How to Get from Fes to Marrakesh

A few options exist for travelers making the 330-mile (532 km) journey from the northeastern Moroccan city of Fes to Marrakesh. Which option travelers take will depend entirely on whether their priority is efficiency or if they would prefer to see points of interest along the way. A direct flight between the two cities takes less than two hours while going by road with a private driver can take up to eight—but plane travel means you won't have the chance to stop at the many points of interest that dot the overland route. Learn more below. 

By Plane 

Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes

The fastest way to get from Fes to Marrakesh is by plane. Flights depart frequently from the Fes airport, and the flight itself is less than two hours. The travel time is significantly shorter than any other mode of travel between the two cities and requires no logistics, preparation, or navigation beyond purchasing tickets and arriving at the airport. 

By Private Transfer 

Duration: 5.5-8 hours

Travelers interested in the option of customizing their journeys may want to hire a driver to make the journey from Fes to Marrakesh.

Driving affords travelers the opportunity to stop at the many points of interest along the way on the long journey between the two cities. Such points include Berber markets, waterfalls, wild monkeys, and towns to stop for meals and coffee. In fact, travelers opting to drive in order to see sights between the two cities may wish to spend two days making the journey, stopping overnight in a town like Ouzoud.

It is of worthy note that portions of the route include routes that are fairly winding and steep and on which a slow speed limit and no passing lanes mean that you may get stuck behind a slow-moving car that adds a significant amount of time to your journey.

By Train 

Duration: 7 hours

The train is the least convenient way to get from Fes to Marrakesh. Travelers can opt to purchase a first-class ticket at a small premium in order to select their seats in advance, which can be a good way to secure a window seat in order to watch the countryside go by.

Travelers interested in breaking up the journey either to avoid spending a long amount of time sitting in a train may opt to break the journey up by booking a ticket to Casablanca, which is on the way, and another from Casablanca to Marrakesh. Several hours can be spent exploring Casablanca before journeying onward to Marrakesh.

Overnight trains are an option for those looking to preserve their exploration time by traveling at night, but there are no sleeper cars.