For most independent travelers, the Casablanca to Fes train is the practical default: it avoids the stress of a long drive, gives you a straightforward city-to-city connection, and leaves you in Fes Ville Nouvelle with easy taxi access to the medina. A bus can work for tighter budgets, while a rental car or private transfer makes more sense if you want flexibility, are travelling as a group, or plan to stop between the two cities.
The important detail to plan for is the final arrival: Fes railway station is not inside Fes el-Bali. If your accommodation is in the medina, you will normally need a petit taxi to a vehicle-accessible gate, then walk the final stretch with your luggage.
Casablanca and Fes are roughly 290 km apart by road, while the rail journey takes a different route through Rabat, Kenitra and Meknes.
| Option | Best for | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Train | Most independent travelers | Final taxi needed if staying in Fes el-Bali |
| CTM bus | Budget travelers or useful departure times | Usually less convenient than the train |
| Private transfer | Families, groups, heavy luggage | Higher cost |
| Rental car | Wider Morocco road trips | Parking and medina access in Fes |
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Is the train from Casablanca to Fes the best option?
For most visitors, yes. Taking the train from Casablanca to Fes is generally the simplest way to travel independently between the two cities.
It suits travelers who:
- Are staying in central Casablanca or near a railway station
- Want to avoid driving on an unfamiliar route
- Are carrying normal suitcases rather than extensive luggage
- Are continuing directly to a riad or hotel in Fes
- Prefer a predictable journey without negotiating a private-car fare
The main compromise is that the train station in Fes is in Ville Nouvelle rather than the old medina. But this is usually easy to manage with a taxi arranged from outside the station.
A bus may be cheaper, but it is usually less convenient if you are staying near a Casablanca train station and heading to Fes el-Bali. Driving gives you more freedom but also means dealing with navigation, parking, and the fact that cars cannot enter Fes’s pedestrian-focused medina lanes.
Taking the Casablanca to Fes train
The Casablanca to Fes train route is operated by ONCF, Morocco’s national railway company. It is the most sensible choice for travelers who want a relatively simple intercity journey without renting a car.
Most direct ONCF services from Casa Voyageurs to Fes take around 4 hours, although the exact journey time varies by departure. Always check the live ONCF timetable for your travel date before booking.
You can check schedules and book through the official ONCF Voyages website. Timetables, departure stations, seat availability, and fares can change, so it is worth checking the exact service for your travel date rather than relying on an old screenshot or blog post.
Which Casablanca station should you use?
Casablanca has more than one railway station, so do not simply search for “Casablanca station” and assume every train leaves from the same place.
Casa Voyageurs is Casablanca’s main long-distance rail hub and the primary station to check for trains to Fes. If you are staying near Casa Port, check your exact ONCF itinerary before travel rather than assuming your Fes train departs from there.
Use the station shown on your ticket, not simply the one that looks closest on the map.
Casa Port is closer to central Casablanca, the waterfront, and some major hotels. Depending on the particular service, it may be listed as a departure point or a convenient place to join a train that continues through Casa Voyageurs.
If you are spending time in the city before your journey, see our Casablanca Travel Guide for the main sights, neighborhoods and practical planning tips.
The safest approach is simple:
- Search for your intended date on ONCF’s booking system.
- Check the station printed on the specific train you choose.
- Use the station shown on your ticket, not the one that seems closest on a map.
- Leave extra time in Casablanca, especially if you are crossing the city by taxi at a busy time.
If you are staying near the Hassan II Mosque, the city centre, or the port, Casa Port may look more convenient. If you are arriving by airport train or staying elsewhere in the city, Casa Voyageurs is often easier to reach. Your ticket should settle the question.
What the train journey is like
The Casablanca–Fes train is a standard intercity journey rather than a scenic tourist route. It is useful because it connects two major Moroccan cities without the need to drive, but it is still wise to treat it as a travel day.
Bring what you may need during the journey:
- Drinking water
- Snacks, especially if you have dietary requirements
- A light layer for air-conditioned carriages
- Your phone charger or power bank
- Offline accommodation details for Fes
- Some Moroccan dirhams for taxis on arrival
Keep valuables, passports, money, and electronics with you rather than placing them out of sight with larger luggage. For a normal suitcase or backpack, train travel is manageable, but it becomes less comfortable if you have several heavy bags and later need to navigate Fes medina lanes.
Keep smaller valuables with you during the journey, and if you are carrying several large suitcases, consider whether a private transfer would make the final arrival in Fes easier.
First or second class: which should you book?
Choose based on comfort, budget, and availability rather than expecting a dramatically different travel experience.
Second class is suitable for many travelers and is the budget-conscious option. First class may be worth considering if you prefer more personal space or are travelling during a busier period. For most travelers on this route, second class is perfectly adequate; first class is mainly worth paying extra for if you want a quieter, less crowded journey.
Whichever class you choose, booking earlier is sensible when you need a particular departure rather than simply the next available train.
Do not assume that a ticket automatically means you can board any train that day. Follow the booking conditions shown during purchase and keep your ticket accessible for inspection.
Arriving at Fes railway station and reaching the medina
Fes railway station is in Ville Nouvelle, the newer part of the city. This is convenient if you are staying in Ville Nouvelle, but most first-time visitors choose a riad inside Fes el-Bali, the historic medina.
That means the station is not your final door-to-door arrival point.
Take a petit taxi to the right medina gate
If your accommodation is inside the medina, take a petit taxi from the station to a gate where vehicles can stop. Common access points vary depending on the riad location, so ask your accommodation for the exact gate name rather than simply telling the driver ‘Fes medina.’
From there, you may need to walk through narrow lanes to reach your riad.
Before leaving Casablanca, ask your accommodation two specific questions:
- Which medina gate should I give the taxi driver?
- Can someone meet me at the gate if I arrive with luggage?
This matters because Fes el-Bali is not arranged for cars to drive to every hotel entrance. A driver may know the general area but still be unable to take you through the final maze of pedestrian lanes. The right gate depends on where your riad is located.
It is also useful to save the gate name, riad name, booking confirmation, and accommodation phone number offline. If your taxi driver is unsure, showing the information in writing is often easier than trying to explain directions verbally.
If you are staying in Ville Nouvelle
Travelers staying in Ville Nouvelle have a much easier arrival. The station is already in the newer city, where roads are wider and hotels are generally accessible by taxi directly to the entrance.
Even so, confirm the hotel address before setting off. “Fes” can refer broadly to the city, while your actual accommodation may be in Ville Nouvelle, near the medina, or outside the central districts.
For a wider look at choosing areas and handling the old city, see this Fes travel guide.
Casablanca to Fes by bus: when it makes sense
Taking a bus from Casablanca to Fes can be a reasonable option if the timetable fits your plans, you are watching costs carefully, or train availability is poor for your chosen date.
CTM is one of Morocco’s established intercity bus operators, and you can review routes and booking options through the CTM website.
Journey times can vary quite a lot depending on the departure, stopping pattern and Casablanca terminal, so compare the live CTM schedule with the train rather than choosing only by price.
A bus is most likely to suit you if:
- You find a departure time that works better than the train
- Your accommodation is closer to the bus terminal than the railway station
- You are comfortable with a longer road journey
- You are travelling light
- You are willing to trade some convenience for a potentially lower-cost option
However, do not book only based on the headline fare. Consider the full journey:
- How far is the Casablanca departure terminal from your hotel?
- Where will the bus arrive in Fes?
- Will you need a taxi at either end?
- Does your accommodation require a medina-gate drop-off and a walk with luggage?
- Does the bus schedule leave enough margin for a same-day tour, flight, or riad check-in?
For travelers staying in central Casablanca and then heading into Fes el-Bali, the train is often the more straightforward choice. The bus is better treated as an alternative when its schedule, price, or terminal location gives it a real advantage for your itinerary.
Driving from Casablanca to Fes in a rental car
A rental car is not the easiest option for everyone, but it can be the right one for travelers building a wider route through Morocco.
Choose a car if you want to:
- Stop in smaller towns or countryside areas on the way
- Travel at your own pace
- Carry more luggage
- Travel as a family or small group
- Continue beyond Fes without returning to Casablanca
The drawback is that a car solves the intercity journey but does not solve access to the medina. You cannot drive through the narrow lanes of Fes el-Bali, and parking arrangements need to be considered before you arrive.
Plan parking before reaching Fes el-Bali
If you are staying in a medina riad, ask the property where a driver should park or stop. Do not wait until you are already navigating Fes, especially if you arrive near evening or with bulky luggage.
A good accommodation message should confirm:
- The recommended approach road
- The closest practical drop-off point or parking area
- The medina gate to use
- Whether luggage assistance can be arranged
For a short point-to-point trip between two major cities, the car often adds more responsibility than value. For a longer Morocco road trip, it can be useful—but only if you are comfortable with city driving, navigation, parking, and handing over the car before or after your stay in Fes.
For a broader comparison of rail, buses, taxis, and self-driving, read getting around Morocco in 2026.
Private transfer from Casablanca to Fes
A private transfer is the easiest door-to-door option, particularly for families, groups, travelers with young children, or anyone arriving with substantial luggage.
It can also be a practical choice if you land at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport and prefer to continue toward Fes without first navigating into central Casablanca. This can be especially useful after a late arrival, when traveling with children, or when carrying several large bags, because it avoids an additional airport-to-city transfer before starting the journey to Fes.
The biggest advantage is convenience: collection can be arranged at your hotel, airport, or another agreed point, and the driver can take you to the most practical access point for your Fes accommodation.
The disadvantage is cost. For solo travelers and couples on a standard itinerary, the train is usually the more practical default. A transfer becomes more compelling when its cost is shared between several passengers or when avoiding multiple changes matters more than keeping the budget low.
Before booking, confirm in writing:
- Pick-up location and time
- Final drop-off point in Fes
- Whether the driver can reach your riad or only a medina gate
- Luggage capacity
- Whether tolls, stops, and waiting time are included
- The cancellation terms
- The payment currency and method
Avoid assuming that “Fes drop-off” means direct access to your riad door. In Fes el-Bali, a vehicle-accessible gate may still be the final point.
Luggage tips for the Casablanca to Fes route
Luggage is where this route can become more complicated than it first appears. The train itself is manageable with a suitcase, but the final arrival in the Fes medina may involve taxis, cobbled or uneven ground, stairs, and narrow pedestrian lanes.
If you are staying in Fes el-Bali:
- Pack so you can carry your own bag for a short distance if needed.
- Use a suitcase with sturdy wheels rather than relying on very small wheels.
- Keep valuables and essential documents in a day bag.
- Avoid arriving without knowing your correct medina gate.
- Ask your riad in advance about luggage help, particularly if you have large bags.
- Do not expect every taxi driver to know the exact entrance to every riad.
A backpack is often easier inside the medina than a large rolling case, but there is no need to repack your whole trip solely for Fes. Good advance communication with your accommodation makes the biggest difference.
Booking tips and common mistakes to avoid
The route is straightforward, but a few simple mistakes can make it more stressful than necessary.
Do not confuse Casablanca stations
Check the exact departure station on your ticket. Casablanca is large, and going to the wrong station can mean an expensive or rushed cross-city taxi ride.
Do not book an overly tight connection
If you are arriving at Casablanca airport, do not assume you can immediately connect to a Fes train without leaving a generous margin. Flights, baggage collection, airport transfers, and ticket collection can all take longer than expected.
The same applies in reverse: if you are travelling from Fes to Casablanca for an international flight, leave a substantial buffer rather than treating the intercity train as a last-minute airport transfer.
Do not treat Fes station as “the medina”
Fes railway station is in Ville Nouvelle. If your hotel is in Fes el-Bali, factor in the taxi journey and final walk to your riad.
Do not wait until arrival to ask about the medina gate
Your riad should be able to tell you the best gate for a taxi drop-off. Ask before you leave Casablanca, while you have stable internet and time to save the details.
Do not rely on old fares or old timetables
Transport prices and timetables are time-sensitive. Check official booking channels close to your travel date, particularly during Moroccan public holidays, school holidays, and busy travel periods.
Fes to Casablanca: making the return journey
The journey from Fes to Casablanca follows the same basic logic in reverse.
If you are staying in Fes el-Bali, arrange a petit taxi from the appropriate medina gate to Fes railway station. Ask your riad how long to allow for walking from the property to the gate, especially if you have luggage.
When booking your train, confirm whether you need Casa Voyageurs, Casa Port, or another Casablanca station for your next step. This is particularly important if you are connecting onward to:
- Casablanca Mohammed V Airport
- A hotel in central Casablanca
- Another Moroccan city by train
- A bus terminal or private transfer
If you are flying from Casablanca airport, build in generous contingency time. For an important international flight, consider traveling from Fes to Casablanca the day before, especially if your departure is early or you would otherwise rely on a tight same-day train connection.
Choosing the right Casablanca to Fes option
For most independent travelers, the train is the simplest option from Casablanca to Fes because it gives you a straightforward city-to-city journey without the stress of driving or arranging a private transfer. The main thing to plan is your arrival in Fes, especially if your accommodation is inside Fes el-Bali.
Choose the bus if the timetable or fare suits you better, a rental car if this journey is part of a wider Morocco road trip, and a private transfer if you value door-to-door convenience, are traveling as a family or group, or have substantial luggage.
Once transport is sorted, use this broader Morocco travel guide to place Fes within the rest of your itinerary, and consult the Morocco train map if you are continuing by rail.
FAQ
Is there a direct train from Casablanca to Fes?
Yes, ONCF operates direct trains between Casablanca and Fes. Most travelers should check services from Casa Voyageurs, but always confirm the departure station, journey time and current timetable on ONCF for your travel date.
Which Casablanca station is best for the train to Fes?
Casa Voyageurs is Casablanca’s main long-distance station and is usually the key station to check for Fes services. Casa Port can be more convenient for some central locations, but always follow the departure station printed on your ticket.
How do I get from Fes railway station to the medina?
Take a petit taxi from Fes railway station in Ville Nouvelle to the vehicle-accessible medina gate recommended by your accommodation. From there, you may need to walk through the medina to your riad.
Is the bus from Casablanca to Fes cheaper than the train?
The bus can sometimes be cheaper than the train, but the difference depends on the departure and travel date. Compare the current CTM and ONCF fares, then also consider the extra taxi or transfer costs needed to reach the departure terminal and your accommodation in Fes.
Should I rent a car from Casablanca to Fes?
Rent a car if you want flexibility, are travelling with a group, or plan to make stops and continue a wider road trip. For a simple city-to-city journey, the train is generally easier, especially because cars cannot enter Fes el-Bali.
How long is the train from Casablanca to Fes?
Most direct ONCF trains from Casa Voyageurs to Fes take around 4 hours. Journey times vary slightly by departure, so check the live ONCF timetable for your travel date.
