Fes to Meknes: 7 Smart Tips for an Easy and Affordable Trip

Fes to Meknes is one of the easiest and cheapest journeys between Morocco’s imperial cities: around 55 to 60 km, a train that takes well under an hour and fares that are low even by Moroccan standards. That makes it tempting to treat the trip as an afterthought. It deserves a little more attention than that, because the details decide how smooth your day is: which station you leave from and arrive at, whether you need the medina or the new town and how you fit Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay Idriss into the hours you have.

This guide compares the train, the bus and the car, explains costs and station logistics and helps you decide whether to visit Meknes as a day trip or stay overnight. Journey times and prices below are estimates from published planners and vary by date and service. Confirm current schedules and fares with ONCF and CTM before you travel.

What Is the Best Way to Travel From Fes to Meknes?

For most travellers, the train. It is fast, frequent and inexpensive, and it avoids the parking and traffic of driving. The bus is a reasonable backup, and a car makes sense if you want to add stops.

Train vs Bus vs Car at a Glance

Option	Typical journey time	Strengths	Trade-offs
Train (ONCF)	Roughly 40 minutes	Fastest, hourly services, low fare	Station transfers at each end
Bus (CTM)	Roughly 1 to 1.5 hours	Low fare, direct	Slower, fewer departures than the train
Car	Roughly 1 hour	Flexibility, easy to combine with Volubilis	Rental cost, tolls, parking in Meknes

These figures come from published planners, and real times depend on traffic, the service you choose and the stations you use.

Which Option Is Fastest?

The train, by a small margin over driving. Published planners show about 37 to 43 minutes by train and about 55 to 60 minutes by car. Door to door, the two are often close, since the train adds a taxi at each end while the car adds parking.

Which Option Offers the Best Value?

The train and the bus are both cheap. Published estimates put second-class train fares at roughly 22 to 45 dirhams and bus fares at about 24 to 40 dirhams. Driving costs more unless you are a group sharing a car.

1. Traveling From Fes to Meknes by Train

The train is the standard way to make this trip, and it suits a day trip well.

How Long Does the Train Journey Take?

Published planners put the journey at around 37 to 43 minutes, with departures roughly every hour. Frequency and timings vary by day and season, so check the timetable for your date.

Where to Catch the Train in Fes

Trains leave from Fes railway station in the modern part of the city, not from the old medina. Most visitors take a petit taxi from their hotel or riad to the station. Allow time for the ride and for getting through the station, particularly if you are coming from the medina.

Arriving at Meknes Station

Meknes has more than one railway station, and planners list both a Meknès station and a Meknès El Amir Abdelkader station. Check which one your train serves and how far it is from your accommodation or the medina, since the difference can mean a longer taxi ride.

How to Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets

Use the official ONCF platform at oncf-voyages.ma for schedules and tickets, or buy at the station counter or a self-service machine. On a short route with frequent trains, buying at the station is usually fine. Make sure you use the official site, since look-alike sites exist.

First Class vs Second Class

First class offers more space and a quieter carriage. For a journey of under an hour, second class is comfortable and cheaper, and most travellers choose it. Check which classes your train offers.

2. Traveling From Fes to Meknes by Bus

The bus is slower, but it is simple and inexpensive.

Journey Time and Available Services

CTM runs direct buses between the cities. Published planners show journeys of about one to one and a half hours, with some sources describing hourly departures and others fewer, so check the current schedule before you plan around the bus.

Where to Find Bus Departures in Fes

CTM buses leave from the bus station in Fes. Check the exact departure point and time before you go, and allow time to reach it from your accommodation.

Where Buses Arrive in Meknes

CTM arrives at its Meknes station, which may be in a different place from the railway stations. Confirm the arrival point when you book, and check how far it is from where you are staying.

How to Check Fares and Book Tickets

Check the CTM site at ctm.ma or buy at the terminal. Published estimates put fares in the region of 24 to 40 dirhams. Check the current price, and keep small notes for any luggage fee.

When the Bus Makes More Sense Than the Train

The bus makes sense if the timetable suits you better, if the train is full or if the bus terminal is more convenient for your accommodation. For most travellers, the train’s speed and frequency give it the edge.

3. Driving From Fes to Meknes

Driving suits travellers who want to combine Meknes with Volubilis and Moulay Idriss in one day.

Distance and Estimated Driving Time

The road distance is roughly 55 to 65 km, depending on where you start and finish. Published planners estimate about 55 to 60 minutes, though traffic and roadworks can change that.

Main Road and Route Planning

The route is straightforward, with a direct road and motorway links between the two cities. A navigation app will show the best option for the day, and it is wise to check traffic before you set off.

Fuel, Tolls and Parking Costs

Costs include fuel, any motorway tolls and parking, plus the rental charge if you hire a car. Check current toll and rental prices, since they change. Our guide to travel insurance covers what policies usually cover for rental cars.

Driving Into Meknes and Reaching the Medina

Meknes has a modern new town and an old medina, and the streets around the medina can be narrow and busy. Park outside the busiest areas, and walk in. Ask your accommodation about parking before you arrive.

When Renting a Car Is Worth It

Renting makes sense if you plan to visit Volubilis and Moulay Idriss, travel with several people or continue to other regions. For a simple trip to Meknes alone, the train is easier.

4. How Much Does It Cost to Travel From Fes to Meknes?

Costs are low, and the transfers at each end can matter as much as the fare. Treat all figures as estimates, and check current prices.

Train Ticket Prices

Published planners estimate second-class train fares at roughly 22 to 45 dirhams, with first class higher. Prices depend on the service, class and date.

Bus Fares

Published estimates for the CTM bus are in the region of 24 to 40 dirhams. Check the current fare with CTM.

The Total Cost of Driving

A car adds the rental rate, fuel, tolls, parking and insurance. For one or two people, driving is usually the most expensive option. For a group of four, the cost per person can fall closer to the train, especially if you add Volubilis.

Taxi and Private Transfer Options

A taxi or private transfer is door to door and suits groups, heavy luggage and flexible stops. It costs far more than the train or the bus. Agree the fare and the route in advance, and confirm what it includes. Shared grand taxis between cities also exist, so ask locally about current arrangements.

How to Compare the Real Cost of Each Option

Add up the full cost for your party: the fare, the taxi at each end and any extras. A cheap train ticket plus two taxi rides may cost more than you expect, and a transfer split between four people may cost less. Compare door to door.

5. Fes to Meknes: How to Travel Between the Stations and City Centers

The ride is short, so the first and last mile deserve attention.

Getting to Fes Train Station

The station is in the new town, so take a petit taxi from the medina or your hotel. Ask the driver to use the meter, or agree the fare first. Allow extra time if you are coming from deep inside the medina, since cars cannot reach the narrow alleys.

Reaching the Meknes Medina From the Station

Take a petit taxi from the station to the medina, or to Bab Mansour and Place el-Hedim, the main entry points. Distances vary by station, so check your route before you arrive. Our guide to travelling Morocco with luggage covers handling bags on the last stretch.

Using Taxis and Local Transport

Petit taxis are the easiest way to cross either city. Keep small notes for fares, and confirm the price or the meter before you set off.

Allowing Extra Time for Transfers

Add a margin for each transfer, and do not plan tight connections. If you are returning to Fes in the evening, leave plenty of time to reach the station before your last train.

6. Can You Do Fes to Meknes as a Day Trip?

Yes. With trains running roughly hourly and a ride of around 40 minutes, Meknes works well as a day trip from Fes.

How Much Time You Need in Meknes

Allow five to seven hours for the main sights, plus the journey each way. That gives you time for the medina, a lunch break and a few key stops without rushing.

What to See During a One-Day Visit

The main sights include Bab Mansour, one of the city’s grandest gates, and Place el-Hedim, the lively square facing it. Nearby are the old medina with its souks, the Heri es-Souani granaries and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Check opening hours and access rules before you go, since they change.

Is an Overnight Stay Worth It?

Stay overnight if you want a slower pace, evenings in the old city or a trip to Volubilis the next morning. If you are travelling on, an overnight stop in Meknes can break up the route between Fes and the north or Rabat.

Combining Meknes With Volubilis and Moulay Idriss

Volubilis, the Roman site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies about 30 km north of Meknes, and the hilltop town of Moulay Idriss is nearby. A common plan is Meknes in the morning and Volubilis and Moulay Idriss in the afternoon, which is easier with a car or a taxi. Without one, a shared taxi or a hired driver can bridge the gap. Start early, especially in summer, when the ruins have little shade.

7. Practical Tips for a Smooth Fes to Meknes Journey

A few habits keep the day easy.

Check Schedules Before Choosing Your Departure

Check the train and bus timetables for your date, and choose a departure that gives you the most time in Meknes. Look at the last return train, too.

Decide Whether to Book in Advance

On a short route with frequent trains, you can usually buy on the day. Book ahead if you are travelling on a busy day or holiday, or if you need a specific train.

Plan Around Your Sightseeing Schedule

Arrange your day around opening hours, the heat and the last return service. Visit outdoor sites in the cooler hours, and keep the afternoon flexible.

Keep Your Ticket and Travel Details Accessible

Keep your ticket, your return time and your accommodation address on your phone and on paper. Inspectors may check tickets on board, and you may need them at the station.

Avoid Common Transport and Timing Mistakes

The most common mistakes are going to the wrong station, forgetting to check the return train and leaving too little time for taxis. Check your stations, your return and your transfers before you set off.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling From Fes to Meknes

How far is Meknes from Fes?

Roughly 55 to 65 km by road, depending on where you start and finish. Published planners show a driving distance of about 54 to 61 km.

How long does the train take from Fes to Meknes?

Around 37 to 43 minutes, according to published planners. Check the ONCF timetable for your date, since times vary by service.

How much does a train ticket from Fes to Meknes cost?

Published estimates put second class at roughly 22 to 45 dirhams, with first class higher. Check the current fare on the ONCF booking platform or at the station.

Is there a direct train between Fes and Meknes?

Yes. Published planners show direct trains running about hourly. Check the timetable for your date.

Is the train better than the bus?

For most travellers, yes. It is faster and more frequent, and the fare is similar. The bus is a good backup if the train is full or the timetable suits you better.

Can you visit Meknes from Fes in one day?

Yes. With a journey of about 40 minutes each way, a day trip gives you five to seven hours in Meknes. Staying overnight gives you more time.

Can you visit Volubilis on the same day?

Yes, if you start early and have transport. Volubilis is about 30 km north of Meknes, so a car, a taxi or a driver makes it practical. Without one, you will need extra time, and a full day with both Meknes and Volubilis is tiring.

Which Meknes train station is best for visiting the medina?

It depends on the station and your plans. Meknes has more than one station, so check which one your train serves and how far it is from the medina or your accommodation. Either way, a short taxi ride completes the trip.

Final Advice for Traveling From Fes to Meknes

Traveling from Fes to Meknes is simple, affordable and rewarding, as long as you choose the right transport and plan the last stretch. These seven tips bring the advice together:

1. Take the train for the quickest and most frequent option, and check the timetable for your date.
2. Use the bus as a backup if the train is full or the schedule suits you better.
3. Drive only if you want to add stops such as Volubilis, or you are travelling as a group.
4. Compare door-to-door costs, including the taxi at each end, not just the ticket price.
5. Check which Meknes station your train uses, and how far it is from your accommodation.
6. Plan the day around opening hours, the heat and the last return train, and consider staying overnight.
7. Keep your ticket and details handy, and leave extra time for transfers.

With these in place, a short hop between two imperial cities stays easy. Confirm schedules, fares and station details with the operators before you travel.