Marrakesh to Rabat tickets

About the ride from Marrakesh to Rabat

Few cities can inspire a sense of the exotic more than Marrakesh. Yet Morocco is filled with many destinations that are very much worth seeing while you’re in the country. One such destination is the capital, Rabat.

Situated on the Atlantic Coast, Rabat is a former Imperial City with a low-key vibe and tons of history. After the intensity of Marrakesh, a trip to Rabat makes for a gentler change of pace. With the ocean nearby, you’ll be greeted with stronger breezes and a greener landscape than you saw in the interior. 

Fortunately, there are lots of ways to get between these two historic gems. Regardless of your budget, taste and comfort level, including Rabat on your Morocco itinerary is a very simple undertaking.

Four unmissable things to see in Rabat

Rabat has a little bit of everything that a tourist would want to see. Here are some of the best:

1. Take in the history and architecture. A visit to the lovely yet unfinished Hassan Tower is a city highlight. Best of all, the nearby Mausoleum of Mohammed V, also in the same set of gardens, makes for a wonderful afternoon of exploration.
   
   

2. Rock the Kasbah. Set behind the walls of an ancient fortress, the Oudaia Kasbah is a collection of narrow alleys and scenic gateways. For great views over the ocean and the nearby town of Salé, head up to the district’s northern tip.
   
   

3. Get funky in the medina. This historic district, full of cultural and architectural attractions, is worthy of your time and camera lens. It’s also a great place to bargain for locally made goods and sample some of the tastiest street food in the city.
   
   

4. Get some green at Jardins Exotiques. These expansive grounds with lush greenery will leave you wondering if you’re really in North Africa at all. With lots of trails, water features, and walkways, it’s a popular spot for travelers and locals. For a quieter experience, avoid the weekends when families are out in force.

What to expect when traveling from Marrakesh to Rabat

The route between Marrakesh and Rabat is about 325 kilometers (201 miles). Regardless of your method of transportation, it will take a minimum of three hours — possibly more if using public services.

Along the way, you’ll pass through the semi-arid interior of Morocco all the way out to the coast.

In most cases, this means passing through the outskirts of the famous city of Casablanca. From that point on, your route will run along the Atlantic until you arrive at the current political capital of Morocco. 

How to get from Marrakesh to Rabat

Land travel between Marrakesh and Rabat comes down to four different options. Hiring a car or minivan will be the quickest yet most expensive. Public options such as buses or trains will be longer yet less costly. Here’s a breakdown:

Private Car

If you’re a solo traveler or a couple traveling together, hiring a car transfer can be a slightly less expensive (and less roomy) alternative than a minivan. Prices start at around $180 for the car. So, if there are three of you, it’s $60 for a private ride.

Drive time is about 3-5 hours. As is the case with minivans, you should have the option of being picked up and dropped off at the location of your choice.

Minivan

With pickup options direct from your hotel and the shortest drive time (about 3 hours), minivans are great for those looking for convenience, privacy and comfort. 

Prices tend to be higher than other options, but then again, greater comfort is almost always worth it if you have the means. Shared minivans start at around $63, while private minivans are around $300, but they will be solely occupied by your group, and the more people you have, the less you pay.

If traveling in a small party, this is an easy way to navigate between the cities comfortably, with A/C and English-speaking drivers being the norm. 

Bus

Just like anywhere else in the world, buses are a great mode of budget travel in Morocco. 

A standard bus will be the cheapest, taking about 4 hours and 20 minutes to make the trip. This is a rather no-frills type of ride, though you should have A/C on board. Prices start around $10. 

For a few dollars more, you can take a comfort bus, which, as the name implies, offers better amenities. These will usually include reclining seats, USB chargers and even WiFi for you to enjoy on the 4-hour ride.

Buses will either leave from the Marrakesh Bus Station or certain operators use their own bus terminal. They’ll arrive at Rabat Bus Station or the operator’s own terminal.

Train

To experience the best of slow travel in Morocco, take the train.

First Class trains boast more comfortable seats with greater legroom than other classes. You’ll also enjoy amenities such as AC, charging stations, and WiFi. Prices start at about $30 per person.

Second-class trains cost less, with a starting point of about $20 per person. The tradeoff is smaller seats, fewer amenities, and an overall less comfortable experience. 

In each case, direct trains will take about 3.5 hours to get from station to station.

Trains depart from Marrakesh Train Station, which is not too far from the airport. They arrive at Rabat Train Station, which is centrally located in town.

When is the best time of year to visit Rabat?

The best time of year to visit Rabat is between April and October.

While the summer months of June and July can get hot, with average temps around 28-29°C (83-85°F), overall, you’ll have comfortable touring weather and a very low chance of rain. 

Unfortunately, you’ll also see lots of other tourists during this time.

The late fall and winter months aren’t quite as comfortable but are still fine for touring the city. Average temperatures range from 18-20°C (63-68°F), which isn’t great for the beach but still nice for exploring the medina. 

Your greatest chance of seeing some rain is between November and January. But even then, it’s rare to have more than a handful of rainy days in any given month.

How much time do I need in Rabat?

With all there is to see and do in Morocco, budgeting your time may even be harder than budgeting your money. 

To hit the city highlights like the kasbah, medina and Jardins Exotiques, you’ll need at least one full day. To really soak up the vibe and avoid physical exhaustion, count on two days in Rabat before moving on to the next amazing city.

As an alternative, you could also use Rabat as a jumping-off point for visiting Casablanca and Meknes. Then you can stay in one place and do your touring in the form of day trips.