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Country Guide > Africa > Morocco | |
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Travel - Internal Air Royal Air Maroc (AT) operates regular services from Casablanca airport to Agadir, Dakhla, Fès, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Oujda and Tangier. There are cheaper deals for those under 26 years of age, depending on their destination in Morocco. Contact Royal Air Maroc for further details. There is also a new airline company, Regional Airlines (FN). Rail The Moroccan rail system is all standard gauge and, run by Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) (website: www.oncf.org.ma), provides regular and cheap services with first-class travel available between major centres. Rail fares are amongst the cheapest in the world, although a supplement must be paid for air-conditioned trains. Sleeping cars and restaurant cars are available. The network runs from Oujda in the northeast to Casablanca on the west coast, Tangier on the north coast and Fès and Marrakech in the interior. The main routes include: Marrakech–Casablanca–Rabat–Meknes–Fès–Oujda; Marrakech–Casablanca–Rabat; Marrakech–Casablanca– Meknes–Fès; and Casablanca–Rabat–Tangier. The most useful route is from Fès to Rabat and Casablanca, with five daily and two overnight trains. There are also two daily trains and one overnight train (without sleepers) which run from Casablanca to Marrakech. Also, from Monday to Friday, a train runs every 30 minutes from Kenitra to Rabat. Cheap fares Children under four travel free and children from four to 12 may travel for half fare. The European Inter-Rail pass is valid in Morocco; holders may be entitled to a discount on the fare of a ferry ticket – check with the company concerned for details. Discounts of up to 30 per cent are available for groups of more than 10. First- and second-class seats can be reserved in advance. For more information, contact Rail Europe (tel: (08705) 848 848; website: www.raileurope.co.uk). Road Traffic drives on the right. The major Moroccan roads, particularly those covering the north and northwest of the country, are all-weather highways. In the interior, south of the High Atlas Mountains, road travel becomes much more difficult, especially across the Atlas Mountains in winter. Coach: The main centres are connected by a wide variety of coach services, many of which are privately run. The two largest firms are CTM (covering the whole country) and SATAS (between Casablanca, Agadir and south of Agadir). Visitors should bear in mind, however, that Morocco has a poor road safety record; the roads from Agadir to Marrakech, via Imi'n Tanoute and Chichaoua, are particularly hazardous. Bus: Connections between most major towns and villages are regular and frequent, although buses can be very crowded and it may be wise to buy tickets in advance and arrive well before departure to secure a seat. The price of tickets is very low, especially with some of the smaller local bus companies. It is customary to tip the guard for loading luggage. For charter purposes, air-conditioned motor coaches are available from several companies. Taxi: Those available in major towns, the petits taxis, are metered (see below under Urban). Other larger taxis, usually Mercedes cars, are used for travel to areas outside towns. These can be shared, but fares should be agreed before departure. Car hire: Avis, Hertz and other major hire companies have offices in major towns and cities, including Agadir, Casablanca, Essaouira, Fès, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Oujda, Rabat and Tangier. Car hire is generally expensive. Documentation: Foreign driving licences are accepted, as well as International Driving Permits. Third Party insurance is required. A Green Card is also necessary. Insurance can be arranged locally. Urban There are extensive bus services in Casablanca and other main towns. Pre-purchase tickets are sold. Urban area petits taxis are plentiful and have metered fares. Taxi drivers expect a 10 per cent tip. Travel times The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Casablanca to other major cities/towns in Morocco.
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