Train Travel Morocco: ONCF Schedule Casablanca to Fes

Train Travel Morocco: ONCF Schedule Casablanca to Fes - Complete Guide

Moroccan trains (ONCF - Office National des Chemins de Fer) offer a comfortable, scenic, and economical way to travel between major cities. Train travel is faster than buses, cleaner, and provides authentic glimpses of Moroccan countryside. This guide covers routes, schedules, pricing, classes, booking, and the train experience.

ONCF Train Network Overview

Main Routes

Key Corridors:

• Tangier-Tetouan-Fes-Meknes-Casablanca-Marrakech (north-south spine)
• Casablanca-Fes (popular, 4.5 hours)
• Casablanca-Marrakech (3.5 hours)
• Casablanca-Tangier (4.5 hours)

Note: Network limited to major cities; not all destinations served. Buses complement train network.

Train Types

Intercity High-Speed (Al Boraq):

• Casablanca-Tangier route
• 2.5 hours (vs 4.5 hours conventional)
• €20-25 economy; €35-45 first class
• Modern, comfortable, fast

Regional Conventional:

• Most routes (Casablanca-Fes, etc.)
• Slower but scenic
• €8-15 economy; €15-25 first class
• Traditional trains

Casablanca to Fes Route (Popular)

Distance and Duration

Route: Casablanca Central Station → Fes Saïss Station Distance: 470km Duration: 4.5 hours (conventional); express not available this route Frequency: 3-4 daily departures

Departure Schedule

Schedule approximate; verify current ONCF website

Ticket Prices

Notes:

• Return tickets slight discount (5-10%)
• Groups (10+) discounts available
• Reservation fee: €1-2 per ticket

Scenic Highlights

Route Journey:

• Coastal plains initial (farmland, greenery)
• Mid-journey transitions to foothills
• Final approach: Atlas Mountain views
• Fes approach: Valley, medina visible from train

Photo Ops:

• Agricultural landscapes (spring blooming)
• Mountain vista (mid-journey)
• Fes medina upon arrival (from station)

Train Classes and Comfort

Economy (Second Class)

Seating:

• Open carriage, 6-8 seats per row
• Fabric seats, fairly comfortable
• No reservations (first-come-first-served seating)
• Windows; views good

Amenities:

• Basic toilet facilities
• No snacks provided (vendors walk through; €2-5 items)
• No wifi
• No air-conditioning (windows open)

Best For: Budget travelers, short journeys, tolerance for crowd

Comfort Rating: 6/10

First Class

Seating:

• Compartments/reserved seating
• Upholstered seats, more spacious
• Reserved assigned seats
• Quieter, less crowded

Amenities:

• Better toilet facilities
• Snacks/beverages served (included or €2-5 purchase)
• Occasional wifi (unreliable)
• Air-conditioning (usually working)

Best For: Comfort preference, longer journeys, first-time travelers

Comfort Rating: 8/10

Premium First Class (Select Routes)

Seating:

• Individual seats, private-ish compartments
• Maximum comfort upholstered
• Fully reserved

Amenities:

• Complimentary meals, beverages
• Wifi reliable
• Premium toilets
• Air-conditioning reliable

Availability: Limited routes (mainly Casablanca-Tangier express)

Comfort Rating: 9/10

Booking Tickets

Online Booking

ONCF Official Website:

• www.oncf.ma (Arabic/French, limited English)
• Search route, date, time
• Payment: Credit card preferred
• Print or mobile ticket

Third-Party Platforms:

• Trainline, 12Go Asia (resellers)
• More expensive but English-friendly
• Instant booking confirmation

Recommended: ONCF official (cheapest, direct)

Ticket Office (In-Person)

Casablanca Central Station:

• Ticket windows open 6am-10pm
• Queue times: 10-20 minutes
• Same-day purchase possible (usually)
• English-speaking staff: Hit-or-miss

Payment: Cash (Dirhams preferred) or card

Recommended: Buy in advance (1-2 days) to ensure seating preference

Mobile Booking

ONCF Mobile App (limited):

• Available download (Arabic/French primarily)
• Mobile tickets generated
• Unreliable interface

Recommendation: Use official website on computer for best experience

Journey Experience

At the Station

Arrival: 30-60 minutes before departure Check-In: No formal check-in; boarding when announced Platform: Announced 15-20 minutes before departure Boarding: Queue-based; unreserved economy seating

Onboard Experience

Staff: Ticket collectors check tickets; helpful if need assistance Duration: 4.5 hours (time to read, relax, observe countryside) Views: Excellent from window seats Food: Vendors board at stations selling snacks, drinks, tea Toilet: Use before boarding if possible (onboard basic facilities) Luggage: Overhead racks and small storage; large bags checked

Common Issues

Delays: Rare but occasional (usually 15-30 min); trains reliable Crowding: Economy crowded during peak times (mornings, evenings) Heat: Summer heat possible in economy (open windows help) Noise: Moderate clickety-clack from wheels; acceptable level

Tips for Comfort

• Window seat preferred (views, light)
• Bring water bottle (station vendors €1-2 overpriced)
• Carry snacks (provision between stations limited)
• Book first class if sensitive to crowd/heat
• Travel morning/midday (less crowded than evening)
• Download offline entertainment (book, music)

Casablanca-Tangier Express Route

Al Boraq High-Speed Train

Route: Casablanca → Tangier Distance: 330km Duration: 2.5 hours (vs 4.5 hours conventional) Frequency: 2-3 daily departures Speed: 320km/h maximum Year Launched: 2018

Schedule and Pricing

Experience

Comfort: Modern, clean, air-conditioned Amenities: Snacks, beverages, wifi (sometimes working) Views: Less scenic (speed reduces enjoyment) Worth It: Yes for time-saving; premium for speed experience

Alternative: Bus vs Train

Train Advantages

✓ Comfortable seating (larger than bus) ✓ Scenic views (windows, countryside) ✓ Less motion sickness (smoother than bus) ✓ Cheaper food onboard possible ✓ Can move around (not confined seats) ✓ Generally on-time (reliable)

Bus Advantages

✓ More frequent departures (multiple companies, timing options) ✓ Direct to medinas (stations central vs train station outskirts) ✓ Cheaper overall (€5-10 less) ✓ Smaller group (more personal) ✓ Routes more flexible (many companies)

Comparison Table

Recommendation

Choose Train If: Comfort priority, first time, scenic preference, longer journey Choose Bus If: Budget-tight, want medina drop-off, more departure options

Getting to/From Train Stations

Casablanca Central Station

Location: Medina central (walkable from old town) Access: Taxi, bus #30, walking Time from medina: 15 minutes walk or 5 minutes taxi

Fes Saïss Station

Location: 15km south of medina Access: Taxi (€5-8), shuttle buses (€2) Negotiation: Taxi fare negotiable; ask hotel/riad for going rate Time from medina: 30 minutes taxi

Tangier Station (Al Boraaq Terminal)

Location: East of medina (not central) Access: Taxi (€3-5), shuttle Time from medina: 15 minutes taxi

FAQ

How do I book train tickets online?

Visit www.oncf.ma, select route/date, pay by credit card, print or mobile ticket.

Is the train safe?

Yes, very safe. ONCF well-maintained, reliable, secure. Petty theft rare (keep luggage close).

Can I bring luggage?

Yes, overhead racks and storage. Large items checked. One carry-on typical.

What if I miss my train?

Ticket non-refundable usually. New ticket required (no rebooking automatic).

Is wifi available?

First class sometimes; unreliable. Bring offline entertainment.

Are meals included?

Economy: No. First class premium: Yes (drinks, snacks). Other first: Possibly.

Can I reserve seats in advance?

Yes, if booked online (assigned). In-person economy seats unreserved.

Is the journey scenic?

Yes, especially Casablanca-Fes. Windows excellent for views.