Photo by Linda Gerbec on Unsplash
Master your arrival or departure at Marrakech Railway Station (Gare de Marrakech) with this practical transit guide covering tickets, taxis, and layout.
Gare de Marrakech is one of the most modern and easily navigable railway stations in North Africa. Located in the Gueliz district, away from the winding alleys of the Medina, it serves as the primary rail gateway for travelers heading to Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Fes via Morocco's national rail operator, ONCF.
Station Layout and Platforms
The station features a clean, airy design blending contemporary architecture with traditional Moroccan geometric motifs. Upon entering the main concourse, you will find ticket counters and self-service kiosks directly ahead, flanked by cafes and shops. Access to the platforms requires passing through a ticket barrier, where staff will check your boarding pass before letting you onto the concourse leading to the tracks.
There are a limited number of through-tracks, making it virtually impossible to get lost. Electronic departure boards display train numbers, destinations, and boarding status in Arabic, French, and English. Listen closely to the audio announcements, which are typically made in French and Arabic.
Buying Tickets and Rules
You can purchase tickets online via the official ONCF website or mobile app, which is recommended for peak travel periods like holidays and weekends. Alternatively, tickets are readily available at the station's physical counters or automated bilingual kiosks.
- First and second-class seating are available on most intercity Al Boraq (where applicable) and Al Atlas trains.
- First-class tickets guarantee a reserved seat, while second-class tickets may require seat reservations on busy routes.
- Keep your paper ticket or digital barcode accessible throughout the entire journey, as conductors check them onboard and ticket barriers collect them upon exit at your destination.
Luggage Storage and Station Amenities
If you arrive early or have a few hours to spare before checking into your riad), the station offers practical amenities to make your wait comfortable:
- Luggage storage (Consigne) facilities are usually available on-site for a modest daily fee, though bags may be subject to a security scan.
- An ATM network and currency exchange counters are situated near the main entrance.
- Food options range from international fast-food chains and local cafes to fresh pastry shops and juice bars.
- A Carrefour Market supermarket is located right inside the station complex, making it ideal for stocking up on travel snacks and bottled water.
Taxi Pickup and Ground Transport
Exiting the main station doors brings you straight onto a wide plaza where official petit taxis (the small beige cars specific to Marrakech) wait in an organized queue. Drivers are legally required to use the meter (compteur), though visitors should always confirm the driver turns it on before pulling away. A fair metered fare from the station to Jemaa el-Fnaa in the Medina typically ranges between 20 to 40 MAD, depending on traffic and time of day. If a driver refuses the meter and quotes a flat rate that feels too high, politely walk to the next taxi in line.
Accessibility
The station is built on a single accessible level with ramps and elevators facilitating movement between the main concourse, street level, and the platforms. Staff members are generally helpful if travelers with reduced mobility require assistance boarding or disembarking trains.
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How do I get a taxi from Marrakech train station to the Medina?
Official petit taxis wait in an organized queue directly outside the main station doors. Drivers should use the meter, and a fair fare to Jemaa el-Fnaa typically ranges between 20 and 40 MAD.
Can I buy train tickets at the Marrakech station?
Yes, tickets are readily available at the station's physical counters or automated bilingual kiosks, as well as online via the official ONCF website.
Is there luggage storage at Gare de Marrakech?
Luggage storage facilities are available on-site for a modest daily fee, though bags may be subject to a security scan.
What amenities are inside the Marrakech train station?
The station includes cafes, fast-food outlets, ATMs, currency exchange counters, a Carrefour Market supermarket, and a luggage storage facility.