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London to Morocco by train in just 48 hours...
This page explains how to plan & book a journey from London to Tangier, Marrakech, Fez, Rabat or Casablanca without flying, in comfort & safety using regular daily scheduled train & ferry services. And what a journey! Take Eurostar to Paris, grab a beer in a Parisian café and board the excellent Elipsos sleeper train to Madrid. Enjoy a meal with wine in the restaurant car and a nightcap in the bar before retiring to your sleeper for the night as the train speeds south across France, then wake up to breakfast as the sun rises over distant Spanish mountains. Spend a day in Madrid, visit the Prado Museum or soak up the atmosphere in the Plaza Santa Ana before taking an afternoon express across Andalusia to Algeciras on the Straits of Gibraltar. Next morning, take the ferry from Europe to Africa, the Rock of Gibraltar close on the port beam and the African coast getting slowly nearer. Once in Morocco, let the real Marrakech Express speed you south towards the incredible High Atlas mountains...
Train
times, fares & tickets...
London to Morocco train & ferry times southbound
Morocco to London train & ferry times northbound
How to buy tickets, the cheapest way
Video guide: A journey from Morocco to Madrid by ferry & train
Places to stay & things to see in Tangier
Train travel in Morocco: Trains from Tangier to Marrakech, Fez, Rabat, Casablanca
Hotel recommendations in Algeciras, Tangier & Morocco
Car hire in Morocco - ideal for seeing the area south of Marrakech
Holidays & escorted tours to Morocco by train - all sorted out for you.
Sponsored links...
Useful
country information
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Train operator in Morocco: |
Office Nationale des Chemins de Fer Maroccains (ONCFM), www.oncf.ma. Train travel in Morocco. All-Europe train times |
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Ferries to Morocco: |
www.trasmediterranea.es, www.euroferrys.com, www.nautas-almaghreb.com www.frs.es (Spain-Tangier), Comanav (France-Tangier) |
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Time zone: |
GMT (GMT+1 last Sunday in April to last Sunday in September, except during Ramadan). |
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Dialling code: |
+212 |
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Currency: |
£1 = approx 12 Dirhams Currency converter |
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Tourist information: |
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Hotels: |
Hotel recommendations Holidays & escorted tours to Morocco by train |
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Visas: |
UK & EU citizens do not need a visa to visit Morocco for up to 90 days. |
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Page last updated: |
1 May 2013 |
London
& Paris to Tangier, Fez & Marrakech
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The mud-built town at Aït ben Haddou, south of Marrakech. Many movie scenes were filmed here, such as 'Gladiator'. It's well worth hiring a car for a few days and exploring this region... |
London ► Morocco
- Day 1: London to Paris by Eurostar. Travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, leaving London St Pancras at 13:31 (12:25 on Saturdays) arriving in Paris Gare du Nord at 16:47 (15:47 on Saturdays). By all means book an earlier Eurostar if you'd like to spend some time in Paris or if it has cheaper seats available. There are left luggage lockers at both Paris Nord and Paris Austerlitz.
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Cross Paris by metro to the Gare d'Austerlitz.
- Day 1: Paris to Madrid overnight by Elipsos trainhotel. Travel from Paris to Madrid overnight on the excellent Elipsos trainhotel, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz at 18:08 and arriving next morning at Madrid Chamartin station at 09:40. On what days does the trainhotel run? In autumn & winter from 16 October 2012 until 19 March 2013 it runs only on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights. In spring & summer from 20 March to 15 October 2013 it runs every night of the week. The trainhotel is a special articulated sleeper train with 4-berth tourist class sleepers, 1 & 2-berth 1st class sleepers, and 1 & 2-berth Gran Clase sleepers with private shower & toilet. The trainhotel has an elegant restaurant car and a vibrant café-bar, see the London to Spain page for more information about this train, or the excellent virtual tour at www.elipsos.com.
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Spend a morning enjoying Madrid. Map of Madrid. There are left luggage lockers at both Madrid Chamartin where you arrive & Madrid Atocha from where you depart. You can take the metro from Chamartin into the city centre, see www.metromadrid.es, or take a suburban train free of charge to Atocha (show your trainhotel ticket) and deposit your bags there. In the late afternoon, make your way by metro to Madrid's Atocha station, or simply walk there from the city centre which takes about 25 minutes.
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Day 2: Madrid to Algeciras on the afternoon Altaria train. Travel from Madrid to Algeciras (the Spanish town across the bay from Gibraltar) on the early evening 125mph air-conditioned Altaria train, leaving Madrid Atocha station at 15:05 and arriving in Algeciras at 20:15. It's a scenic ride, though the last part is after dark. Altaria trains have 1st class (Preferente) and 2nd class (Turista) and a cafe-bar with full length wooden bar and barstools. The Preferente fare includes a complimentary aperitif of sherry or cava then an airline-style hot meal with choice of wines followed by coffee & chocolate. Preferente passengers may also use the Sala Club (1st class lounge) in Madrid Atocha station, with complimentary coffee, juices & free beer.
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Day 2: Spend the night in Algeciras. Easily the nicest place to stay is the historic 4-star but relatively inexpensive Hotel Reina Cristina, set in its own grounds 10 minutes walk from both the railway station and the ferry terminal. Algeciras hotel bookings. Map of Algeciras & Gibraltar area.
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Day 3: Sail from Algeciras to Tangier Med Port by ferry. In Algeciras, the modern ferry passenger terminal is a 10-minute (800 metre) walk from the station straight ahead of you. There's no need to book in advance for any of the ferries, just turn up and buy your ticket from one of the many ferry company ticket offices at the entrance to the passenger terminal. Then go inside the terminal and upstairs to the check-in windows. There are a range of departures throughout the day, operated by a variety of ferry companies. You can choose either a leisurely ship taking 1 hour 30 minutes or a fast ferry taking 50 minutes. To check ferry times and fares, see www.comarit.com (ship), www.trasmediterranea.es (fast ferry & ship) or www.euroferrys.com (fast ferry & ship, also bookable through www.trasmediterranea.es) or www.balearia.com (fast ferry & ship). The Seat61 Ferry Shop gives times, fares & online booking for both Balearia and Trasmediterranea.
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There's usually a Comarit ship leaving at 07:00 arriving Tangier Med port at 07:30/06:30, or one at 09:00 arriving Tangier Med port 09:30/08:30. The arrival times vary because Morocco is sometimes an hour behind Spain, sometimes two hours behind depending on the time of year, see the Useful Country Information towards the top of this page. The fast ferries run by Trasmediterranea & Nautas are more modern & quicker, but you'll be sealed-in except for a windy observation deck at the rear which may or may not be open. The conventional ships are older and slower, but their open decks allow you to enjoy the crossing and take photographs in the open air. Whichever ferry company you choose, the ferry sails out of Algeciras harbour in a wide arc to starboard with the Rock of Gibraltar to port, then sails across the Straits of Gibraltar into Tangier Med ferry terminal, a new and efficient concrete-and-oil-tanks port some 52 km east of Tangier town. It's a scenic crossing, and you can see for yourself just how narrow the Straits of Gibraltar between Europe and Africa really are, between the two famous 'Pillars of Hercules'!
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When you arrive at Tangier Med Port, you walk off the ferry and board a free transfer bus which shuttles foot passengers down the road and up the hill to the modern ferry terminal building marked 'Gare Maritime'. You enter the building and pass through passport control and a brief X-ray customs check into the main hall. To get some Moroccan dirhams, there are two ATMs to your immediate left as you enter the main hall. There are toilets in the far left corner. You exit the terminal onto the forecourt to find taxis and buses to Tangier town.
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Transfer from Tanger Med Port to Tangier town. The cheapest option is to use the hourly bus from Tanger Med Port to Tangier town run jointly by the ferry companies. Originally free, it's now reported to cost 25 dirhams (about €2.50). It leaves from the Gare Maritime forecourt every hour taking 40-50 minutes for the 52km. According to one report the bus drops you at Tangier's Place Jamia el Arbia (see map of Tangier) but according to other reports (and the official blurb) it goes to the old gate to Tangier's original town port. Alternatively, a private Grand Taxi from Tanger Med Port direct to your hotel in Tangier town will cost you 300 dirhams or €30 and you'll find plenty of these sand-coloured Grand Taxis (mostly ancient Mercedes) parked to your right as you exit the Gare Maritime. Services may start on a new rail link between the port and Tangier Ville station in late 2012 or 2013, but although the rail line itself appears to be completed, there's still no sign of any station or passenger service. If you use Tanger Med and have any feedback, please email me.
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Alternative ferry from Tarifa to Tangier town: Alternatively, fast ferry company www.frs.es operates a free transfer bus from Algeciras port to Tarifa to connect with its modern SeaCat fast ferries direct to Tangier's old ferry terminal. This is far more conveniently located in the heart of Tangier town, just 5 minutes walk from the Continental Hotel. FRS's distinctive red bus leaves from a bus parking space outside Algeciras passenger ferry terminal (Estación Maritima) an hour before each ferry departure from Tarifa. The 22km (14 mile) drive to Tarifa takes 30 minutes, through pretty hills past numerous wind turbines. The FRS ferry may be a better option, involving an Algeciras-Tarifa bus but avoiding the Tanger Med Port to Tangier 52 km bus or taxi transfer. It's certainly more romantic arriving at Tangier's old town than arriving at the concrete-and-oil-tanks Tangier Med Port 50km away! FRS use modern SeaCats with comfortable lounge seating and a refreshment counter.
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Stopover in Madrid? Here's an alternative if you'd prefer to spend the night in Madrid instead of in Algeciras: On day 2, stay the night in a hotel in Madrid, then on the morning of day 3 take the 08:35 Altaria train from Madrid Atocha station to Algeciras, arriving at 13:46. An afternoon ferry from Algeciras will get you to Tangier in the evening on day 3. Although a half day slower overall, this option gives you a full day and evening in Madrid, and the morning Altaria train to Algeciras will show you the wonderful mountain scenery in southern Spain in daylight.
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Onwards train travel to Rabat, Casablanca, Meknès, Fez or Marrakech: For onwards travel from Tangier southwards, see the train travel in Morocco section.
Can I stop off on the way?
Of course. The Eurostar, the trainhotel and the Altaria train are ticketed as three separate journeys, so feel free to book each leg of the journey on whatever dates you like, spending however long you like in Paris or Madrid on the way. The Altaria trains all stop at Ronda on the way to and from Algeciras, a wonderful town to visit. Left luggage facilities in Paris & Madrid.
On board the trainhotel from Paris to Madrid...
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The trainhotel is an articulated Spanish Talgo train, run by Elipsos, a consortium of French & Spanish railways.
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Gran Clase sleeper, in evening mode with the seats folded out... |
...return from dinner and the attendant has made up the beds... |
Gran Clase sleeper private toilet & shower... |
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The trainhotel's café-bar serves drinks & food. Grab a barstool early, it gets crowded later on! |
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The elegant trainhotel restaurant awaits first sitting for dinner. The Gran Clase fares include dinner & breakfast. |
On board the Altaria train from Madrid to Algeciras...
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Turista (2nd class) seating on an Altaria train... |
The articulated Talgo Altaria train at Algeciras station... |
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The Preferente fare includes an at-seat meal with wine... |
Preferente (1st class) seating on an Altaria train... |
Option 1, ferry from Algeciras to Tangier Med Port (then taxi or bus to Tangier)...
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Fast ferry passing Gibraltar: Fast ferries from Algeciras to Tangier Med Port take just 50-60 minutes, although you're mostly sealed in. Here, a fast ferry sails out of Algeciras with the Rock of Gibraltar in the background... |
Conventional ferry at Tangier Med Port: Conventional ships take 1½ hours, but their decks allow you to enjoy the crossing of the Straits of Gibraltar in the open air. This is a Balearia ferry. |
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At Tangier Med Port, you walk off the ferry and onto a free shuttle bus which transfers you along the road and up the hill to the terminal building (Gare Maritime) for passport control. |
Inside Tangier Med Port Gare Maritime are the passport controls, X-ray machines, check-in desks & ATMs. Taxis are waiting outside, plus an hourly free bus to Tangier. |
Option 2, FRS fast ferry from Tarifa to Tangier Town with free bus from Algeciras...
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The free FRS shuttle bus leaves from outside Algeciras' modern Estación Maritima 1 hour before each ferry departure. |
It's just a 30 minute 22km drive to Tarifa. You enter the small modern ferry terminal & board the SeaCat for Tangier... |
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Inside the FRS fast ferry. There's a refreshment counter selling food and drink, including a welcome cold beer. There are small open-air observation decks at the rear. |
The FRS fast ferry at tangier town ferry terminal. FRS still use the old Tangier Town terminal, just a 5 minute walk from the Continental Hotel & old medina. A more convenient & romantic place to arrive! Now see the video! |
Why not see Gibraltar on the way?
Bus M-120 links Algeciras bus station (across the road from the station) with La Linea, the frontier with Gibraltar, every 30-45 minutes, taking about 45 minutes, fare about €2.05. You then walk across the frontier through Spanish then UK passport control into Gibraltar (5-10 minutes), then either walk (10-15 minutes) or take a taxi from the taxi stop just inside the border into Gibraltar town centre. The walk or taxi ride takes you across Gibraltar Airport's main runway, but don't worry, they stop the cars and pedestrians when a plane comes in to land! The M-120 bus operator website is www.ctmcg.com. Alternatively, a taxi from Algeciras railway station to La Linea at the gates to Gibraltar costs €24.75 (fixed-price, the Spanish taxis don't use the meter for longer runs like this, and aren't allowed to cross into Gibraltar itself).
A fast ferry may occasionally operate from Gibraltar to Tangier (the operator is www.frs.es) but there were only Friday & Sunday evening crossings in 2008 & 2009, check what's happening now at www.frs.es. In most cases, after visiting Gibraltar you'll need return to Algeciras by bus or taxi for the regular ferries from there.
Morocco ► London
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Travel from Marrakesh or Fez to Tangier by train: For train times from Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Meknès to Tangier, see below.
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Day 1, transfer to Tangier Med Port: In the afternoon or evening, take a bus or taxi from Tangier town to Tangier Med Port. As from May 2010, all ferries to Algeciras leave from the new ferry terminal at Tanger Med port (Port Tanger Mediterranée, see map), located some 52 km east of Tangier town itself. The ferry companies run an hourly free bus, according to one report departing from Place Jamia el Arbia (see map of Tangier), according to others departing from the old main gate to Tangier's original town port. A taxi from Tangier town to Tangier Med Port costs 300 dirhams or 30 euros. A train service to Tangier Med Port is due to start at some point, perhaps in 2012 or 2013. At Tanger Med Port's modern 'Gare Maritime' ferry terminal there are ferry company ticket offices and check-ins, you pass through passport control and customs, then a free transfer bus shuttles you down the hill to the actual ferry dock before each ferry departure.
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Day 1, sail from Tangier Med Port to Algeciras by ferry: Once at Tangier Med Port, on most days there's a Comarit ship which sails at 18:00 arriving in Algeciras at 20:30/21:30 and another at 20:00 arriving Algeciras at 22:30/23:30 (Spain is normally an hour ahead or Morocco, but at certain times of year is 2 hours ahead). By all means take an earlier ship or fast ferry if you want more of an evening relaxing in Algeciras at the recommended Hotel Reina Cristina. It's a 1hour 30 minute crossing by ship or around 1 hour by fast SeaCat. See www.comarit.com, www.trasmediterranea.es, www.euroferrys.com, or www.balearia.com to check ferry times & fares. If you use Tanger Med and have any feedback, please email me.
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Alternatively, use the FRS fast ferry from Tangier Town to Tarifa with free transfer bus to Algeciras, see www.frs.es. This may be the better option, as this ferry still sails from the old ferry terminal in the heart of Tangier town, just 5 minutes walk from the Continental Hotel. In Tangier, check-in for the ferry is a minimum of 45 minutes, although Moroccan passport checks can be very slow, so get there sooner rather than later. First, exchange your self-print FRS ticket for a boarding pass at the FRS office on the right as you approach the flying-saucer-like ferry terminal, then go upstairs into the terminal for passport control and boarding. The crossing takes an hour or less, and at Tarifa the distinctive red transfer coach will be waiting outside the small but modern ferry terminal when you emerge from passport control. The 22km (14 mile) drive to Algeciras takes just 30 minutes through pretty hills past many wind turbines. It arrives right in front of Algeciras passenger ferry terminal (Estación Maritima), 10 minutes walk from the railway station or the Reina Cristina Hotel.
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Spend the night in Algeciras, ideally at the characterful Hotel Reina Cristina set in its own grounds a 10 minute walk from both the station and ferry terminal. I deliberately suggest an overnight stop in Algeciras as the ferries often run an hour or two late, so don't plan any tight same-day connections between ferry & train in Algeciras.
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Day 2, travel from Algeciras to Madrid by high-speed Altaria train. You leave Algeciras at 08:45 and arrive in Madrid Atocha at 14:05. Altaria trains have air-conditioned 2nd class (Turista), 1st class (Preferente) and a cafe-bar. The Preferente fare includes an at-seat meal with aperitif and selection of wines. Make your way by metro or suburban train to Madrid Chamartin.
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An alternative if you'd prefer a day and night in Madrid: On day 1, leave Tangier Med Port on a ferry around 09:00 or 10:00 arriving Algeciras, see www.trasmediterranea.es, www.comarit.com or www.euroferrys.com to check sailing times and fares. Then take the afternoon Altaria train from Algeciras (departing at 15:05) to Madrid (arriving Madrid Atocha at 20:25), and spend the night in Madrid.
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Day 2, travel from Madrid to Paris on the excellent Elipsos trainhotel. You leave Madrid Chamartin at 18:12 (19:00 on Saturdays) and arrive in Paris Gare d'Austerlitz next morning at 09:03 on weekdays or 10:37 at weekends. On what days does the trainhotel run? In autumn & winter from 16 October 2012 until 18 March 2013 it runs only on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights. In spring & summer from 19 March to 14 October 2013 it runs every night of the week. Sleepers, bar, restaurant are available. Trainhotel passengers in Preferente and Gran Clase sleepers may use the Sala Club (1st class lounge) at Madrid Chamartin near platform 14, with complimentary tea, coffee, juices and free beer. On arrival in Paris, take the metro to the Gare du Nord: Metro line 5 links Paris Nord & Paris Austerlitz, just follow the signs 'M5 direction Bobigny Pablo Picasso'.
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Day 3, morning, travel from Paris to London by Eurostar. On weekdays when the trainhotel arrives in Paris Austerlitz at 09:03, you can leave Paris Gare du Nord at 11:13 arriving London St Pancras at 12:30. At weekends when the trainhotel arrives in Paris Austerlitz at 10:37, you can leave Paris Gare du Nord at 13:13 arriving in London St Pancras at 14:39.
How much does it cost?
You can't buy a London to Morocco ticket, the cost is the sum of the tickets for each individual part of the journey.
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1. London to Paris by Eurostar... |
From £39 one-way, £69 return 2nd class. From £107 one-way, £189 return 1st class. Child, youth, senior fares |
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2. Paris to Madrid by trainhotel, per person... |
1st class reclining seat |
Tourist class Sleeper (4-berth) |
1st Class Sleeper *** |
Gran Clase Sleeper **** |
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2-berth |
1-berth |
2-berth |
1-berth |
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Advance-purchase one-way * |
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£67 |
£107 or £167* |
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£155 or £206* |
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Advance-purchase fare return * |
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£134 |
£214 or £334* |
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£310 or £411* |
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Normal one-way fare |
£142 |
£155 |
£256 |
£390 |
£316 |
£461 |
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Normal return fare |
£199 |
£218 |
£359 |
£547 |
£443 |
£647 |
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Railpass holders one-way |
£47 |
£69 |
£107 |
£160 |
£155 |
£199 |
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Child / senior / youth one-way ** |
£100 |
£109 |
£180 |
£274 |
£222 |
£324 |
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Child 4-11 (inclusive) sharing a bed |
£54 each way. You must occupy the whole compartment. | ||||||
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Dogs & domestic animals (see here) |
£54 each way. You must occupy the whole compartment. | ||||||
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10%-22% higher fares apply mid-June to mid-September & at Easter (e.g. £67 becomes £84). * Special fares: In Tourist Class the £67 fare (£84 in summer) is called Prems, book at least 14 days in advance, non-refundable, non-changeable. In 1st Class & Gran Clase 2 people must travel together & either the higher price (Duo) or if you're lucky, lower price (Mini à Deux) will be available on any given date. Mini is non-refundable, non-changeable, limited availability. Duo is refundable, exchangeable, usually available. ** It's cheaper to buy the adult special fare. Child = 4-11 years; Youth = 12-25 years; Senior = anyone 60+. *** Fare includes breakfast. **** Fare includes evening meal with wine in the restaurant & breakfast. Children under 4 go free, as long as the parents have sole use of a compartment. |
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3. Madrid to Algeciras by Altaria train... |
2nd class (Turista)... Promo fare booked in advance: €28.90 (£24) one-way. Promo+ fare booked in advance: €43.40 (£37) one-way. Flexible: €72.30 (£61) one-way, €130 (£110) return. 1st class (Preferente), at-seat meal & drinks included... Promo fare booked in advance: €44.80 (£38) one-way. Promo+ fare booked in advance: €67.20 (£57) one-way. Full-price €112 (£95) one-way, €202 (£171) return. Check fares & book online at www.renfe.com or |
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4. Algeciras to Tangier by ferry... |
€20 (£14) one-way, €40 (£34) return. You can check ferry times & fares at www.frs.es, www.trasmediterranea.es, www.nautasferry.com, www.comarit.com or www.euroferrys.com. |
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Using a railpass...
 Madrid: A day in Spain's wonderful capital is a bonus when you travel by train to Morocco. This is the Puerta del Sol right at the city's heart... |
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 Don Quixote country: The sun is low in the sky as the afternoon train from Madrid to Algeciras snakes across the Andalusian plateau on its way south to the Straits of Gibraltar... |
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 The Slow Boat to Africa... Next day, aboard the ferry from Algeciras to Tangier with the Rock of Gibraltar on the port beam... |
If you simply want to travel to and from Morocco, just buy normal tickets as a railpass is unlikely to save any money. In fact, it will probably cost significantly more. For example, if you have a railpass you have to pay a £68 supplement to travel on the Paris-Madrid trainhotel in a 4-berth sleeper, but there's usually a £68 special fare if you book in advance without a railpass, so why bother with the pass?! However, if you already have a railpass or InterRail card, or if you want to make other trips in France, Spain or Morocco so that a railpass becomes worthwhile for the freedom and flexibility it offers, here are approximate supplements which railpass holders need to pay on this route:
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A global InterRail pass giving unlimited travel in most of Europe including France & Spain (but no longer Morocco). See the InterRail pass page to check prices & buy online.
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You will need to add at least £69 return for the Eurostar from London to Paris as railpasses do not cover Eurostar (Eurostar in fact offer a passholder fare, but it's more expensive than the cheapest regular fares if you pre-book).
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You will need to budget for supplements: Railpass holder supplement for Paris-Madrid trainhotel is £68 in 4-berth sleeper, £105 in a 2-bed sleeper. Supplement for Altaria train Madrid-Algeciras around £10.
How to buy tickets online...
The easiest & cheapest way to book a London-Morocco train journey is online.
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Step 1, book the London-Paris Eurostar & the Paris-Madrid trainhotel, following the step-by-step instructions on the London to Spain page for using either www.raileurope.co.uk (UK residents) or www.voyages-sncf.com (for residents of any country, but see this advice especially if you're from the USA).
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Step 2, book the train from Madrid to Algeciras & back. There are two ways to do this. Option 1, painless but usually more expensive, is to stay with www.raileurope.co.uk, click 'continue shopping' and book it along with your London-Paris-Madrid tickets as one transaction. Remember that the outward date will be the day after your departure from London. If it refuses to book a return, try booking as two one-ways. However, www.raileurope.co.uk can only sell the full-price flexible fare between Madrid & Algeciras, it can't sell the much cheaper Promo fares. So option 2 is to book the Madrid-Algeciras & Algeciras-Madrid trains using the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com, looking for these cheap deals. Before trying to use www.renfe.com, please read these step-by step instructions. If you have any problems using Renfe.com, you can use www.petrabax.com/renfe instead, which also offers the cheap Promo fares with just a small mark-up, but no translation or payment problems.
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Step 3, tickets for the ferry can easily be bought at the ferry terminal when you get to Algeciras, as there are always places available, no pre-booking necessary. Alternatively, you can pre-book using the Seat61 Ferry Shop, which will book either Trasmediterranea (ship or fast ferry) or Nautas (fast ferry).
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Buy a special add-on ticket from almost any station in Britain to London International (St Pancras)
How to buy tickets by phone...
You may prefer to book by phone. To book train travel all the way from London to Algeciras, call www.spanish-rail.co.uk on 020 3137 4464 (lines open 09:30-13:30 & 14:30-17:30 Monday-Friday), or Rail Europe on 0844 848 5 848 (lines open 09:00-19:00 Mondays-Fridays, 09:00-18:00 Saturdays, no longer open on Sundays). There is no need to book the Algeciras-Tangier ferry in advance, just buy a ticket at the ferry terminal when you get to Algeciras. See the 'how to buy tickets' section on the Europe page for more info about how to book European trains.
Tailor-made travel & hotel arrangements...
If putting the trip together yourself seems too complicated (even with the advice I provide!), one experienced company offers a compete tailor-made travel service with all your rail tickets booked for you and hotels arranged at stops along the way. You simply tell them where you want to go and where you'd like to stop off on the way, and they will do the rest. Contact www.railbookers.com, on 020 3327 0761. US & Canadian residents can call them toll-free on 1-800-408-3280 or see website. Australian residents can call their Sydney office toll-free on 1300 971 526 or see www.railbookers.com.au. New Zealand residents call toll-free on 0800 002 034 or see website. They can advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels too. They get very positive reviews, and look after their customers very well. . At the time of writing, they suggest a deluxe 12-night return train journey from London to Marrakech & back, with hotel stopovers in Cordoba, Tangiers, Fez, Marrakech, Rabat, & Ronda from £1,885. However, they can arrange train journeys between the UK and Morocco with whichever routes and stopovers you like, just ask.
Watch the video: Tangier to Madrid by ferry & train...
See for yourself how straightforward, comfortable and scenic a Morocco to Europe journey can be by train & ferry. The video shows a journey on the FRS fast ferry from Tangier to Tarifa and the train ride from Algeciras to Madrid.
Other
routes & options...
(1) London to Morocco by GNV or Grimaldi Lines ferry Barcelona to Tangier...
This is an attractive alternative to the route via Madrid & Algeciras. Indeed, with Eurostar and trainhotel to Barcelona, a day exploring Barcelona, then a cruise to Tangier, it's a holiday in itself. However, it's not daily and not necessarily cheap, given the cost of the cruise ferry. Grandi Navi Veloci operate superb regular cruise ferries from Barcelona to Tangier up to 3 times a week, with Grimaldi Lines also running a cruise ferry once a week.
London ► Morocco via ferry from Barcelona
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Day 1: Travel from London to Barcelona by afternoon Eurostar & overnight trainhotel, arriving in the morning of day 2, see the Spain page.
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Day 2: Explore Barcelona for the day.
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Check Grimaldi Lines sailing dates and times at www.grimaldi-lines.com. Their cruise ferry usually sails at 23:59 on Sundays (which could be your day 2 from London) arriving Tangier at 10:30 on Tuesdays (day 4 from London).
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Check Grandi Navi Veloci ferries at www.gnv.it. GNV's ferry usually sails on Tuesdays at 17:00, on Fridays at 10:00 and on Sundays at 14:00, arriving at Tangier 26 hours later. With a departure at 17:00 or 14:00, a departure from Barcelona on day 2 is possible, getting you to Tangier day 3. With a 10:00 departure, the connection with the sleeper from Paris is too tight, so you'd sail on day 3, arrive Tangier day 4 from London.
-
Both companies' ships are true cruise ferries, with comfortable cabins with en suite toilet and shower, swimming pools, self-service and a la carte restaurants, cinema and bars. Having said that, don't be surprised to see many Moroccan families who haven't paid for a cabin, camped in the hallways!
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As a rough guide, Barcelona to Tangier one-way for two people sharing a 2-bed cabin in May might cost €232, in other words €116 per person. See the Spain page for details of prices London-Barcelona.
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To buy tickets, start with the ferry, as they only sail on certain days but the trains run daily. Book either ferry online at the Seat61 Ferry Shop or book the Grandi Navi Veloci ferry at www.gnv.it, Grimaldi Lines at www.grimaldi-lines.com. Then book the trains from London to Barcelona as shown on the Spain page.
Morocco ► London via ferry to Barcelona
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Day 1: To check Grandi Navi Veloci's sailing days and times, see www.gnv.it. The cruise ferry usually sails on Mondays at 23:00, on Wednesdays at 23:00 and on Saturdays at 16:00. The 23:00 departures arrive in Barcelona around 08:00 two nights later (day 3), the 16:00 departure arrives at 19:00 one night later (day 2).
-
Day 1: To check Grimaldi Lines sailing days and times see www.grimaldi-lines.com. Grimaldi usually sail from Tangier on Tuesdays at 17:00, arriving Barcelona at 20:00 on Wednesdays. Don't risk any tight connections, stay overnight in Barcelona!
-
Both companies' ships are true cruise ferries, with comfortable cabins with en suite toilet and shower, swimming pools, self-service and a la carte restaurants, cinema and bars. Having said that, don't be surprised to see many Moroccan families who haven't paid for a cabin, camped in the hallways!
-
Day 3: Spend a day exploring Barcelona.
-
Day 3 evening, travel from Barcelona to London by overnight trainhotel & morning Eurostar, arriving London late morning on day 4, see the Spain page.
On board a Grimaldi Lines ferry from Barcelona to Tangier Med Port...
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Chaos in cabin 725. The author's family in a 4-berth cabin on Grimaldi Lines ferry to Tangier... |
The a la carte restaurant on Grimaldi Lines' Ikarus palace from Barcelona to Tangier... |
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In the Straits of Gibraltar... |
Swimming pools... |
Sunset at sea... |
(2) South of France to Morocco by Comanav ferry...
If you prefer a longer sea voyage, there are regular passenger ships from Sète in the South of France to Tangier, run by Comanav (Compagnie Maroccaine de Navigation). See www.southernferries.co.uk/comanav_ferries.htm for sailing dates and fares. It's easy to get from London to Sète by train - use http://bahn.hafas.de for train times.
The Continental Hotel, Tangier's most historic & atmospheric place to stay...
In Tangier, easily the most interesting & atmospheric place to stay is the venerable Continental Hotel, whatever your budget, and it's one of my favourite places. If you arrive by FRS fast ferry from Tarifa, you'll easily spot it on your right high up on the edge of the Medina as you walk into town. Opened by a British family in 1888 and used by many famous people including (allegedly) Winston Churchill and Queen Victoria's son Alfred, it's now a travellers' favourite, with classic Moroccan décor and an atmosphere straight out of Agatha Christie - indeed, it's been used as a film location at various times. In spite of all this history, it's cheap, a single room with shower & toilet costs around 595 dirhams (£49) per night including a light breakfast, a double room with shower & toilet around 735 dirhams (£61) including breakfast. Ask for a room on the first floor with a balcony overlooking the port and new town. Rooms are fairly basic, only a handful have A/C, but they have clean en suite showers & toilets, the hotel is handy for the FRS ferry, superbly located inside the old medina walls a stone's throw from the old town centre, Petit Socco & Grand Socco. The hotel now has free WiFi and 24 hour reception. It has a good and cheap restaurant for lunch and dinner, too, although alcohol isn't served. Rooms can now be booked online at Booking.com. Or just turn up, they usually have rooms available. The address is 36, Dar Baroud (Medina), Tangier, tel +212 39 93 10 24.
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The Continental Hotel, Tangier. In the middle picture, the FRS Tangier-Tarifa ferry port is in the background. |
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Things to see in Tangier...
Tangier sometimes gets a bad press from travellers who are hassled by a few touts at the port, who then hurry through without seeing it and tell everyone else to do the same. This is very short-sighted, as Tangier is the intriguing and atmospheric city where Europe meets Africa. Indeed, fans of the film 'Casablanca' will find it a far more plausible setting for Rick, Elsa, Captain Renault and Major Strasser than the big and unremarkable city to the south. Tangier was an international zone from 1923 until its incorporation with Morocco in 1956, and it really was awash with spies from both sides in world war 2. It retains a faint air of mystery and intrigue even today, although I've always felt very safe there! It's a wonderful and fascinating place to spend a day or two, so make sure you include it in your itinerary. Make sure you see the medina (old town), kasbah (fort), the Petit Socco (small square, be sure to have a coffee or mint tea here) and Grand Socco (large square), the lovely English Church, and Tangier American Legation museum (the first bit of overseas territory ever acquired by the United States). For more information on Tangier, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangier.
Where to go next?
Modern air-conditioned trains are waiting to whisk you south to the rest of Morocco. Rabat is the country's capital and well worth a stop; Casablanca is certainly a name to conjure with (you have to say you've been there!) but in reality it's just a large city. Marrakech is the obvious destination, and a worthy (if touristy) one. Why not hire a car for a few days and explore the country south of Marrakech? Meknès & Fez are amazing places, as good or better than Marrakech an with fewer tourists, so don't miss them!
Travelling by train in Morocco
Train routes in Morocco
The trains in Morocco are some of the best in Africa, and they're the ideal choice for getting around between cities. Fast, modern, air-conditioned 'trains rapides climatisés' link Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Meknès, Fez & Oujda, see the route map above. Regular trains link Casablanca airport with the city centre. Agadir and Essaouira have no railway station, but are linked to Marrakech by connecting bus.
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Above: A Moroccan train at Sidi Kacem... |
Above: The 11:00 express from Tangier, arrived in Fes... |
How to check train times & fares...
You can easily check Moroccan train times & fares at the Moroccan Railways (ONCF) website, www.oncf.ma, in French, using Google's Chrome browser to translate. Fares are very cheap, see fare examples below.
How to buy tickets...
There is no easy way to book trains from outside Morocco, and you don't generally need to book in advance anyway. Just buy your ticket at the station on the day, or perhaps the day before. In 2nd class, seat reservation isn't even possible, you just buy a ticket and hop on, so the train cannot be 'full', at least in 2nd class. Seats can be reserved in 1st class, up to a month in advance. When you're in Morocco, you can also book by phone on 090 20 30 40, but this number is not accessible from overseas.
Sleeping-berths (4-berth couchettes) on the convenient Tangier-Marrakech overnight train can be reserved up to 2 months in advance. These can sometimes get fully-booked, so book as soon as you reach Morocco if you can, but it's reportedly sometimes possible to find berths available on the day of travel. One seat61 correspondent suggests arranging couchette tickets on this train through local travel agency Travel Link (www.travellink.ma, 83 Rue de la Liberté (next to the El Minza Hotel), Tanger, call +212 539 93 58 77 or email both officetanger@travellink.ma & imad@travellink.ma, though reports about this agency have been mixed, see below.
Tangier's new station...
The old station in Tangier near the port & medina was closed a few years ago (it's now used as a police station!), but an impressive new Tanger Ville station has now been completed just inland from the far end of the sea front. Walking from the port, the medina or the Continental Hotel to the new station takes around 30-35 minutes, so take a petit taxi as this only costs 20 dirhams or so (about £1.70).
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Above: Tangier's new station |
Inside Tangier station, showing ticket windows |
Taking the train South from Tangier...
Here is the complete train timetable from Tangier to the rest of Morocco. As you can see from the route map above, Tangier is on a branch line from the main Marrakech-Casablanca-Rabat-Meknès Fès line. Most trains from Tangier reach the main line and turn southwest to Rabat & Casablanca, and you have to change trains to go east to Meknès or Fès, although there are two daily direct Tangier-Meknès Fès trains. Indeed, in 2010 ONCF have opened a new line that bypasses Sidi Kacem, 'cutting the corner' at the junction with the main line and significantly speeding up Tangier-Rabat-Casablanca trains. Trains now run every hour or so on the main line between Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknès & Fez, see www.oncf.ma for a complete timetable. Look for the 'Les horairies dans la poche' link at the bottom of the ONCF home page to print out a complete pocket timetable to take with you.
Tangier ► Fez, Casablanca, Marrakech |
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All trains run daily. |
Rapide |
Rapide |
Rapide |
Rapide |
Rapide |
Rapide |
Rapide |
Rapide |
Rapide |
Sleeper |
|
|
Tangier (Ville) |
depart |
05:35 |
07:35 |
08:25 |
09:35 |
10:40 |
11:35 |
13:35 |
15:35 |
17:35 |
21:35 |
|
Meknès |
arrive |
| |
| |
12:19 |
| |
14:19 |
| |
| |
| |
21:09m |
01:57k |
|
Fès (Fez) |
arrive |
| |
| |
13:00 |
| |
15:00 |
| |
| |
| |
21:50m |
02:30k |
|
Rabat (Ville) |
arrive |
09:09 |
11:09 |
- |
13:09 |
- |
15:09 |
17:09 |
19:09 |
21:09 |
03:09 |
|
Casablanca (Voyageurs) |
arrive |
10:20 |
12:20 |
- |
14:20 |
- |
16:20 |
18:20 |
20:20 |
22:20 |
04:30 |
|
Marrakech |
arrive |
14:05 c |
16:05 c |
- |
18:05 c |
- |
20:05 c |
22:05 c |
00:00 c |
- |
08:05 |
Rapide = Air-conditioned rapide, 1st & 2nd class with refreshment trolley.
Sleeper = Direct overnight train Tangier-Marrakech with couchette car with 4-bunk 1st class compartments. Seats also available.
c = change trains at Casablanca
k = change trains at Sidi Kacem
m = change at Mechra bel Ksiri
No letter next to the arrival or departure time = direct train
Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez ► Tangier |
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See note: |
Sleeper |
Rapide |
Rapide |
Rapide |
Rapide |
Rapide |
Rapide |
Rapide |
Rapide |
Rapide |
Rapide |
|
|
Marrakech |
depart |
21:00 |
- |
- |
05:00 c |
- |
07:00 c |
- |
09:00 c |
11:00 c |
- |
13:00 c |
|
Casablanca (Voyageurs) |
depart |
00:45 |
05:45 |
07:45 |
09:45 |
- |
11:45 |
- |
13:45 |
15:45 |
- |
17:45 |
|
Rabat (Ville) |
depart |
01:57 |
06:47 |
08:47 |
10:47 |
- |
12:47 |
- |
14:47 |
16:47 |
- |
18:47 |
|
Fès (Fez) |
depart |
01:45 k |
| |
07:10 m |
| |
10:20 |
| |
13:05 |
| |
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17:05 |
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Meknès |
depart |
02:20 k |
| |
07:50 m |
| |
10:55 |
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13:42 |
| |
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17:42 |
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Tangier (Ville) |
arrive |
07:00 |
10:30 |
12:30 |
14:30 |
14:55 |
16:30 |
17:25 |
18:30 |
20:20 |
21:25 |
22:25 |
These timetables shows all trains to & from Tangier, but there are lots of other trains on the mainline linking Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknès & Fez. You can check train times at www.oncf.ma, in French 'horaires' = timetables, 'tarifs' = fares.
High-speed service due to start in 2015: French-built double-deck TGV Duplex trains running at up to 320 km/h are due to link Tangier & Casablanca in just 2 hours 10 minutes when Africa's first high-speed line opens in 2015.
Fares |
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One-way in Dirhams: |
2nd class air-conditioned |
1st class air-conditioned |
1st class couchette |
|
Tangier - Casablanca |
125 (£10 or $17) |
185 (£15 or $24) |
350 (£29 or $46) |
|
Tangier - Marrakech |
205 (£17 or $26) |
310 (£26 or $40) |
350 (£29 or $46) |
|
Tangier - Fez |
105 (£9 or $14) |
155 (£13 or $20) |
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Children aged 0-3 travel free, children aged 4-10 travel at half fare, children aged 11 and over pay the adult fare.
On board the trains...
The long distance rapides climatisés have 1st & 2nd class air-conditioned smooth-riding coaches, with a trolley selling tea, coffee, sandwiches & snacks.
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1st class is very comfortable indeed, with plush carpeted 6-seat air-conditioned compartments or occasionally open-plan seating. It's still cheap, and well worth the extra over 2nd class. First class tickets include a specific reserved seat, so can sometimes sell out. |
2nd class has 8-seat air-conditioned compartments with basic padded plastic seats. The coaches now look a bit tatty, but they're still perfectly adequate & incredibly cheap. 2nd class seats aren't reserved so cannot sell out, you find an empty one & sit down... |
A refreshment trolley sells inexpensive soft drinks, snacks and excellent hot sweet coffee! |
The overnight train from Tangier to Marrakech...
The overnight train is a popular and time-effective way to travel from Tangier to Marrakech, sleeping in a couchette and saving a night in a hotel. One couchette car is attached to this train, with eleven 1st class 4-berth compartments, each berth provided with pillow, sheet and light blanket. The car is air-conditioned, although it may be a while before the air-con kicks in if the car has been standing in the sidings all day! The compartment doors lock securely, and it is a safe, comfortable and time-effective way to travel. As there is only one couchette car, berths can get sold out, so book ahead if you can. However, it's not impossible to find berths available even if you book at the station on the day of travel, so give it a try. All compartments are shared 4-berth, sharing is absolutely fine and normal, though if you are not on a tight budget and there's only 1, 2 or 3 of you, you can book all 4 places in a compartment for private occupancy.
How to book the Tangier-Marrakech couchette train from outside Morocco: There's no direct way of booking this train from outside Morocco, but you can arrange it through local Tangier travel agency Travel Link, www.travellink.ma, 83 Rue de la Liberté (next to the El Minza Hotel), Tanger, call +212 539 93 58 77 or email both officetanger@travellink.ma & imad@travellink.ma. Travellink charge a hefty 500 dirham (£41) booking fee on top of the ticket cost, credit cards are accepted, but it can be worth it if catching this train the day you arrive in Tangier is mission-critical. Travellink have been highly recommended by five separate correspondents, although two other travellers say the agency seems to have bought their couchette tickets on the day of travel anyway (which defeats the whole point of using them, and in one case, they then found the couchettes full), and one other traveller reports poor service. Feedback if you book this train through Travel Link is always welcome.
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4-berth couchette: Upper berth in a 4-berth couchette compartment on the Tangier to Marrakech overnight train... There are upper & lower bunks on each side. Courtesy of Patti White. |
Tangier-Marrakech overnight train: The 1st class 4-berth couchette car attached to the Tangier - Marrakech overnight train. Photo courtesy of Dave Turner. |
New double-deck air-conditioned trains linking Rabat & Casablanca...
These smart new double-deck air-conditioned trains are now entering service on the hourly Rabat-Casablanca fast shuttle service (TNR or 'Train Navette Rapide' and a few Fez-Meknès-Rabat-Casablanca express trains.
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Double-decker train at Fez... Photo courtesy of Marie Javins |
First class seats on the new Moroccan double decker train. Photo courtesy of Marie Javins |
The end of the line: Arrival at Marrakech station...
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Marrakech station... Photo courtesy of Peter Brogdale |
Arrival at Marrakech... Photo courtesy of Peter Brogdale |
Bus connections to Agadir & Essaouira...
Buses from Marrakech to Agadir & Essaouira are run by Supratours, a subsidiary of Moroccan railways, and depart from the Supratours terminal next to Marrakech railway station. You can check bus times at www.oncf.ma. Marrakech - Essaouira costs about 65 dirhams (£5 or $7), Marrakech - Agadir about 95 dirhams (£8 or $12). Luggage must be checked in, and a small fee is payable for this in addition to your fare. You can buy combined train+bus tickets from any Moroccan railway station to Agadir and Essaouira via Marrakech - ask for a 'billet rail et route'.
Marrakech ► Essaouira (bus) |
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Essaouira ► Marrakech (bus) |
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Marrakech |
depart |
08:30 |
10:45 |
14:45 |
17:00 |
19:00 |
Essaouira |
depart |
06:45 |
09:30 |
11:45 |
15:15 |
18:30 |
|
|
Essaouira |
arrive |
11:29 |
13:44 |
17:44 |
19:59 |
21:59 |
Marrakech |
arrive |
09:29 |
11:59 |
14:29 |
18:29 |
21:29 |
|
Marrakech ► Agadir (bus service) |
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|
Marrakech |
depart |
00:30 |
05:00 |
09:00 |
10:45 |
12:45 |
14:30 |
15:00 |
17:00 |
19:00 |
22:30 |
|
Agadir |
arrive |
04:59 |
08:59 |
13:59 |
15:29 |
16:59 |
18:59 |
19:59 |
21:59 |
23:29 |
02:59 |
Agadir ► Marrakech (bus service) |
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|
Agadir |
depart |
04:00 |
06:00 |
07:00 |
08:00 |
08:15 |
10:00 |
13:15 |
14:00 |
15:30 |
19:30 |
23:30 |
|
Marrakech |
arrive |
08:29 |
09:59 |
12:29 |
12:29 |
12:59 |
14:29 |
18:29 |
18:29 |
12:29 |
00:29 |
03:59 |
Recommended
guidebooks
Recommended
guidebooks...
Make sure you take a good guidebook. Easily the best guidebooks for the independent traveller are Lonely Planets and Rough Guides. Both provide an excellent level of practical information and historical background. You won't regret buying one of these!
Click the images
to buy online at Amazon.co.uk
My own book, an essential handbook for train travel to Europe based on this website called "The Man in Seat 61", was published in June 2008, and is available from Amazon.co.uk.
The
Thomas Cook European Timetable
The
Thomas Cook European timetable
has train & ferry times for every country in Europe plus currency
& climate
information. Published since 1873, it costs £14.99.
It's essential for any serious traveller
and an inspiration for armchair travellers. Still
not convinced you need one?
More information
on what the Thomas Cook Timetable contains. You can
buy the latest monthly edition online at
www.thomascookpublishing.com with worldwide delivery or
buy it in person from selected UK branches of Thomas Cook (ask at the
bureau de change), or from W H Smiths in Victoria station in London. Or
buy the twice-yearly independent traveller's edition with
laminated cover from Amazon.co.uk:
Winter/Spring 2012/13 edition (Dec 2012 to June 2013) or
(when available)
Summer/Autumn 2013 edition (June to Dec 2013)
The Thomas Cook Rail Map of Europe is the best and most comprehensive map of train routes right across Europe, from Portugal in the west to Istanbul, Moscow & Ukraine in the east, from Finland in the north to Sicily & Crete in the south. High speed & scenic routes are highlighted. Highly recommended! Buy online at www.amazon.co.uk (worldwide delivery). See an extract from the map.
Find
hotels
in Morocco...
Recommended hotels in Algeciras, Tangier, Marrakech, Fez & elsewhere in Morocco...
In Algeciras: For Algeciras hotels, click here. I highly recommend the Hotel Reina Cristina, which is easily the best hotel in Algeciras as well as the most historic, set in its own grounds just 10 minutes walk from either rail station or ferry passenger terminal. It costs only about €53 per night for a single, €68 for a double.
In Tangier, the classic and wonderfully atmospheric Continental Hotel is the top choice, and inexpensive. Ideally located for both port and old medina, and with its own restaurant too. It can now be booked online at Booking.com.
In Marrakech, the Hotel Islane is a good mid-range choice at around €35-€45 (£26-£31) per room per night, with an excellent central location just round the corner from the Jemaa el Fnaa, the main market square. It also has a good rooftop restaurant. The most famous hotel in Marrakech is of course the top-notch La Mamounia Hotel, if you can (a) afford it and (b) get a room!
You can arrange hotels before booking opens for train tickets if you use a site with free cancellation such as www.booking.com.
◄◄◄◄ Search all the main hotel booking sites at once...
I'm a big fan of www.hotelscombined.com as it checks all the main hotel booking sites (Opodo, Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com, AsiaRooms, LateRooms etc.) to find the widest choice of hotels & the cheapest rates. Try it and see! |
Hotel Reina Cristina, Algeciras...
The classic Hotel Reina Cristina is easily the best place to stay in Algeciras, 10 minutes walk from both rail station and ferry terminal, set in its own grounds...
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Backpacker hostels...
-
www.hostelbookers.com: If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels. Hostelbookers offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.
Car hire in Morocco
It's well worth hiring a car south of Marrakech!
Hiring a car isn't the first thing you'd think of in Morocco, but the roads are relatively empty and driving is surprisingly easy. If you've a few days to spare when you get to Marrakech I highly recommend hiring a car and driving south over the High Atlas Mountains via the absolutely incredible Tizi n Tichka Pass, perhaps the most amazing road I've ever driven. Stay the night at the Kasbah at Tifletout (now a hotel) and visit the Gorge du Dadès, Todra Gorge, and the remarkable mud-built town of Aït ben Haddou. Driving really isn't difficult, indeed the roads are far less crowded than in the UK or Europe, making it a very pleasant way to get around the countryside. Instead of searching multiple websites to sort out your car, try this search engine which compares different hire companies' prices.
Compare 50 different car hire companies: www.carrentals.co.uk
Holidays
&
tours to Morocco by train
 020 3327 0761 (UK) 1-800-408-3280 (USA) 1300 971 526 (Aus) 0800 002 034 (NZ) |
|
 01904 527120 (UK) |
Believe it or not, there are two tour companies who can arrange a holiday to Morocco by train rather than plane. Railbookers.com tailor-makes itineraries to your own specifications leaving on any date you like, whereas Great Rail Journeys offers escorted group tours on a range of specific dates. Both companies have very good reputations.
Railbookers tailor-made holidays to Morocco by train & ferry...
Railbookers can tailor-make a flight-free holiday to Morocco, with train travel, transfers & hotels all arranged for you, for however long you like, leaving on any date you like. Their website has a suggested 9-day holiday from the UK to Morocco for around £1,250 per person with 4 or 5 star hotels, and although this is outwards by train and back by air they can book you both ways by train if you like. If you tell them what you want, they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out for you. They operate a high-quality service and get a lot of repeat business.
-
In the UK, call 020 3327 0761 or see www.railbookers.com
-
In the USA & Canada, call toll-free 1-800-408-3280 or see website.
-
In Australia call toll-free 1300 971 526 or see www.railbookers.com.au
-
In New Zealand call toll-free 0800 002 034 or see website.
Great Rail Journeys "Marrakech Express" tour (www.greatrail.com)...
If you want a holiday to Morocco without flying, travelling with a group of fellow travellers and a professional tour manager, one company offers a remarkable escorted tour overland from the UK to Morocco and back by train from £2,975. Check out Great Rail Journey's Marrakech Express tour from the UK to Spain & Morocco, with 1st class train travel and 4* or 5* hotels. Stopovers include Madrid, Ronda, Seville, Tangier, Fez, Marrakech, Casablanca. Check the details online, then call 01904 527120 to book or use their online booking form. Seat61 gets some commission to support the site if you book your holiday through this link or phone number.
Travel
insurance & health card...
Get travel insurance, it's essential...
 |
Never travel without insurance from a reliable travel insurer with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover. It should also cover loss of cash (up to a limit) & belongings, and cancellation. An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year (I have an annual policy myself). Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, though, see the advice on missed connections here. Here are some suggested insurers, Seat61 gets a little commission if you buy through these links, and feedback from using insurance for rail & ferry travel is always welcome.
In
the UK, use
www.confused.com to compare prices & policy features across
major insurance companies.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over 65 (no age limit), see www.JustTravelCover.com.
If you live in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland or the
EU, try
Columbus Direct's other websites.
If you live in the USA or Canada, try
Travel Guard USA.
Get an EU health card, it's free...
If you're a UK citizen travelling in Europe, you should apply for a free European Health Insurance Card, which entitles you to free or reduced rate health care if you become ill or get injured in many European countries, under a reciprocal arrangement with the NHS. This replaced the old E111 forms as from January 2006. The EHIC card is available from www.ehic.org.uk. It doesn't remove the need for travel insurance, though.
Get a spare credit card, designed for foreign travel with no currency exchange loading & low/no ATM fees
Taking out an extra credit card costs nothing, but if you keep it in a different part of your luggage you won't be left stranded if your wallet gets stolen. In addition, some credit cards are better for overseas travel than others. Martin Lewis's www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money explains which UK credit cards have the lowest currency exchange commission loadings when you buy something overseas, and the lowest cash withdrawal fees when you use an ATM abroad.
You can avoid ATM charges and expensive exchange rates with a Caxton FX euro currency Visa Card, or their multi-currency 'Global Traveller' Visa Card, see www.caxtonfx.com for info.
Get an international SIM card
to save on mobile data and phone calls...
Mobile phones can cost a fortune to use abroad, and if you're not careful you can return home to find a huge bill. Consider buying a global pre-paid SIM card for your mobile phone from www.Go-Sim.com, which can slash costs by up to 85%. Go-Sim cuts call costs in 175 countries worldwide, and you can receive incoming calls and texts for free in 75 countries. It's pay-as-you-go, so no nasty bills when you get home. It also allows cheap data access for laptops & PDAs. A Go-Sim account and any credit on it doesn't expire if it's not used between trips, unlike some others, so a Go-Sim phone number becomes your 'global phone number' for life.