Morocco – Buses and Trams

What is the overall standard of bus services in Morocco?

Morocco has a reasonably well-developed transport network overall, but the quality of bus travel depends heavily on which level of service you opt for. At the upper end, the premium intercity coaches run by CTM and Supratours are on a par with many European equivalents — air-conditioned vehicles, punctual departures, and assigned seating. City bus networks operate across most major urban centres but tend to be less polished, and getting to grips with them can take time for those who have just arrived.

The gap in quality between operators is noticeable. CTM and Supratours run modern fleets equipped with air conditioning and reclining seats, and both companies have solid reputations for reliability and passenger safety. Budget alternatives, however, tend to use older vehicles that may lack air conditioning. On these services, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and once all seats are taken, passengers may be left standing in the aisle.

Every major city has its own municipal bus network covering various routes around town. These services are not always straightforward for newcomers: destination signage on buses is often minimal, and drivers typically communicate only in Arabic or French, which can make it difficult to identify the right bus or confirm where it is heading. For everyday city travel, the tram systems in Casablanca and Rabat tend to be a more accessible starting point for new residents.

What range of bus services is available in Morocco?

Morocco’s bus landscape falls into two broad categories: premium long-distance coaches and local urban or regional services. Knowing the distinction — and picking the right operator for your trip — will make getting around considerably smoother.

Established in 1919, CTM (Compagnie de Transports au Maroc) is the country’s longest-running and most respected bus company. Its modern coaches operate daily on routes serving both major cities and more out-of-the-way destinations, and are trusted by both residents and visitors for reliable, comfortable travel. Supratours, meanwhile, is run by ONCF, Morocco’s national rail operator. It links towns and cities that lie beyond the rail network — making it particularly useful for reaching places such as Essaouira, Merzouga, or Taghazout — and is praised for its comfort, timekeeping, and smooth connections with ONCF train services.

Although Morocco’s train network is dependable, it does not extend to every destination. Cities like Agadir, Chefchaouen, and Essaouira are best reached by bus. Both CTM and Supratours operate modern, air-conditioned coaches with reserved seats — once capacity is reached, no further passengers are admitted. Routes between most major Moroccan cities are covered, though certain routes may be served by only one of the two companies. Both operators use dedicated terminals and stations, with stops built into the published timetable.

Cheaper local bus companies also operate throughout Morocco alongside the larger operators. The price difference is relatively modest, but local services rarely stick to a departure time — it is not unusual to wait on a stationary bus for close to an hour while it waits to fill up. These services also make more stops and typically take longer to reach their destination than CTM or Supratours coaches. In addition to scheduled halts in towns and cities, they may pull over to collect passengers from the roadside, which can add considerably to journey times.

Most large Moroccan cities are served by municipal bus networks operated by local companies. These represent the most budget-friendly way to travel around town, though comfort levels vary. In Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat, city buses connect central districts with outlying neighbourhoods. Unlike the fully integrated systems found in some Western European cities — where a single card or app covers every mode of transport — Morocco’s urban bus and tram networks are largely run by separate operators, though integration is an area under active development.

Where can I find timetables, routes, and fare information?

Familiarising yourself with the right websites and apps before you travel will save considerable time and frustration. The main intercity operators maintain multilingual websites where schedules can be checked, tickets booked, and fares confirmed.

• CTM: The official website is ctm.ma. CTM’s fares are broadly comparable to those of Supratours, and full timetable information is available on the site.
• Supratours: The official website is supratours.ma. Timetables are published here and the site is available in English.
• Casablanca Tram (Casa Tramway): The official site is casatramway.ma, which includes an interactive network map. The official casatramway app also provides real-time service updates, an interactive map for route planning, and personalised alerts for disruptions.
• Rabat-Salé Tram: The official site is tram-way.ma, available in English, French, and Arabic.
• Multi-operator booking: marKoub.ma lets you compare fares, departure times, and operators across Morocco, with secure online payment available.
• Journey planning apps: Both Moovit and Google Maps are well-suited to navigating public transport in Morocco’s main cities. Moovit offers reliable real-time updates for trams and buses, and Google Maps provides similar functionality, though it may not always reflect the very latest schedules.

For ONCF, the national rail operator that also coordinates Supratours services, visit oncf.ma. Supratours tickets can be bought through the ONCF website or app when purchasing combined train and bus journeys. It is always worth double-checking timetables directly with the relevant operator before travelling, as schedules are subject to change.

What types of bus and tram tickets or passes are available?

The ticketing options available differ considerably between intercity coaches and urban tram or bus networks. Below is a summary of the main choices across each type of service.

Intercity Coaches (CTM and Supratours)

Fares are generally reasonable. As an example, a journey from Marrakech to Agadir costs approximately 110 Moroccan Dirhams (around €10 as of 2024), though prices vary according to distance and operator. There are no standard multi-trip or tourist pass products for intercity coaches — tickets are sold on a per-journey basis, with fares fixed by route. Always check the operator’s website for current pricing, as fares may be updated.

Casablanca Tram

Ticket prices are subsidised by both the Moroccan government and the city of Casablanca. A single journey costs a flat rate of 8 dirhams, with a weekly season ticket available at 60 dirhams and a monthly season ticket at 230 dirhams (as of 2025). Students are eligible for a reduced monthly pass at 150 dirhams, and concessions are also offered to senior passengers. The rechargeable card system functions similarly to an Oyster card or Paris Navigo pass — credit or a pass is loaded onto a physical card, which is then tapped at station turnstiles, eliminating the need to purchase a new paper ticket for every journey.

Rabat-Salé Tram

A single tram ticket for the Rabat network costs around six dirhams and remains valid for one hour from first use (based on recent information). Season passes are available across a range of durations, and an annual pass can be purchased for 2,500 dirhams. Check the most current prices at tram-way.ma/en/ticket-and-fines/ before buying, as fares are reviewed periodically. A combined Trambus ticket (10 MAD) also covers Bus Line 30, enabling passengers to travel by both tram and bus on a single ticket between Rabat and Témara.

Urban Buses

Municipal city buses are run by local operators and are the least expensive way to travel around urban areas. Fares are typically paid in cash either on board or at the stop. Monthly passes may be offered by transport authorities in larger cities, but the system is less standardised than the tram networks. Contact your local municipality for the most up-to-date information.

How do you buy a bus or tram ticket in Morocco?

The process for purchasing tickets differs depending on whether you are travelling by intercity coach or on an urban network. The following steps walk you through how to obtain tickets across the main services.

1. Intercity coach (CTM or Supratours) — online: Both CTM and Supratours run user-friendly multilingual websites that allow you to book from anywhere in the world. Enter your chosen route, travel date, and number of passengers to view available services and complete payment.
2. Intercity coach — at a station or city office: If you prefer to pay in cash, head to the relevant terminal and collect a paper ticket at the counter. CTM and Supratours offices can also be found in larger city centres, saving you a trip to the bus station.
3. Intercity coach — card payment: Card payments are accepted in larger cities, both at ticket counters and via the operators’ websites for online bookings.
4. Casablanca tram — ticket machines: The Casablanca tramway is straightforward to use. Prepaid cards, subscription passes, and reloadable tickets are all available from vending machines at every station.
5. Rabat tram — kiosks and Tram Agency: Single tickets can be bought at kiosks located at any tram station. For a tram pass, a visit to a Tram Agency is required, along with a copy of your passport and a passport-style photograph. It is worth preparing these documents ahead of time.
6. Urban city buses — on board or at stops: City buses generally accept cash payment on board or at the designated stop. There are no online booking options for municipal urban bus services.
7. Multi-operator platform: Intercity bus tickets can also be purchased through marKoub.ma, where you can compare routes and prices across multiple operators and pay securely online.

Booking in advance is strongly recommended during summer, weekends, and public holidays, as popular routes between cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Agadir fill up fast. Cashless payment options are expanding but are not yet universal — particularly on local urban buses — so it is wise to carry some cash, especially when travelling outside the main city centres.

Are there trams in Morocco, and how extensive are they?

Both Rabat and Casablanca have modern tramway networks, providing an affordable and safe means of getting around each city. As of 2025, these are Morocco’s only operational tram systems, and both feature low-floor rolling stock built to contemporary standards.

Casablanca Tram

The Casablanca Tramway currently runs four main lines serving a city of 3.2 million residents. The principal Line T1 follows a 23.5-kilometre Y-shaped route with 37 stops, linking the southwestern and eastern suburbs to the city centre. Key points of interest along the line include the university campus, the wholesale market, and the main business district.

Lines T3 and T4 are the most recent additions to the network, entering passenger service in September 2024 after a period of extended testing. Together they mark a substantial expansion of the tramway’s coverage and capacity. The system runs modern Alstom Citadis X05 low-floor trams, with the total fleet growing to 204 vehicles by 2024. These trams run in coupled pairs and are designed with accessibility and passenger comfort in mind, incorporating air conditioning and step-free boarding.

Fares are paid using a smart card tapped at turnstiles on station platforms. During peak hours the tram frequently outpaces taxis and offers a convenient way to reach destinations such as Ain Diab, Casa-Port, or Parc de la Ligue Arabe without getting caught in traffic. Services run roughly every 10 to 11 minutes. The official website and app can be found at casatramway.ma.

Rabat-Salé Tram

The Rabat tramway comprises two lines linking the cities of Rabat and Salé, giving passengers a reliable alternative to taxis whose fares can fluctuate significantly in congested traffic. The network is equipped with security cameras and offers free WiFi on board. A combined Trambus ticket (10 MAD) extends connectivity to Bus Line 30, allowing a single ticket to cover travel by both tram and bus between Rabat and Témara. The official website is tram-way.ma.

Integration with Other Transport

The tramway fits into a broader transport picture that includes petit taxis, city buses, and trains. In Casablanca, tram Line T1 connects directly with the Ouled Ziane bus station, while Line T3 serves Casa-Port railway station, making multi-modal journeys reasonably manageable. Unlike the fully integrated ticketing found in cities such as Amsterdam or Vienna — where a single pass is valid across metro, tram, and bus — Morocco’s tram and bus networks currently operate with separate fares for most combinations, although a combined tram and bus fare for Casablanca is reportedly under consideration.

What practical tips should expats know about using buses and trams in Morocco?

Whether you rely on the tram for your daily commute in Casablanca or are planning a long-distance coach trip to a new city, the following advice will help you travel around Morocco’s public transport network with greater ease and confidence.

• Validate your tram ticket: Payment on the Casablanca tram is made using a smart card tapped at turnstiles on each station platform. Always tap in before boarding. Ticket inspectors carry out regular checks, and riding without a valid ticket carries a fine.
• Go to the right bus terminal: CTM and Supratours coaches depart only from their designated terminals and stations. If you are catching a CTM or Supratours service from Marrakech, confirm with your taxi driver that you need the correct terminal — there have been cases of passengers being dropped at the local bus station at Bab Doukkala by mistake.
• Factor in baggage charges: Most long-distance coaches in Morocco carry hold luggage beneath the bus. A small fee is typically charged for checked bags, usually between 5 and 15 MAD per item. This works in a similar way to budget airline hold-luggage charges — it is not included in the base ticket price.
• Allow extra time for local buses: Local services rarely depart on schedule; it is not uncommon to sit waiting on a stationary bus for nearly an hour while it fills up with passengers. If you have an onward connection to catch, CTM or Supratours are the safer choices.
• Tram accessibility: Casablanca’s trams are generally wheelchair accessible, making them a practical option for passengers with mobility requirements. Municipal city buses tend to be less accommodating due to the absence of ramps or lifts.
• Use apps for route planning: Both Moovit and Google Maps are helpful for getting around Casablanca by public transport, with real-time updates for trams and buses. The official casatramway app remains the most authoritative source for Casablanca tram information.
• Language on board: Trams broadcast announcements in both Arabic and French. On intercity coaches, communications may be in Arabic and French only, so downloading a translation app before you travel is a sensible precaution.
• Avoid peak hours on the tram where possible: Trams and buses become heavily crowded during rush hour, typically between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM and again between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. If your schedule allows, travelling outside these windows makes for a more comfortable journey.
• Coach amenities: Long-distance coaches offer air conditioning and reclining seats as standard, and newer vehicles on some routes provide free WiFi. There are no toilets on board, but CTM and Supratours coaches stop roughly every two hours at service stations, most of which have a small café or snack outlet.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to use public buses and trams in Morocco?

CTM and Supratours have a considerably stronger record for safety and punctuality than budget local operators. The Rabat tram is equipped with security cameras and is widely regarded as a safe option for regular commuting. As with any public transport network, it makes sense to keep valuables out of sight and remain aware of your surroundings, especially on busy municipal buses.

Do I need to speak Arabic or French to use buses and trams in Morocco?

Timetables for CTM are available on ctm.ma, and the Supratours website is offered in English. On board, tram announcements are delivered in Arabic and French. Having a translation app ready, or a screenshot showing your destination written in French or Arabic, can be very useful — particularly on local city buses where the driver may not speak any other language.

Can I book intercity bus tickets online from outside Morocco?

Both CTM and Supratours provide multilingual websites through which tickets can be purchased from any country. Enter your route and travel date to view available departures and pay by card. The platform marKoub.ma also allows you to compare routes and prices across multiple operators and book securely online.

Which cities in Morocco have tram systems?

Only Casablanca and Rabat currently operate tramway networks in Morocco. Casablanca’s system runs four main lines, while Rabat’s tram has two lines connecting Rabat and Salé. No other Moroccan city has an operational tram network at present, though investment in urban transport continues to grow across the country.

Are there discounts on tram fares for students or long-term residents?

In Casablanca, students can purchase a reduced monthly pass for 150 dirhams (as of 2025), compared to the standard rate of 230 dirhams. Concession fares are also available for older passengers. In Rabat, passes come in several duration options, including an annual pass. Always consult the relevant official website to confirm current eligibility requirements and up-to-date pricing.

What is the difference between CTM and Supratours intercity buses?

CTM is Morocco’s oldest and largest intercity bus operator. Supratours is owned by ONCF, the national rail company, and is especially useful for destinations beyond the rail network, with smooth onward connections to ONCF train services. CTM is recognised for its comfort and reliability, while Supratours is particularly well integrated with the national rail timetable. Both companies offer comparable standards of comfort and similar pricing.

Is there a hop-on hop-off bus service for getting to know a new city?

Some cities do offer hop-on hop-off bus tours. In Tangier, for instance, the Tangier City Tour runs a hop-on hop-off service taking in the city’s main sights, letting you explore at your own pace. These tourist-oriented services operate separately from regular city buses and long-distance coaches, and are best arranged through local tour operators or via your accommodation.

How much luggage can I bring on an intercity bus in Morocco?

With CTM, the first piece of luggage is typically included in the fare, with any additional bags potentially attracting an extra charge. Supratours also provides hold luggage storage, but it is advisable to confirm size and weight limits at the time of booking. A small baggage fee of between 5 and 15 dirhams is standard for hold luggage on most long-distance services. Small bags that fit in the overhead compartment or beneath the seat in front are generally carried at no extra cost.