Morocco Train Tickets 2026: Al Boraq High-Speed Guide

I still remember my first time riding the rails down the North African coast. Sand whipped against the scratched windows of a sluggish diesel train crawling toward Marrakech. But buying Morocco train tickets in 2026 looks entirely different. Today, you can blast past sun-baked olive groves at 320 km/h on a double-decker TGV. You sip sweet mint tea in the cafe car while your phone charges at your seat. It is a massive upgrade. And with the 2030 World Cup on the horizon, the Moroccan government is pouring billions into making their rail network the absolute best in Africa.

What to Expect When Buying Morocco Train Tickets

Before you pack your bags and buy your Morocco train tickets, you need to understand how the system actually works. The network is split into two very distinct experiences. You have the ultra-modern high-speed lines, and you have the legacy standard trains. Both get the job done. But knowing the difference will save you a massive headache at the station.

• Al Boraq (High-Speed): Africa's fastest train. It strictly runs the Tangier – Kenitra – Rabat – Casablanca corridor.
• Al Atlas (Standard Intercity): The workhorse of the ONCF network. These trains connect Casablanca to Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, and Oujda.
• TNR (Commuter): Rapid transit trains connecting the Casablanca airport to the city center and surrounding suburbs.
• Border Crossings: Non-existent. The land border between Morocco and Algeria remains closed, so international rail travel across North Africa is currently impossible.

How to Buy Morocco Train Tickets: Station vs. Online

When it comes to securing your journey, you have two main options: buying at the station or booking online. Historically, travelers simply showed up at the station, waited in line, and bought a paper ticket. Today, securing Morocco train tickets in advance is the smartest strategy, especially for first-class seats and high-speed routes.

Buying at the Station

If you prefer winging it, you can purchase Morocco train tickets directly at the ONCF ticket counters or self-service kiosks. The kiosks have an English language option, which helps bypass the language barrier if you do not speak French or Arabic. However, these machines frequently reject foreign credit cards. You will often need to pay with Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) at the physical counter. During peak hours, the lines at Casa Voyageurs or Tangier Ville can take up to 45 minutes to clear.

Booking Online in Advance

To avoid the hassle, we highly recommend booking your Morocco train tickets online before you even arrive in the country. Using a platform like 9rail.com allows you to use international credit cards without the frustrating rejection errors common on local portals. You receive a digital ticket with a scannable QR code. You just walk straight past the ticket counter, scan your phone at the platform gates, and board your train. It saves time and guarantees you get the specific departure time you want.

Al Boraq: Is Africa's Only High-Speed Train Worth It?

If you are traveling between Tangier and Casablanca, buying Al Boraq Morocco train tickets is the best decision you can make. Taking any other form of transport is a waste of your vacation. The Al Boraq fleet consists of modified French TGV Euroduplex trains. They are incredibly sleek. Running at top speeds of 320 km/h, the Al Boraq slashes the Tangier to Casablanca journey from five hours down to a mere two hours and ten minutes. You barely have time to finish your coffee before pulling into Casa Voyageurs.

I always recommend springing for a first-class ticket on this route. The price difference is usually less than $12 USD. First-class gets you a wider seat arranged in a 2+1 configuration, vastly superior legroom, and a quieter cabin. Second-class is perfectly fine, but it features a 2+2 layout that fills up quickly with families and loud commuters. And honestly, for the price of a cheap lunch back home, the upgrade is a no-brainer.

If you want to guarantee a window seat on the upper deck for the best views of the Atlantic coast, do not wait until you reach the station. Check latest Al Boraq prices on 9rail.com and lock in your departure time early.

The Station Experience

Morocco completely rebuilt the stations servicing the Al Boraq line. Tangier Ville and Casa Voyageurs look like gleaming airport terminals. They feature clean restrooms, decent espresso bars, and clear digital departure boards in French and Arabic. Security is relatively light. But your bags will go through an x-ray scanner before you reach the platform, so arrive about 20 minutes before departure.

ONCF Standard Trains: Reaching Marrakech, Fez, and Beyond

You will eventually need to step off the high-speed line. To reach the chaotic medinas of Fez or the red walls of Marrakech, you must rely on the Al Atlas standard trains. Operated by ONCF, these locomotive-hauled trains are slower, older, and infinitely more atmospheric. They max out at about 160 km/h. But they offer a fantastic window into everyday Moroccan life.

The route from Casablanca to Marrakech takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes. The journey from Rabat to Fez clocks in at just under 3 hours. Unlike the high-speed line, standard ONCF trains frequently suffer from 15 to 30-minute delays, so never book a tight connection on the same day as a flight. The landscape changes dramatically outside your window. You will watch urban sprawl give way to rocky deserts, grazing sheep, and distant mountain peaks.

Here is the most critical advice I can give you when booking standard Morocco train tickets. Always buy a first-class ticket. Second-class compartments seat eight people and do not offer guaranteed seat reservations. You might end up standing in the aisle for three hours. First-class compartments seat six, guarantee your specific seat, and have significantly better air conditioning. During a Moroccan summer, that AC is a lifesaver. You can easily reserve ONCF first-class tickets online through 9rail.com to avoid the stressful ticket counter queues.

Luggage on these standard trains can be a bit of a free-for-all. Unlike the dedicated luggage racks at the end of each car on the Al Boraq, standard trains require you to hoist your bags onto overhead racks inside the compartments. If you are traveling with heavy suitcases, try to board as early as possible to claim the lower rack space. Conductors will check your Morocco train tickets shortly after departure, so keep them handy.

If you are planning a massive multi-country rail adventure this year, the contrast between regions is fascinating. For instance, the infrastructure here feels entirely different than what you find in Asia. If that interests you, read our guide on Southeast Asia Train Travel 2026: The Ultimate 4-Country Guide to see how the sleeper trains compare.

The Oriental Desert Express and Remote Rail

Most tourists stick to the imperial cities. But true rail enthusiasts look further east. The Oriental Desert Express is a legendary, semi-regular train that runs from Oujda down to Bouarfa. It gained international fame after appearing in the James Bond film Spectre. This is not a commuter route. It is a slow, cinematic journey through the harsh, sweeping dunes of the Sahara.

This train does not run on a standard daily schedule. It is typically chartered by tour groups or runs on specific dates a few times a year. The 300-kilometer journey takes a grueling 10 to 12 hours, as the train often has to stop so the crew can shovel drifting sand off the tracks. It is hot, dusty, and absolutely magnificent.

If you cannot catch the Desert Express, taking the standard night train from Casablanca to Oujda is your next best bet. You wake up in the far east of the country, near the Algerian border. The sleeper cars are basic but functional. Just bring your own toilet paper and bottled water. If you prefer high-tech luxury over desert grit, you might want to look at our piece on the Top 6 JR Kyushu Trains Worth Riding in 2025. (And for our international readers, yes, we also have the 2025JR九州最值得乘坐的TOP6火车 version available).

7 Expert Tips for Moroccan Train Travel in 2026

Riding the rails here is generally straightforward. But a few insider tactics will make your trip significantly smoother. According to updates from Morocco World News, station upgrades are ongoing through 2026, meaning you might encounter temporary platform changes.

1. Print your tickets or save the PDF: Do not rely on mobile data at the station. Download your ticket barcode to your phone beforehand. The conductors scan these on board.
2. Bring your own snacks: The Al Boraq has a decent cafe car. Standard ONCF trains only have a trolley cart selling expensive chips and instant coffee. Buy fresh pastries and fruit from the medina before you board.
3. Ignore the "helpers" at the station: You will occasionally encounter men offering to help you find your platform or carry your bags. They will aggressively demand a tip. A firm "La, shukran" (No, thank you) is all you need.
4. Pack light for the compartments: First-class compartments on standard trains have high overhead racks. You have to lift your own suitcase up there. If you pack a massive 30kg trunk, you are going to struggle.
5. Watch out for Ramadan schedules: If you travel during the holy month, train schedules shift dramatically. Evening trains often pause mid-journey so the crew and passengers can break their fast (Iftar).
6. Book in advance for major holidays: During Eid or the summer holidays, trains sell out days in advance. Use 9rail.com to book your Morocco train tickets at least two weeks early to secure a spot.
7. Know your station names: Major cities have multiple stations. In Casablanca, 'Casa Port' only serves local commuter trains, while 'Casa Voyageurs' is the main hub for high-speed and intercity routes. Always double-check which station is printed on your Morocco train tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book Morocco train tickets online?

You can book Morocco train tickets online through platforms like 9rail.com or the official ONCF website to secure your seats in advance. Online booking is highly recommended for popular routes like Tangier to Casablanca to ensure availability and avoid long station queues during peak travel seasons.

How long is the Al Boraq train from Tangier to Casablanca?

The Al Boraq high-speed train takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes to travel from Tangier to Casablanca. This route operates at speeds up to 320 km/h, significantly reducing the travel time from the previous five-hour journey on legacy diesel lines.

What is the difference between Al Boraq and Al Atlas trains?

Al Boraq is Morocco's high-speed rail service connecting Tangier to Casablanca, while Al Atlas refers to the standard intercity trains serving Marrakech, Fez, and Oujda. Al Boraq uses modern TGV technology for rapid transit, whereas Al Atlas provides reliable, air-conditioned transport across the rest of the national network.

Is first class worth it on Moroccan trains?

First class is generally worth the small price increase as it offers assigned seating, more legroom, and superior air conditioning compared to second class. For Al Boraq routes, the price difference is often less than $12 USD, providing a much quieter and more comfortable environment for long-distance travelers.

Can you travel between Morocco and Algeria by train?

No, international rail travel between Morocco and Algeria is currently impossible because the land border between the two countries remains closed. While both nations maintain extensive domestic rail networks, there are no active cross-border services connecting them at this time.

How much does a train ticket from Tangier to Casablanca cost?

A first-class ticket on the Al Boraq high-speed train from Tangier to Casablanca typically costs around $32 USD (315 MAD). Prices can vary based on how far in advance you book and the specific time of departure, with second-class tickets offering an even more budget-friendly alternative.