Marrakech and Fes are Morocco’s two most famous imperial cities, and most first trips include both. They are about 500 km apart, so the way you travel between them shapes your whole itinerary. Here are the three main options, with honest pros and cons.
Key takeaways
- By motorway via Casablanca and Rabat, the drive takes about 6 to 7 hours.
- The Middle Atlas road via Beni Mellal and Ifrane is shorter in distance but slower and more scenic.
- The train runs via Casablanca with a change, and takes most of the day.
- The most memorable option is 3 days via the Sahara: Dadès, Merzouga, then Fes.
Option 1: by car on the motorway (fastest by road)
The quickest drive follows the A7 motorway north to Casablanca, then the A1 to Rabat and the A2 east to Fes. Count about 6 to 7 hours without long stops.
- Pros: modern toll motorways, service areas, easy driving.
- Cons: not very scenic, tolls to pay.
- Good stops: lunch in Rabat, or a short visit to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. See what to see in Rabat.
Option 2: by car through the Middle Atlas (scenic)
The inland route goes via Beni Mellal, Khenifra, Azrou and Ifrane, often nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco”. The distance is shorter, but national roads make it slower: plan 7 to 8 hours with stops.
- Pros: mountains, cedar forests where Barbary macaques live, Lake Bin el Ouidane nearby, and the chance to add the Ouzoud waterfalls.
- Cons: slower roads, trucks, and possible snow on high ground in winter.
- Tip: split the journey with a night in the Middle Atlas or at Bin el Ouidane.
Option 3: by train
There is no direct line through the mountains: trains run from Marrakech to Casablanca or Rabat, then on to Fes, usually with a change. The journey takes most of the day. Check timetables and book on the official ONCF website.
- Pros: relaxing, no driving, comfortable first class.
- Cons: long, with a change, and no flexibility to stop on the way.
Option 4: via the Sahara in 3 days (the most memorable)
Many travellers turn the journey into the highlight of their trip by crossing the High Atlas and the desert:
- Day 1: Marrakech → Tizi n’Tichka pass → Aït Ben Haddou → Dadès gorges.
- Day 2: Dadès → Todra gorge → Merzouga, camel ride and night in a desert camp.
- Day 3: Merzouga → Ziz valley → Midelt → Ifrane → Fes (a long but beautiful drive).
The first two days follow our Marrakech to Merzouga itinerary. You can drive it yourself or let us organise it as a private circuit.
Comparison
| Option | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Motorway via Casablanca/Rabat | About 6–7 h | Speed and easy driving |
| Middle Atlas road | About 7–8 h | Nature and scenery |
| Train via Casablanca | Most of the day | Not driving |
| Via the Sahara | 3 days | The full Morocco experience |
Practical tips for driving
- Leave early and avoid driving after dark on national roads.
- Keep cash in dirhams for motorway tolls.
- Respect speed limits: radar checks are frequent. Read Morocco’s driving rules.
- In Fes, park outside the medina and walk: the old town is car-free.
- One-way rentals: tell us your pick-up and return cities when you book, and we confirm the options.
Pick up an automatic car at Marrakech airport, or book a private transfer with driver if you prefer to relax on the way.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Marrakech to Fes?
By motorway via Casablanca and Rabat, the drive takes about 6 to 7 hours without long stops. The scenic Middle Atlas road takes about 7 to 8 hours with stops.
Is there a direct train from Marrakech to Fes?
Trains run from Marrakech via Casablanca or Rabat to Fes, usually with a change, and the journey takes most of the day. Check the official ONCF timetable before you travel.
What is the best way to get from Marrakech to Fes?
If you have time, the most memorable option is a 3-day route through the Sahara via Aït Ben Haddou, the Dadès gorges and Merzouga. For speed, take the motorway via Casablanca and Rabat.
Can I rent a car in Marrakech and return it in Fes?
One-way rentals depend on availability. Tell us your pick-up and return cities when you book and our team confirms the options for your dates.
