Many travellers are surprised to learn just how large Morocco is. From the beaches of Agadir to the blue-alleys of Chefchaouen or the dunes of Merzouga in the Sahara, distances can be long and road-trips often take more time than expected. Understanding travel times between cities helps you plan a smoother itinerary—whether you travel by car, train or domestic flight.
1. Morocco at a Glance
- Total area: about 710,850 km² (274,400 sq miles) — roughly twice the size of the UK.
- North to South: approximately 3,000 km (1864 miles) in the longest direction.
- East to West: around 500 km (310 miles) at the widest point.
- Key transport modes: car (road), train, bus/coach and domestic flights.
- Although Morocco has a modern road-network, travel times can still feel longer than expected—especially when crossing the Atlas Mountains or going to the south.
2. Distance & Travel Time Between Major Cities
Here is a table to illustrate the kind of distances and approximate travel times between some of the key destinations. These are order-of-magnitude estimates to help your clients understand the scale.
| Route | Approx Driving Distance | Approx Driving Time* | Notes on Train/Flight Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casablanca → Marrakech | ~240 km | ~2.5–3 hrs | Train available (~2.5 hrs) |
| Casablanca → Fès | ~295 km | ~3.5–4 hrs | Train (~4 hrs); flight possible |
| Casablanca → Chefchaouen | ~340 km | ~5.5–6 hrs (via Kenitra/Rabat) | Train to Kenitra or Rabat + bus/taxi |
| Marrakech → Fès | ~530 km | ~6–7 hrs | Train (via Casablanca ~7 hrs); flight option |
| Marrakech → Chefchaouen | ~570 km | ~8–9 hrs | Train to Casablanca/Rabat + bus |
| Fès → Chefchaouen | ~200 km | ~4 hrs | Bus only |
| Marrakech → Agadir | ~250 km | ~3 hrs | Highway; no train |
| Marrakech → Ouarzazate | ~195 km | ~4–4.5 hrs | Scenic drive via Tizi n’Tichka Pass |
| Ouarzazate → Merzouga | ~370 km | ~6–7 hrs | Drive via Tinghir and Erfoud |
| Marrakech → Merzouga (Sahara Desert) | ~560 km | ~9–10 hrs | Best done with overnight stop (e.g., in Dades Valley) |
| Casablanca → Dakhla | ~1,370 km | ~17–18 hrs | Flight (~2 hrs) recommended |
| Marrakech → Dakhla | ~1,200 km | ~15–16 hrs | Flight (~2 hrs) |
| Casablanca → Rabat | ~90 km | ~1 hr | Easy train ride (~1 hr) |
*Times are approximate and based on Google Maps averages. Mountain roads like the Tizi n’Tichka Pass between Marrakech and Ouarzazate can take longer depending on traffic and weather.
3. Travel Tips for Your Clients
- Trains: The national train network (ONCF) is reliable for many of the northern or central city-connections (Casablanca, Rabat, Fès, Marrakech).
- Flights: For very long drives (e.g., to the south or the desert region like Dakhla or Laâyoune) it is often far quicker and more comfortable to fly.
- Cars/road: Renting a car offers flexibility—especially for scenic routes (e.g., through the Atlas Mountains) or less-visited regions. But you must budget more time than just the “distance divided by 100 km/h” rule.
- Terrain & time-buffers: Mountain passes, rural roads, slower speeds, and traffic all add time. It’s wise to build in extra margin for connection days.
- Day-of-travel planning: Avoid scheduling “back-to-back” long drives without rest. If your clients want a relaxing travel pace, encourage them to split up longer journeys into overnight stops.
- Client expectations: Even though some distances “look” short on the map, clients often underestimate how long the journey will feel. Emphasize the “journey is part of the experience” notion: scenic landscapes, stops, and transitions add to the value of the trip.
Ready to explore Morocco but not sure how to build comfortably-paced route? Let us help. At Simply Morocco we design tailor-made itineraries balanced for travel time, comfort and discovery.
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