, offers a quieter experience. A former imperial capital, it features monumental gates, long defensive walls and easy access to the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

All of these cities are well connected by rail, making it easy to design a coherent itinerary centered on train travel in Morocco, combining comfort, efficiency and cultural depth.

The Oriental Desert Express

Alongside its modern network, Morocco also offers more adventurous rail experiences. One of the most distinctive is the Oriental Desert Express.

Despite its name, this is not a luxury train and has no direct connection with the historic Orient Express. It is a tourist train running between Oujda and Bouarfa, crossing striking desert landscapes in the eastern part of the country. The experience is intentionally simple and authentic, with occasional stops in remote areas, passages through isolated Berber villages and close contact with local communities.

A defining feature of the journey is the desert crossing itself. Sand regularly covers sections of the track, requiring specialized teams to clear the rails. This gives the trip a raw, hands-on character that appeals to travelers seeking a different perspective on rail travel.

Is it safe to travel by train in Morocco?

Train travel in Morocco is considered safe and well organized. Trains are widely used by the local population for both daily commuting and long-distance journeys, and the rail system is a central part of national transport infrastructure.

Stations and major routes are supervised, and a tourist police force operates discreetly in and around transport hubs and city centers, with the specific role of assisting visitors when needed. Their presence is designed to be reassuring rather than intrusive.

As part of our rail journeys, travelers are always supported by a trusted local partner agency. This local agency oversees the itinerary on the ground and acts as a clear point of contact throughout the trip, ensuring assistance is available whenever required. This local presence adds an extra layer of coordination and reassurance during the journey.

From a practical point of view, traveling by train offers a smooth and predictable way to move across the country. Clear timetables, comfortable seating and direct city-center connections make train travel in Morocco a reliable and stress-free option for discovering the country.