Meknes to Tangier tickets

About the ride from Meknes to Tangier

If you’re in Meknes, you’re already “in the know” about this sometimes overlooked gem of a city. 

With an imperial past and some awe-inspiring architecture, including Meknes on your itinerary will only add to the rich experience Northern Morocco offers. When it’s time to continue your exploration of the region, there is no city more famous in the area than Tangier.

Perched along the Atlantic coast near the Straits of Gibraltar, Tangier is a meeting place between old and new, familiar and exotic. Long a sought-after destination for the artistic crowd, you too can find inspiration in its narrow alleyways and buzzing markets. 

Fortunately, from Meknes, you’re a relatively short ride away from the gateway of North Africa, and all the character and history Tangier contains. Best of all, you won’t have to break the bank to add another highlight to your Moroccan adventure.

Meknes is in the mountains so your journey will be a winding one, especially if you go by minivan or bus.

If going by road or certain trains, your route emerges from the mountains near the coast on the outskirts of Rabat. From there, you’ll keep pace with the ocean on your left all the way up to Tangier, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. 

Overall, it should take between three and five hours to cover the 214 miles (346 km) between the cities.

Top things to see and do in Tangier

Blending African, European and Arab influences, Tangier has no shortage of attractions. 

Here are some of the best things to see and do:

1. Lose yourself in the medina. Tangier’s Medina, at a high point in the city, offers excellent views of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Well, at least once you emerge from its winding maze of narrow streets and alleys filled with shops and cafes. Getting lost is all part of the fun as you shop and explore this must-see part of the city.

2. Take in the Kasbah Museum. Housed in a former sultan’s palace, Dar El Makhzen, the building itself is the museum’s main attraction. Enjoy a feast for your eyes as you admire the beautiful tile work and shady courtyards brimming with photo opportunities. And don’t forget the exhibits inside, either!

3. Get legendary at the Caves of Hercules. If you don’t mind taking a quick trip outside of town, you can experience the stuff of legends at the Caves of Hercules. This impressive system of caves is a natural attraction and even appears in the Greek legend of Hercules’ 12 labors.
   
   You probably won’t run into any demigods on your visit, but the unique rock formations are worth the effort to get there.

4. Take a bath (literally!) at a traditional hammam. Moroccan bathhouse culture reaches its peak at any one of the traditional hammams in Tangier. Whether you choose a public one among locals or an international one resembling a spa, your immersion in the culture will leave you refreshed… and exfoliated (don’t say we didn’t warn you).

How to get from Meknes to Tangier

There are three primary ways of getting from Meknes to Tangier. You can hire a minivan, take a train, or catch a bus. Each option varies in price, convenience, and length of travel. 

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which method to take.

By minivan

Minivans are the quickest and most convenient of all the options, with pick-up and drop-off to and from your hotels included in the price. However, this option requires a minimum number of passengers — usually about four — so it’s ideal if you are traveling in a small group.

Not only will a minivan accommodate your traveling party, but it is also the quickest way to get to Tangier, with a travel time of about three hours. Additionally, they leave every hour of the day, making it easy to fit into your itinerary.

During the ride, you’ll enjoy air conditioning, reclining seats, charging ports and possibly even a personal TV screen and WiFi. You’ll also have a generous luggage allowance of two bags per passenger.

Traveling in the lap of luxury in a minivan will cost you around $56 per person. 

By train

Trains fall into two categories: first and second class. 

A first-class train obviously costs a little more, starting at $39. In return, you get larger, more comfortable seats with extra legroom, a small table, and WiFi when available. 

Second class costs less (around $18) and is in a shared cabin with up to five other passengers.

In both classes, you will be seated in air-conditioned comfort, with restrooms available. You will be allowed one large suitcase up to 50 lbs/23 kg and one handbag per passenger. 

You’ll depart from the Meknes train station and arrive at the Tangier train station in about four hours.

By bus

Like many other destinations, the cheapest way to get from Meknes to Tangier is to take the bus. You can choose between a standard bus (around $19) and a comfort bus (around $20). 

For the additional dollar, the comfort bus offers extra amenities like reclining seats and a TV. It also takes about 4.5 hours, compared to five hours on the standard bus. 

Both options offer WiFi and air conditioning. 

The price includes one piece of luggage up to 15 lbs/7 kg. Beyond that, you have to pay a modest fee of 5 MAD for extra baggage — don’t worry, it’s only ¢0.50.

Buses leave and arrive at the CTM bus stations in each city. 

When is the best time of year to visit Tangier?

Visit Tangier in the spring (March through May) or fall (September to November) for mild and comfortable touring weather. 

Spring and fall are also considered the shoulder season, resulting in better accommodation prices and fewer tourists clogging up the city and your photographs.

If you don’t mind the sizzle of summer heat, you will at least have a steady sea breeze to cool you down (slightly).

How much time do I need in Tangier?

You could knock out the top attractions in Tangier in just one day. But that would leave you exhausted and deprive you of the joy of soaking in the city’s vibe. 

A better plan is to spend at least one night in the city. This will give you time to enjoy a meal at the Grand Socco Market, visit the museums, and wander the kasbah and medina. 

Tack on another day if you want time at the beach or the Caves of Hercules.

Where to travel after Tangier 

After Tangier, you have quite a few options. If it’s the last spot on your Moroccan itinerary, it’s super easy to hop over to Spain on a ferry from Tangier to Tarifa.

If you’re craving more Morocco, head to the blue city of Chefchaouen. Or keep it coastal and check out Tetouan.