Getting Around Morocco
Trains, intercity buses, grand taxis, and private drivers — how travelers actually get between Morocco's cities, and why the desert changes the equation.
Morocco's imperial cities are well connected by train and bus, but the desert and mountain routes our tours run are a different story — there's no train to Merzouga, which is exactly why a private vehicle is how it's done.
Trains, between the big cities
ONCF operates Morocco's rail network, connecting Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakech, including the Al Boraq high-speed line between Tangier and Casablanca. It's a comfortable way to move between those specific cities on their own.
Buses and grand taxis
CTM and Supratours run intercity coach routes to smaller towns the rail line doesn't reach, and shared grand taxis cover shorter regional hops. Both work, but neither is set up for a multi-stop desert itinerary with overnight camps.
Why our tours use a private vehicle throughout
Merzouga, the Dades Gorge, and Ait Ben Haddou aren't on a train line — reaching them, at a pace that includes stops for photos, tea, and viewpoints, is why every Through Morocco tour runs on private transport with the same driver-guide the whole way, rather than a mix of public transport and organized excursions.
City transport once you arrive
Within a single city, petit taxis (small, city-only taxis, usually a distinct color per city) are the standard way to get around short distances — always confirm the fare or insist on the meter before you get in. Medinas themselves are pedestrian, often too narrow for any vehicle, so walking (or occasionally a handcart for luggage) is how you'll actually move around inside one.
Related tours
Marrakech Desert Express: 3 Days to Merzouga
The most direct route from Marrakech to the Sahara and back — you're on the road to Merzouga from the very first morning, camping under the dunes on night one, then looping home past Ait Ben Haddou and the Atlas on the way back.
View Details
4-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour via the Sahara
A private, one-way route from Marrakech to Fes over the Atlas mountains and into the Sahara — real passes, real kasbahs, and a night under the dunes at Merzouga.
View DetailsRelated guides: High Atlas Mountains
Planning where to start? See tours from Tangier.
Related reading: Do You Need a Visa for Morocco?, Is Morocco Safe to Visit?.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reach Merzouga by train?
No — there's no rail line to the desert. It's reached by road, which is why our desert tours run on private vehicle transport throughout.
Is public transport enough for a first Morocco trip?
It works well if you're staying within the main cities (Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier). Once the desert or mountain routes are part of your trip, a private vehicle covers ground public transport doesn't reach.
How long is the drive between major cities like Marrakech and Fes?
It's a genuine multi-hour drive either direction — long enough that most travelers either fly that leg or treat it as part of a multi-day routed itinerary (like our desert tours) rather than a quick hop.
Is it better to rent a car and drive myself, or book a private driver-guide?
For the desert and mountain routes, a driver-guide who knows the roads, the stops, and the language is generally the easier and more relaxing option — self-driving unfamiliar mountain passes and desert tracks adds a layer of stress most travelers don't want on vacation.
Are there domestic flights within Morocco?
Yes, Royal Air Maroc operates domestic routes between the country's major cities, which can be useful for covering long distances quickly — though it means skipping the scenery a road route would show you.
How does a private driver-guide handle border-town or checkpoint stops?
Routine checkpoints exist on some routes, mainly for vehicle and safety checks, and your driver-guide handles the standard back-and-forth — it's a normal part of driving in Morocco, not something to be concerned about.