How to get around Morocco
Navigating Morocco is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
{'summary': 'Traveling between cities in Morocco offers various options, catering to different budgets and preferences. Trains provide a comfortable and often reliable way to cover long distances, with both standard and high-speed services. Buses offer extensive coverage, reaching areas not served by rail, and are generally very affordable. For a more traditional and shared experience, grand taxis operate on fixed routes between towns. Car rental offers flexibility for exploration, while domestic flights are the fastest but most expensive option.', 'options': [{'type': 'Trains', 'description': "Morocco's national railway operator, ONCF, provides a well-maintained network connecting major cities. The Al Boraq high-speed train connects Tangier to Casablanca in just over two hours, offering a fast travel experience. Standard trains, known as Al Atlas, serve other routes across the country. First-class tickets offer reserved, more comfortable seating and air conditioning, while second-class tickets are unassigned.", 'typical_prices': {'long_journeys': {'Tangier_to_Casablanca_Al_Boraq': '250-400 MAD (one-way)', 'Marrakech_to_Fes': '200-300 MAD (first class), 186-338 MAD (second class)', 'Casablanca_to_Marrakech': '150 MAD (second class), 250 MAD (first class)'}}, 'comfort_level': 'High (First Class), Moderate (Second Class)', 'cheapest_option': 'No', 'booking': 'Tickets can be purchased online via the ONCF website (www.oncf.ma) or third-party platforms like 12go.com and Bookaway.com. Tickets are also available at train stations. Booking in advance is recommended for popular routes and during peak periods.'}, {'type': 'Buses', 'description': 'Buses are a highly popular and affordable method for intercity travel, with an extensive network reaching major cities, towns, and even remote areas. Reputable companies offer modern, comfortable buses with air conditioning and reclining seats. Smaller, local companies may provide cheaper fares but can be less reliable and often more crowded.', 'typical_prices': {'long_journeys': {'Marrakech_to_Agadir': '110-120 MAD', 'Casablanca_to_Marrakech': '80-130 MAD', 'Marrakech_to_Merzouga': 'Approximately 350 MAD (for a 15-hour journey)'}}, 'comfort_level': 'Moderate to High (CTM/Supratours), Low (Local Buses)', 'cheapest_option': 'Yes, especially local buses and shared grand taxis.', 'booking': 'Tickets can be purchased online through company websites like CTM (www.ctm.ma) and Supratours (www.supratours.ma), or aggregators such as marKoub.ma and Busbud. Tickets are also available directly at bus stations. Advance booking is advisable for popular routes.'}, {'type': 'Grand Taxis (Shared Taxis)', 'description': 'Grand taxis are larger, shared taxis that operate on fixed routes between cities and towns. They depart once all seats are filled, typically carrying six passengers. While economical, they offer less comfort compared to buses or trains, especially on longer journeys.', 'typical_prices': {'long_journeys': {'Marrakech_to_Agadir': '70-100 MAD per person', 'General_range': '40-150 MAD per seat'}}, 'comfort_level': 'Low', 'cheapest_option': 'Yes, for shorter intercity trips.', 'booking': 'Fares are typically negotiated with the driver or are fixed for specific routes. Payment is generally in cash. Grand taxis can be found at designated taxi stands or bus stations.'}, {'type': 'Car Rental', 'description': "Renting a car provides maximum flexibility to explore Morocco at one's own pace and reach less accessible destinations. This is the most straightforward option for route planning and ideal for reaching hidden spots.", 'typical_prices': {'daily_rate': 'Average 78 EUR per day (excluding fuel and insurance)', 'insurance_cost': 'Additional 20 EUR per day'}, 'comfort_level': 'High', 'cheapest_option': 'No, it is a more expensive option.', 'booking': 'Car rental agencies are available in major cities and airports.'}, {'type': 'Domestic Flights', 'description': 'Royal Air Maroc is the national carrier offering domestic flights between key cities. While the fastest mode of transport for very long distances, it often loses out to rail in terms of convenience and overall cost for typical intercity travel within Morocco.', 'typical_prices': {'Casablanca_to_Fez': '50 USD (one-way, if part of a round trip)', 'Tangier_to_Dakhla': '150 USD (one-way, if part of a round trip)'}, 'comfort_level': 'High', 'cheapest_option': 'No, it is the most expensive option.', 'booking': "Tickets can be booked through Royal Air Maroc's website or other flight booking platforms."}]}
Travel Within Cities
{'summary': 'Traveling within Moroccan cities is primarily done using taxis and local buses, with trams available in certain major urban centers. Petit taxis are convenient and widely available, while local buses offer the cheapest fares. Trams provide a modern and efficient way to navigate cities where they operate.', 'options': [{'type': 'Petit Taxis', 'description': 'Petit taxis are small cars that operate within city limits and are generally the most convenient way to get around. They are identifiable by their distinct colors, which vary by city (e.g., red in Casablanca, beige in Marrakech). They can carry up to three passengers.', 'typical_prices': {'intercity_journeys': 'Not applicable, they do not leave city limits.', 'city_journeys': 'Minimal fare around 5 MAD. Fares typically range from 10-40 MAD per ride. Night fares (starting around 8-9 PM) are 50% higher. Drivers are expected to use a meter, but agreeing on a fare beforehand is recommended in tourist areas.'}, 'comfort_level': 'Moderate', 'cheapest_option': 'No, local buses are cheaper.'}, {'type': 'Local Buses', 'description': 'Local buses provide a very inexpensive way to travel within cities. They follow predetermined routes and can often be crowded, especially during peak hours. Amenities like air conditioning may be limited.', 'typical_prices': {'intercity_journeys': 'Not applicable, these are for intra-city travel.', 'city_journeys': '4-6 MAD per single journey.'}, 'comfort_level': 'Low', 'cheapest_option': 'Yes.', 'booking': 'Tickets are typically purchased directly onboard from the driver or conductor. Exact change is often required.'}, {'type': 'Trams', 'description': 'Tram systems operate in major cities like Casablanca and Rabat-Salé, offering a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly way to navigate urban areas. They are a good alternative to taxis for specific routes.', 'typical_prices': {'intercity_journeys': 'Not applicable.', 'city_journeys': 'A single journey ticket costs around 7-8 MAD. Weekly passes are approximately 60 MAD, and monthly passes are 230 MAD.'}, 'comfort_level': 'High', 'cheapest_option': 'No, petit taxis can be cheaper for short distances.', 'booking': 'Tickets are purchased at vending machines at tram stations using smart cards or disposable tickets.'}]}
