The Moroccan state railway, Office National des Chemins de Fer, or ONCF (tel: (024) 447 768; website: www.oncf.ma) is a legacy from French colonial times and although services are limited they are reliable and inexpensive, and a good option for travel between Morocco's major cities. It's also a greener way to travel than by plane or car, reducing emissions that might otherwise harm southern Morocco's delicate desert ecosystems. Marrakech's railway station is a charmingly ramshackle building (a new one featuring big-name fast-food chains is in the works) located on Avenue Hassan II at the corner of Boulevard Mohammed VI in the new city of Guéliz. Tickets can be purchased directly at the train station or through your riad or hotel.

Rail services: The Moroccan rail system runs along two branches: from Casablanca on the west coast to Oujda in the northeast, and from Tangier in the north to Marrakech. There are two classes of seats: first has six seats per compartment, and second has eight per compartment. Second-class travel is quite comfortable for most journeys. In summer, note that first class ensures an air-conditioned carriage only on intercity TCR (Train Climatisé Rapide) trains. The most frequent direct services to/from Marrakech are to/from Fez and Rabat, and the direct overnight service to/from Tangier with sleeping carriages. Return tickets are good for up to seven days after your initial date of travel.