How to Travel From Marrakesh to Fes

They are two of the most popular places in Morocco, so there is no doubt that at some point in your Morocco itinerary, you will probably visit Marrakech and Fes.
How to Travel From Marrakesh to Fez
This means you may also have to shuttle back and forth between them. That’s why I’m writing this article!
Situated on either side of the Atlas Mountains, the distance is just over 571 kilometers, however, deciding how to travel between the two cities isn’t always easy or straightforward, which is why I’ve broken down the options for you.
I’ll give you 5 ways to travel and weigh the pros and cons of each. I have full information for you on how to get from Marrakech to Fes. So let’s get started…

#1 Plane

Your first option to get between Marrakesh and Fez is to fly.

Several domestic flights cross this route daily, but most make inconvenient stops in Casablanca.
To get a nonstop service you should fly with Air Arabia Maroc, which has at least 1 nonstop flight per day between Marrakech and Fes.
Travel time is just over an hour and prices are usually around $60.
As always, I recommend checking Skyscanner to find the best deals.
Marrakech Menara Airport (code RAK) is about 8 kilometers from the center of the Medina, so you will need to take a taxi here.
Be sure to include the taxi fare in your cost—estimated to be around $10—and any checked bag fees you may have to pay.
Fez Airport is further out of the city – about 18 kilometers from the historic Medina.
Again, make sure to take into account the time and cost of the taxi ride, which should be a flat rate of 120 MAD.
Taxis wait just outside the Fez arrivals hall.
Otherwise, if you want to escape all the hustle and bustle, you can book an airport transfer that will take you from the airport directly to your accommodation in Fes.
Of course, flying from Marrakech to Fes is the fastest option here, but it’s also the most expensive.
Considering the time required for taxis to the airport and check-in, this option also includes a fair amount of loitering time.
Unlikely to give you much of a cultural experience, flying between Marrakesh and Fez airports is also the worst option for your carbon footprint.
For this reason, many travelers prefer overland forms of transport and I’d tend to agree
#2 Train

Second, on the list of ways to travel from Marrakech to Fes is the train option.
Trains offer a unique travel experience with great flexibility and value for money and are a very popular option for those who want to make this journey.
The route is direct and can be enjoyed as part of a day journey which will take around 7-8 hours depending on the service.
The Marrakesh train station was opened in 2008, so is a new, clean and comfortable station.
It’s located much closer to the historic medina than the airport (it’s essentially in the new town) and catching a taxi here should only cost you around $5 USD.
With 9 daily trains between Marrakesh and Fez, there are plenty of journeys to choose from.
The first one leaves at 5:40 am in the morning and the last one at 5:40 pm in the late afternoon. This one arrives in Fez just after midnight.
Prices start from around $20 USD.
I’d advise booking your train ticket in advance via the website ONCF website.
I would also suggest you check this website to view the most up-to-date timetables, as this information is subject to change.
Failing that, you can book a ticket at the train station, or you can just turn up and try and wing it – although I only suggest doing this in the morning so you have a day full of options ahead of you!
First-class and second-class tickets are available, but due to the low prices of fares, many tourists opt for first-class services which offer a bit more comfort for only a few more dirhams.

#3 Bus

And the third option when it comes to getting from Marrakesh to Fez is by bus.
There are several companies plying this route, but as always I recommend CTM and Supratours as the best ones to use.
For both these premium services, you can book using their websites and the journey takes around 7 hours
Some services run through Casablanca – or you can change there – which is another good option, especially if you want to check out this city too.
Alternatively, you can go to the respective CTM and Supratour depots to book your tickets – both these companies tend to have private stations in each city, meaning you don’t have to navigate the crowds and chaos of the main bus stations.
Overall, CTM and Supratours provide a more peaceful and easy travel experience for not much more expensive.
In Marrakesh, the Supratours station is located right near the train station, which makes it very easy if you have further onward connections by rail.
There’s one direct bus per day with Supratours to Marrakesh, it leaves at 9:45 pm and is therefore a night bus – a great option if you miss the last train or want to save on accommodation costs!

#4 Private Transfer

If you want to travel with a bit more comfort than public transport routes offer, then another way you can journey between Marrakesh and Fez is via private transfer.
Being a budget traveler, this is not an option I’ve used myself as the costs didn’t offer good value for me.
However, if there’s a group of you, this may be a viable option.
Check out this service which allows you to book a private transfer online, in advance, through a reputable operator.

#5 With a Tour

And finally, the last way on this list of how to get from Marrakesh to Fez is a bit different but offers a great option for those looking to see and experience as much in Morocco as possible.
Not normally a fan of a tour (as you’ll know if you read this blog regularly), this is however a great way to combine your journey from Marrakesh to Fez (or visa-versa) with a chance to see one of the country’s top sights… and that is the Sahara desert!