Itinerary Summary
The ONCF rail loop links Marrakechs Bahia Palace, Badi Palace and Saadian Tombs, then Jemaa el-Fnaa at night, then the train north to Fes for the medina, Al-Qarawiyyin and tanneries, the day trip to V…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Casablanca and the train south to Marrakech
10:00
1.5h
Hassan II Mosque esplanade and Atlantic view
Walk the marble esplanade that juts over the Atlantic and photograph the minaret from the sea wall. The platform is free outside prayer times; cover shoulders near the doors and hold your hat against the wind.
📍 Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
13:00
3.5h
ONCF train from Casa Voyageurs to Marrakech
Book a first-class seat at the counter for a quieter carriage with assigned places. The line passes through Settat and olive country; keep the ticket for the conductor and use the buffet car early before it gets crowded.
📍 Casablanca to Marrakech
19:00
2h
Riad courtyard dinner in the Marrakech medina
Ease into the trip with a set dinner in a riad courtyard off Rue Riad Zitoun el-Jedid, usually salad, tagine and fruit. Most riads need a booking by 17:00 and do not serve alcohol; the rooftop cools down after sunset.
📍 Marrakech medina
💡 Pro Tip: The airport train reaches Casa Voyageurs in about 45 minutes, and the station has luggage lockers if you want to see the mosque first. Trains to Marrakech leave roughly every two hours and the trip takes three and a half to four hours. Morocco runs on UTC+1, dropping to UTC+0 during Ramadan. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Morocco visa section before booking.
Days 2-8 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$47035%
Riads, 7 nights across Marrakech, Fes, Meknes and Rabat
Food & DiningUS$27020%
Tagine, pastilla and Friday couscous
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do trains connect Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes and Rabat?+
Fly into Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN) and use the ONCF rail loop: Casablanca to Marrakech takes about three hours, Marrakech to Fes around seven, and Fes to Rabat roughly four. Book seats online a day or two ahead in peak season, and keep this order so you avoid backtracking across the country.
Are Morocco's mosques open to non-Muslim visitors on this route?+
Most are not. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is the main exception, running guided tours for non-Muslims at set times; check the day's schedule at the ticket office. Elsewhere, including the Koutoubia in Marrakech and the Qarawiyyin in Fes, you can view the exterior and courtyards but not enter the prayer hall.
Is 8 days enough to see Morocco's four imperial cities?+
It is tight but workable because the cities sit on one rail line. This route gives Marrakech two full days, Fes two, Rabat one and Casablanca a final morning. You will not see everything, so pick one or two sights per city and leave evenings free for the medinas and Jemaa el-Fnaa.
What should I budget for an 8-day Morocco history trip by train?+
Plan around $1,050 to $1,640 per person at comfort level, excluding international flights. Rail tickets, riad stays, entries such as Volubilis and Bahia Palace, and guided medina walks are the main costs. Add a cushion for guides and taxis, and book riads early for March to May and September to October.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 8 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,050–1,640 (≈ €910–1,430), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: History & Culture
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