How to Travel From Marrakech to Fes

How to Travel From Marrakech to Fes: 5 Best Options (2025 Guide)

Traveling between Marrakech and Fes is one of the most popular routes in Morocco, especially for travelers who want to experience both imperial cities while also exploring the country’s diverse landscapes, culture, and history. Although Marrakech and Fes share many similarities—ancient medinas, palaces, souks, and a strong cultural identity—they each offer unique atmospheres. Marrakech is energetic, warm, and colorful, while Fes is deeply traditional, spiritual, and rich in craftsmanship.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to discover more, the journey between the two cities can be an adventure in itself. In 2025, travelers will have more choices than ever before: fast trains, comfortable buses, private drivers, desert tours, and domestic flights. The best option depends on your schedule, budget, comfort preferences, and whether you want to explore iconic destinations like the Sahara Desert along the way.

This guide breaks down the five best ways to travel from Marrakech to Fes, including travel times, costs, pros and cons, and the best choice for different types of travelers.

While the distance between Marrakech and Fes is roughly 530 km, what makes this journey fascinating is how dramatically the landscapes transform. Leaving Marrakech, you pass through farmland, olive groves, and small Berber towns. If you choose the desert tour route, you’ll travel across the High Atlas Mountains, visit the cinematic town of Ouarzazate, explore lush oases, and eventually reach the mesmerizing dunes of Merzouga. From there, the scenery shifts again as you travel through historic caravan routes, cedar forests, and mountain passes before arriving in the spiritual heart of Morocco: Fes.

For many travelers, this trip becomes one of the highlights of their entire Moroccan adventure. It’s not just a simple transfer from one city to another—it’s an opportunity to understand how diverse and geographically rich Morocco truly is. And with the country investing heavily in transportation infrastructure for 2025 and beyond, the entire route is smoother, more comfortable, and more accessible than ever.

No matter your travel style—budget backpacker, cultural explorer, luxury seeker, or adventure lover—there is a perfect way for you to get from Marrakech to Fes. This guide will help you compare all options clearly so you can choose the one that fits your journey best. Whether you want the quickest route, the most scenic, the most affordable, or the most immersive, you’ll find everything you need to plan your transfer with confidence.

Let’s explore the best ways to travel from Marrakech to Fes in 2025 and choose the option that turns your travel day into part of the adventure.

1. The Driving Route Through the Sahara Desert (Most Popular & Most Scenic)

Best for: Travelers who want adventure, culture, and desert experiences along the way
Travel time: 2–3 days
Experience level: 10/10

The most rewarding and unforgettable way to travel from Marrakech to Fes is by turning the journey into a multi-day road trip through the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains. This route is often considered one of the most beautiful road journeys in North Africa.

Instead of traveling directly from one city to another, travelers stop in breathtaking locations, including:

• The High Atlas Mountains
• Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO site)
• Dades Valley
• Todra Gorge
• Merzouga / Erg Chebbi desert dunes
• Ziz Valley
• Midelt
• Cedar forests with wild monkeys
• Ifrane (“the Switzerland of Morocco”)

Most travelers choose a 3-day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour, which includes a night in the Dades or Agdz region and a second night in a desert camp. This route allows you to ride camels, watch the sunset over golden dunes, enjoy Berber music, and sleep under the stars.

Why this route is the best

• You turn a simple transfer into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
• You see Morocco’s changing landscapes: mountains, oases, canyons, and desert.
• You get cultural experiences, stops at kasbahs, and encounters with local families.
• You avoid the long and tiring direct travel between cities.

Ideal Tour Options

• 2-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour – Fast but still includes an overnight desert stay.
• 3-Day Desert Tour Marrakech to Merzouga to Fes – The most comfortable and popular.
• Private Desert Tour – Ideal for families, couples, or travelers who want flexibility.

This remains the top choice for travelers who want more than transportation—those who want the full Morocco desert experience.

2. Train From Marrakech to Fes (Comfortable & Budget-Friendly)

Best for: Travelers who prefer convenience and smooth travel
Travel time: 6.5–7.5 hours
Cost: Affordable

Trains in Morocco are modern, safe, and comfortable. Although there is no high-speed train between Marrakech and Fes, the standard line is reliable and popular among both locals and tourists. Trains depart several times per day.

Pros of traveling by train

• Comfortable seating with AC
• Spacious carriages
• No traffic delays
• Affordable for all budgets
• Safe for solo travelers
• Beautiful scenery along the way

You can choose between 1st class and 2nd class, with first class offering more comfort, quieter compartments, and guaranteed seating.

What to expect

The route passes through cities like:

• Casablanca
• Rabat
• Meknes

While not the fastest, it’s one of the smoothest ways to travel.

Who the train is perfect for

• Digital nomads
• Solo travelers
• Families
• Visitors who don’t want to deal with long road trips
• Anyone who prefers direct transportation without stops

3. Bus From Marrakech to Fes (Budget Option with Quality Coaches)

Best for: Budget travelers and backpackers
Travel time: 7–9 hours
Cost: Cheaper than trains

If you’re traveling on a tight budget and prefer direct transportation, buses are a good option. Companies like CTM and Supratours offer clean and safe coaches with air-conditioning, luggage handling, and scheduled rest stops.

Pros

• The cheapest way to travel between the two cities
• Several departures per day
• Comfortable modern buses
• Safe and reliable

Cons

• The longest direct travel option
• More restrictive (few places to stretch or walk around)
• No scenic stops like the desert route

Who does this option suit

• Backpackers
• Students
• Travelers are comfortable with long-distance bus journeys

4. Private Transfer (Comfortable, Flexible, and Stress-Free)

Best for: Families, couples, travelers with luggage, and comfort-seekers
Travel time: 6–7 hours direct
Cost: Higher, but worth it for comfort

Hiring a private driver is one of the most convenient ways to travel between Marrakech and Fes. Unlike taxis, private transfers are booked in advance with verified companies, ensuring a clean vehicle, professional driver, and door-to-door service.

Benefits

• Total flexibility with departure time
• Stops anywhere along the way
• Ideal for large luggage
• Perfect for groups and families
• Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles

Private transfers also allow you to add sightseeing stops, such as:

• Beni Mellal
• Ifrane
• Middle Atlas viewpoints
• Local villages

You can customize the route entirely based on your travel style.

Who should choose this

• Couples who want privacy
• Families with children
• Senior travelers
• Visitors who value comfort and convenience

5. Flight From Marrakech to Fes (Fastest Option)

Best for: Travelers with very limited time
Travel time: 1 hour (plus airport time)
Cost: Usually the highest

Although flights between Marrakech and Fes are infrequent, they are available during certain seasons and offer the fastest way to travel between the two cities.

Pros

• Fastest travel method
• Saves you a whole day of transportation
• Ideal if you have a tight itinerary

Cons

• Airport check-in adds extra time
• No scenery or cultural experience
• Typically more expensive
• Limited availability

Still, for travelers who need to get from Marrakech to Fes quickly, this is the most time-efficient choice.

Which Option Is Best for You? (Quick Comparison)

Recommended: Turn the Journey Into a Desert Adventure

While all options are good depending on your needs, the desert route remains the absolute favorite for 2025 travelers. It transforms the transfer into a fully immersive Morocco experience—something you’ll remember long after your trip ends.

With providers like Desert Experience Glamping, you can enjoy:

• Camel rides
• Sunset over Erg Chebbi dunes
• Overnight stay in a luxury camp
• Berber drumming under the stars
• Scenic stops along the Atlas Mountains
• A chance to discover local culture and nomadic life

For many travelers, this becomes the highlight of their entire Morocco trip.

Tips for Traveling Between Marrakech and Fes

• Book train tickets in advance, especially during holidays.
• If choosing the desert tour, bring sunglasses, sun protection, and light clothing.
• Carry snacks and water for long trips.
• For private transfers, request hotel pick-up and drop-off.
• Keep your phone charged and download offline maps.
• Travel early in the day to avoid delays and heat.

Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Travel From Marrakech to Fes in 2025

Traveling between Marrakech and Fes isn’t just about moving from one city to another—it’s an opportunity to see Morocco’s most beautiful landscapes and immerse yourself in its culture. Whether you prefer comfort, budget travel, or adventure, each option offers a unique experience.

• Want unforgettable scenery and culture? Choose the desert tour.
• Want fast and easy? Book a flight or train.
• Want comfort and privacy? Choose a private transfer.
• Traveling on a budget? The bus works perfectly.

Whichever you choose, the journey between Marrakech and Fes is an essential part of discovering Morocco’s beauty, diversity, and magic.