Casablanca to Marrakech by Train 2026: Schedule, Prices & Tips

Casablanca to Marrakech by Train 2026: Complete Guide

The train from Casablanca to Marrakech is the most convenient and popular way to travel between Morocco's two largest cities. It takes approximately 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours on direct Al Atlas services, and runs roughly every hour from early morning until late evening. Fares vary by class, train, promotion and booking conditions — check oncf-voyages.ma for current pricing.

This guide covers everything you need to know: schedules, ticket prices, station navigation, tips for first-time travelers, and alternatives.

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Quick Overview

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Train Types on This Route

Al Atlas — Direct Intercity Service

The direct service between Casablanca and Marrakech is operated by ONCF under the Al Atlas branding. The fastest departures take roughly 2 hours 40 minutes; most run closer to 3 hours, with stops at intermediate stations including Settat and Benguerir. The trains are modern, air-conditioned, and well-maintained.

Features:

• Comfortable reclining seats (2+2 configuration in first class, 2+3 in second)
• Air conditioning throughout
• Clean toilets (at either end of each carriage)
• Snack trolley service (coffee, tea, water, pastries, small sandwiches)
• Power outlets in first class carriages (limited in second class — bring a power bank)
• Luggage racks above seats and storage at carriage ends

Slower Departures

Not every departure is equally fast — some services run closer to 3 hours depending on intermediate stops and same-day scheduling. If you are timing a connection, check the duration of your specific departure on oncf-voyages.ma.

Night Trains

There is no dedicated sleeper or couchette service on the Casablanca–Marrakech route. Late-evening departures are seated Al Atlas trains that simply arrive in Marrakech after midnight. Sleeper/couchette cars currently operate on other ONCF routes — most notably the separate Tangier→Marrakech overnight train, which is booked at a station (not online).

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Ticket Prices

ONCF does not publish a single fixed fare for this route: pricing varies by class (second or first), the specific train, current promotions (such as advance-purchase offers), and booking conditions.

Which class should I choose?

• For a journey of roughly 2¾ hours, second class is perfectly adequate — seats are comfortable and the train is clean
• Choose first class if you want guaranteed seat reservation (included), wider seats, and quieter carriages
• First class is recommended if you're traveling with large luggage or need to work during the journey

Always check current fares, schedules and promotions at oncf-voyages.ma before booking — third-party price listings may be outdated.

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How to Buy Tickets

1. Online (Recommended)

ONCF booking site: oncf-voyages.ma — English interface available. International credit/debit cards accepted (Visa, Mastercard). After payment, you receive a QR code by email. Show this on your phone or print it — no need for a paper ticket.

ONCF mobile app: Available on Android (Google Play) and iOS (App Store). Same functionality as the website. Allows seat selection and real-time schedule checking.

Advantages of booking online:

• Reserve your seat in advance (especially important during peak season and weekends)
• Avoid queues at the station
• Full refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure (some fees may apply)
• The fare you see is the fare you pay — no hidden station fees

2. At the Station (Cash or Card)

Available at Casa Voyageurs ticket counters. Cards accepted at most counters. Cash (MAD) is also accepted. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to account for queues.

Warning regarding platform touts: The ONCF online ticketing system is generally reliable, but as with any public transport, be aware of your surroundings at the station. Use official ONCF counters only — not individuals offering to help. Official ONCF ticket sellers wear identifiable uniforms or badges (ONCF). Schedules and prices change — always verify current information at oncf.ma or oncf-voyages.ma before travel.

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Step by Step: From Casablanca to Marrakech by Train

Step 1: Get to Casa Voyageurs Station

The main station for the Marrakech route is Casa Voyageurs (not Casa Port — though Casa Port has limited departures, Casa Voyageurs is the primary hub).

Getting there:

• Tram: Lines 1 and 2 both stop here. 20–30 minutes from most city center locations
• Petit taxi: From the Corniche area: approx. 30–50 MAD. From Casa Port: approx. 20–30 MAD
• From Casablanca Airport (CMN): Take the Al Bidaoui shuttle train directly to Casa Voyageurs (30 min, approx. 40 MAD)

Navigation at Casa Voyageurs:

• The station is modern and well-signed in Arabic and French
• Digital departure boards show platform numbers — check your train number
• There's a waiting room, cafe, and currency exchange office
• Luggage storage available (approx. 20–50 MAD for up to 24 hours)
• Toilets are available near the platforms (small fee, approx. 2 MAD)

Step 2: Board the Train

• First class carriages are typically at the front of the train
• Second class at the rear
• Carriage numbers are displayed on the platform and on each carriage door
• If you booked online, your QR code is scanned by the conductor during the journey
• Conductors wear ONCF uniforms and speak French and Arabic; some speak English

Luggage:

• There are overhead racks for small bags and luggage storage areas at the ends of each carriage
• For large suitcases, position yourself near the luggage area at the carriage entrance
• Keep valuables with you at your seat — not in overhead storage

Step 3: The Journey (2h40–3h00)

The train passes through flat agricultural plains with occasional views of the Atlas Mountains on clear days. The landscape changes from urban Casablanca to rural countryside dotted with olive groves and small towns.

What to do on the train:

• A snack trolley passes through — coffee (10–15 MAD), bottled water (8–10 MAD), soft drinks, small sandwiches, and pastries
• First class + meal option includes a light meal served at your seat
• WiFi is available on most Al Atlas trains (free, speeds vary)
• Power outlets are available in first class
• Use the time to plan your Marrakech itinerary

Step 4: Arrive at Marrakech Station

Marrakech train station is located on Avenue Mohammed VI in the Gueliz district — the modern part of the city, about 3 km from the medina.

Upon arrival:

• ATMs available inside the station (several banks)
• Cafes and a small convenience store
• Car rental desks (Hertz, Europcar, Avis) — useful if you're continuing your journey
• Petit taxi rank outside the main entrance

Getting to your riad/hotel from Marrakech station:

• Petit taxi to the medina: 30–50 MAD (negotiate before departure or insist on the meter)
• Petit taxi to Gueliz hotels: 10–20 MAD
• On foot: walking to Gueliz hotels is possible (10–15 min). Walking to the medina with luggage is not recommended
• The station does not have a direct tram connection to the medina

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Marrakech Station to Your Accommodation (Detailed)

Most travelers going to the medina will take a petit taxi from Marrakech station.

Petit taxi tips:

• Insist on the meter (compteur) — drivers may quote inflated prices to tourists
• If the driver refuses the meter, agree on a price before getting in: 30–50 MAD to the medina is a fair range
• At evening/night (after 8 PM), a 50% surcharge applies to the metered fare
• Write down your riad's name and address in Arabic or French to show the driver
• Many riads are car-free inside the medina — the driver will drop you at the nearest accessible point (often a medina gate or "bab")

Riad pickup tip: If you've booked a riad in the medina, ask them to arrange a driver to meet you at the station. This costs slightly more (80–150 MAD) but they'll take you directly to the riad's drop-off point and someone will guide you to the door.

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Schedule & Frequency

Trains depart approximately every hour from Casa Voyageurs:

Best time to travel:

• Morning departures (7 AM–10 AM) are the most popular — book ahead
• Midday trains (11 AM–2 PM) are quieter
• Late afternoon/evening trains (4 PM–8 PM) fill up with commuters and day-trippers
• The last train at ~10:30 PM is less crowded but arrives in Marrakech around 1 AM

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Transport Alternatives: Train vs Others

Why the train is the best option for most travelers:

• Most reliable — ONCF trains are generally punctual
• Most comfortable — air-conditioned, reclining seats, clean facilities
• Safest option — monitored stations, official ticketing, no negotiation needed
• No traffic — unlike driving, you avoid Casablanca and Marrakech city traffic
• Frequency — trains run all day; if you miss one, another is coming within the hour

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Tips for a Smooth Journey

Before You Go

• Book online at least 1–2 days in advance, especially on weekends and during peak season (March–May, September–November)
• Download the ONCF app for real-time schedule updates
• Save a screenshot of your QR code ticket (in case mobile data is slow at the station)
• Bring a water bottle — there are water fountains at Casa Voyageurs
• Pack snacks — the onboard trolley has limited options and accepts cash only

During the Journey

• Keep your ticket/QR code accessible — the conductor will scan it during the journey
• If you're in second class and the train is busy, sit in a carriage closer to the front (quieter)
• Use AirPods/headphones — Moroccan travelers often play music or take phone calls on speaker
• The air conditioning can be strong — bring a light jacket or scarf
• Charge your phone at the station before boarding (first class has outlets, second class is limited)

Arriving in Marrakech

• Don't accept taxi offers from individuals inside the station — use the official taxi rank outside
• Have your riad's address in Arabic ready to show the driver
• Exchange currency at the station ATM if needed — rates are fair
• The station is in Gueliz, the modern district — cafes and restaurants nearby if you want to wait before heading to the medina

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Seasonal Considerations

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Common Questions

How long is the train from Casablanca to Marrakech? Approximately 2h40–3h00 on the direct Al Atlas services.

How much is a ticket? Second class: approx. 120–200 MAD. First class: approx. 200–300 MAD. Round-trip (aller-retour) tickets: ask at the station or check the ONCF app.

Can I buy a ticket at the station on the day? Yes, but booking online is recommended during peak season to guarantee a seat.

Which station in Casablanca goes to Marrakech? Casa Voyageurs is the main station. Casa Port also has some departures — check your ticket.

Is the ONCF website in English? Yes, the ONCF website has an English interface. The mobile app is available in French and Arabic.

Can I bring large luggage on the train? Yes. There are luggage storage areas at the ends of each carriage. Oversized luggage (surfboards, large boxes) may require prior arrangement — contact ONCF customer service.

Is there WiFi on the train? Available on most ONCF trains on this route. Free but speeds vary. Don't rely on it for video calls.

Can I smoke on the train? No. Smoking is prohibited on all ONCF trains.

Is the train from Casablanca to Marrakech safe? Yes. ONCF trains are considered safe. Keep your valuables with you, especially during boarding and disembarkation at busy stations. Solo travelers, including women, regularly use this route without issues.

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What to See in Marrakech

Once you arrive, Marrakech has plenty to explore. Here are a few starting points:

• Marrakech Travel Guide 2026 — comprehensive city guide
• Best Things to Do in Marrakech — top attractions and hidden gems
• Where to Stay in Marrakech — neighborhood guide
• Casablanca Weekend Guide — before you leave Casa

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Published 2026-06-01. Estimated prices. ONCF fares change seasonally. Check ONCF.ma for real-time pricing.