How to Get to Morocco
Getting to Morocco is easy. Located in the north-west of Africa, only about 14 kilometres from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar, the country is served by direct flights from Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa, and by regular ferries from Spain, France and Italy. Whether you arrive in Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, Tangier or Agadir, you can be in the heart of your trip within hours.
This guide explains the main ways to reach Morocco, which airport to choose, what to expect when you arrive and how to get around once you are here. Airlines, routes and entry rules change from time to time, so always check the latest information before you book. If you already know when you are travelling, tell us your arrival airport and we will plan your private tour and airport transfer around it.
Getting to Morocco at a Glance
By Air
The fastest way to arrive, with direct flights from many European cities, plus New York and Montreal.
Main Gateways
Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, Tangier and Agadir are the busiest airports for visitors.
By Ferry
Regular crossings from southern Spain to Tangier take about an hour, with longer routes from France and Italy.
Entry
A valid passport is required, and many nationalities can enter without a visa for up to 90 days.
Flying to Morocco
Flying is the fastest and easiest way to reach Morocco. Royal Air Maroc, the national airline, has its hub in Casablanca and flies to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America, including New York and Montreal. Many other airlines also serve Morocco, for example Air France, Iberia, British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and Qatar Airways.
Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, Transavia, Vueling, Wizz Air, Jet2 and Air Arabia Maroc connect several European cities with Marrakech, Fes, Tangier, Agadir and other Moroccan airports. Routes and schedules change with the season, so compare current flights on your preferred booking site.
Coming from further away? Most travellers from other regions connect through a European or Middle Eastern hub, or through Casablanca on Royal Air Maroc.
Typical Flight Times
- Madrid to Marrakech: about 2 hours
- London to Marrakech: about 3.5 hours
- Paris to Casablanca: about 3.5 hours
- New York to Casablanca: about 7.5 hours
Times are approximate and vary by route and season.
Main Airports in Morocco
Choose the airport that fits your route. Rabat-Salé and Essaouira also have airports with limited connections, and we can start your tour from any airport, hotel, town or city in Morocco.
Casablanca: Mohammed V Airport (CMN)
Morocco’s largest and busiest airport and the main hub of Royal Air Maroc, with the widest choice of international connections. A train station at the airport links it with Casablanca and Rabat. A convenient start for our imperial cities tour and our New Year’s Eve tour.
Marrakech: Menara Airport (RAK)
Served by many European cities, including low-cost airlines. It is the best starting point for Sahara tours from Marrakech, such as our 3-day Marrakech to Sahara tour and our day trips from Marrakech.
Fes: Saiss Airport (FEZ)
Receives flights from several European cities and is ideal for tours that start in the imperial city of Fes, such as our 5-day tour from Fes to Marrakech.
Tangier: Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG)
Serves the north of Morocco, with connections to Europe. A good gateway to Chefchaouen and the Rif Mountains, and close to the ferry ports. Explore the best destinations in Morocco.
Agadir: Al Massira Airport (AGA)
The gateway to the Atlantic south and a popular beach destination, with many seasonal flights from Europe. From Agadir, Marrakech is about 3.5 hours by road, where you can join one of our tours from Marrakech.
Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ)
Our home town has a small airport with limited flights, so most guests arrive through Casablanca or Marrakech. See our 3-day tour from Ouarzazate and 7-day tour from Ouarzazate.
Main Ferry Routes
- Tarifa to Tangier: about 1 hour by fast ferry
- Algeciras to Tangier Med: about 1 to 1.5 hours
- Almeria to Nador: several hours
- France (Sete) and Italy (Genoa) to Morocco: long crossings of a day or more, often overnight
Durations are approximate.
Ferries to Morocco
If you are already in Europe, a ferry is a scenic way to arrive, and the only sensible option if you are bringing a car. The shortest and most popular crossings connect southern Spain with the north of Morocco, and there are also longer routes from France and Italy.
Ferries dock at Tangier city, at the large Tangier Med port east of the city, and at Nador on the Mediterranean coast. From Tangier, high-speed trains and buses connect to Casablanca, Rabat and beyond, and Chefchaouen is a short drive away. Timetables and operators change, so check current schedules and book early in summer and during holidays.
Entry Requirements
- Passport: you need a valid passport. Check the validity rule for your nationality before you travel.
- Visa: citizens of many countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK and most European countries, can enter without a visa for up to 90 days. Rules depend on your nationality and can change, and some travellers can apply for an e-visa.
- Health and insurance: no vaccinations are required for most travellers, and we recommend travel insurance for every trip.
More answers are in our Morocco FAQ.
After You Land
- Money: ATMs and exchange desks are available at major airports, and dirhams are easiest to get after you arrive.
- Phone: buy a local SIM card or set up an eSIM so you have data from the moment you land.
- Transfers: arrange your airport pick-up in advance. On our tours, our team welcomes you at the airport and takes you to your hotel.
- Taxis: in cities, ask for the meter or agree the fare before you set off.
- Departure day: allow plenty of time and arrive at the airport at least three hours before an international flight.
Getting Around Morocco
Once you have arrived, Morocco has a good network of trains, buses, taxis and roads.
Trains
The national rail network links Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fes, Marrakech and Tangier. The Al Boraq high-speed train connects Tangier and Casablanca in about two hours.
Buses
Long-distance buses run by companies such as CTM and Supratours connect most towns and cities and are a budget-friendly choice.
Taxis
Petit taxis operate within cities, while shared grand taxis link nearby towns. Ask for the meter or agree the fare before you set off.
Private Car and Driver
For the mountains and the desert, a private driver-guide is the easiest option. On our private tours, transport is arranged for you, and the details are listed on each tour page.
Approximate Road Times
- Casablanca to Marrakech: about 3 hours
- Marrakech to Essaouira: about 2.5 to 3 hours
- Marrakech to Ouarzazate: about 4 to 5 hours over the Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Rabat to Chefchaouen: about 3.5 to 4 hours
- Tangier to Chefchaouen: about 2.5 hours
- Fes to Merzouga (Sahara): about 8 to 9 hours
Times depend on the route, traffic and stops. The Sahara is a long drive from the main cities, so allow at least two or three days for a desert trip. See our Morocco desert tour from Marrakech.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get to Morocco?
Flying is the fastest and easiest way. Direct flights connect Morocco with many European cities, and Royal Air Maroc flies from Casablanca to destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America. If you are in southern Spain, a ferry to Tangier is a good alternative.
Which airport should I fly into?
It depends on your tour. Marrakech is the usual starting point for Sahara tours from Marrakech, Fes suits tours from Fes, Casablanca is convenient for the imperial cities, and Tangier is a good gateway to the north. We can start your tour from any airport, hotel, town or city in Morocco, so tell us where you land.
How long is the flight to Morocco?
Flights from Madrid to Marrakech take about 2 hours, London to Marrakech about 3.5 hours, Paris to Casablanca about 3.5 hours and New York to Casablanca about 7.5 hours. Times vary by route and season.
Are there direct flights from the USA?
Royal Air Maroc flies between New York and Casablanca, and many travellers from other North American cities connect through Europe or Casablanca. Routes change, so check current schedules with the airline.
Can I take a ferry from Spain to Morocco?
Yes. Fast ferries connect Tarifa with Tangier in about an hour, and other ferries link Algeciras with Tangier Med, Almeria with Nador and several French and Italian ports with Morocco. Check current timetables and book early in summer.
Do I need a visa for Morocco?
Citizens of many countries can enter without a visa for up to 90 days, but the rules depend on your nationality and can change. Check the requirements with the Moroccan embassy or your government’s travel advice, and read our Morocco FAQ.
Can I travel to Morocco overland from Algeria?
No. The land border between Morocco and Algeria has been closed since 1994, so plan to arrive by air or by ferry.
Which airport is best for the Sahara Desert?
Marrakech is the most popular starting point for the Sahara, and Fes also works well. The desert is a long drive from both, so most travellers allow two to three days. See our 3-day Marrakech to Sahara tour or our 5-day tour from Fes to Marrakech.
Can you pick me up at the airport?
Yes. On our tours, our team welcomes you at the airport and takes you to your hotel, and we can arrange airport transfers for any arrival time. Send us your flight details on our contact page.
Ready to Plan Your Trip to Morocco?
Tell us your arrival airport and dates, and we will plan your tour and airport transfer around them.
Email: travelstomorocco@gmail.com | Phone: +212 6 62 38 50 95