The Ultimate Guide to Train Travel in Morocco (ONCF)
Traveling by train is the most efficient, comfortable, and scenic way to navigate Morocco's imperial cities. Operated by the ONCF, the network connects the north (Tangier) to the south (Marrakech) with a punctuality rate that rivals European standards. Whether you are speeding at 320 km/h on the Al Boraq or winding through the orange groves on the Al Atlas, this guide covers schedules, tickets, and the critical "foreign card" payment hacks for 2025. Planning your first trip? See our Morocco travel guide for first-time visitors.
Traveling the rail corridor as part of a longer trip? Our tours from Casablanca and tours from Tangier cover many of the same imperial cities this network connects.
Decoding the Network: High-Speed vs. Classic
Morocco’s rail network is bifurcated into two distinct systems. Understanding the difference is crucial for planning your itinerary efficiently.
1. Al Boraq (High-Speed TGV)
Launched in 2018, Al Boraq is Africa’s first high-speed train, using double-decker French TGV technology.
Speed: 320 km/h (199 mph)
Route: Tangier ↔ Casablanca
Time: 2h 10m (vs 5h driving)
2. Al Atlas (Classic Rail)
Conventional intercity trains connecting the rest of the country. Comfortable but slower.
Speed: 160 km/h (100 mph)
Major Route: Casablanca ↔ Marrakech/Fes
Note: No high-speed to Marrakech yet.
Al Boraq vs. Al Atlas: What's the Difference?
| Feature | Al Boraq (High Speed) | Al Atlas (Classic) |
|---|---|---|
| Top Speed | 320 km/h (199 mph) | 160 km/h (100 mph) |
| Primary Routes | Tangier ↔ Kenitra ↔ Rabat ↔ Casablanca | Casablanca ↔ Marrakech / Fes |
| First Class | 2+1 Seating Reserved, Quiet, Spacious | Compartments (6 seats) Or Open Plan (2+1) |
| Second Class | 2+2 Seating Modern, Comfortable | Compartments (8 seats) Or Open Plan (2+2) |
| Reservations | All Seats Reserved | All Seats Reserved |
| AC / Comfort | Consistent & Modern | Variable Reliability |
Al Boraq (High Speed)
- Speed: 320 km/h (Tangier-Casablanca)
- First Class: 2+1 Layout, Quiet
- Best For: Speed, Comfort, Business
Al Atlas (Classic)
- Speed: 160 km/h (Casa-Marrakech/Fes)
- First Class: 6-Person Compartments
- Best For: Scenic routes, Connecting Cities
Visualizing the Route
Use this map to see where lines connect. Note that the high-speed line stops at Casablanca.
Morocco Rail Network
How to Buy Tickets: The "Foreign Card" Problem
A major friction point for US and UK travelers is the official ONCF website. It frequently rejects foreign credit cards that do not have specific "3D Secure" protocols enabled.
Solution 1: Buy at the Station (Most Reliable)
Ticket offices and kiosks accept almost all international cards and cash. Unless traveling during Eid, you can simply buy your ticket 24-48 hours in advance.
Select Language
The "Kiosk Hack"
Don't stress if the website rejects your foreign card. The orange self-service kiosks at every station are your best friend.
- 1Set language to English (available on all kiosks).
- 2Select your route and time.
- 3Insert any Visa or Mastercard. It works 99% of the time, unlike the website.
Solution 2: Third-Party Apps
If you absolutely must book online before arrival, legitimate proxy services like 12Go or Rail Ninja can process foreign cards, though they charge a service fee.
Travel Classes: Is First Class Worth the Upgrade?
The price difference is often negligible ($10-$15 USD), but the comfort gap is real.
First Class (Recommended)
Guaranteed Seat: Essential for busy routes.
Layout: Spacious 2+1 (Boraq) or Compartments.
Vibe: Quieter, more room for luggage.
Second Class
Vibe: Crowded, lively, good for meeting locals.
Seating: Can be a "free-for-all" on older trains.
Space: Luggage racks fill up very quickly.
Future Expansion: The 2030 Vision
Morocco is aggressively expanding its network for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The roadmap includes extending the Al Boraq line from Casablanca to Marrakech and eventually Agadir. currently, for Agadir, you must take the Supratours Bus from Marrakech station.
Common Questions
Al Boraq, Africa's first high-speed train, runs at up to 320 km/h (199 mph) between Tangier and Casablanca.
The ONCF website frequently rejects foreign cards without 3D Secure — the most reliable option is buying tickets in person at the station, which accepts almost all international cards and cash.
The price difference is often just $10–15 USD, and first class guarantees a seat with more room for luggage — worth it on busy routes.