Morocco Trains Explained: ONCF, Al Boraq, and Booking Tips

Al Boraq high-speed train at Tangier Ville station, the fastest of the Morocco trains
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Morocco trains are one of the easiest, cheapest, and most comfortable ways to travel around the country. The national rail company, ONCF, runs Africa's only high-speed train, Al Boraq, between Tangier and Casablanca, plus regular Al Atlas trains that link Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Fes, and Meknes.

I've taken both: Al Boraq on a trip from Marrakech to Tangier, and a regular train from Rabat to Marrakech. This guide explains the different trains, which routes they cover, what tickets cost, how to book, and what's changing in 2026.

Quick answer: Morocco trains at a glance

WhatDetails
OperatorONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer)
High-speed trainAl Boraq: Tangier – Kenitra – Rabat – Casablanca, up to 320 km/h
Regular intercity trainsAl Atlas: Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Tangier, Oujda and more
ClassesFirst class and second class
Where to bookoncf-voyages.ma, the ONCF Voyages app, or at the station
Not on the networkChefchaouen, Essaouira, Agadir, Merzouga (use buses)

The types of trains in Morocco

Al Boraq: the Morocco high-speed train

Al Boraq opened in 2018 and was Africa's first high-speed train. It runs between Tangier and Casablanca, with stops at Kenitra and Rabat. On the dedicated high-speed section between Tangier and Kenitra, it reaches 320 km/h. The fastest Tangier–Casablanca trains take about 2 hours 10 minutes, compared with almost 5 hours before.

Speed display on board Al Boraq, the Morocco high-speed train

Al Boraq doesn't run to Marrakech yet. If you travel from Marrakech to Tangier, you normally take a regular train to Casablanca and continue on Al Boraq. ONCF sells the whole journey as one ticket.

From experience

I took Al Boraq on a trip from Marrakech to Tangier, in second (economy) class, for about $35. It was a really good experience: you can buy food and coffee on board, the toilets were very clean, and the seats were comfortable. If you’re already in Marrakech and want to visit Tangier, the train with Al Boraq is a very good option. It’s fast, clean, and comfortable.

Al Atlas: regular intercity trains

Seats inside an ONCF intercity train in Morocco

Al Atlas trains are the backbone of the network. They're slower than Al Boraq, but they connect most of the cities travelers visit: Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Tangier. Most have air conditioning, and first class has 6-seat compartments with reserved seats.

From experience

In 2022 I took a regular train from Rabat to Marrakech. It’s not the high-speed train, and you notice the difference, but it was a good trip and it did the job for me.

TNR and airport trains

TNR (Trains Navettes Rapides) are fast shuttle trains between cities on the busy coastal line, like Casablanca, Rabat, and Kenitra. There's also a train between Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport and the city. These are useful for short hops, but most travelers will mainly use Al Boraq and Al Atlas.

Morocco train routes, times, and prices

ONCF prices change with demand and how early you book, so treat these as typical 2026 ranges, not fixed prices.

RouteTrainTime2nd class1st class
Tangier – CasablancaAl BoraqAbout 2h10150–200 MAD240–320 MAD
Tangier – RabatAl BoraqAbout 1h20115–160 MAD180–240 MAD
Casablanca – MarrakechAl AtlasAbout 2h40110–140 MAD180–230 MAD
Rabat – FesAl AtlasAbout 2h4595–125 MAD145–190 MAD
Marrakech – FesAl AtlasAbout 6.5–7.5h195–250 MAD290–365 MAD
Marrakech – TangierAl Atlas + Al BoraqAbout 5–6hFrom about 350 MADHigher

For the Marrakech to Fes route in detail, see our Marrakech to Fes train guide.

First class or second class?

On Al Boraq, second class is already comfortable, with assigned seats, air conditioning, and clean carriages. Most budget travelers don't need first class.

On Al Atlas trains, first class matters more on long trips. It gives you a reserved seat in a quieter compartment. In second class, seats aren't always guaranteed, and on busy days (Fridays, Sundays, holidays, and around Eid) you may have to stand. For trips over 2–3 hours, first class is usually worth the extra 50–100 MAD.

How to book Morocco train tickets

Marrakech railway station, the departure point for the Marrakech to Fes train
  1. At the station: buy from the ticket windows or touchscreen machines. You can pay in cash or by card.
  2. In the ONCF Voyages app or on oncf-voyages.ma. You get an e-ticket with a QR code.
  3. Through a reseller like 12Go or Omio. They accept more foreign payment methods but add a small fee.
From experience

I bought my ticket at Marrakech train station in Gueliz, and paying by card was no problem at all. You can also book in the ONCF Voyages app.

Some travelers report that the ONCF website rejects their foreign card. If that happens, try the app, buy at the station, or use a reseller. Book Al Boraq a few days ahead for the cheapest fares, and at least a week ahead for holidays.

2026: Morocco trains and the new high-speed line

Morocco is building a new high-speed line from Kenitra to Marrakech, expected to open in 2029. When it's finished, Al Boraq will reach Marrakech, and Tangier–Marrakech should take much less time.

For now, the works are affecting some trains. Since September 2026, ONCF has been running revised timetables, with slowdowns near the work zones and occasional changes to Marrakech services. Always check the timetable for your exact date before you travel.

Tips for taking trains in Morocco

  • Arrive 20–30 minutes early, especially for Al Boraq. Tickets and bags are checked before boarding.
  • Bring snacks on Al Atlas trains. Al Boraq has a bar car, but on regular trains there's usually only a trolley, if anything.
  • Check which station you need. Casablanca has several stations. Al Boraq uses Casa Voyageurs, and in Rabat it uses Rabat Agdal.
  • Allow time for connections, and don't plan tight transfers in 2026 while the high-speed works are going on.
  • Use a petit taxi with the meter to get to and from stations. See Is Marrakech Safe? for taxi tips.

Morocco Trains FAQs

Are trains in Morocco good?

Yes. Morocco trains are generally comfortable, affordable, and reliable. Al Boraq, the high-speed train between Tangier and Casablanca, is modern and very clean. Regular Al Atlas trains are slower but cover most major cities.

Does the Morocco bullet train go to Marrakech?

Not yet. Al Boraq runs between Tangier and Casablanca, via Kenitra and Rabat. To reach Marrakech, you change to a regular train at Casablanca. A new high-speed line to Marrakech is expected to open in 2029.

How much is the Al Boraq high-speed train?

Tangier to Casablanca costs roughly 150–200 MAD in second class and 240–320 MAD in first class. Prices change with demand, so booking a few days ahead is usually cheaper.

How do I book ONCF train tickets in Morocco?

Buy at the station (cash or card), in the ONCF Voyages app, or on oncf-voyages.ma. If the website rejects your foreign card, use the app, the station, or a reseller like 12Go or Omio.

Which Moroccan cities have no train?

Chefchaouen, Essaouira, Agadir, and Merzouga are not on the rail network. Use CTM or Supratours buses to reach them.

Conclusion

Morocco trains are a big reason the country is easy to travel on your own. Al Boraq is fast, clean, and comfortable for Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca, and the regular Al Atlas trains get you to Marrakech, Fes, and Meknes for a fair price. Book a few days ahead, choose first class on long Al Atlas trips, and check the timetable for 2026 changes before you go.

Planning your trip? See the Marrakech to Fes train, Marrakech on a Budget, and Best Time to Visit Morocco.

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