Catching The Train From Casablanca to Marrakech

The Best Way to Get from Casablanca to Marrakech.

The train is the most convenient way to travel around Morocco. For the most part, trains in Morocco are comfortable, reliable and relatively inexpensive.

Many visitors to Morocco choose the convenience of flying into Casablanca’s international airport and then travel on by train to Fez, Marrakesh and Tangier.

The train from Casablanca to Marrakesh takes nearly 3.5 hours.

[c]John Karwoski Flickr

First or Second Class Tickets

Operated by Morocco’s state-owned network; ONCF, all services feature both first and second class seating.

First Class

First class tickets are not that much more expensive than the second class fare but are recommended, especially for longer trips.

First class compartments will be airconditioned, have more room and allocated seating. If you get to the ticket office early enough, you can reserve a window seat in first class which will enable you to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. 

Cost of a first-class ticket – Casablanca to Marrakech: 148 Dirham one way

Second Class 

We opted for a second-class ticket, which for travel from Casablanca to Marrakech is not such a problem. However, longers trips such as Marrakech to Tangier (8 hrs), especially on the overnight service, we recommend buying a first-class ticket.

Second-class compartments may not be airconditioned. They will be more cramped, accommodating as many as eight passengers per compartment on a first come first seated basis. During busy times, you may even have to stand in second class until a seat becomes free.

In comparison to first-class, we found the second class carriage on this service very dirty. Most of the carriage had been stripped out, so there were empty areas with things falling off everywhere. Doors to control panels swung open with things hanging from the roof.

While the compartments were cramped, as expected, the worst part was it was unbelievably hot and stuffy and at times smelly. There was no air conditioning and very little air flow. We would not even dare to use the bathroom facilities on board.

This particular train may have been an exception to the norm but possible lack of seating and airconditioning is fairly standard across all second-class services.

Storing Luggage on Second Class Trains in Morocco

Unless you get lucky, the compartments don’t really enough room for all the people, luggage has to be stowed at the other end of the carriage in an open area opposite the entry.

We highly recommend carrying a lockable luggage cable in Morocco for times like this when you may have to stow your luggage out of sight in a non-secure area. You can lock your luggage to a fixed structure on the train.

On the bright side (there always is one), The train does stop frequently in the middle of nowhere. We were not sure why, but it does give you time to look around and enjoy the scenery.

Cost of a second-class ticket – Casablanca to Marrakech: 95 Dirham one way

Buying Train Tickets in Morocco

In theory, you can book tickets for travel within Morocco online through ONCF. However, you can only do so with a Moroccan issued credit card. We don’t believe this has changed yet.

You may ask a tour operator or Moroccan travel agent to purchase tickets for you in advance, but this is not necessary. The easiest way is to buy your tickets in person at the station.

When to Buy Tickets

You can purchase tickets on the day you are travelling as trains depart every few hours and are rarely full. However, for first class tickets on popular routes, especially during peak season and holidays, it may be best to go to the station a day or two before and purchase your tickets in advance.

First class seats can be reserved up to a month in advance.

John Karwoski Flickr

Casablanca Train Station

Casablanca has three train stations; Casa Voyageurs, Casa Port and Mohammed V International Airport.

The main train station in Casablanca is Casa Voyageurs. The white building is recognisable by its high clock tower above the entrance.

Passengers travelling from Casa Port, Casablanca’s smaller station near the city’s Atlantic port or Mohammed V International Airport, will connect to Marrakesh via a transfer at Casa Voyageurs.

Train Schedules from Casablanca to Marrakech

There are nine services per day between Casablanca and Marrakech departing every couple of hours. Travel time is around 3.5 hours.

Cost: 1st class – 148 Dh | 2nd class – 95 Dh

Timetable Casablanca to Marrakech

DEPART	ARRIVE
06.33	09.50
06.55	10.30
08.55	12.30
10.55	14.30
12.55	16.30
14.55	18.30
16.55	20.30
18.55	22.30
20.55	00.30

 

Timetable Marrakech to Casablanca

DEPART	ARRIVE
04.20	08.00
06.20	10.00
08.20	12.00
10.20	14.00
12.20	16.00
14.20	18.00
16.20	20.00
18.20	22.00
19.00	22.26

Marrakech Station

Cebanu Ghenadie Flickr