Train Stations - The Most Popular Form of Transport
At times, traveling in Morocco can be a nightmare if you are not prepared and do not know your way around. Trains are the most popular form of transportation in Morocco and it is advised that train tickets are booked and paid for in advance. Train and bus tickets are available at train stations in Morocco in the larger cities and are called Rail and Route passes. But for the most part, traveling by train in Morocco is a pleasant experience and Moroccan Train Stations are quite easy to navigate.
There are a few lingering reminders of the influence that the French have had in this country in some Moroccan Train Stations, such as the one located in Tangiers. Train fares are quite reasonably priced and travel between cities in Morocco is easier by train than bus or taxicab. The railway network that is owned by the state is known as the ONCF and the trains are quite comfortable and well maintained. Train Stations in Morocco have clear information boards that display times and platform numbers in both French and Arabic. Delays and cancellations are also posted on the boards. When disembarking in one of the cities, travelers will find many buses and taxis waiting at the train station to transport them further.
There are a few points that travelers should be aware of in regard to etiquette and culture when on the trains. Local travelers are very friendly and easy to talk to. Smokers are generally found in the corridors of the train cars, as that is the only place on the train that is viewed as an acceptable smoking area. If the train cars of the train do not have corridors, smokers will have to fight their craving until they have reached their destination. Safety measures on Moroccan trains are the same as found anywhere in the world. Petty criminals also target trains here, but if you are vigilant and keep your luggage and valuables at your side at all times, you will have a safe journey. If you do incur any problems during the journey, train staff and police at the train stations will be able to assist you.
It is also important to ensure that you are familiar with the routes and travel system within the city you are visiting. Most cities have one main station and one or two smaller train stations. Marrakech has one major train station, whereas Casablanca has two. Casablanca’s main station is the Casa Voyageurs and the smaller Casa Port Train Station does not have much rail traffic. The Mohammed V Airport in Morocco has its own underground train station that can transport travelers to their destinations or connecting destinations.
Casa Voyageurs Station:
As the main railway station in Casablanca, Casa Voyageurs Station links Casablanca to many destinations in Morocco, including Rabat, Marrakech, Tangier, Meknes, Fes and El Jadida. With its high clock tower rising above the entrance, the Casa Voyageurs Station is easy for travelers to find, where they can be sure of safe and efficient transportation by train to their destination of choice.
Casa Port Station:
The smaller of Casablanca’s two train stations, Casa Port Station is located near the city’s port and primarily serves passenger trains traveling to Casablanca from the city of Kenitra. Trains travel from Casa Port Station to the main station of Casablanca, Casa Voyageurs, and from there on to many other destinations.
Marrakech Railway Station:
With its sparkling white buildings in sharp contrast with the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, the Marrakech Railway Station is a landmark which is easy to find. With architecture and adornments reminiscent of the colonial era, the Marrakech Railway Station offer travelers a reliable, safe and affordable mode of transport.
Rabat Ville Train Station:
The old-fashioned exterior of Rabat’s main train station is a contrast to the modern, clean and well-maintained facilities inside. The station is situated close to Rabat’s major tourist attractions and hotels and links the city to a host of destinations in Morocco.
Tanger Ville Train Station:
As the closest station to the city center of Tangier, the modern and efficient Tanger Ville Train station is extremely busy with numerous trains arriving and leaving throughout the day.
The train stations in Morocco are safe and well organized and so is train travel. Seeing the country while traveling between cities is spectacular through a train window and also gives travelers the opportunity to relax and enjoy Moroccan hospitality.
User Comments & Reviews
2010-03-15 22:11:07
Best way is to google "oncf english", then navigate through the site to find fares and schedules. oncf.ma does not allow booking online, but you can buy tickets at stations with no problems.
2010-02-25 13:50:11
ONCF website only written in France. Can you give me the website that show the train timetable in English for Morocco train transport?
2010-02-14 01:05:25
My wife and myself need to catch a plane from Casablanca airport to Malaga in Spain which departs Casablanca at 11.45am on a Sunday. But on the same day we need to get from Marrakech to Cassablanca airport - is there a train which would leave Marrakech early enough on a Sunday.? Thanks for any advice...
2010-01-28 05:34:58
Arrival in CMN at 2600 hour. How frequent is train from airport to Voyageurs train station? Where can I find a schedule for getting from Voyageurs to Rabat after 2730 or 2800? How long will it take? Cost? Also, approximately what time will it be dark in late March?
2010-01-07 11:48:03
Hello, i am being charged the train tickets three times, how can i get a refound? Thankyou
2009-12-16 20:48:33
Can I take a train or bus from the airport to the city centre? Thank you! Hal
2009-11-09 11:20:12
Please advise how I can travel to marrakech from the casablanca airport by train. Please can you also give a time table and costs. merci
2009-11-05 04:19:43
What is the website to book trains in Morocco? Can't find anywhere. thanks
2009-11-04 11:56:34
From the airoport, I want to go to casablanca city : so I must take the train to casa voyageurs then casa port or not? please, what I can do? thanks
2009-10-02 06:48:52
Please note that Morocco.com is not a booking agency.You may find the information you are looking for at the following website: http://www.oncf.ma/ which is for Morocco's railway company.
2009-10-01 13:59:57
i want go from casablanca int'l airport to marrkech central station pls give detail how to go and train time table
2009-09-01 10:43:08
hello is there any train goes from casablanca to safi ? what is the period for the train ??
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