How to Travel From Casablanca to Fez by Train, Bus, Car and Plane

As Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca is home to its biggest international airport and is the port of entry for many travelers. Although there are plenty of reasons to linger in Casablanca—a cosmopolitan restaurant and nightlife scene, and a wealth of beautiful Mauresque architecture for starters – it’s the imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, Marrakesh, and Fez that hold the most attraction for overseas visitors. Fez is the oldest of these and arguably the most authentic, with its 9th-century medina and winding souks. Casablanca and Fez are roughly 180 miles apart, and there are several ways to travel between the two, including by train, bus, car, and plane. Driving a rental car is the easiest way to get from A to B while taking a bus is the cheapest. 

How to Get From Casablanca to Fez

What is the Cheapest Way to Get From Casablanca to Fez?

The cheapest way to get from Casablanca to Fez is to take the bus. The long-distance bus company is called CTM. It offers multiple departures throughout the day that leave from three different Casablanca stations: Casablanca FAR, Casablanca Aïn Sebaâ, and Casablanca Maarif. Depending on which station you leave from, the service you choose, and the time of day, the journey takes between 3.5 and almost six hours. The CTM station in Fez is located in the Ville Nouvelle district. Tickets start at 105 dirhams (or about $12) per person, and you can purchase yours online via the CTM website or on the day from the bus station. 

What Is the Fastest Way to Get from Casablanca to Fez?

The fastest way to get from Casablanca to Fez is to fly. Royal Air Maroc offers a direct flight between the two cities that takes just 1 hour, 10 minutes; however, the door-to-door journey time from your hotel in Casablanca to your hotel in Fez is likely to be a lot longer. Both airports are roughly 30 minutes from their respective city centers, by taxi or train in Casablanca, and by taxi or bus in Fez. If there is traffic on the roads, these transfers can take considerably longer. Therefore, flying from Casablanca to Fez involves a total travel time of at least 2 hours, 10 minutes, (though that’s still an hour less than the next quickest option). One-way tickets with Royal Air Maroc start from 794 dirhams (around $89) per person and can be purchased online. 

How Long Does it Take to Drive?

If you plan on renting a car for your stay in Morocco, driving from Casablanca to Fez is a great option, offering comfort, speed, and the ability to determine your own schedule. The journey between central Casablanca and the Fez medina takes around 3 hours, 20 minutes, without traffic. The route is relatively well-signposted, and there are multiple opportunities for refueling along the way. There are toll gates, though, so be sure to have enough coins and small notes on you. Note that once you reach Fez, your hotel or riad is unlikely to have its own parking facilities, especially if it is located inside the medina. However, there are many safe public parking areas with 24-hour car guards—ask your hotelier for directions to the closest one. 

How Long Is the Train Ride? 

Traveling by train from Casablanca to Fez takes 3 hours, 55 minutes, and is our favorite option for those that don’t have access to a car. Trains in Morocco are reliable, safe, clean, and typically depart on time. You’ll also benefit from not having to worry about traffic on the roads. The national rail network, ONCF, operates the trains, and they depart 10 times a day from Casablanca’s central train station, Casa Voyageurs. Choose a second-class ticket for a discounted rate of 127 dirhams (around $14) per person, or pay 165 dirhams to travel first class and benefit from a pre-assigned seat. The train station in Fez is located outside the medina, with taxis to the old town taking approximately 15 minutes. Train tickets can be purchased from the ONCF website and at the train station.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Fez?

If you plan on driving to Fez, try to avoid traveling during the rush hour (7:30 to 9 a.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m.) in either city. Public transport options, including buses, trains, and planes, are all busier during school and public holidays, so be sure to book well in advance during these times. This is especially true during the month of Ramadan. More generally speaking, Fez is a delightful destination all year round. For the best weather and fewer crowds, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are traditionally considered the best times of year to visit. 

Can I Use Public Transportation to Travel From the Airport?

The easiest way to get from Fez Airport to the city center is to take a grand taxi. Grand taxis are big, white vehicles that are charged per car, not per seat. Expect to pay 120 dirhams to get to Fez train station and 150 dirhams to get to the medina. Alternatively, those on a budget may prefer to take a bus from the airport to the medina. To do this, catch the Number 16 bus from the roundabout located just down from the airport terminal. You can ride it all the way to the central train station (Gare de Fes) for just 4 dirhams (less than 50 cents). From there, you can take other city buses or a cheaper petit taxi to your final destination. 

What Is There to Do in Fez? 

Founded in 789, Fez is the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities and a veritable treasure trove for those interested in history, architecture, and traditional Moroccan culture. The main attraction is the original walled city, or medina, where winding streets lead through busy souks and past hidden museums, age-old mosques, and royal palaces. Fez is home to the world’s oldest university, Al-Karaouine, and to Medersa Bou Inania, one of the few religious institutions in Morocco that can be visited by non-Muslims. Other highlights include the medieval Chaouwara Tannery, where hides are dipped in vats of different colored dye, the arms museum at Borj Nord, and a host of excellent restaurants serving authentic Moroccan cuisine.