Marrakech to Casablanca

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Marrakech and Casablanca are Morocco's two most-visited cities, sitting roughly 240 kilometres apart across the Haouz plain. The journey is quick, well-served and straightforward: a comfortable express train does it in around three hours, a CTM coach takes a little longer and costs less, and the drive is equally easy on a good dual carriageway. Here is how to choose.

The quickest and most comfortable way: the ONCF train

Morocco's national rail operator ONCF runs regular direct trains between Marrakech station and Casablanca Voyageurs, with some services continuing to Casa-Port or Casa-Oasis. Journey time on a direct service is roughly 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes depending on the service; connecting trains via Settat take a little longer. Trains run throughout the day from early morning, with half a dozen or more departures in each direction — frequency varies by day of the week, so check the ONCF timetable online before you travel.

Moroccan trains are reasonably comfortable and air-conditioned, with first- and second-class coaches. First class is not expensive by European standards and is worth considering on this route in summer heat. Booking in advance through the ONCF website or at the station is straightforward; tickets can also be bought on the day if you are flexible, but peak services around public holidays fill up.

Casablanca Voyageurs sits close to the Casablanca city centre and the Casablanca tramway network, making onward connections easy. Marrakech station is similarly central. The train is almost always the fastest realistic door-to-door option between the city centres — no traffic jams, no airport.

Looking ahead: the Al Boraq extension

Morocco's high-speed Al Boraq line currently operates between Kenitra and Tangier in the north of the country. Plans to extend high-speed rail southward — eventually connecting Casablanca to Marrakech under a faster service — have been discussed for several years, and the 2030 FIFA World Cup co-hosting plans have given fresh momentum to Morocco's rail investment programme. At the time of writing, however, no high-speed Al Boraq service operates on this corridor; the existing ONCF intercity trains remain the rail option. Worth watching if you are planning trips beyond 2026.

The cheapest way: the CTM coach

CTM (Compagnie de Transports au Maroc) is Morocco's premium long-distance bus operator, and it runs a reliable service between Marrakech and Casablanca throughout the day. The journey takes roughly 3 to 3 hours 30 minutes depending on the service and traffic, making it slower than the train by only a modest margin on a good day — and noticeably slower in heavy traffic around the Casablanca ring road. CTM coaches are air-conditioned, generally punctual and have a luggage policy; their terminal in Casablanca is at the Gare Routière near the Oulad Ziane bus station.

Supratours, linked to ONCF, also runs coaches on this corridor and offers a similar standard. Budget operators serve the route too, at lower cost but with more variable comfort and stop patterns.

For many travellers the train is marginally preferable to the bus in terms of journey time and predictability, but if you are watching costs or the trains are full, a CTM or Supratours coach is a solid alternative.

The fastest door-to-door option: flying

A flight between Marrakech Menara (RAK) and Mohammed V International (CMN) exists — the flight itself is barely 45 minutes — but once you add getting to and from two airports that sit well outside their respective city centres, check-in, security and baggage reclaim, the real door-to-door time easily exceeds four hours. Flying this route makes almost no sense compared to the train, and few travellers choose it for this journey alone. It might suit you only if you are catching an onward flight from Casablanca and want to minimise transit time through CMN.

Driving the route

The road between Marrakech and Casablanca follows the A7 autoroute (motorway), a fast dual carriageway with a toll. The drive is roughly 230–250 km and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours in normal conditions, though the approach into Casablanca can add significant time in peak hours. Tolls are modest by European standards and payable in Moroccan dirhams.

Driving makes sense if you want a hire car in Casablanca, are travelling with a group, or plan to stop along the way — the Oum Er-Rbia river valley and the Settat plateau make for pleasant breaks. If you are not used to Moroccan driving conditions, the motorway itself is straightforward, but urban driving in Casablanca can be hectic.

Which should you choose?

For most visitors, the ONCF train is the clear first choice: it is fast, comfortable, arrives in the city centre and removes the risk of traffic unpredictability. The CTM bus is a good fallback if trains are full or you want to save a few dirhams. Driving suits those who want flexibility or need a car at either end. Flying is almost never the practical choice between these two cities.

If your journey connects to other Moroccan cities, note that Casablanca is the hub of the ONCF network — trains radiate from here to Rabat, Fès, Tangier, Oujda and beyond, including the Al Boraq high-speed service to Tangier. Read more about planning multi-city rail journeys on the rail overview.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the train take from Marrakech to Casablanca?

Direct ONCF trains take roughly 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes. Connecting services via Settat add a little more time depending on the wait.

Do I need to book the train in advance?

You can usually buy tickets on the day at the station, but booking ahead online via ONCF is wise around Moroccan public holidays, school holidays and weekends when trains fill quickly.

Is the Al Boraq high-speed train available on this route?

Not yet. As of 2026 the Al Boraq operates only on the Kenitra–Tangier corridor in northern Morocco. Extension plans exist, but no date has been confirmed for a Casablanca–Marrakech high-speed service.

Is it safe to take the bus from Marrakech to Casablanca?

CTM and Supratours coaches are safe, reputable and well-used by Moroccan travellers and tourists alike. Budget on checking operator reviews before using lesser-known companies.