Morocco Getting Around

Getting Around

By plane Domestic flying is not a popular means of transportation, however, the national flag carrier has an excellent but expensive network to most cities. By train http://www.oncf.ma/ Availability The major cities, Marrakech, Meknes, Fez, Tangier,Rabat, Casablanca, etc are all linked by reliable (if not very fast) rail links. The trains don't leave very often (compared to those in the UK for example), but there are usually several every day to or from the major towns. In the South of Marrakech are no train connections, buses will bring you to destiations like Agadir and Dakhla. {edit}Cost The trains are very cheap (compared to Europe). For example, a single from Tangier to Marrakech costs about 200 dh (£15) second class, or 300dh (£20) first class. The alternative is the far more cramped and stressful buses that move between cities also. These are often necessary to get to towns not served by a normal train. People are incredibly sociable and friendly on the trains in Morocco and you will find yourself perpetually talking to strangers about your journey. Each new person will advise you on some new place you should go. Many Moroccans also take luxury buses between towns usually run by CTM. These offer comfort and a reliability (the train service is not known for this) and the price is inexpensive. A shared taxi service also operates between towns which bases its fares on a set price shared between passengers. These are available near main bus stops. {edit}By car Rental firms abound in the large cities and if renting from a small company its wise to check the vehicles condition, spare tyre, jack etc. Check too on where you can drive - some companies won't allow travel on unmade roads. Fuel is not so common in the countryside so plan ahead and get a good map. Roads are varied and mixed with many cyclists, pedestrians and horse-drawn vehicles. The main road network is in good condition. The main cities are connected by toll expressways still being extended. The expressway between Casablanca and Rabat (A3) was finished in 1987. It was extended from Rabat to Kénitra in 1995 and today reaches the northern port of Tangier (A1). Another expressway (A2) goes eastwards from Rabat to the historical city of Fez some 200 km down the road. It comprises part of the planned transmaghrébine expressway that will continue all the way to Tripoli. South from Casablanca runs the A7. It is planned to reach Marrakech in December of 2006 but currently only goes as far as Settat 60 km south of Casablanca. Around Casablanca and down the coast is the A5 expressway. It is under construction to El Jadida and its port of Jorf Lasfar and is completed to Tnine Chtouka some 30 kms east of El Jadida. Construction started in 2005 for the A7 between Marrakech and Agadir which will be completed by 2009. Roadsigns are in Arabic and French and the traffic law is as in much of Europe but you give way to the right. Be very careful as many drivers ignore any signs and will only stop if a policeman is nearby. This means that traffic on a roundabout gives way to that entering it! There are numerous Police checks on the main roads where you must slow down to allow them to see you. The speed limit is enforced especially the 40kph in towns and on dangerous intersections where fines are imposed on the spot. Grande Taxis, busses and lorries usually think they own the road and its wise to let them continue to think this! Driving safely in Morocco takes practice and patience but can take you to some really beautiful places. By bus Nearly every city has a central bus-station where you can buy tickets to travel from region to region. You can either choose the buses for tourists with air-condition and TV. Or you can take the local buses which cost only 25% - 50% and are much more fun. These ones aren't really comfortable, but you can get in contact to the local people and learn a lot about the country. The buses often take other routes than the big ones, so you can see villages you would never get to as a "normal" tourist. Luxury buses operated by CTM are also inexpensive and offer a better travelling experience. They are more reliable than trains. CTM website By taxi Travel by taxi is common in Morocco where two sorts are used, the "petite" taxi used within the area of the town and the "grande" taxi for trips between towns. Prices are reasonable and its the law that taxis in town should have a meter - although they don't always work! Insist that the driver starts the meter. If not, ask the fare before getting in (but it will be more expensive). Its common for others to share a long distance taxi, the driver stopping and picking up passengers like a bus. Negotiate on price if you want a journey to yourself and this will be based on the number of passengers, distance travelled and whether you are returning. Grande Taxis are usually white Mercedes saloons and owners vie with each other to add extras such as sunshades. A well turned out vehicle and smart driver is usually a good sign of a well maintained vehicle. "Grande" taxis are often the cheapest way of travelling between towns and cities in Morocco.