Departure Schedule
Morning departures
Fastest trip6 hrs 58 min
Longest trip10 hrs 15 min
Earliest01:45
Latest11:35
Departures10
Afternoon departures
Fastest trip6 hrs 52 min
Longest trip10 hrs 15 min
Earliest12:35
Latest17:35
Departures9
Travelling from Marrakesh to Fez by Train
The easiest way to travel from Marrakesh to Fez is the direct ONCF train, which takes about 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours. This guide is for anyone planning the trip between Morocco's two great imperial cities, from first-time visitors to travelers who have already decided on a longer Morocco itinerary, and it covers trains, flights, buses, cars and the popular desert tour, so you know what to expect and can choose the best transportation for your next trip. Travel from Marrakesh to Fez can be done by train, flight, bus or car, and Moroccan Railways operates direct Al Atlas trains between the two cities roughly every two hours, from early morning until night, so you do not need to change trains. The route heads north across the plains to Casablanca, runs along the Atlantic coast through Rabat, and covers the second half inland through Sidi Kacem and Meknes before arriving in Fez. Train tickets cost about MAD 220 to MAD 460 per person, depending on the class and how early you book. Travelers recommend booking First Class tickets for better comfort, with a reserved seat, more legroom and a quieter carriage on this long journey. Trains have air-conditioned carriages and a snack trolley on most services, but bring water and food for breakfast or lunch, especially in summer, when temperatures in Marrakesh often pass 38 °C in June, July and August. You can buy tickets online through ONCF, at station ticket offices or with ticket machines. Midweek trains from Monday to Thursday are usually quieter, while Friday and Sunday afternoons, Moroccan holidays and the busy months of March, December and the summer fill up fast, so book in advance. The most pleasant months to visit Morocco are March to May and September to November, when the sun is warm but not too hot, while January nights can be cold in both cities.
Marrakesh to Fez trains Information
6 h 52 m
Shortest travel time:
$50
Lowest ticket cost:
19
Avg. daily departures:
01:45
Earliest departure:
17:35
Latest departure:
Marrakech station is in the Guéliz district, a short taxi ride from Jemaa el-Fna square. Marrakesh was founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids and is characterized by a high-energy atmosphere and modern tourism infrastructure. Its medina is more tourist-friendly than Fez's, it offers more accommodation options, and its busy international airport connects with over 100 destinations, including Madrid, Paris and London. Fès station is in the Ville Nouvelle, a short taxi ride from Fez el-Bali, the old city. Fez el-Bali was founded in the 9th century and is one of the best-preserved medieval urban areas in the world, with over 9,000 narrow alleyways in its medina. Fez is known as Morocco's cultural and artisanal heart: the Chouara Tanneries have operated for centuries, and Al-Qarawiyyin University, founded in 859 AD, is one of the oldest continuously operating universities. Explore the medina with a local guide, visit the shops of leather and metal artisans, and enjoy the culture of both cities. Besides the train and the desert tour, there are other options. Driving from Marrakesh to Fez takes about 5 to 6 hours via modern highways. Budget options like long-distance buses connect the two cities, and national bus carriers offer multiple daily departures, though the trip takes about 9 to 10 hours. Non-stop flights between Marrakesh and Fes-Sais Airport take only 55 to 65 minutes, but airport transfers add several hours. For most travelers, the direct train is the most comfortable way to cross the country, while the desert tour is the best choice if you want to see the Sahara on the way.
Popular questions about trains from Marrakesh to Fez
The direct Al Atlas train from Marrakesh to Fez takes about 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours.
Tickets cost about MAD 220 to MAD 460 per person, depending on the class and how early you book.
Yes. Travelers recommend First Class for better comfort, with a reserved seat and more legroom on this long journey.
You can travel by train, flight, bus or car, or take a 3-day desert tour through the Sahara.
Driving takes about 5 to 6 hours via modern highways, while direct private transfers usually take about 7 hours.
Non-stop flights between Marrakesh and Fes-Sais Airport take only 55 to 65 minutes.
Desert tours typically last 3 days, with long driving days and a night in the Sahara.
Expect stops at Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate and the Dades Gorge, a camel ride through Erg Chebbi and a night in a Berber desert camp.
At the beginning, the route crosses the High Atlas over the Tizi n Tichka pass at 2,260 m, with views of the Atlas Mountains.
Ait Ben Haddou is a famous fortified village on the old caravan route, one of the most photographed places in Morocco.
The Dades Valley is known for its winding roads, red rock formations and kasbahs, with the dramatic Dades Gorge nearby.
The Todra Gorge is a narrow canyon with towering rock walls, popular for short walks and trekking.
The Middle Atlas is the mountain region crossed on the last day, with cedar forests and mountain towns before Fez.
Some tours include short trekking walks in the Todra Gorge and the valleys.
A local guide is included on desert tours and is very helpful in the Fez medina, where it is easy to get lost.
Google Maps works in Marrakesh, but it is less reliable in Fez el-Bali, so a local guide is a good idea.
Fez el-Bali was founded in the 9th century and is one of the best-preserved medieval urban areas, with over 9,000 narrow alleyways.
Visit the Chouara Tanneries, Al-Qarawiyyin University, founded in 859 AD, and the artisan shops of the medina.
Marrakesh has a high-energy atmosphere and modern tourism infrastructure, while Fez is Morocco's cultural and artisanal heart.
Marrakech's medina is more tourist-friendly than Fez's, which is larger and more maze-like.
Yes. Marrakech has a busy international airport with over 100 destinations, including Madrid.
Book trains early, carry cash for shops and tips, bring warm layers for desert nights and check your route on Google Maps.
Yes. It is one of the most amazing ways to see Morocco, with some of the most beautiful places in North Africa along the way.
March to May and September to November are the best months, with warm sun and comfortable temperatures.
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