Train Marrakech: Train Station, Routes, Tickets & Travel Guide

Traveling by train from Marrakech is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to explore northern and central Morocco. The city’s main railway station connects Marrakech with Casablanca, Rabat, Kenitra, Meknes, and Fes, with onward connections available to other parts of the country.

For travelers who want to avoid long road journeys, the train is particularly useful when traveling between Marrakech and Morocco’s major cities.

Marrakech Train Station at a Glance

Station: Marrakech Railway Station
Operator: ONCF
Location: Avenue Mohammed VI / Avenue Hassan II, Marrakech
Main destinations: Casablanca, Rabat, Kenitra, Meknes, Fes
Station type: Long-distance railway station

Marrakech Railway Station is the southern terminus of Morocco’s current conventional railway network. The modern station building opened in 2008 and is located in the Gueliz area, close to the city center.

The station also has shops, cafés, ticket counters, and passenger services, making it relatively convenient for travelers waiting for their train.

Marrakech to Casablanca by Train

The Marrakech–Casablanca route is one of the most popular train journeys in Morocco.

Trains travel north through several stations, including:

• Benguerir
• Settat
• Berrechid
• Bouskoura
• Casa Oasis
• Casa Voyageurs

The journey is convenient for travelers connecting Marrakech with Casablanca’s city center or continuing to other Moroccan destinations.

Marrakech to Rabat by Train

Traveling from Marrakech to Rabat by train is also straightforward.

The route generally passes through Casablanca before continuing north toward:

• Rabat Agdal
• Rabat Ville
• Salé
• Kenitra

Rabat is an excellent next destination if you’re interested in Morocco’s royal history, the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and the Atlantic coast.

Marrakech to Fes by Train

You can also travel from Marrakech to Fes by train.

The journey crosses much of Morocco from south to north and normally involves the main railway corridor through Casablanca, Rabat, and Meknes.

ONCF schedules show Marrakech–Fes services connecting through major stations including Casa Voyageurs, Rabat, Kenitra, Meknes, and Fes.

Because this is a long journey, many travelers prefer to break it up with a night or two in Casablanca or Rabat.

Marrakech to Tangier by Train

Traveling from Marrakech to Tangier is possible by train, although the journey involves the northern rail network.

The route generally connects Marrakech with Casablanca, where travelers can continue toward Tangier.

Morocco’s high-speed Al Boraq service operates on the Tangier–Casablanca corridor, so the combination of conventional train and high-speed rail can significantly shorten the northern part of the journey.

Always check the current ONCF timetable when planning a specific trip because schedules and connections can change.

Marrakech Train Station Location

Marrakech Railway Station is located around the intersection of Avenue Mohammed VI and Avenue Hassan II, in the modern part of the city.

This makes the station convenient for travelers staying in:

• Gueliz
• Hivernage
• New Town Marrakech
• Avenue Mohammed VI
• Areas around the Royal Theatre

From the Medina, the station is several kilometers away and is normally reached by taxi or local transport.

How to Get to Marrakech Train Station

There are several ways to reach the station.

Taxi

A petit taxi is usually the easiest option from central Marrakech. If you’re traveling with luggage, allow extra time for traffic.

Bus

Several Marrakech bus routes serve the area around the railway station, including ALSA services.

Walking

Walking from Gueliz or nearby areas can be possible, depending on your accommodation. From the Medina, however, a taxi is generally more practical, especially with luggage.

Buying Train Tickets in Marrakech

You can purchase your train ticket directly at Marrakech Railway Station or use ONCF’s online booking services.

For popular journeys and busy travel periods, booking ahead is recommended.

ONCF provides information about timetables, fares, travel conditions, and online ticket purchases through its official platforms.

First Class vs Second Class

Moroccan trains generally offer first- and second-class seating on many long-distance services.

First Class

First class is usually preferable if you want:

• More comfortable seating
• A quieter journey
• More personal space
• A more relaxed experience on longer routes

Second Class

Second class is a good option for travelers looking for a more affordable way to travel around Morocco.

For shorter journeys, the difference may not be particularly important, while first class can be more appealing for longer trips.

What to Expect at Marrakech Train Station

The station is modern and relatively easy to navigate.

Facilities can include:

• Ticket counters
• Waiting areas
• Information desks
• Shops
• Cafés and restaurants
• Toilets
• Passenger seating

The station also has a commercial area, so you can buy basic food or drinks while waiting for your train.

Marrakech Train Travel Tips

A few simple tips can make your journey easier:

• Arrive at the station before departure.
• Keep your ticket and identification easily accessible.
• Check the platform before boarding.
• Keep valuables close to you.
• Reserve ahead during busy travel periods.
• Allow extra time if traveling to the station by taxi.
• Keep your luggage within sight.
• Check the latest ONCF schedule before leaving your accommodation.

For early-morning or late-evening trains, arranging your transportation to or from the station in advance can also be helpful.

Marrakech Train for Tourists

The train is particularly useful if your Morocco itinerary includes several major cities.

A popular route might look like:

Marrakech → Casablanca → Rabat → Fes

Another option is:

Marrakech → Casablanca → Tangier

This allows you to combine Morocco’s major imperial cities, Atlantic destinations, and northern regions without spending every day on the road.

Train or Bus from Marrakech?

Both trains and buses have their advantages.

Choose the train if you want:

• More comfortable long-distance travel
• A smoother journey
• Regular connections to major cities
• More space to move around

Choose a bus if you want:

• Destinations without direct railway connections
• More flexibility for smaller towns
• Routes toward southern Morocco
• Connections to places such as Essaouira, Agadir, or other areas not served directly by rail

For destinations such as Essaouira, Agadir, Ouarzazate, and Merzouga, buses, private transfers, or organized tours are generally more practical than trains.

Marrakech Train and Morocco Desert Tours

If you’re planning a Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour, the train is not the direct solution because Merzouga does not have a railway station.

A common option is to travel by train to Marrakech and then continue by private vehicle or organized desert tour toward:

• Ait Ben Haddou
• Ouarzazate
• Dades Valley
• Todra Gorge
• Merzouga
• Erg Chebbi

This combination works particularly well for travelers arriving in Morocco by train and then exploring the Sahara by road.

Best Way to Travel by Train from Marrakech

For most travelers, the best approach is to use the train for major city-to-city journeys and private transport or buses for areas outside the railway network.

For example:

Marrakech → Casablanca: Train
Casablanca → Rabat: Train
Rabat → Fes: Train
Marrakech → Essaouira: Bus or private transfer
Marrakech → Ouarzazate: Private vehicle or bus
Marrakech → Merzouga: Desert tour or private vehicle

This gives you a good balance between comfort, convenience, and flexibility.

Final Thoughts

Taking the train from Marrakech is an excellent way to travel around Morocco, especially when visiting major cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, and Fes.

Marrakech Railway Station is centrally located in the modern part of the city and offers access to Morocco’s main conventional rail network. Current ONCF timetables confirm regular services connecting Marrakech with major destinations along the Casablanca–Fes corridor.

If your trip focuses on the Sahara, Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate, or southern Morocco, combine the train with road transport for a more practical itinerary.