Marrakech to Fes route decision
Marrakech to Fes: Train or Sahara Tour?
Take the train if you simply need to reach Fes. Choose the three-day Sahara route if Merzouga is already part of your trip and you want the journey to move you north instead of returning to Marrakech.
Quick answer
- Direct trip only: use ONCF.
- Sahara already on your list: a Marrakech to Fes desert tour can combine the desert with your move north.
- Do not book a desert tour only to replace a train ticket. The tour takes three days because the experience is the point.
The train is the clean transport answer
ONCF's current Marrakech to Fes timetable shows multiple daily through trains. The journey occupies much of a day, but it is direct city-to-city transport and does not require returning through another base.
If your itinerary does not include the Sahara, this is the straightforward option.
The desert route solves a different problem
Quick Morocco's three-day Marrakech to Fes route crosses the High Atlas, continues through southern Morocco to Merzouga, includes the Sahara camp experience, then finishes in Fes.
That works well when you already wanted Marrakech, the Sahara and Fes. Instead of returning to Marrakech after the desert and then taking another transfer north, the tour ends where the next part of your trip begins.
Compare what the days are buying
| Option | Best when | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| ONCF train | You only need Marrakech to Fes transport | A long travel day with no Sahara experience |
| 3-day Sahara route | The Sahara is part of the same itinerary | Three days and substantial road time |
What I would not do
Do not take a Marrakech return Sahara tour and then immediately travel to Fes unless another reason keeps you in Marrakech. If Fes is already next, a through-route usually avoids obvious backtracking.
If the Sahara belongs between Marrakech and Fes
Compare the Marrakech desert routes and choose Fes as the endpoint only when it fits the rest of your trip.
Compare Marrakech desert tours