Train vs car in Morocco: which should you choose?
8 min
Between the ONCF network — one of the most modern in Africa thanks to the Al Boraq high-speed line — and a fast-expanding motorway network, travellers have two serious options for crossing Morocco. This comparison pushes neither: it gives you the numbers so you can decide.
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Overall comparison
- Coverage — Train: the Tangier–Casablanca–Marrakech corridor plus Fes and Oujda. Car: the whole country except 4x4 tracks.
- Casablanca–Marrakech speed — Train: 3h. Car: 3h on the motorway.
- Tangier–Casablanca speed — Al Boraq: 1h20. Car: 3h.
- Casablanca–Marrakech cost (1 person) — Train: 140–210 MAD. Car: 400–500 MAD (fuel plus tolls).
- Timetable flexibility — Train: limited to ONCF schedules. Car: leave whenever you like.
- Comfort — Train: excellent (Al Boraq) to good (Inter-City). Car: depends on the vehicle and the driver.
- Luggage — Train: one suitcase plus cabin bag at no extra cost. Car: whatever fits the boot.
A detailed look at the real cost
Casablanca–Marrakech (240 km)
- ONCF 2nd class: 140 MAD per person. Four people = 560 MAD.
- ONCF 1st class: 210 MAD per person. Four people = 840 MAD.
- Car (fuel plus tolls): about 425 MAD in total, whatever the number of passengers.
Tangier–Casablanca (350 km, Al Boraq)
- Al Boraq 2nd class: 224 MAD per person in 1h20.
- Car: about 580 MAD (fuel plus tolls), 3h of driving.
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Who picks what?
- Solo traveller, Tangier–Casablanca–Marrakech corridor → ONCF train, no hesitation.
- Couple, two-city break → Train, more restful and cheaper.
- Family of four, multi-city → Car, more flexible and cheaper from three stops onwards.
- Atlas / desert / southern coast road trip → Car required, the train does not go there.
- Business traveller Casablanca–Rabat → Train (35 min, departures every 30 min).
The KARVYX method
No headache: KARVYX.io helps you arbitrate between the options. Assess whether you need a car, compare journeys, find the best value.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you book ONCF tickets online?
- Yes, on oncf.ma or through the mobile app. For Al Boraq, booking ahead is strongly recommended — trains often sell out in high season.
- Is first class genuinely different?
- Yes — wider seats, more reliable air conditioning, less crowded compartments. The price gap is usually 30 to 50%, which is worth it on long legs (Marrakech–Tangier).
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