How to Take the Train from Casablanca to Marrakech
What to Expert on the Train Ride from Casablanca to Marrakech
Train Travel in Morocco: Reality Check from Casablanca to Marrakech
How do I take the train from Casablanca to Marrakech? What can I expect on the train ride from Casablanca to Marrakech? Is the train the best way to get from Casablanca to Marrakech? Those were the three questions I asked myself before booking a ticket between two of Morocco’s most visited cities.
I had just returned from a nine-day trip to Switzerland, where I used the Swiss Rail Pass to travel around the country. I had also traveled by Shinkansen throughout Japan a few years ago. After researching the trains in Morocco, I knew it would be different than my experiences in Switzerland and Japan.
Don't Even Try to Compare Moroccan Trains to Those in Europe or Japan
So what can you expect when riding the train from Casablanca to Marrakech? I recommend not having particularly high expectations other than a safe ride from one city to the other. The trains in Morocco are not nearly as luxurious as the trains in Switzerland or Japan. There is some good news; the trains in Morocco are much cheaper than their Swiss and Japanese counterparts.
When traveling on Moroccan trains, be prepared for the trains to be old, hot, stuffy, and not that comfortable. But for a train journey of under three hours, the average person should be able to tough it out. Just don’t expect luxury, even with the purchase of a first-class ticket.
Casablanca to Marrakech - The Train is Still the Best Option
There are not many alternatives to taking the train between Casablanca and Morocco other than an expensive flight or a long bus ride. So I recommend taking the train but be prepared for a less than first-class experience.
How to Take the Train from Casablanca to Marrakech - Table of Contents
- What to Expert on the Train Ride from Casablanca to Marrakech
- How to Purchase a Train Ticket from Casablanca to Marrakech
- Getting to Casa Voyageurs Rail Station
- Boarding the Train
- Onboard the Train
- Arriving in Marrakech
- Other Transportation Options from Casablanca to Marrakech
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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How to Purchase a Train Ticket from Casablanca to Marrakech
There are two train stations in Casablanca, Morocco. They are Casa Port and Casa Voyageurs. I chose to book my train ticket to Marrakech from Casa Voyageurs as it was closer to my hotel. To purchase the ticket, I went to the Morocco Trains website, which is part of the Rail Ninja network.
Booking a train ticket from Casa Voyageurs to Marrakech was easy. I entered my dates and chose from a variety of different times. As of March 2024, there are 12 daily trains between Casa Voyageurs and Marrakech.
I highly recommend booking a first-class ticket. The price I paid for a first-class ticket from Casablanca to Marrakech was €32. A standard ticket was €29. Trust me, the first class ticket is worth the extra €3.
How to Get to Casa Voyageurs Rail Station
My train from Casablanca to Marrakech would depart from Casa Voyageurs Rai Station. There are many different ways to get to Casa Voyageurs Rail Station from your hotel in Casablanca. When I travel, my preferred method of getting around is Uber. There is no Uber in Casablanca, although there are a few apps that offer similar services. Without Uber, the best way to get to Casa Voyageurs Rail Station is to either take a taxi or arrange a private transfer.
The day before, I had taken a tour of the city of Casablanca. My guide offered to arrange transportation from my hotel to Casa Voyageurs Station and then from Marrakech Rail Station to my hotel in Marrakech. Although the price was slightly higher than a taxi ($60), I decided to use them for my train transfers. This company provided great service the day before, had English-speaking drivers, and provided safe rides. If you are interested, the name of the company is Premium Transfer and Tours.
I arrived about 45 minutes before my train to Marrakech was set to depart, which was more than enough time.
Inside Casa Voyageurs Station - What to Expect
When I arrived at Casa Voyageurs Station, my driver pointed me in the right direction to catch my train to Marrakech. There are two buildings at Casa Voyageurs Station, the old building and the new building. Be sure to enter through the new building as that is where the gates to the trains are located.
To find the trains, enter Casa Voyageurs Station and go up the escalator. To the right will be the entrances to the various gates. If you don’t know what gate your train is departing from, check the signs. My train from Casablanca to Marrakech was departing from gates 5 and 6.
The Boarding Process at Casa Voyageurs Station
But First, a Visit to Casa Voyageurs McDonald's Restaurant
For those of you that don’t know, I teach 8th-grade global studies. My students seem most interested in what McDonald’s is like in each country I visit. With the McDonald’s at Casa Voyageurs only being about 20 yards from my gate, I thought it was the perfect time to see how Moroccan McDonald’s tasted.
Spoiler Alert – It tastes like McDonald’s!
Boarding the Train from Casablanca to Marrakech
After eating a crispy chicken, double cheeseburger, and fries at the Casa Voyageurs McDonald’s, it was time to go to my gate. Gates 5 and 6 and gates 7 and 8 shared a waiting area. I showed my ticket, which I had printed ahead of time, to the gate agent at the entrance and entered the waiting area. The gate agent explained that he would let us know when the train was close so we could go down the escalator to the tracks.
About ten minutes before the train was set to depart, we were told to go down the escalator to the train tracks. When I got to the bottom of the escalator, another agent was waiting. He told me to go to the letter “F” for boarding, as I was in the first-class carriage.
Be Careful - I was Approached by Many "Tour Guides" at Casa Voyageurs Station
Be careful when waiting for the train from Casablanca to Marrakech. I was approached by multiple “tour guides” that just happened to be taking the same train as me. They all had “friends” in Marrakech who would be happy to show me around the city. I politely declined and noticed that none of them actually got on the train. These unofficial guides seemed like a scam, and I would recommend avoiding them.
An announcement in Arabic and French announced the arrival of the train. The train from Casa Voyageurs to Marrakech was about five minutes late. When I boarded, there was no one checking tickets or assisting with luggage. The boarding process was basically a free-for-all.
Onboard the Train from Casablanca to Marrakech
When boarding the first-class car of the train from Casablanca to Marrakech, be sure to know your seat number. I was assigned seat 12, which was in the first pod of cars. As I boarded the train, I walked past the first pod of seats.
The Reality of First Class on Moroccan Trains: Casablanca to Marrakech
The seats were in a three-by-three configuration and faced each other. There was a small aisle opposite the pod of seats. My seat, seat 12, was on the aisle but did not provide a lot of room as there was a panel between the seat and the aisle. I thought the seats were uncomfortable and smelled like cigarette smoke.
I would have preferred slightly smaller seats in a two-by-two configuration with a center aisle. The train from Casablanca to Marrakech was the only train I took during my time in Morocco. It is possible that this was an older train and others are more modern.
Moroccan Trains - No Luggage Storage
There was limited luggage storage in each pod on the train from Casa Voyageurs to Marrakech. I had to store my luggage in the aisle, which seemed to be a pretty common practice.
Moroccan Train Bathroom - Casablanca to Marrakech
The trip from Casa Voyageurs to Marrakech was only about two hours and forty-five minutes. Although I didn’t need to go, I visited the bathroom to take a photo for this page. The bathroom was clean enough and very spacious.
Casablanca to Marrakech by Train: The Scenery Saves the Day
The highlight of the train ride was watching the climate and vegetation change as we got closer and closer to the city of Marrakech. Below are six photos of the different landscapes I saw on the train ride from Casablanca to Marrakech. The beautiful scenery definitely made me forget how uncomfortable I was on the train from Casablanca to Marrakech.
Arriving at Marrakech Rail Station
I arrived at Marrakech station about ten minutes late. As I disembarked the train, I was happy to be outside in the fresh air. After a brief walk, I was inside the Marrakech Rail Station.
Be Ready to be Offered a Ride
I walked through the station and was met by a barrage of people offering me a ride. Since I had already booked my transportation, I politely declined. When we were about five minutes away from the station, I messaged my driver on WhatsApp. He was waiting for me in the parking lot, and I was at my hotel about 30 minutes later.
Other Transportation Options from Casablanca to Marrakech
Even though the train was not very comfortable, it was the best way to get between Casablanca and Marrakech. Some of the other options include:
- Bus – $10 – 3 Hours
- Flight – $109 Each Way – 50 Minutes
- Taxi – $106 – 3 Hours
- Private Transfer – $125 – 3 Hours
I have included a few links for alternative travel methods below. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
Prices are accurate as of March 2024.
 Casablanca to Marrakech- Private Transfer - $192.88 Travel with confidence by scheduling a private vehicle. This intercity transfer provides you the opportunity to gain your precious time waiting for a long shuttle or taxi lines also avoid language barrier and currency exchange. Using a variety and wide range of vehicle sizes and types, you will travel elegantly from Casablanca city and Mohamed V Airport Casablanca to your Hotel or any other accommodation in Marrakech. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and a selection of refreshments on the road. |
 Transfer Casablanca to Marrakech - $118.94 Pre-book your private transfer to your Marrakech hotel from your Casablanca accomodation. The driver will meet you and assist you with your luggage and welcome you into a comfortable, air-conditioned van. |
 Private Taxi Transfer to Casablanca from Marrakech - $106.67 Need a punctual taxi transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca? |
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