Marrakech is about 240 km south of Casablanca, a drive of around 2.5 to 3 hours on the A7 motorway. You can take the train from Casa-Voyageurs station (about 2 hours 40 minutes), a long-distance bus (about 3.5 hours), or a private transfer that picks you up at Mohammed V airport or your hotel and drops you at your riad. Many travellers also turn the trip into the first day of a tour that ends in Marrakech.
| Option | Time | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (ONCF) | About 2 h 40 from Casa-Voyageurs | Solo travellers and couples with light luggage | From the airport you need a connection; taxi at Marrakech station |
| Bus (CTM, Supratours) | About 3.5 h | Budget travellers | Bus stations are outside the medina |
| Private transfer | About 3 h door to door | Families, groups, late arrivals, heavy luggage | Book in advance with a fixed price |
| Private tour from Casablanca | Several days | Travellers who want to see Morocco on the way | Plan your route before arrival |
Mohammed V International Airport is about 30 km south of Casablanca, which is good news: it is already on the way to Marrakech. With a private transfer, you leave the airport directly on the motorway and reach Marrakech in about three hours.
By train, you take the airport line towards the city and change for a Marrakech train; with waiting time, plan four hours or more. For flight and terminal information, see the official airport authority site, ONDA.
Trains run several times a day between Casa-Voyageurs and Marrakech. They are comfortable and good value, especially in first class, which guarantees a seat. Buy tickets at the station or on the ONCF website. Marrakech station is in the new town (Guéliz); from there, a petit taxi takes you to the medina in about 10 to 15 minutes. Note that taxis cannot drive into the narrow lanes of the medina, so your riad may send someone to meet you at the nearest gate.
CTM and Supratours run air-conditioned coaches between the two cities. They are the cheapest option and comfortable enough for a three-and-a-half-hour trip. Bus stations in Marrakech are outside the medina, so plan a taxi at the end. For more on travelling around the country, read our Morocco transport guide.
A private driver waits for you at arrivals with a name sign, helps with the luggage and drives you straight to your hotel or to the nearest point to your riad. It is the most comfortable option after a long flight, at night, or with children and a lot of luggage. The price is per car, not per person, so it often costs less than you think for a group. Ask us for a quote via our private driver in Morocco page.
If you land in Casablanca, you do not have to go straight to Marrakech. Many of our guests start a private tour at the airport and arrive in Marrakech days later, after Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes and the Sahara. A few ideas:
Compare all options on our Morocco tours from Casablanca page.
Casablanca is a modern business city. The Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in Africa and open to non-Muslim visitors on guided tours, is the main sight, and the Art Deco centre is interesting for architecture lovers. Most travellers spend half a day to one day there. Our Casablanca travel guide and our comparison Marrakech vs Casablanca will help you decide.
