The usual way from Marrakech to Fes is the ONCF train with a change at Casablanca, which takes roughly 7 to 8 hours. Buses are slower but direct, a private transfer is the most comfortable and costs the most, and a 3-day Sahara tour turns the journey into the trip itself.
Key takeaways: Take the train for the best balance of comfort and price, the bus if you want no changes, and the desert tour only if you have the extra days. Check timetables and fares on the official sites before you travel, as they change.
What is the quickest way to get from Marrakech to Fes?
There is no quick way. The two cities are around 500 km apart by road, and there is no direct train, so even the fastest realistic options take most of a day. Driving or a private transfer is usually the shortest door to door, at roughly 7 to 9 hours with stops, while the train generally lands around 7 to 8 hours including the change in Casablanca. Buses tend to run longer, often 9 to 10 hours or more. Flights between the two cities exist on some schedules, but they are limited and rarely worth the airport time, so check the airline sites if you want to price one. For most travellers the real choice is train versus bus versus a driver.
How do the four options compare?
The table below summarises the trade-offs. Times and prices are approximate and were typical at the time of writing; fares move with season and class, so confirm them with the operators before you commit.
| Option | Approx. time | Cost level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train via Casablanca (ONCF) | 7–8 hours, one change | Moderate | Most independent travellers |
| Bus (CTM or Supratours) | 9–10+ hours, no change | Low to moderate | Tight budgets, avoiding a transfer |
| Private transfer or driver | 7–9 hours with stops | High | Groups, families, lots of luggage |
| 3-day Sahara tour ending in Fes | 3 days | Moderate to high, includes lodging | Travellers who want the desert anyway |
How does the train via Casablanca work?
You take a train from Marrakech to Casablanca, change at Casa Voyageurs station, then take another train north through Rabat and Meknes to Fes. Timetables, fares and seat reservations are on the ONCF official site, and the journey is usually quoted at around 7 to 8 hours depending on how well the connection lines up. Trains are air-conditioned, first class has reserved seats and compartments, and second class is cheaper and busier. The Al Boraq high-speed line runs between Tangier and Casablanca, not to Marrakech or Fes, so do not plan around it for this route.
The weak point is the connection. If your first train is late, you may miss the onward service and wait an hour or two, which can push arrival in Fes well into the evening. Leave a buffer of at least an hour between the two trains where the timetable lets you, and avoid booking a hotel check-in deadline or a dinner reservation on the day. Keep your bags with you, since luggage racks are shared and stations are busy. The train also passes through Rabat and Meknes, so it is easy to break the journey there if you want to see either city.
- Check the Marrakech to Casablanca (Casa Voyageurs) and Casablanca to Fes timetables on the ONCF site or at the station.
- Choose a first train that leaves at least an hour before the onward departure you want.
- Decide on first or second class; first is worth it in summer for the air-conditioned, reserved seat.
- Buy tickets online or at the station a day or two ahead in busy periods.
- Arrive early at Marrakech station, as ticket queues and platform changes happen.
Is the bus a good alternative?
Yes, if you want to stay seated without a change. CTM and Supratours (which links with ONCF stations) both run long-distance coaches, and their sites list routes, departure times and fares. CTM coaches are generally reliable, with allocated seats, luggage stowed underneath and a rest stop on the way. Expect around 9 to 10 hours or more, and some services run overnight. An overnight bus saves a night's accommodation, but you arrive in Fes early and tired, and many travellers sleep badly on it.
The bus is usually the cheapest option, though the gap with second-class rail is smaller than people expect, so compare actual fares on the day you want to travel. Direct services between Marrakech and Fes are fewer than the train options, so check the current timetable rather than assuming a departure every hour. Pick a seat away from the toilet, bring a layer because air conditioning can be strong, and keep valuables in your day bag, not the hold.
When is a private transfer worth it?
A private transfer makes sense when you are three or four people sharing, travelling with children or heavy luggage, or want to stop along the way. A driver can take the road via Beni Mellal and Azrou in the Middle Atlas, which allows a coffee stop or a short detour to the cedar forests near Azrou. Prices vary widely by vehicle, season and who you book through, and there is no fixed official tariff, so ask your riad or hotel for a quote and compare it with one or two other sources. Agree the price, the vehicle and what is included before the day.
The cost is the main drawback, since a car for the whole day costs far more per person than a train ticket when you are travelling alone. Long mountain roads in winter can also bring fog or snow in the Middle Atlas, which slows things down. If you hire a car yourself instead, be aware that police checkpoints and speed cameras are common, and a full day behind the wheel on Moroccan roads is tiring. A driver is the more relaxed way to do it.
Can I go from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara?
Yes, and it is the most popular alternative for people who want to see the desert anyway. Most 3-day tours leave Marrakech, cross the High Atlas, spend a night in the Dadès or Todra area, reach Merzouga for a camel ride and a desert camp, and finish in Fes on the last day. Our guide to what a 3-day Sahara desert tour really involves explains the stops, the long driving days and what is usually included. Because the tour covers lodging, transport and some meals, it can cost less than doing the same trip piece by piece, but you travel at the group's pace.
The trade-off is time. You spend most of three days in a minibus, with several hours of driving each day, and you reach Fes tired. If you only have a few days in Morocco, the desert route eats most of them. If you do book, read the itinerary closely, confirm that the final drop is in Fes and not a return to Marrakech, and check what the price includes. You can compare Marrakech tours on GetYourGuide (affiliate link: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you), or book locally with a registered operator.
What usually goes wrong?
The most common problems are missed train connections, assuming a direct service exists when it does not, and underestimating how long the day is. Trains can run late, buses can be held up by roadworks or weather, and the Middle Atlas can be cold and foggy in winter even when Marrakech is sunny. Booking a late-evening arrival also leaves you hunting for your accommodation in Fes, where the old medina is a maze and taxis cannot enter many streets. Ask your riad to meet you at the nearest gate, or arrange a pick-up in advance.
- Do not book anything important for the evening of arrival.
- Screenshot your tickets and booking references in case of weak signal.
- Carry small change for taxis and luggage help.
- Use official ticket offices or the operators' websites, and be wary of people at stations offering "help".
- Check rules for your nationality at the official sources, as in our visa and entry requirements guide.
Which option should I choose?
For most people travelling alone or as a couple, the train is the best balance: cheaper than a driver, more comfortable than the bus, and with the option to stop in Rabat or Meknes. Choose the bus if you want one seat all the way and no connection to worry about, and a private transfer if you are a group or value flexibility. Pick the desert tour only if the Sahara is already on your list, since it changes the trip from a transfer into three days of travel. For help placing this leg in a wider itinerary, our Morocco travel guide and the piece on Morocco's imperial cities cover how long to spend in each place.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Marrakech to Fes?
Not usually. The normal route involves a change at Casablanca (Casa Voyageurs). Check the current timetable on the ONCF site, as services can change.
How long does it take to get from Marrakech to Fes?
Roughly 7 to 8 hours by train with a change, 9 to 10 hours or more by bus, and about 7 to 9 hours by car with stops. These are approximate and depend on delays and the route.
Should I book the train or bus in advance?
In busy periods and for first class or popular departures, yes, a day or two ahead is sensible. Use the official sites for ONCF, CTM or Supratours.
Can I stop in Rabat or Meknes on the way?
Yes. The train passes through both cities, so you can break the journey for a night or a few hours and continue to Fes. Store your bags at the station or your accommodation if you only stop briefly.
Is the Sahara tour a good way to get to Fes?
It works if you want the desert anyway and have three days. It is slower and involves long driving days. See our 3-day Merzouga tour guide for details.
Whichever you choose, check the current timetable and fare on the official ONCF, CTM or Supratours site a few days before you go, and allow a buffer on arrival day. Schedules and prices change, and a little slack makes this long journey far less stressful.
