Marrakech to Fes: How to Make the Journey
Marrakech and Fes are the two imperial cities almost every traveller wants to see. They are about 530 km apart, and no option is truly short. The good news: one of them turns the journey into a highlight of the trip, via the desert.
To get from Marrakech to Fes, there are four options. The train is the simplest: 6 to 7.5 hours, usually with a change in Casablanca, for about 204 MAD in second class. Long-distance buses are cheap but slightly slower. By car on the motorway, allow about 6 to 7 hours of driving. Finally, travellers' favourite option is the 3-day desert tour: Marrakech, Aït Ben Haddou, the Dades gorges, a night in a desert camp at Merzouga, then arrival in Fes through the Middle Atlas. The top tour from Marrakech is rated 4.9/5 from more than 22,000 reviews (from €118). If you have the time, it is by far the most memorable route; otherwise, the train is the most reliable.
The Options at a Glance
| Option | Time | Indicative price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (with a change) | 6 to 7.5 h | ~204 MAD in 2nd class | Most travellers |
| Long-distance bus | A full day | Cheap | Tight budget |
| Car | 6 to 7 h | Depends on rental | Freedom, stopovers |
| 3-day desert tour | 3 days | From ~€86 | Seeing the Sahara on the way |
Indicative times and prices; check when booking.
The Train: Simple and Reliable
Allow a long half-day, usually with a change at Casa Voyageurs. Take first class for an assigned seat and a quieter compartment. Full details in trains in Morocco.
The Car: for Stopovers
Via the motorway through Casablanca and Rabat, or via the Atlas road through Beni Mellal and Ifrane, longer but more scenic. See renting a car in Morocco.
Compare rental cars in Marrakech· Discover CarsDozens of rental companies compared · free cancellation on most offersSmall car categories go fast in high season: compare early
Via the Desert: the Journey as the Trip
Rather than losing a day on the train, many travellers choose a 3-day tour that starts in Marrakech and ends in Fes, with a night in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
| Tour | Rating | Reviews | Duration | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-day tour to Merzouga and the Sahara | 4.9 | 22,297 | 3 days | €118 |
| 3-day safari to Merzouga, meals included | 4.7 | 14,481 | 3 days | €104 |
| Merzouga desert: 3-day safari with meals | 4.7 | 13,555 | 3 days | €108 |
| Merzouga, dunes and the Sahara in 3 days | 4.6 | 6,436 | 3 days | €86 |
Ratings, reviews and prices taken from GetYourGuide. Check that the "drop-off in Fes" option is offered: many tours allow it, others return to Marrakech.
See Marrakech-desert-Fes tours· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities
In the other direction, see the desert tour from Fes and the 3-day tour from Marrakech.
Which Option to Choose?
Where to Stay on Arrival in Fes
See where to stay in Fes and the best riads in Fes. Next: things to do in Fes.
See riads in Fes· Booking.comFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
FAQ — Marrakech to Fes
How long does it take to get from Marrakech to Fes?
Is there a direct train from Marrakech to Fes?
How much is the Marrakech-Fes train?
Can you go from Marrakech to Fes via the desert?
Should you start in Marrakech or in Fes?
In Short
- Simplest → train, 6 to 7.5 hours, in first class.
- Most memorable → 3-day tour via Merzouga.
- Most flexible → car, with stopovers.
