Marrakesh to Tangier Trip Overview
Distance 500 km (312.5 miles) | |
Price range US$ 25-US$ 573 | |
Ride Duration Range 5h-8h 30m | |
Earliest Departure 23:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Taking a bus from Marrakesh to Tangier
Fastest bus: 8h
Cheapest bus: US$ 25

How to get from Marrakesh to Tangier
Tearing yourself away from the magnificence of Marrakesh feels almost impossible, but visiting Tangier is the only salve you need.
Known for its entrenched cafe culture, where locals and visitors alike spend hours or days relaxing in various cafes, this eclectic city is perfect for travelers seeking an entryway to Moroccan culture.
Tangier sits at Cap Spartel, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet, on Morocco’s northwestern coast.
You can take a train, minivan, car, or bus to cover the 500-kilometer (312.5-mile) distance between Marrakesh and Tangier.
Whichever mode of transport you choose, you’ll enjoy picturesque views of the North Atlantic Ocean, skirting the coastline on your way to your next Moroccan adventure.
What do I need to know before going to Tangier?
Tangier’s popularity has exploded recently as creatives and intellectuals flock to the city to draw inspiration from its vibrant community.
While most mosques can only be entered by Muslims, the outer facades and the muezzin's melodic prayer floating over the city will still entice you.
Tangier does not feel fully Mediterranean or North African due to the clash of cultural influences arising from its history of conflict and colonization. Its North African, Spanish, Portuguese, and French influences blend to create a distinctive and unforgettable feel.
Explore the vibrant medina, enjoying the unpredictable cadence of languages buzzing around you as locals switch effortlessly between Arabic, French, English, and more.
Tangier is a destination suited for cultural explorers. It offers hours of wandering the maze-like medina, visiting epic palaces, and wiling away the hours in cozy cafes and restaurants.
Seven unforgettable things to do in Tangier
Instead of following a strict itinerary, Tangier is a destination best explored by following your feet. Keep these things in mind to tick off as you navigate its winding streets.
Get lost in the Medina: The Medina quarter in Moroccan cities is typically the oldest part of the city and may sometimes be called the Kasbah. Founded seven centuries ago, this labyrinthine medina is a historic gem filled with sumptuous food stalls, high-quality local crafts, and a bustling atmosphere.
Take in the beauty of the Mendoubia Garden and Mendoub’s Residence: Take a break from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a moment of peace amid the natural beauty of these well-kept gardens. Afterward, check out the neighboring residence, sometimes known as the Forbes Museum, which Malcolm Forbes bought and turned into a museum.
Meander along Boulevard Pasteur and into the Grand Socco: This ideal people-watching route boasts historic cannons, telescopes, and panoramic views overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. It’s also conveniently located five minutes from the city’s main square.
Visit the Cinematheque de Tanger: This creative hub, hidden behind the art deco Cinema Rif, is Africa’s first film archive and arthouse cinema, complete with a cafe and workspace where you can work, relax, and watch the world go by.
Relax on the beach: Thanks to its proximity to the coastline, Tangier has a couple of beautiful beaches to explore, with warm Mediterranean waters and stunning views.
Explore the Dar el Makhzen: The palace, which dominates the citadel area of Tangier, is also home to the Museum of Moroccan Arts, which houses historic silk, ceramics, and illuminated manuscripts, and the Museum of Antiquities.
Watch the sunset at Cap Spartel: Legend says that this sprawling nature reserve is home to the caves where the hero Hercules rested after completing his twelve labors. Spend a day exploring its natural beauty, and stop at the 160-year-old lighthouse for a spectacular view.
How do I get from Marrakesh to Tangier?
Traveling between Marrakesh and Tangier is possible via train, bus, minivan, or private car transfer.
By train
The easiest way to travel between cities in Morocco is to take the train. The country’s state-owned railway company operates them.
You’ll depart from the city center at Marrakesh Train Station and arrive at Tanger Ville Train Station in the heart of Tangier.
Trains between the cities run hourly. Travelers opting for first class can expect a journey time of about 5 hours and 20 minutes, but a second-class train will take approximately nine hours to reach your destination.
The option that takes just over five hours is a direct line from Marrakesh to Tangier, which departs once per day. For the longer and more affordable option, travelers will change trains at Rabat Train Station to complete the journey to their final destination.
Travelers on these lines enjoy spacious carriages, comfortable seats, and gigantic panoramic windows that offer spectacular views of the passing scenery.
It’s worth paying the premium for first-class seating because the ticket price guarantees a reserved seat, and these carriages will always have air conditioning.
First-class carriages have:
Seat configurations in twos and fours centered around a table that folds out.
Air conditioning
W/C
WiFi (not always reliable, though)
Access to a charger point
Extra legroom and a comfortable seat with a table
Luggage storage
Seat reservation
Prices start around $67
Second-class trains have:
Air conditioning
Six-seater cabins
W/C
Luggage storage
Prices start around $30
Pro tip: Bring along some extra snacks. It’s customary to share food with fellow travelers, and it’s a great way to meet people along the way.
By bus
The cheapest way to travel between Marrakesh and Tangier is to take a bus. Prices start around $24.
The journey will take between seven and nine hours, depending on delays and rest stops.
You can either book a comfort bus or a standard bus. Class differences are minimal, but comfort buses have more legroom and larger seats.
All buses include:
A/C
Rest stops
Luggage storage beneath the bus. You can pay the driver directly for additional luggage.
Reclining seats
Charger point (not always, though)
WiFi is subject to availability
TV, depending on the bus company
By minivan
Travelers exploring Morocco in groups will love this option's convenience. Tourist minivans require a minimum of three passengers to book, and comfort and standard minivans require at least four passengers.
Those traveling in groups should opt for a private minivan rental that takes up to six people to split the cost.
Completing this journey in a minivan takes about 6 hours.
Most minivans include:
Air conditioning
WiFi
Reclining seats
Water provided
USB charger
TV
English-speaking staff
Pick-up and drop-off at any hotel
By car
You could hire a private transfer in a car as an alternative to the minivan. This option requires a minimum of two passengers and a maximum of three.
Standard car details:
Air conditioning
English-speaking staff
One bag per passenger
Pick-up at any hotel or the airport in Marrakesh
Drop-off at any hotel in Tangier
The best things about the ride to Tangier
However you get there, the views will be spectacular on the way to Tangier because you’ll drive along the coast to the northern city. Snag a window seat to gaze out at the passing scenery, best enjoyed from the cozy seat on a train with its panoramic windows.
Bring plenty of snacks to energize yourself, as you won’t want to miss a second of the wondrous views overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean.
When is the best time to visit Tangier?
The best time of year to visit Tangier is in the fall, between September and November, or in the spring, between March and May. These months bring slightly cooler weather, less humidity, and fewer holiday crowds. You’ll be able to enjoy the sites of Tangier without sweating your way through the medina until you’re too sticky to sit in a cafe and relax.
In autumn, temperatures sit between 82.4°F (28°C) and 68°F (20°C), with nighttime temps between 64°F (18°C) and 53.6°F (12°C). Spring temperatures average between 66°F (19°C) and 73.4°F (23°C) in the daytime and 55.4°F (13°C) to 50°F (10°C) at night.
Summer is often unbearably hot, especially for foreigners used to cooler climates. However, Tangier’s location by the ocean gives visitors a much-needed breeze.
How many days in Tangier are enough?
Spending a few days in Tangier is more than enough time to see the main sites and soak up the city's culture.
Ideal stays are between two and three days, but you could stay up to two weeks if you’re seeking an artistic retreat, taking day trips to explore the surrounding coastal towns, or hiking one of the nearby mountains.
Where to go after Tangier?
Morocco is full of treasures, but after Tangier, you should check out Tetouan or Tettawen, a city in the same region. It sits in the Martil Valley and is one of two of Morocco’s main ports on the Mediterranean Sea. It's another unmissable coastal city just a few miles south of Gibraltar.
Also, if you’re ready to leave Morocco entirely, it’s just a short hop to get to the southern coast of Spain or to visit Gibraltar from here.
Companies Operating from Marrakesh to Tangier
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Popular stations and stops in Marrakesh and Tangier
Departure stations in Marrakesh
Arrival stations in Tangier
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Questions & Answers for Traveling from Marrakesh to Tangier
What is the most popular transportation service from Marrakesh to Tangier?
What is the distance between Marrakesh to Tangier?
What is the fastest transportation service from Marrakesh to Tangier?
What is the cheapest transport option from Marrakesh and Tangier?
Who are the service providers on this route?
CAR: Ride Transfer | Ait Moumen Transport | Morocco Spartel Tours
MINIVAN: Ride Transfer | Ait Moumen Transport | Luxury Private Car Morocco | Xauen Tours
TRAIN: ONCF Voyages
BUS: CTM Bus | Nejme Chamal | Compagnie De Transports Au Maroc
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