Traveling through the heart of Morocco doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when you embrace the local ways of getting around!

Our journey through Fez, Marrakech, and Tangier was not only budget-friendly but also packed with unforgettable sights, sounds, and experiences, thanks to Morocco’s extensive network of buses and trains.

Here’s how you can do it too!

In Morocco, buses and trains are your go-to for affordable and authentic travel experiences. They connect major cities like Fez, Marrakech, and Tangier, making it easy to plan your route.

We have a full post about how to travel the country with both bus and train, how to book tickets, what cities are connected by train, and all the details you may need to plan this trip!

You can find the info in our post A Guide to Public Transportation in Morocco.

We’ve put together a straightforward two-leg overnight journey—from Fez to Marrakech by bus, then onward to Tangier Ville by first-class train—so you can cover the distance while you sleep. Here’s the breakdown:

Transportation Type	Location	Times	Price	Notes
Bus	Fes to Marrakech	19:30 -> 04.15	190 MAD	sleeper-bus
Train	Marrakech to Tangier	21:00 -> 06:22	327 MAD	1st class

Our bus ride in Morocco was overall very easy, despite the arrival to Marrakech being a bit more eventful…

• About the bus company: CTM
  The bus company we chose was CTM, the Compagnie de Transports au Maroc, the oldest Moroccan public transport company. It offers routes to almost all major cities in Morocco, and has a loyalty program you can join ahead of your trip to start collecting points to save for discounts.
  
• Getting to the bus station from Fes’ medina
  Most bus services, including CTM and Supratours, operate from stations just outside the main medina area. If you’re heading to the CTM station, it’s located in the Ville Nouvelle (New City), which is a bit of a trek from the medina. A petit taxi (the small, metered taxis) is the most straightforward option. Agree on the fare before setting off, or ensure the meter is running to avoid any surprises. The ride should take about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
  
• The Bus Station in Fes
  When we were waiting for the bus at the bus stop, it was a bit confusing, as they announced the buses in Arabic, and multiple buses were going to the same destination. But everything was fine, as the people working at the bus stop were very helpful.
  
• Our first bus-experience in Morocco
  The bus journey itself, from Fes to Marrakesh was quite comfortable. It made enough stops to stretch our legs and for toilet breaks. We were one of the only tourists in the bus.  
  
• Our (sketchy) arrival to Marrakesh
  Our adventure in Marrakesh began under the cover of night, as we arrived at an eerily quiet 4 AM, earlier than anticipated due to the bus journey being shorter than expected. With the medina’s maze-like streets awaiting us, and being very uncertain about if it was safe at such an hour, we opted to just walk to the nearest KFC and spend the rest of the night there, waiting until sunrise to adventure into the Medina. 
  Despite our plan to wait for sunrise, we quickly got bored from not doing anything, and by 6 AM, we decided to venture into the medina, in hopes of an early check-in. The streets, deserted and silent, painted a surreal picture quite contrary to Marrakesh’s usual vibrant chaos. Fortunately, our gamble paid off as the hotel had a room ready for us. The surprise on the hotel staff’s faces at our early arrival was palpable, with them even asking us if “it was safe outside” upon opening the door for us, yet their warm welcome allowed us to take a very needed nap.
  

• About the Train Company: ONCF
  For our journey from Marrakech to Tangier, we chose the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF), Morocco’s national railway operator. Renowned for connecting major cities across Morocco with reliability and comfort, ONCF offers a range of travel classes and overnight services, making it an ideal choice for traversing the country’s vast landscapes. Their convenient schedule and extensive network allowed us to plan our trip seamlessly, embedding an authentic Moroccan rail experience into our travel tapestry.
  
• Navigating to Marrakech Train Station from the Medina
  Our adventure commenced with a vibrant evening walk from the heart of Marrakech’s medina to the train station. Weaving through the bustling souks and lively streets, the journey was a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and scents — a final embrace from the city before we ventured northward. The medina, with its labyrinthine alleys, presented a delightful challenge, but the anticipation of our overnight train journey propelled us forward. This walk allowed us to savour the essence of Marrakech one last time, transitioning from the ancient to the modern as we approached the train station.
  
• Our Night Train Experience
  As the night fell, we boarded our train, finding ourselves in a cozy 6-seating coupé shared with a lone traveler. The rhythmic clatter of the train melded with the darkness outside, creating a contemplative ambiance that carried us through the night.
  
• Waiting for Sunrise at Starbucks in Tangier Ville Train Station
  Upon arriving in Tangier before dawn, we found solace in a Starbucks within the Tangier Ville train station. This unexpected oasis provided a comforting space to wait for the city to awaken. As we sipped on our coffees, the surrounding quietude gradually gave way to the morning’s first light, revealing the new day and the next chapter of our Moroccan journey. 
  
• From Tangier Train Station to the Hotel in the Old Centre
  As the sun began its ascent, we embarked on foot from the train station to our hotel in the old centre of Tangier. This walk allowed us to witness the city’s awakening, transitioning from the tranquil morning hues to the vibrant pulse of daybreak. Navigating the streets of Tangier, we were greeted with glimpses of the city’s rich history and cultural tapestry, leading us to the heart of its old centre.