Landing in Casablanca and planning the trip from Casablanca to Fes? It is the classic first leg of a Morocco trip, because most international flights arrive at Mohammed V Airport while Fes is the cultural heart of the north. The trip takes only a few hours, and you can either go straight there or stop at three imperial and Roman sites on the way. This guide compares the options.
Quick answer: the train takes about 3 to 3.5 hours and is the simplest option. However, with a private driver you can visit Rabat, Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis on the same day. All our imperial cities tours from Casablanca follow this route, starting with the 5-day desert and imperial highlights tour.
Casablanca to Fes: The Options Compared
| Book | Direct (train or car) | Private tour via Rabat, Meknes and Volubilis |
|---|---|---|
| Time | About 3 to 3.5 hours | A full day, or two days |
| Stops | None | Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis |
| From the airport | Train with a change, or private transfer | Pick-up at arrival |
| Luggage | You carry it | Stays in the vehicle |
| Best for | Travelers in a hurry | First-time visitors |
In short, the train is quick and cheap, while a private route turns the transfer into your first day of sightseeing.
Option 1: The Direct Trip
By train
ONCF trains link Casablanca and Fes several times a day in about 3 to 3.5 hours, via Rabat. From the airport, you usually change in Casablanca. Check times on the official ONCF website.
By private car
A private driver takes the motorway in about 3.5 hours, door to door, and can meet you at the airport. Read how a private driver in Morocco works, or our guide to Morocco tours from Casablanca airport.
Option 2: The Imperial Route in One Day
Casablanca: the Hassan II Mosque
Before leaving, visit the Hassan II Mosque on the ocean, one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors on guided tours.
Rabat: the capital
Next, stop at the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum in the UNESCO-listed historic city.
Meknes and Volubilis
Then, see the Bab Mansour gate in Meknes and walk among the mosaics of Volubilis, before reaching Fes in the evening. Many travelers split this into two days.
Our Tours from Casablanca via Fes
All these private tours start in Casablanca, visit the imperial cities on the way to Fes and continue to the Sahara:
- 5-day desert and imperial highlights tour
- 6-day desert and imperial cities tour to Marrakech
- 7-day desert and imperial cities tour to Marrakech
- 8-day grand desert and imperial cities loop
- 9-day grand Sahara and imperial cities loop
Compare them in our Morocco imperial cities tour guide, or browse all tours from Casablanca.
After Fes: Where Next?
- The Sahara: read our 3 day tour from Fes and Fes to Merzouga guides.
- Marrakech: read Fes to Marrakech.
- Chefchaouen: read our Chefchaouen day trip guide.
In Fes
Plan at least one full day in the medina with a licensed guide. Read our Fes medina guided tour guide.
Going to Marrakech First?
If you prefer to start in the south, read Casablanca to Marrakech.
Best Time to Travel
This northern route is pleasant most of the year, although summer is hot in Fes and Meknes. Read the best time to visit Morocco.
Casablanca to Fes FAQ
How long does it take from Casablanca to Fes?
About 3 to 3.5 hours by train or by car.
Is there a train from Casablanca airport to Fes?
There is no direct train. You usually change in Casablanca, which adds time.
What is there to see between Casablanca and Fes?
Rabat, Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Can I visit Volubilis on the way to Fes?
Yes. With a private driver, you can stop at Volubilis and Meknes on the same day.
Do your tours from Casablanca go to the Sahara?
Yes. Our tours continue from Fes to the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Plan Your Trip from Casablanca to Fes
In short, the train is the fastest way, but a private route gives you Rabat, Meknes and Volubilis on your first day. Tell us when you land, and we will plan the rest.
Plan this trip: ask for a free quote, write to us on WhatsApp, or see all our tours from Casablanca.
