Traveling from Fes to Marrakech? It is one of the most common journeys in Morocco, and there are three very different ways to do it. You can take the train in one day, drive the fast motorway, or turn the transfer into a desert tour through the Sahara. This guide compares the options so you can choose the one that fits your time and your trip.
Quick answer: if you only need to get there, the train is simple and takes about 7 hours. However, if you have two days or more, a private desert tour is the best way: you reach Marrakech through the Erg Chebbi dunes, Todra Gorge and Ait Ben Haddou. The most popular choice is the 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech.
Fes to Marrakech: The Options Compared
| Book | Direct transfer (train or car) | Desert tour via Merzouga |
|---|---|---|
| Time | About 6 to 7 hours, one day | 2 to 7 days |
| Route | Via Rabat and Casablanca | Middle Atlas, Sahara, kasbah road, High Atlas |
| Highlights | None on the way | Cedar forest, Erg Chebbi, Todra Gorge, Ait Ben Haddou |
| Night in the desert | No | Yes |
| Best for | Travelers short on time | Anyone who wants to see the Sahara |
In other words, the direct route is a transfer, while the desert route is a highlight of your trip. Both end at your hotel or riad in Marrakech.
Option 1: The Direct Transfer
By train
The ONCF train links Fes and Marrakech, usually with no change, in about 7 hours. It is cheap and comfortable, but you see little on the way. Check times on the official ONCF website.
By private car
A private driver takes the motorway through Rabat and Casablanca in about 6 hours, door to door. It is the easiest choice with luggage or children. Read how a private driver in Morocco works.
Option 2: The Desert Route through the Sahara
2 days: the fastest desert option
The 2-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech sleeps one night in the dunes, but the second day is very long. Read our honest guide to the 2 day tour from Fes.
3 days: the classic choice
The 3-day tour adds a night in the Dades Valley, so the drives are easier. Compare it in our 3 day tour from Fes guide.
4 to 5 days: time to enjoy the desert
The 4-day tour adds a full desert day with nomads, and the 5-day tour slows down even more. See our 4 day tour from Fes guide.
7 days: the complete south
The 7-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech includes the desert, the gorges, the kasbahs and more time everywhere.
What You See on the Desert Route
- Ifrane and the cedar forest: alpine houses and wild Barbary macaques.
- The Ziz Valley: thousands of date palms in a canyon.
- Erg Chebbi: camel trek, sunset and a night in a camp.
- Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley: high cliffs and rock formations.
- Ait Ben Haddou: the famous UNESCO kasbah.
- The Tizi n’Tichka pass: the High Atlas at 2,260 meters before Marrakech.
Read more about the first part of this road in our guide from Fes to Merzouga.
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Only one day? Take the train or a private transfer.
- Two or three days? The desert route is worth it: it turns a transfer into the best part of your trip.
- Traveling with children? Choose three days or more. Read Morocco with kids.
- Want comfort? Book a luxury tent: see the luxury desert camp in Merzouga.
Going the Other Way?
Starting in Marrakech? Read our guide to the Marrakech to Fes desert tour. Arriving elsewhere? See Casablanca to Marrakech or Tangier to Marrakech. For a wider route, read our Morocco imperial cities tour guide.
Before You Leave Fes
Keep at least one full day for the medina with a licensed guide. Read our Fes medina guided tour guide.
Best Time to Travel
Spring and autumn are ideal for the desert route. In winter, the Middle and High Atlas can see snow, and desert nights are cold. Read the best time to visit Morocco.
Fes to Marrakech FAQ
How long does it take to go from Fes to Marrakech?
About 7 hours by train, or about 6 hours by private car on the motorway.
Is there a direct train from Fes to Marrakech?
Yes. ONCF trains usually run without a change. Check the latest times on the ONCF website.
Can I go from Fes to Marrakech through the Sahara?
Yes. Private desert tours take 2 to 7 days and include a night in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
What is the best desert tour from Fes to Marrakech?
For most travelers, the 3-day tour, because it balances time in the desert with comfortable driving days.
Is the desert route private?
Yes. All our tours are private, with your own vehicle and driver.
Plan Your Trip from Fes to Marrakech
In short, the train gets you there, but the desert route makes the journey unforgettable. Tell us your dates, and we will plan the route that fits your time.
Plan this trip: ask for a free quote, write to us on WhatsApp, or see all our tours from Fes.
