Casablanca to Fes: 9 Things to Know Before You Travel

Casablanca to Fes is one of the longest everyday journeys in Morocco, and it is also one of the easiest to get wrong. The cities are around 290 to 300 km apart by road, so the trip takes most of a morning or an afternoon whichever way you go. The right choice depends on a handful of practical details: which Casablanca station suits you, how the train compares with the bus, whether driving is worth it and how you reach the old medina once you arrive.

This guide covers nine things to know before you book. Journey times and prices below are estimates from published planners and vary by date, service and demand. Confirm current timetables and fares with ONCF and the bus operators before you travel.

How to Get From Casablanca to Fes: An Overview

For most travellers, the train is the best way to make the Casablanca to Fes journey. The bus is cheaper and slower, and a car gives you flexibility at a higher cost.

Train, Bus or Car: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the train for comfort and predictability, the bus if the fare matters most and the car if you want to stop along the way or travel as a group. Each has trade-offs, and the sections below compare them in detail.

Distance and Typical Journey Times

The road distance from Casablanca to Fes is roughly 290 to 305 km, depending on where you start and finish. Published planners show about 3 hours 55 minutes by direct train, about 4 hours 15 minutes to nearly 6 hours by bus and about three hours by car. These are estimates, and real times depend on the service, traffic and the stations you use.

What to Consider Before Booking

Before you book, think about four things: where you are starting in Casablanca, where you are staying in Fes, how much luggage you have and how much time you have. A cheaper ticket from an inconvenient station can cost you more in time and taxis than a slightly dearer ticket from a better one.

1. The Train Is Often the Most Convenient Option

The train is comfortable, frequent and not affected by motorway traffic, which is why most visitors choose it for Casablanca to Fes.

How Long Does the Train Journey Take?

Published planners show direct trains taking around 3 hours 55 minutes, and some show longer times of up to about 4 hours 20 minutes. Services are described as running roughly hourly, though patterns vary by day and season. Check the ONCF timetable for your date.

Which Casablanca Station Should You Use?

Casa Voyageurs is the main station and the usual starting point for the Casablanca to Fes train. Published planners show no direct train from Casa Port to Fes, so travellers staying near the port or the old centre often take a tram or a taxi to Casa Voyageurs first. Check the station your train leaves from before you book.

Arriving at Fes Train Station

Trains arrive at the Fes train station in the modern part of the city, not in the old medina. From there, you take a petit taxi to your hotel or riad. Our guide to travelling Morocco with luggage covers handling bags on the last stretch.

First Class vs Second Class

First class offers more space and a quieter carriage, and second class is cheaper and comfortable. On a trip of around four hours, some travellers pay extra for first class, particularly if they want to work or rest. Check which classes your train offers.

2. Bus Travel Can Be Worth Comparing

The bus is slower, but it can suit certain schedules and budgets.

How Long Does the Bus Take?

Published planners show journeys ranging from about 4 hours 15 minutes to nearly 6 hours, depending on the route and stops. That is noticeably longer than the train, so treat the bus as the slower option.

Where to Catch the Bus in Casablanca

CTM runs the direct bus from its Casablanca station. Check the exact departure point and time before you go, and allow time to reach it from your accommodation, since it may be far from Casa Voyageurs.

Where Buses Arrive in Fes

The bus arrives at the Fes bus station, which is separate from the train station. Confirm the arrival point when you book, and check how far it is from your hotel or the medina.

When the Bus Makes More Sense Than the Train

The bus makes sense if the fare matters more than time, if the timetable fits your plans better or if the train is full. Published sources describe CTM buses running every two to three hours, so check the schedule before you rely on one. For most travellers, the train is faster.

3. Driving Gives You More Flexibility

Driving suits travellers who want to stop along the way, such as in Rabat or Meknes, or who are travelling as a group.

Distance and Estimated Driving Time

Published planners put the road distance at roughly 290 to 305 km and the driving time at about three hours to three and a half hours. Traffic around Casablanca, roadworks and the time of day can add to that.

Main Highway and Route Planning

The route follows the motorway north-east from Casablanca toward Rabat and then east toward Meknes and Fes. It is straightforward, and a navigation app will show the best option for the day. Check traffic before you leave, particularly if you start in rush hour.

Fuel, Tolls and Rental Car Costs

Costs include fuel, motorway tolls and, if you rent, the daily rate, insurance and any one-way fee if you drop the car in Fes. Check current prices, since they change. Our guide to travel insurance covers what policies usually cover for rental cars.

Parking and Driving Near the Fes Medina

Cars cannot enter the old medina, and the streets around its gates can be congested. Ask your accommodation where to park, and expect a walk or a short taxi ride for the last stretch. Driving in Fes is easier in the new town than near the old city.

4. Compare the Total Cost Before Choosing

The fare is only part of the cost. Add the taxis at each end, and compare door-to-door totals. For broader transport advice, see our guide to travelling between Morocco’s major cities.

Train Ticket Prices

Published planners show a wide range of second-class train ticket prices for Casablanca to Fes, from roughly 130 to 260 dirhams in one source and higher figures in others, with first class costing more. Prices depend on the service, class and date, so check the current fare on the ONCF booking platform.

Bus Fares

Published estimates for the CTM bus range from about 120 to 180 dirhams. Check the current fare with CTM.

The Real Cost of Driving

A car adds fuel, tolls, rental fees and parking. The headline rental rate can hide extras, so add them up. Published planners estimate the cost of driving the route at several hundred dirhams, before rental fees.

Private Transfers and Taxis

A private transfer or a chartered taxi is the most expensive option per person, but it is door to door and suits groups, late departures and heavy luggage. Agree the fare in advance, and confirm what it includes.

How Group Size Changes the Best Option

For one or two people, the train or the bus is usually the cheapest per head. For three or four, a shared car or a transfer can narrow the gap. Compare the total for your party, including local transport.

5. Choose Your Departure and Arrival Stations Carefully

The journey between the stations is only half the trip, so choose your stations with care.

Getting to Your Departure Station in Casablanca

A petit taxi is the simplest way to reach Casa Voyageurs, and the tram connects it with several districts. From Mohammed V International Airport, a railway station in Terminal 1 connects with Casa Voyageurs in roughly half an hour, according to the national airports authority. Allow extra time at busy hours.

Checking Your Train’s Destination and Stops

Check which station your train leaves from, where it stops and where it ends. Some trains continue beyond Fes, and some stop at stations such as Rabat and Meknes. Confirm the details on the ONCF site or at the station.

Reaching Fes Medina From the Train Station

Fes Medina, the old city of Fes el-Bali, is a short taxi ride from the station, and cars cannot enter. Ask the driver to take you to the nearest gate, such as Bab Boujloud, and arrange a meeting point with your riad. Allow extra time with luggage.

Local Taxis and Transfers in Fes

Petit taxis are the easiest way to cross the city. Ask the driver to use the meter, or agree the fare first, and keep small notes ready. If you arrive late or have heavy bags, ask your accommodation to arrange a transfer.

6. Book at the Right Time and Check the Schedule

A few checks make the journey smoother.

Where to Check Current Train Timetables

Use the official ONCF platform at oncf-voyages.ma for current timetables, availability and prices. Check again on the day of travel, since schedules can change.

How to Buy Tickets Online or at the Station

You can buy a train ticket online, through the ONCF app or at the station counter or a self-service machine. Make sure you use the official site, since look-alike sites exist.

When Booking Ahead Is Useful

Trains between the two cities run often, but they can fill up on weekends, holidays and busy summer days. Book ahead for those, and for any journey tied to a flight or a hotel check-in.

Allowing Extra Time for Transfers and Delays

Allow a margin of at least 30 minutes at the station and extra time for the taxi at each end. Do not plan a tight connection after a four-hour journey.

7. Plan for Luggage and Comfort

A long journey is easier with the right preparation.

Traveling With Suitcases on Trains and Buses

Trains have racks and luggage areas, and buses stow larger bags in the hold, sometimes for a small fee. Board early to secure space, and keep valuables with you. Our luggage guide covers the details.

What to Keep Within Easy Reach

Keep your ticket, passport, phone, charger, water, snacks and medication in a small bag at your seat. Over four hours, a few comforts make a difference.

Choosing a Comfortable Departure Time

Morning trains give you time to settle into your hotel and explore in the afternoon. Evening arrivals can be tiring, and finding a riad in the dark is harder. Consider the time you will arrive, not just the time you leave.

Planning for Children or Travelers With Mobility Needs

Stations often have stairs, and lifts are not guaranteed. Allow extra time, and consider a private transfer for the last stretch. With children, bring snacks and activities, and check the fare rules for their age.

8. Avoid Common Travel Mistakes

A few mistakes cause most of the problems on the Casablanca to Fes route.

Comparing Station-to-Station Time Instead of Door-to-Door Time

A four-hour train is a five- to six-hour journey door to door once you add the taxi, the wait and the transfer. Compare door-to-door time, not station-to-station time.

Forgetting Local Transport Costs

Taxis in Casablanca and Fes, a tram ride or a transfer add to the fare. Include them when you compare options.

Assuming Driving Is Always Faster

Traffic, tolls and parking can erase the advantage of driving. The train is often as fast as the car, door to door, and cheaper for one or two people.

Arriving in Fes Without Planning Your Transfer

Decide how you will get from the station to your accommodation before you arrive, especially in the evening or with heavy bags. Save your host’s phone number.

Leaving Too Little Time for a Connecting Journey

If you are connecting to a flight or another journey, allow generous time. Delays happen, and a four-hour journey leaves more room for them.

9. Decide Whether to Travel Directly or Stop Along the Way

The Casablanca to Fes route passes through places worth seeing, so decide whether to go straight through or break the journey.

Is a Direct Journey the Best Choice?

A direct journey is simplest, and it suits travellers with limited time or a fixed schedule. Choose it if your priority is to reach Fes.

When a Stop Along the Route Is Worthwhile

A stop in Rabat, about an hour from Casablanca by train, or in Meknes, about 40 minutes from Fes, can break up the trip and add a city to your visit. Our guides to Casablanca to Rabat by train and Fes to Meknes cover each leg.

Can You Visit Fes on a Day Trip From Casablanca?

You can, but it is not recommended. With roughly four hours each way by train, a day trip leaves little time in Fes, and the journey is tiring. It is better to stay at least one night.

Why an Overnight Stay in Fes May Be Better

An overnight stay lets you arrive, settle in and explore the medina at a relaxed pace. Fes rewards at least two nights, and a longer visit gives you time for the main sights and a day trip to Meknes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling From Casablanca to Fes

How far is Fes from Casablanca?

Roughly 290 to 305 km by road, according to published planners.

How long does the train take from Casablanca to Fes?

Around 3 hours 55 minutes to about 4 hours 20 minutes for a direct train, according to published planners. Check the ONCF timetable for your date.

How much does a train ticket cost?

Published planners show a range, from roughly 130 to 260 dirhams in second class in one source to higher figures in others. The price depends on the service, class and date, so check the current fare on the ONCF booking platform.

Is the bus cheaper than the train?

Usually, yes. Published estimates put the CTM fare at about 120 to 180 dirhams. The bus is also slower, so weigh the fare saving against the extra time.

Is there a direct train from Casablanca to Fes?

Yes. Published planners show direct trains from Casa Voyageurs to Fes running about hourly. Check the timetable for your date.

Is driving from Casablanca to Fes easy?

The motorway makes it straightforward, with a journey of about three hours. The harder parts are traffic around Casablanca and parking near the Fes medina. Check tolls and parking before you go.

Which Casablanca station should I use?

Casa Voyageurs, which is the main station and the departure point for the direct trains. Casa Port has no direct train to Fes, so most travellers connect through Casa Voyageurs.

How do I get from Fes train station to the medina?

Take a petit taxi from the station to the nearest gate of the medina, such as Bab Boujloud, and walk from there, or ask your riad to arrange a meeting point. Cars cannot enter the old city.

Should I book tickets in advance?

For busy days, weekends, holidays and any journey tied to a fixed plan, yes. On quieter days, you can often buy at the station, but booking ahead gives you more choice.

Final Advice for Traveling From Casablanca to Fes

The Casablanca to Fes journey is easy once you choose the right transport and plan the first and last mile. These nine points bring the advice together:

1. Take the train for comfort and predictability, and use the direct service from Casa Voyageurs.
2. Compare the bus if the fare matters more than time, and allow up to six hours.
3. Drive only if you want to stop along the way or are travelling as a group.
4. Compare total costs, including taxis at each end, not just the ticket price.
5. Choose your stations carefully, and plan how you will reach the Fes Medina.
6. Book on the official ONCF site and check the timetable on the day of travel.
7. Plan for luggage and comfort, and keep essentials within reach.
8. Compare door-to-door time, and avoid the mistakes that waste hours and money.
9. Consider a stop or an overnight stay, since a day trip leaves little time in Fes.

With these in place, even a long journey stays easy. Confirm schedules, fares and station details with ONCF and the bus operators before you travel.