Best way to get around Morocco as a solo traveller

Getting around Morocco as a solo traveller is suprisingly easy, with multiple transport options available to you. From comfortable buses to domestic flights and some of Africa’s fastest trains – there’s no shortage of ways to get from A to B while staying safe.

Travelling in Morocco caters well to solo travellers who love planning their own itineraries and booking everything independently, as well as those who want to pay a tour company to handle all of the logistics for them. Locals are generally friendly and helpful if you encounter any issues – there’s always someone willing to help. Plus, securing tickets online is getting easier and easier (except when using the ONCF website!)

Over the years, I’ve utilised all forms of transport to get around the country and have lots of insights to share from my experience. I’ve discovered I much prefer some forms of Moroccan transport over others, with train travel being my favourite!

In this article, I’ll explain the best way to get around Morocco as a solo traveller, no matter where you are travelling to. I’ll cover everything from train and bus travel to negotiating share taxis and making new friends on small-group guided tours. 

Getting around Morocco by train as a solo traveller

The best way to get around northern Morocco (except Chefchaouen)

Travelling by train is my favourite way to get around Morocco. The trains are efficient and clean, the (bigger) stations are well-equipped with eateries and public toilets, and there are luggage racks onboard if you’re travelling with a big bag in tow. It’s also relatively affordable, particularly if you’re purchasing second-class tickets. 

Morocco’s rail network is well-developed, connecting major tourist destinations like Tangier, Casablanca, Rabat, Fes and Marrakech. The only issue is that once you venture south to destinations like Agadir or the Sahara, trains are non-existent….as yet! If you’re travelling in Morocco’s south, you’ll need to rely on buses. 

The crown jewel of Morocco’s rail network is the Al Boraq, the first high-speed rail service in Africa. This sleek and modern train whisks passengers from Tangier to Casablanca in just over two hours, complete with air-conditioned carriages and comfortable seats. Eventually, it will go all the way to Marrakech but that section is still in the works. 

The last time I travelled from Rabat to Tangier I rode the Al Boraq and it really was a special experience. There’s a screen inside the carriage that tells you how fast the train is going – we let out a little cheer once it reached over 300km/h! Ticket prices were more expensive than travelling by regular train but the time it saves (and just the buzz of being on the Al Boraq) is more than worth it!

Buying tickets for trains in Morocco

In theory, buying train tickets for Morocco via the ONCF website is the easiest way to secure a seat for your dates. In reality, I can never get the website to work…and I’ve had feedback from other travellers telling me the same. Either the site doesn’t load at all OR it does load and then crashes partway through the booking process. 

After many attempts, I’ve given up on the ONCF website (for the time being) and I either book train tickets at one of the gares (stations) or use a third-party booking site like 12Go. In the lead up to major holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, you should book your train tickets well in advance. Outside of those dates, you can usually get away with doing it the day before or even turn up to the station half an hour before the train departs. 

If the ONCF website isn’t working for you and you prefer not to book through third-party sites, I’d suggest visiting a train station soon after you arrive in Morocco and booking all your train tickets at once. My experience with the ONCF staff has always been wonderful – they are super helpful even if there are language barriers. 

While the cheapest tickets on Al Atlas and Al Boraq trains can’t be changed, “flexible” tickets are changeable (up to a few minutes before the train is due to depart). So if you purchase a date or time that isn’t suitable, you can always change it later. At the stations, they take cash or credit/debit cards, so the process is really straightforward. 

What is the difference between first and second-class train tickets in Morocco?

In all honesty, I don’t think there’s a huge difference between first and second-class train tickets in Morocco, aside from a little more space and a wider seat (that may also recline). The first-class cabins are generally less crowded and you may have access to electrical outlets at your seat for charging devices. 

Second-class cabins are often more crowded and may not be as quiet. That being said, my experience on Moroccan trains is that people generally speak quietly, no matter what cabin they are travelling in. It goes without saying that second-class tickets are more economical than first-class, making them a good choice for budget-conscious travellers.

Getting around Morocco by bus for solo travellers 

The best way to get around southern Morocco

For the routes that trains don’t serve, there’s always a bus to get you there! The two main bus companies that tourists use are CTM and Supratours, both of which offer safe and comfortable rides across a large network. Seating is designated (you can choose your preferred seat when booking online), so you know you have a space that’s all your own (unlike travelling by share taxis).

There are other Moroccan bus companies that are cheaper but they don’t always have designated seats. They may also stop to pick up passengers on the roadside along the way, which significantly slows things down.

For solo travellers, I would recommend sticking to CTM and Supratours for your safety and peace of mind. Some routes are served by both companies (you can compare prices and choose the one that suits you) while others by only one. 

Many long-distance bus routes in Morocco operate overnight, which has the advantage of saving you the cost of a night’s accommodation and a day that could be spent out exploring. The only drawbacks are that you won’t be able to enjoy the scenery along the way and some solo travellers don’t feel comfortable falling asleep around strangers when they have all their valuables on them. 

Whether you opt to travel overnight by bus in Morocco or not is a highly personal choice and will depend on the time you have available. I really love watching the scenery roll by so I usually always travel during the daytime. 

CTM and Supratours buses stop every couple of hours for toilet breaks and so you can stretch your legs. These stops are usually at uninspiring gas stations with a restaurant attached, although you don’t always have enough time to order a meal. But there are snacks to buy and I did have a really good harira (Moroccan soup) during a CTM stop recently!

When it’s time to head off, the driver will honk the horn loudly and do a headcount, so it’s difficult to get left behind. 

Most of the CTM and Supratours buses connecting big cities travel on autoroutes that are relatively straight and fast. But if you’re travelling in rural areas or on the Tangier to Chefchaouen route, keep in mind that it is very windy. The last time I travelled this route, there was a girl experiencing terrible motion sickness. Thankfully, the driver was really kind and stopped several times so she could get out. 

Buying tickets for buses in Morocco

Both CTM and Supratours have good websites (that work!), so it’s really easy to purchase tickets no matter where you are in the world. Simply input your preferred routes, date and number of people in the search fields to find the available options. Popular routes will have multiple departures throughout the day, with durations that vary slightly depending on traffic and the number of stops. 

Once you’ve found the bus you want, you’ll be prompted to input your details (including your passport number) and you can select your preferred seat. If you want to sit near the front, try and book early as these seats get snapped up fast. 

Payment can be made by debit/credit card and your ticket will be sent digitally to your email. If you have issues downloading it, simply go to one of the bus company’s counters at the station and show your passport – they’ll be able to print a ticket for you. 

Bus stations in Morocco

In most cities and towns, you’ll find a main bus station, known as a gare routière, which serves as the central hub for bus companies. These stations are often situated on the outskirts of town rather than in the centre, so you’ll need to walk or get a taxi there. 

However, CTM often operates out of its own terminals, which can be located some distance away from the main station. Always check before you head to the bus station that you’re going to the right place!

I always do a quick Google search to see where Supratours or CTM are operating from (depending on who I’m travelling with). You can also ask at your hotel/riad for confirmation. 

In Casablanca, things get even more confusing as CTM operates three different terminals across the city – FAR, Ain Sebaa and Maarif. Check which is closest to your accommodation before making a booking.

Getting around Morocco via domestic flights as a solo traveller

The best way to travel between distant destinations in Morocco

To be honest, the only time I ever fly domestically within Morocco is if I’m connecting to another city following an international flight into Casablanca. Bus and train travel tends to be far more affordable and the relatively short distances make the hassle of flying (getting to the airport early to check in and negotiating taxis at the other end) rarely worth it. 

The exception would be if you wanted to travel from one end of the country to the other in the shortest time possible! In that case, Royal Air Maroc, the national carrier, operates a network of flights from its hub in Casablanca to major destinations throughout the country….although they’re not super cheap.

It’s also important to note that most routes require a connection in Casablanca, unless your origin and destination happen to be on the same direct flight path. Sometimes when I’ve searched for domestic Moroccan flights using Kiwi.com, the only available route takes me through Paris or somewhere else in continental Europe!

If you’re thinking about flying domestically in Morocco, kiwi.com is a great resource for checking available flight routes. It also allows you to compare prices with bus and train travel between the same destinations. 

Getting around Morocco by rental car for solo travellers

I think renting a car in Morocco is a great way to see the country and the driving conditions are relatively relaxed once you get outside of the major cities. That being said, it’s rarely an affordable option for solo travellers, unless you connect with other independent travellers to share the costs. 

Renting a vehicle in Morocco typically costs around $320 per week or approximately $55 per day, so it’s not exorbitant. This price generally includes unlimited mileage and basic insurance coverage.

Having your own set of wheels can be especially advantageous if you’re on a tight schedule or venturing into the more remote southern regions where public transportation options like buses and taxis may be limited.

Popular cities to pick up a rental car include Casablanca, Marrakech and Agadir where you’ll find big-name international firms like Hertz, Budget and Avis, as well as local providers. Vehicle conditions vary widely and I can’t say that the international brands are any better than the local ones. 

The last time I rented a car in Morocco, the car had a lot of cosmetic damage, so I was really careful about documenting everything before I got behind the wheel. That being said, I actually felt more relaxed driving a rental car with a few bumps and scratches already on the bodywork, rather than something that was in pristine condition!

To secure the best deals, I’d recommend searching and booking through DiscoverCars, which compares all of the options available and provides star ratings based on the experiences of previous users. They also offer free cancellation and there’s a multilingual customer support service if things go wrong. 

If you’re thinking about self-driving in Morocco, you’ll find lots of handy info here!

Getting around Morocco by guided tour as a solo traveller

The most hassle-free way to get around Morocco

Perhaps the most convenient way of getting around Morocco as a solo traveller is by joining a small-group guided tour. You’ll cover a lot of ground in a small space of time (and access places that are difficult to reach by public transport), plus you’ll benefit from all the insights and knowledge of a local guide. 

It’s really easy to find small-group guided tours in Morocco at Viator and GetYourGuide, with multiple companies, various departure dates and tour durations to choose from. While they are often more expensive than travelling independently by public transport, there are lots of perks – new friends, local knowledge and you don’t have to fork out for taxis every time you arrive at a new destination.

I think where guided tours in Morocco really shine is when you’re heading to the Sahara Desert – There is so much to see en route that you’ll miss out on if you travel by bus. Among my favourite places in Morocco are Dades Gorge, Ait Benhaddou and Skoura – all of which are located between Marrakech and the Sahara. Small-group guided tours often stop in these destinations and sometimes even spend a night. 

Guided tours take care of all the logistical hassles of planning a Morocco itinerary, which is perfect if you’re a “Darshen” (for those who have come across Dr Samuel and Darshen online, you’ll know what I mean). Some people are born travel planners while others couldn’t think of anything worse – they just want to live the adventure!

Small-group Morocco tours for solo travellers typically include all transport, the services of a guide and some meals, plus your choice of private or twin-share accommodation (with another solo traveller). They are also great if you just want to know what you’re paying upfront, rather than having a limited budget and hoping that all of your train/bus travel and accommodation falls within it. 

Booking a small-group guided tour in Morocco

As I mentioned above, you can browse small-group guided tours in Morocco for solo travellers at Viator and GetYourGuide. Both feature reviews from other travellers to help you make an informed decision.

Alternatively, you can do a Google search for Moroccan tour companies and book directly with them. Or, you can join an itinerary offered by international companies like Intrepid or G Adventures. 

My suggestion would be to decide on the destinations you really want to visit, then search for tours that include them. One of the benefits of searching via Viator or GetYourGuide is that you can compare multiple tour companies in one place AND get an idea of other travellers’ experiences based on their star ratings. 

Getting around Morocco via share taxi as a solo traveller

The best way to reach remote destinations in Morocco

Lastly, let’s talk about travelling around Morocco as a solo traveller by share taxi – a uniquely local way of getting from A to B. These Peugeot or Mercedes sedans operate on fixed routes between cities and towns, carrying up to six passengers who each pay for an individual seat. 

Fares are very reasonable, usually on par with bus tickets, but it’s the speed and frequency of the share taxi that sets them apart. Share taxis depart throughout the day as soon as they are full and the drivers plow their routes like they’re competing in a Formula 1 race. 

To secure a spot, it’s best to show up at the taxi stand early in the morning, when the vehicles fill up rapidly and depart regularly. Fewer people travel during the middle of the day, so getting a shared ride at lunchtime may involve a longer wait.

When you arrive, be sure to clearly indicate you want just a single seat (“une place” in French or “plassa” in Arabic) rather than chartering the entire taxi, which costs substantially more and could be assumed by the driver.

But remember, in a share taxi a “seat” isn’t a seat as you might know it – it’s four across the back and two in the front, plus the driver. Things are squishy, to say the least! 

Another downside of travelling by share taxi is the potential safety risk due to the drivers’ propensity for speeding and blind spot passing. They also work hours that could lead to drowsy driving. I’d highly recommend NOT travelling by share taxi at night! 

Personally, I only use share taxis when the route isn’t covered by buses – the comfort of travelling by bus far outweighs the benefits of getting there faster by share taxi (in my opinion anyway). 

Paying share taxi fares in Morocco

Share taxis usually depart from stations located adjacent to bus terminals. But I’d recommend asking at your hotel/riad before venturing there to be 100% sure. When you arrive, someone will usually approach asking where you are headed and they’ll point you toward the next share taxi that’s going there. 

Generally speaking, share taxi prices are fixed for specific routes between towns and cities, so tourists aren’t usually overcharged. That being said, always check with the driver and ask to see an official price list if there is one. 

If you’re hailing a share taxi somewhere along its route, there’s a higher chance of being charged an inflated fare. Getting a share taxi mid-route is also tricky to do as they will only stop if they have a free seat. For the best chance of getting a driver to stop, hold up one finger to indicate you are travelling solo and require only one seat.