From Marrakech to Fes: which option?
Five hundred and thirty kilometres separate the two imperial cities: the longest journey in this guide, and the one where your choice of transport changes your day the most.
The train: long, but comfortable
ONCF links Marrakech to Fes in about seven hours, generally with a change at Casablanca. A ticket costs around MAD 200–250 in second class, MAD 300–380 in first. The trains are comfortable, punctual and let you work or sleep.
An essential reminder: Marrakech station is in Gueliz, not at the airport. Allow MAD 50–70 for a taxi plus a waiting margin, which brings the total to around eight hours.
Some overnight services let you make the journey while sleeping, saving a hotel night — an option worth taking seriously over this distance.
The four options compared
| Option | Price | Door-to-door | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONCF train | MAD 200–250 + taxi | ≈ 8 h | Very good |
| CTM / Supratours coach | MAD 200–280 | 8 h–9 h | Adequate |
| Flight via Casablanca | variable, often high | 5 h–7 h | Fragmented |
| Car | fuel + tolls | 6 h | Tiring alone |
Flying consistently disappoints on this route: no useful direct service, a connection through Casablanca, and once airport access, check-in and waiting are added, the gain over the train is slight for a far higher price.
The road
The motorway runs via Casablanca, then Rabat and Meknes. Six hours of actual driving on a modern, trouble-free route, but long and monotonous. It only makes sense if you intend to stop on the way — Rabat and Meknes are worth the break — or if you travel as a group with a car already hired.
Running Marrakech and Fes back to back spoils both. If your trip allows, break at Casablanca or Rabat for a night: you turn a gruelling transfer into a stage, and you arrive in Fes fit to see it.
What if you fly straight to Fes?
Fes has its own airport, Fes Saiss (FEZ), served by several European airlines. If Fes is your main destination, a direct flight there spares you this journey entirely. Marrakech only works as an entry point if you plan to spend several days there.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train between Marrakech and Fes?
About seven hours, generally with a change at Casablanca, for MAD 200–250 in second class. Adding the taxi from the airport to Gueliz station, allow eight hours door to door.
Is it better to fly between Marrakech and Fes?
Rarely. There is no useful direct service, the connection goes through Casablanca, and once access, check-in and waiting are added, the gain over the train is slight for a markedly higher price.
How far is Fes from Marrakech?
About 530 kilometres, or six hours by motorway via Casablanca, Rabat and Meknes. It is the longest trip between two major Moroccan tourist cities.
Is there an overnight train between Marrakech and Fes?
Yes, some services let you make the journey while sleeping, saving a hotel night. Over this distance it is worth taking seriously, booking in advance.