How to Get from Rabat to Fes

Those looking to get from Rabat to Fes have several options for completing the 129-mile (207 km) journey, which should take anywhere between two and three hours, depending on the mode of transport. The most convenient option is to travel by private transfer, which should get you to Fes in a little over two hours. 

Visit both cities in this nine-day itinerary, starting in Rabat, along with Chefchaouen, Fes, Marrakesh, and Essaouira.

By Private Transfer 

Duration: 2 hours, 15 minutes 

Traveling from Rabat to Fes by private transfer is easy and convenient and has several interesting stops along the way you may wish to visit. Outside of Rabat, you will find the fascinating ancient Roman city of Volubilis, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Morocco. 

Onward a bit is the holy town of Moulay Idriss, which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country—so important, in fact, that Muslims who cannot make the journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia are allowed to visit Moulay Idriss instead. Non-Muslims can't enter the mosque, but the views from the mosque over the town and the valleys below are breathtaking, and even the outside of the mosque is a significant site to visit. 

Farther along is the city of Meknes, where you can find classical architectural splendor in the Bou Inania madrasa and the Bab el-Mansour gate, as well as the Dar Jamai Museum, which showcases historic Moroccan crafts and textiles. Meknes' medina is also far less crowded and overwhelming than the one in Fes, so it's a nice way to get your bearings before journeying on to your final destination.

By Train 

Duration: 3 hours, 15 minutes 

Those who would prefer to avoid the roads altogether and have a slightly more passive journey may want to consider taking the train between Rabat and Fes. The journey will take a little over three hours, with no transfers along the way.

Travelers should make sure to book first-class tickets, which will afford them a slightly more spacious train car, as well as the option to book their seats in advance, which will be helpful for those looking specifically to procure a window or an aisle seat.