Getting Around Morocco: A Traveler's Guide to Public Transport

Exploring Morocco's public transportation options offers travelers a convenient and diverse way to discover the country's vibrant cities and stunning landscapes. From the bustling streets of Marrakech to the cultural hubs of Casablanca, Rabat, and Fez, getting around Morocco is made easy with a range of options, such as the bus services run by CTM, the national ONCF train network, and affordable taxis and grand taxis.

Whether navigating from an airport, hopping on a bus at a train station, or renting a car for a road trip to Tangier, Morocco’s public transport system is well-suited to help you explore its unique destinations.

Autobusai yra viena populiariausių ir ekonomiškiausių keliavimo priemonių Maroke, ypač keliaujant ilgais atstumais tarp miestų. Štai išsami autobusų paslaugų apžvalga:

Dvi žinomiausios kompanijos, CTM ir Supratours, siūlo patikimas ir patogias autobusų paslaugas, jungiančias pagrindinius miestus, tokius kaip Kasablanka, Marakešas, Rabatas ir Fesas. Šiuose autobusuose yra oro kondicionavimas, dažnai įrengtos atlošiamos sėdynės, siūlomi gaivinamieji gėrimai kelionės metu ir bagažo saugojimo vietos, todėl tai puikus pasirinkimas keliautojams, ieškantiems komforto.

• Bilietų kainos: Tarpmiestinių autobusų bilietų kainos skiriasi priklausomai nuo atstumo ir paslaugos tipo. Pavyzdžiui, kelionė iš Kasablankos į Marakešą paprastai kainuoja apie 80-130 MAD (8-13 USD), o ilgesnių maršrutų, tokių kaip iš Marakešo į Fesą, kainos svyruoja nuo 160-250 MAD (16-25 USD).
• Kaip įsigyti bilietus: Bilietus galima įsigyti internetu per autobusų bendrovės svetainę arba autobusų stotyse. Rekomenduojama užsisakyti iš anksto, ypač populiariems maršrutams. Taip pat galite įsigyti bilietus CTM arba Supratours biuruose didžiuosiuose miestuose arba per jų mobilias programėles.

Vietiniai autobusai siūlo pigesnį, bet mažiau patikimą būdą keliauti miesto ribose. Tokie miestai kaip Marrakešas, Kasablanka ir Rabatas turi plačius vietinių autobusų tinklus, nors šie autobusai dažnai būna perpildyti ir gali neturėti oro kondicionavimo. Vis dėlto jie yra nepaprastai pigūs - vienkartinio važiavimo bilietas miesto ribose paprastai kainuoja nuo 4 iki 6 MAD (mažiau nei 1 USD).

Kaip įsigyti bilietus: Vietinio autobuso bilietus paprastai galima nusipirkti tiesiai iš vairuotojo ar kontrolieriaus. Dažniausiai reikalingi tikslūs pinigai, todėl patartina turėti smulkių kupiūrų ir monetų.

ONCF Trains are an integral part of public transportation in Morocco, providing an efficient and comfortable way to get around the country. Morocco’s national railway company, ONCF, operates a comprehensive rail network connecting major cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Tangier, and Marrakech. Trains in Morocco offer two seating classes: first class, which provides reserved seating, air conditioning, and extra comfort, and second class, which is more affordable but can be crowded, especially during peak times.

Fares for ONCF trains are generally affordable. Second-class tickets between Casablanca and Marrakech cost around 150 MAD, while first-class fares can be about 250 MAD. Depending on the class and availability, a trip from Marrakech to Fes costs 200 to 300 MAD. Tickets can be purchased at train stations, online through the ONCF website, or via mobile apps, making it convenient to travel around Morocco by train.

Morocco offers the Al Boraq high-speed train for a faster way to travel. The train connects Casablanca to Tangier in just over two hours, significantly reducing travel time. A one-way ticket for the high-speed train costs between 250 and 400 MAD, depending on the class and time of booking.

Taxis in Morocco are one of the most convenient ways to get around cities and between towns, complementing the country's public transportation network. There are two types of taxis:

1. Petit Taxis: These small taxis operate within cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Agadir and are typically the cheapest way to travel around Moroccan cities. Fares usually start at around 7-10 MAD during the day and increase slightly at night, but ensure the driver uses the meter or agrees on a fare beforehand. Petit taxis can be hailed on the street or found at bus stations and taxi stands. Payment is generally made in cash, and card payments are not common.

2. Grand Taxis: Larger and shared, grand taxis operate between cities and towns, offering a less comfy but budget-friendly option for intercity travel. They follow fixed routes, and passengers can share the ride with others heading in the same direction. A ride between Marrakech and Agadir costs about 70-100 MAD per person, and they leave once full. Payment is typically in cash, and drivers prefer exact change.

For travelers getting around in Morocco, taxis are a common mode of transport and are often used in combination with train or bus travel. While grand taxis are good for longer distances, petit taxis are ideal for navigating around Moroccan cities.

Taxis offer an alternative to car rental, allowing visitors to travel around Morocco without the need to drive. Whether taking a taxi in Morocco or renting a car, taxis provide a reliable and accessible option in major cities for tourists exploring the country.

Trams in Morocco are a modern and convenient way to get around the bustling city of Casablanca, one of the few Moroccan cities with an operational tram network. The Casablanca Tramway is part of the broader public transportation system and is ideal for both locals and tourists exploring the city. Here's more information:

The Casablanca Tramway is an efficient transport mode connecting major districts such as Sidi Moumen, Ain Diab, and the city center. With two lines currently in operation, it offers an eco-friendly way to travel across Moroccan cities.

• Bilietų kainos: Vienkartinis bilietas kainuoja apie 8 MAD. Tramvajaus sistema siūlo įvairius bilietų variantus, įskaitant vienkartinius važiavimus, dienos bilietus ir mėnesinius abonementus. Studentams ir senjorams taikomos nuolaidos.
• Payment Methods: Tickets can be purchased from vending machines at tram stops, which accept cash and credit cards. They can also be booked online through a mobile app.
• Travel Time: The trams run frequently, with intervals of around 10-15 minutes during peak hours, ensuring timely intercity travel within Casablanca.

The Casablanca tramway is an excellent way to travel around Morocco, particularly for visitors to the city. It is affordable and reliable, and it avoids the heavy traffic that can be common when using a car rental or taxi in Morocco. If you're traveling from Marrakech to Casablanca and want to explore the city without worrying about parking, the tram is one of the best ways to get around.

For travelers looking to avoid driving, the tramway complements other transport options like petit taxis, buses, and trains. It's an integral part of the transport network in one of Morocco's busiest cities. Whether you're using a rental car, public bus, or train in Morocco, the Casablanca tramway is a cost-effective and efficient way to navigate the city's urban sprawl.

Bicycle rentals in Morocco are becoming an increasingly popular way to get around Moroccan cities such as Marrakech and Agadir. For tourists and locals alike, biking offers an eco-friendly and flexible way to travel while enjoying the sights at your own pace. Here are more details:

• Cities with Bike Rentals: Cities like Marrakech, Agadir, and Essaouira offer bike rental services. Marrakech is particularly popular for bike rentals due to its relatively flat landscape, making exploring more accessible. Bikes can be rented in these cities for a few hours or even multiple days, depending on your needs.
• Bike Types and Services: Most rental services offer a range of bikes, from city bikes to mountain bikes, and provide helmets and locks. Some companies even organize guided bike tours to help visitors navigate local sights or off-the-beaten-path areas.

• Prices: The cost of bike rentals typically ranges between 60 and 120 MAD per day, depending on the type of bike and duration of the rental. Some providers also offer half-day or hourly rates.
• How to Rent: Bikes can be rented from specialized shops or from hotels and riads that partner with bike rental services. Booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Many companies allow online reservations.

• Marrakech: Exploring the medina or riding through beautiful gardens like Majorelle Garden or the Agdal Gardens can be a unique experience. Those looking for a more adventurous ride can take a bike tour towards the Palmeraie (palm grove) area just outside the city.
• Agadiras: miesto pakrantė dviratininkams siūlo vaizdingas trasas, ypač palei Agadiro Kornišą. Tai puiki vieta važinėti dviračiu grožintis Atlanto vandenyno vaizdais.

Renting a car in Morocco can be a great way to get around and explore remote areas that are not as easily accessible by public transportation. While public transport like buses and trains connect most major cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes, and Rabat, renting a car offers you the freedom to travel at your own pace and visit off-the-beaten-path destinations like the Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, or the rural villages across the country.

• Price Range: The cost of renting a car in Morocco depends on several factors, such as the type of car, rental duration, and the rental company. Generally, prices start from:
  • Ekonominės klasės automobiliai: 200-400 MAD per dieną ($20-$40 USD)
  • Visureigiai arba 4x4: 600-1,200 MAD per dieną (60-120 USD), kurie puikiai tinka keliauti kaimo vietovėmis ar dykumos keliais.
• Ilgalaikė nuoma dažnai siūlo geresnius įkainius, o nuomojantis savaitei galima gauti nuolaidų.

• Payment Options: Most car rental companies accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and you may be required to present a valid card to place a security deposit. The deposit amount can range from 2,000 to 5,000 MAD, depending on the car type and rental company.
• Prepayment: Some rental services allow you to book and pay online in advance, offering convenience and sometimes discounts.

• Airports: Major airports like Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, Marrakech Menara Airport, and Agadir Al Massira Airport have a range of car rental companies on-site, making it easy to pick up a car right after you land.
• City Centers: In major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech, you can find both international brands (such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar) and local companies. Renting from city centers might offer more affordable options compared to airport rentals.

• Driving License: Visitors can use their home country’s driver’s license for up to 90 days, but some rental companies might require a driving permit abroad or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Road Conditions: While major highways between cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Fes are generally in good condition, rural roads can be less maintained. Renting a 4x4 vehicle is recommended if you plan to visit more remote areas or the Sahara Desert.
• Greičio apribojimai: Miestuose įprastai galioja 50 km/val. riba, o greitkeliuose - 100-120 km/val.. Laikykitės Maroko kelių eismo taisyklių, kad kelionė būtų sklandi.
• Toll Roads: Some highways, such as the ones between Casablanca and Marrakech, are toll roads. Tolls are affordable, ranging from 10-100 MAD, depending on the distance traveled.

1. Flexibility: Renting a car in Morocco allows you to travel around the country at your own pace, making it easier to visit remote locations like the Dades Gorges, Ouarzazate, or coastal areas like Essaouira.

2. Off-the-Beaten Path: This is the best option for getting around rural Morocco and exploring places that are harder to reach by public transport.

3. Travel Time: Renting a car often reduces travel time compared to relying on public buses or trains, especially for intercity or intercity travel.

• Mandatory Insurance: Car rental prices in Morocco usually include basic insurance, but it’s advisable to check what’s covered. Additional coverage, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) or theft protection, can be purchased for extra security.
• Third-Party Insurance: Some credit cards offer rental car insurance, so check your card’s policies before purchasing extra insurance from the rental company.

1. Book in Advance: It’s always a good idea to book online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons when rental cars may be in high demand.

2. Fuel Policy: Most rentals have a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank.

3. Patikrinkite automobilį: Prieš išvykdami iš nuomos punkto, apžiūrėkite automobilį dėl bet kokių esamų pažeidimų ir įsitikinkite, kad jie yra pažymėti nuomos sutartyje.

• Best Time to Rent: Renting a car is ideal if you plan to travel to regions like the Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, or rural towns where public transport is limited.
• Alternative Transport: In large cities, public transportation like petit taxis, buses, or the Casablanca tram might be more convenient due to traffic and parking challenges.

• Tarptautiniai prekės ženklai: Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Budget ir Europcar.
• Vietinės įmonės: Locarent, AirCar ir Medloc Maroc.

• Availability: Careem, a popular ride-hailing service in the Middle East, operates in several Moroccan cities, including Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat. Other local apps may exist, but Careem is widely known for its ease of use and reliable service.
• Booking: You can book a ride directly through the Careem app on your smartphone, similar to other global services like Uber (which currently doesn’t operate in Morocco). Just enter your pick-up location and destination, and the app will calculate the fare and send you the nearest driver.

• Booking: You can book a ride directly through the Careem app on your smartphone, similar to other global services like Uber (which currently doesn’t operate in Morocco). Just enter your pick-up location and destination, and the app will calculate the fare and send you the nearest driver.

• Base Fare: Fares for Careem vary depending on the city and the type of service you choose (standard, economy, etc.).
  • Kasablankoje pradinė kaina paprastai prasideda nuo 5-7 MAD, prie jos pridedant papildomus mokesčius už nuvažiuotą kilometrą ar važiavimo minutę.
  • Už 10 minučių, 5 kilometrų kelionę, galite tikėtis mokėti apie 20-30 MAD.
• Piko valandos: Kaip ir kitose pavėžėjimo platformose, kainos gali būti didesnės piko metu arba kai paklausa yra didelė.

• Cash or Card: One of the advantages of using Careem in Morocco is the flexibility in payment methods. Users can choose to pay with:
  • Grynaisiais tiesiogiai vairuotojui - tai labai įprasta Maroke.
  • Kredito/debeto kortelės, susietos su Careem programėle, leidžia atlikti bekontakčius ir patogius mokėjimus.
• Mobilieji mokėjimai: Kai kurie vartotojai taip pat gali naudotis mobiliųjų piniginių paslaugomis, priklausomai nuo programėlės prieinamumo.

1. Convenience: With Careem, you don’t need to negotiate fares or find a small taxi on the street. Simply open the app, book, and pay.

2. Saugumas: Programėlė leidžia sekti kelionę, matyti vairuotojų reitingus ir dalintis kelionės informacija su draugais ar šeima papildomam saugumui užtikrinti.

3. Cashless Payments: While cash is widely accepted, cashless payments through the app make it easier for travelers without local currency.

4. Skaidrios kainos: Programėlė apskaičiuoja kelionės kainą, tad jums nereikia sukti galvos dėl skaitiklių ar derėtis dėl įkainių.

• Taxis in Morocco, such as petit taxis (for short distances within cities) and grands taxis (for intercity travel), are common and widely available. However, sometimes the meters are not used, and negotiation is required, especially for tourists.
• Su Careem nereikia derėtis dėl kainos, todėl kelionė tampa paprastesnė ir dažnai labiau patinka lankytojams.

• Casablanca: The largest city in Morocco, Casablanca offers plenty of Careem drivers, especially in business districts, tourist areas, and the Casablanca tramlines.
• Marrakech: The app works well in Marrakech, providing a great alternative to navigating the busy streets of the Medina or finding transportation to tourist spots like Jemaa el-Fna or Majorelle Garden.
• Rabat: In Rabat, Morocco’s capital, Careem is a convenient way to travel around its city center and to important sites like Hassan Tower or the Royal Palace.

Marokas siūlo spalvingą patirtį, o viešasis transportas gali praturtinti jūsų kelionę. Štai keletas naudingų patarimų keliautojams, kurie naudojasi viešuoju transportu Maroke:

• Buses: Local buses are widely available, especially in major cities. Companies like CTM and Supratours operate intercity routes connecting towns and cities.
• Trains: The train network, operated by ONCF, connects major cities such as Casablanca, Marrakech, and Fez. It's a comfortable way to travel long distances.
• Trams: Cities like Casablanca have tram services, making it easy to get around the city.
• Taxis: Petit taxis are suitable for short distances within cities. Grand taxis are suitable for longer trips between cities, though the fare should be negotiated beforehand if the meter isn’t used.

• Maršrutų tyrimas: Iš anksto susipažinkite su autobusų ir traukinių maršrutais. Navigacijai gali padėti programėlės, tokios kaip "Google Maps".
• Patikrinkite tvarkaraščius: Traukinių ir autobusų tvarkaraščiai gali keistis, ypač švenčių metu. Pasitikrinkite tvarkaraščius internete arba stotyse, kad nereikėtų ilgai laukti.

• Rezervuokite internetu: Ilgesnėms kelionėms traukiniais ar tarpmiestiniais autobusais rekomenduojama bilietus rezervuoti internetu iš anksto, kad užsitikrintumėte vietą.
• Pirkimas stotyse: Vietiniam transportui bilietus galite įsigyti autobusų stotyse arba bilietų automatuose, kur jie yra. Bilietą saugokite iki kelionės pabaigos.

• Mokėjimas grynaisiais: Daugelyje viešojo transporto sistemų, ypač autobusuose ir vietiniuose taksi, gali nepriimti kortelių. Įsitikinkite, kad turite vietinės valiutos (Maroko dirhamų) kelionėms.
• Smulkūs banknotai: Turėkite smulkių banknotų, kad būtų lengviau mokėti už bilietus ar keliones be grąžos

• Kišenvagių pavojus: Kaip ir daugelyje turistinių vietų, saugokite savo daiktus, ypač žmonių miniose ar viešajame transporte.
• Būkite mandagūs: marokiečiai yra draugiški žmonės. Pasisveikinkite su bendrakeleiviais ir vairuotojais. Paprastas "salam" (labas) gali labai praversti.

• Renkitės kukliai: Nors tai nėra griežtas reikalavimas, kuklus aprangos stilius yra vertinamas, ypač kaimo vietovėse.
• Būkite kantrūs: Viešasis transportas gali būti perpildytas, o tvarkaraščiai ne visada tikslūs. Kantrybė - svarbiausia!

• Transport Apps: To navigate more easily, consider downloading apps like Careem for ride-sharing or local transport apps for bus and train schedules.
• Vertimo programėlės: Naudokite vertimo programėles bendravimui, jei susiduriate su kalbos barjeru, nes anglų kalba už didžiųjų miestų ribų gali būti mažai vartojama.

• Planuokite vėlavimus: Skirkite daugiau laiko kelionei, ypač persėdimams tarp autobusų ir traukinių. Maroko viešasis transportas kartais vėluoja.
• Venkite piko valandų: Keliaukite ne piko valandomis, kad išvengtumėte perpildytų autobusų ir traukinių.

• Kalbos pagrindai: mokėjimas kelių pagrindinių frazių arabų ar prancūzų kalba gali padėti lengviau orientuotis ir pagerinti bendravimą su vietiniais.

• Pažinkite vietinį gyvenimą: Naudokitės viešuoju transportu, kad pamatytumėte kasdienį marokiečių gyvenimą. Tai puikus būdas apžiūrėti kraštovaizdį, susipažinti su vietiniais ir atrasti paslėptus lobius, nutolusius nuo turistinių maršrutų.

Štai dažniausiai užduodami klausimai (DUK) apie viešąjį transportą Maroke ir atsakymai į juos:

Viešasis transportas siūlo ekonomišką ir ekologišką būdą keliauti tarp miestų bei atrasti paslėptus lobius, kuriuos galėtumėte praleisti keliaudami privačiu automobiliu. Keliaudami autobusais, traukiniais, tramvajais ar taksi, susidursite su įvairialype Maroko visuomene - nuo šurmuliuojančių turgų iki ramių peizažų, bendraudami su draugiškais vietiniais. Be to, tai suteikia unikalią galimybę pajusti Maroko gyvenimo ritmą, užmegzti įsimintinus ryšius ir sukurti kelionės istorijas. Priimkite viešojo transporto nuotykį ir atraskite, kodėl tai vienas geriausių būdų patirti tikrąją Maroko esmę.