the double-decker TNR Rabat–Casablanca shuttle. Mostly late-night and local services.
» » The main difference between the two is comfort, rather than speed.
» » Prices given in the guide are for rapide trains ( ordinaire trains are around 30% cheaper).
» » First- and 2nd-class fares are available, with six seats in 1st-class compartments and eight
in 2nd class.
» » First-class tickets include a reserved seat, while in 2nd class you just sit in an empty seat.
» » Second class is more than adequate on short journeys.
» » Shuttle services operate regularly between Kenitra, Rabat, Casablanca and Mohammed V
International Airport, and they supplement the rapide services on this line.
Costs
» » Sample second-class fares:
Casablanca to Marrakesh (Dh90, three hours)
Rabat to Fez (Dh80, three hours)
Tangier to Marrakesh (Dh205, 8½ hours)
» » All journeys in sleeping cars cost Dh350 in a four-bed couchette, and Dh450/600 for a
single/ double compartment.
» » Children aged under four travel free.
» » Children between four and 12 years get a reduction, normally of 50%, but less in a few
cases including sleeping cars.
» » At weekends travellers get a 25% discount on return trips, or one-way trips longer than
180km, on major-line trains.
Stations & Timetables
» » Stations aren’t usually well signposted and announcements (in both French and Arabic) are
frequently inaudible, so keep an eye out for your stop.
» » Most stations are located in the ville nouvelle.
» » In cities such as Tangier, Marrakesh and Rabat, the main stations are sleek affairs with
digital departure and arrival boards.
» » Stations usually have left-luggage depots, which only accept luggage that can be locked.
» » Timetables for the whole system are posted in French at most stations, and ticket offices
can print out mini-timetables to individual destinations.
» » ONCF’s website also has timetables and prices.
Tickets
» » You are advised to buy tickets at the station, as a supplement is charged for buying tickets
on the train.
» » Buy your ticket the day before you want to travel if possible, particularly if you want to
travel 1st-class.
» » Second-class seats cannot be reserved, so for this class you can normally pick up a ticket
on the day of travel.
» » First-class tickets can be bought up to a month before travel.
» » Although you cannot buy tickets outside Morocco, buy them as far in advance as possible if
you want to travel 1st-class around a major holiday, or at all times if you want a bed on an
overnight service (particularly Tangier – Marrakesh).
» » Always hang on to tickets, as inspectors check them on the trains and they are collected at
the station on arrival.