Getting Around Morocco

Air

Royal Air Maroc operates the main domestic air network, with most routes centred on its hub at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport. Domestic flights serve cities including Agadir, Tangier, Oujda, Nador, Ouarzazate, Laayoune and Dakhla.

Flying is particularly useful for journeys to Laayoune and Dakhla in the far south, where travelling overland takes considerably longer. Some routes operate only on selected days, and journeys between regional cities may require a connection in Casablanca, so check schedules carefully when planning an itinerary.

Road

Morocco has an extensive road network linking its cities, towns and rural districts. Toll motorways connect the main urban centres along the Atlantic coast and extend inland to cities including Fez, Meknes, Marrakech and Oujda, while national and regional roads provide access to the Atlas Mountains, desert settlements and smaller communities.

Distances between destinations can be considerable, particularly when crossing the mountains or travelling into the south. Journey planners may underestimate travel times on routes that pass through towns or follow winding mountain roads, so avoid planning overly ambitious daily itineraries. Carry an offline map when travelling through remote areas, where mobile coverage may be intermittent.

Side of the road

Road Quality

Motorways and main national roads are generally surfaced and well maintained. Conditions are more variable on provincial roads, mountain routes and desert tracks, where carriageways may be narrow and roadside barriers absent.

Snow can close high Atlas passes in winter, while heavy rain may cause landslides or flash flooding. Avoid driving after dark where possible, as pedestrians, animals, bicycles and poorly lit vehicles can be difficult to see.

Road Classification

Morocco's roads are classified as follows:
• Autoroutes (A): Divided toll motorways connecting major cities.
• Routes nationales (N): Main national roads linking cities and regions.
• Routes régionales (R): Regional roads connecting smaller towns and districts.
• Routes provinciales (P): Local roads serving villages and rural areas.

Some major routes are designated voies express — these are divided or upgraded highways but do not necessarily meet full motorway standards.

Car Hire

International and Moroccan car hire companies operate at major airports and in large cities and resorts. The minimum hiring age is usually 21, although requirements vary by company and vehicle category. Drivers under 25 may pay a surcharge, and most companies require the licence to have been held for at least one year.

A standard car is suitable for the main cities and established tourist routes. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for unsealed desert tracks and remote mountain areas. Confirm whether the rental agreement permits travel on unsealed roads and check the insurance excess, fuel policy and deposit before accepting the vehicle.

Taxi

Morocco has two main types of taxi. Petits taxis operate within city boundaries and may carry up to three passengers. They are colour-coded by city: red in Casablanca, blue in Rabat, beige or ochre in Marrakech, and light blue in Tangier. Petits taxis are fitted with meters; ask the driver to use the meter and, if this is refused, agree the fare before departure.

Grands taxis operate on fixed routes within and between towns and may be shared with other passengers. Fares are generally fixed by route, although passengers may pay for additional seats or hire the entire vehicle. At airports, use the official taxi rank and confirm the fare displayed or quoted before travelling.

App-based transport services include inDrive and Heetch, which are available in major cities such as Casablanca and Marrakech. Roby Taxi works with licensed Moroccan taxis in Casablanca, Marrakech and Agadir. Travellers using other ride-hailing apps should be aware that vehicles may not be licensed or insured to carry passengers.

Bike

Long-distance travel by bicycle is possible, and organised cycling tours operate through the Atlas Mountains, the Atlantic countryside and southern Morocco. Touring independently requires careful planning because dedicated cycle lanes are uncommon, traffic can be heavy near cities and distances between services may be considerable in remote areas.

Avoid busy main roads and cycling after dark. Carry sufficient water, sun protection, basic repair equipment and reflective clothing; a helmet is strongly recommended.

Coach

Long-distance coaches connect cities and towns throughout Morocco, including many destinations not served by rail. CTM and Supratours operate modern reserved-seat services, while numerous other companies use municipal bus stations. Air conditioning and comfort standards vary between operators.

Book ahead for popular routes and during public holidays, and check the precise departure point because CTM and Supratours often use their own terminals. Rabat's principal coach hub is the Gare Routière de Rabat, while CTM also uses its terminal on Avenue Hassan II. Large luggage is usually placed in the hold and may require a small separate baggage ticket.

Regulations

Traffic drives on the right and overtakes on the left. Speed limits are generally 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas, 100kph (62mph) on main roads and 120kph (75mph) on motorways, although lower signed limits are common. Police checks and speed cameras operate frequently.

Seat belts must be worn where fitted. Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited, and motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets. Morocco applies strict drink-driving rules; drivers should not consume any alcohol before driving.

Breakdown services

Drivers of hire vehicles should contact the rental company using the emergency number supplied with the vehicle. On motorways, call Autoroutes du Maroc on 5050 for assistance and give the road number, direction of travel and nearest kilometre marker or junction.

Emergency numbers are:
• Police in urban areas: 19.
• Royal Gendarmerie in rural areas: 177.
• Ambulance and fire service: 15.

Documentation

Drivers must carry a valid driving licence, passport, vehicle registration or rental agreement and proof of insurance. An International Driving Permit may also be required according to the driver's nationality or the language of the licence; holders of a UK licence should carry a 1968 version of the International Driving Permit alongside their UK licence.

Visitors bringing their own vehicle must carry the original registration documents and valid insurance covering Morocco. The vehicle is recorded on entry and should normally leave the country with the person who imported it.

Urban travel

City buses operate in Morocco's main urban areas, although routes and service standards vary. Casablanca has tram and busway networks, while trams connect Rabat with neighbouring Salé. Petits taxis are often more convenient for short journeys, particularly where public transport does not serve the required district.

The historic medinas of cities such as Fez and Marrakech are mainly explored on foot; many lanes are too narrow for cars. Traffic congestion can be severe in Casablanca, Marrakech and other large cities, especially during morning and evening peak periods.

Rail

The national railway operator ONCF runs passenger trains between Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech, with branches serving destinations including Fez, Meknes, Oujda, Nador and El Jadida. The Al Boraq high-speed service links Tangier with Kenitra, Rabat and Casablanca.

Agadir, Essaouira, Chefchaouen, Ouarzazate and destinations farther south are not connected to the railway. ONCF's Supratours coaches provide connections from selected railway stations to places beyond the rail network. First- and second-class accommodation is available, and booking is advisable for Al Boraq services and around public holidays.

Water

There are no scheduled domestic passenger ferry services between Moroccan coastal cities. Boat trips offered at coastal resorts are intended for sightseeing or recreation rather than transport.