Casablanca to Marrakech is one of the most traveled routes in Morocco. Many international flights land at Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport, and most travelers want to head straight to the red city. The good news is that the two cities are only about 240 km apart, connected by a fast motorway and a frequent train line.
In this guide, our Marrakech team compares every option: the ONCF train, CTM and Supratours buses, driving yourself, shared grand taxis and private transfers. We include approximate 2026 travel times and prices, how to get from the airport, and which option we recommend for different travelers.
The easiest way from Casablanca to Marrakech is the ONCF train from Casa Voyageurs station, which takes roughly 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours and usually costs around 100-160 MAD in second class. CTM and Supratours buses take about 3.5-4 hours for a similar or lower price. Driving or a private transfer on the A7 motorway takes around 2.5-3 hours.
Key takeaways
- Distance from Casablanca to Marrakech is about 240 km, a 2.5-3 hour drive on the A7 toll motorway.
- The train from Casa Voyageurs is the best balance of comfort, price and reliability for most travelers.
- Buses with CTM and Supratours are comfortable, cheap and good when trains are full.
- From Casablanca airport, take the airport train to Casa Voyageurs and change, or book a direct transfer.
- A private transfer is the most convenient choice for families, groups and late arrivals.
- Fares and timetables change; always check ONCF, CTM or Supratours before you travel.
Casablanca to Marrakech Distance and Overview
Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and economic capital, lies on the Atlantic coast. Marrakech sits inland to the south, at the foot of the High Atlas. By road the distance is roughly 240 km, almost all of it on the A7 motorway, which is well maintained and relatively quiet outside holiday periods.
The landscape is mostly flat farmland and open plains, with the Atlas Mountains appearing on the horizon as you approach Marrakech on a clear day. There is no flight worth taking on this route; ground transport is faster once you count airport time.
Casablanca to Marrakech by Train (ONCF)
The national rail operator, ONCF, runs regular trains between Casablanca and Marrakech. For most visitors, this is the option we recommend.
Stations
- Casablanca: Most departures leave from Casa Voyageurs, the main long-distance station. Some trains also stop at other Casablanca stations, such as Casa Oasis or L'Oasis, which can be handy depending on where you are staying.
- Marrakech: Trains arrive at Marrakech station on Avenue Hassan II in Gueliz, around 10-15 minutes by taxi from the medina.
Time, frequency and fares
Journey time is usually around 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours. Trains run regularly throughout the day, roughly every 1-2 hours, from early morning to evening. Approximate fares in 2026:
- Second class: around 100-160 MAD
- First class: around 160-250 MAD
ONCF uses variable pricing, so booking earlier often costs less, and peak travel days cost more. Tickets can be bought online via the ONCF website or app, or at the station. First class gives you an assigned seat in a quieter carriage; in second class, seats are not always guaranteed on busy trains.
What about the high-speed train?
Morocco's Al Boraq high-speed line currently connects Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca. An extension south toward Marrakech is under construction, with completion expected later this decade, which should cut the journey significantly. Until it opens, trains to Marrakech run on the conventional line, so check the latest news before you travel.
Casablanca to Marrakech by Bus
Buses are a comfortable, inexpensive alternative, especially when trains are full or you are traveling with large luggage.
CTM
CTM is Morocco's main private intercity bus company. Its coaches are air-conditioned, with assigned seats and a luggage hold (a small fee per bag is common). The journey from Casablanca to Marrakech typically takes around 3.5-4 hours, and fares are usually in the range of roughly 90-130 MAD. CTM's Casablanca departures are from its own stations, and in Marrakech they arrive at the CTM station in Gueliz, near the train station area.
Supratours
Supratours is the coach company linked to ONCF. Its buses are similar in comfort and price to CTM, and the Marrakech terminal is next to the train station. Supratours mainly connects train services with destinations not on the rail network, but it can also be useful on this route.
Local buses
Cheaper local bus companies run from Casablanca's Ouled Ziane bus station. They are slower, less comfortable and less predictable, so we only recommend them for travelers on a very tight budget who are comfortable with local transport.
Driving From Casablanca to Marrakech
Renting a car makes sense if you plan to explore beyond the cities. The route is simple: follow the A7 motorway south from Casablanca all the way to Marrakech.
- Driving time: around 2.5-3 hours, more if leaving Casablanca at rush hour
- Tolls: roughly 90-110 MAD for the full trip, paid at toll booths in cash or by card at some booths
- Fuel: varies with your car; budget roughly a few hundred dirhams one way
- Rest areas: service stations along the motorway with fuel, cafes and toilets
Speed limits are strictly enforced with radar checks, and police checkpoints are common. Driving in Casablanca itself can be stressful, and parking near the Marrakech medina is limited, so choose accommodation with parking or a guarded car park nearby.
Grand Taxi and Private Transfer
Shared grand taxi
Shared grand taxis run between cities and leave when full, typically with six passengers. They are fast and cheap per seat but cramped, and not ideal for travelers with lots of luggage. You can also hire a whole grand taxi privately, but agree the full price before departure.
Private transfer
A private transfer is a car or minivan with a driver who collects you at your Casablanca hotel or at the airport and drops you near your Marrakech accommodation. It costs considerably more, roughly in the range of 1,200-2,000 MAD per vehicle depending on vehicle size and pickup point, but it is door to door, flexible on timing and very comfortable after a long flight. Split between a family or group, it can be good value.
Comparison: Which Option Is Best?
| Option | Approximate time | Approximate cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONCF train (2nd class) | 2h40-3h | 100-160 MAD pp | Most travelers |
| ONCF train (1st class) | 2h40-3h | 160-250 MAD pp | Comfort, guaranteed seat |
| CTM / Supratours bus | 3.5-4h | 90-130 MAD pp | Budget, big luggage, full trains |
| Rental car | 2.5-3h | Rental + ~100 MAD tolls + fuel | Road trips beyond Marrakech |
| Shared grand taxi | 2.5-3h | Varies per seat | Fast budget option, light bags |
| Private transfer | 2.5-3h | 1,200-2,000 MAD per car | Families, groups, airport arrivals |
All prices and times are approximate and can change. Check current timetables before you travel.
From Casablanca Airport to Marrakech
Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is about 30 km south of the city center. You have three main options:
- Airport train plus mainline train: A train runs from the airport station, below the terminal, toward Casablanca. Take it to Casa Voyageurs (or another interchange station shown on your ticket) and change for Marrakech. ONCF often sells a single ticket covering both legs. Total time is roughly 3.5-4.5 hours, including the connection.
- Bus: Some coach services connect the airport with Marrakech, but schedules are limited. Check in advance.
- Private transfer: A driver meets you in arrivals and takes you straight to Marrakech in around 2.5-3 hours. This is the most relaxed option after a long-haul flight.
If you are flying into Marrakech directly instead, see our Marrakech airport to medina guide.
Arriving in Marrakech
Marrakech train station and the CTM and Supratours terminals are in Gueliz, the modern part of the city. From there, a petit taxi to the medina takes around 10-15 minutes. Agree the fare or ask for the meter; our guide on whether Marrakech is safe explains how to avoid taxi overcharging.
Most riads are on pedestrian lanes, so the taxi will drop you at the nearest gate or square. Ask your riad to meet you there.
Make the Most of Casablanca Before You Leave
Many travelers rush straight from Casablanca to Marrakech, but it is worth spending a few hours in the city. The Hassan II Mosque, with its minaret rising above the ocean, is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors on guided visits. Our Casablanca and Hassan II Mosque city tour from €35 per person covers the highlights in about 4 hours.
If you want to see much more of the country, our 7-day imperial cities tour from Casablanca, from €690 per person, takes you through Rabat, Meknes, Fes, the Sahara and on to Marrakech without worrying about trains or buses. See also our Morocco 7-day itinerary for planning ideas.
Our Recommendations
- First-time visitors: Take the train. It is simple, affordable and drops you in Gueliz, close to the medina.
- Budget travelers: CTM or Supratours buses are excellent value and very reliable.
- Families and groups: A private transfer is often the most convenient and cost-effective door to door.
- Road trippers: Rent a car in Casablanca, but return it or park it safely while you explore the medina on foot.
- Late international arrivals: Book a transfer or stay a night in Casablanca, then continue by train in the morning.
Once you arrive, start with a Marrakech medina walking tour and browse our things to do in Marrakech guide.
Conclusion
Getting from Casablanca to Marrakech is easy. For most travelers, the ONCF train is the best choice, buses are a strong budget alternative, and private transfers are perfect for families and airport arrivals. Check timetables in advance, leave buffer time after flights, and you will be in Marrakech in around three hours.
When you arrive, our local team is ready to show you the city, the Atlas Mountains and the desert. Message us on WhatsApp to book. You pay on the day, cancellation is free, and hotel pickup is included.
